Disney Springs — Attraction in Lake Buena Vista

Disney Springs, located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Here’s a detailed review of Disney Springs:

Shopping: Disney Springs boasts an impressive array of retail stores that cater to all tastes and preferences. From high-end brands like Kate Spade and Coach to unique Disney-themed shops such as World of Disney and the LEGO Store, there's something for everyone. The variety ensures that visitors can find everything from luxury items to exclusive Disney merchandise.

Dining: The dining options at Disney Springs are extensive and diverse, featuring everything from quick-service eateries to fine dining restaurants. Notable spots include: The Boathouse: Known for its seafood and waterfront views. Morimoto Asia: Offering upscale Asian cuisine by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Raglan Road Irish Pub: Featuring traditional Irish dishes and live entertainment. Gideon’s Bakehouse: Famous for its delicious, oversized cookies.

Each restaurant provides a unique culinary experience, and many offer outdoor seating with scenic views, enhancing the overall dining atmosphere.

Entertainment: Entertainment is at the heart of Disney Springs, with numerous options to keep visitors engaged. Highlights include: AMC Dine-In Theatre: A perfect spot to catch the latest movies with a dining experience. House of Blues: Offering live music performances in an intimate setting. Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life: A collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, this show is a magical experience celebrating Disney animation. Aerophile: A tethered hot air balloon ride offering breathtaking aerial views of the area.

Ambiance: Disney Springs is beautifully designed with distinct themed areas such as The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center, each offering its own unique vibe. The ambiance is enhanced by live street performances, beautiful landscaping, and picturesque waterfront views, creating a lively yet relaxing environment.

Accessibility and Convenience Disney Springs is easily accessible with ample parking, including a multi-level garage with digital space indicators. There are also convenient transportation options for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. The area is well-maintained and visitor-friendly, with clear signage and helpful staff.

Overall Experience Disney Springs provides an all-encompassing experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors. Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Disney Springs delivers on all fronts. It's a perfect spot for a day out, whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or even solo.

Tips for Visitors Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Make dining reservations in advance to secure a spot at popular restaurants. Take advantage of the free entertainment and street performances scattered throughout the area. Plan for a full day to fully explore and enjoy everything Disney Springs has to offer.

Overall, Disney Springs stands out as a premier destination that perfectly blends the magic of Disney with top-notch shopping, dining, and...

Our family of four had an absolute blast at Disney Springs during a spontaneous morning visit in May. Despite the unexpected heat (it was hotter than we thought it’d be for May, catching us unprepared with no hats or extra water – lesson learned!), this place delivered non-stop fun and Disney magic. It’s the perfect spot for families wanting a free, vibrant outing without the theme park chaos. From easy parking to kid-friendly shops and unique experiences, Disney Springs had us all smiling ear to ear. Parking was a total breeze, even arriving mid-morning. The free garages (we parked in the Lime lot) are spacious and right by the entrance, so we were strolling into the action in no time. The Disney Springs app was a lifesaver for checking lot availability, especially as it started getting busier. No fees, no stress – a great start for an unplanned trip. Our first stop was the LEGO Store in The Marketplace, and it was a dream for the kids! The giant LEGO sculptures, like the massive sea serpent outside, had them wide-eyed, and the interactive build stations kept them busy for over an hour racing custom cars down tracks. The Pick-a-Brick Wall was a hit for grabbing unique pieces, and we had a blast at the Minifigure Factory, where the kids turned themselves into superhero minifigs for just a few bucks each. The staff was super engaging, making it feel like a playground for creativity. It’s free to explore, but we couldn’t resist leaving with a small bag of bricks. If your family loves building, this is a must-do. Next, we popped into the M&M’s World store, and wow, what a colorful explosion of fun! The kids were in candy heaven with the massive wall of M&M’s dispensers, picking out every color imaginable to fill their bags (a bit pricey, but worth it for the excitement). They also grabbed cozy M&M’s-themed blankets as souvenirs, which they’ve been cuddling with at home ever since. The store’s playful vibe, with photo ops like the giant M&M’s characters, kept the kids giggling, and the air-conditioned space was a welcome break from the morning heat. Pro tip: Set a budget before letting kids loose at the candy wall!

We braved the heat for the Aerophile Orlando tethered balloon ride – the “parachute place” – and it was a highlight. Floating about 400 feet up, we got breathtaking views of Disney Springs, the lakes, and even distant park landmarks. The 8-10 minute ride was gentle, like a slow elevator with a breeze, and the kids loved the open-air basket (no drops or scares). At around $25 per person, it felt like a steal for such a unique family experience, and the Toy Story-themed banter from the crew made it even more fun. The landing was smooth, but we wished we’d brought water for the wait in the sun.

The World of Disney store was great for browsing souvenirs, and the shaded areas helped us cool off.

Disney Springs was a morning well spent for our family, despite the May heat sneaking up on us (pack sunscreen and water, folks!). Free entry and parking made it budget-friendly, and the mix of LEGO creativity, M&M’s candy fun, the balloon ride, and live events kept everyone entertained. We’re already planning our next visit – maybe with a better plan for the weather! 5 stars for an unforgettable...

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2 out of 5 stars) Visited: Twice – once in 2024 with family, again recently with my daughter

I’ve been to Disney Springs two times now — once in 2024 as part of a large family trip, and most recently a couple of weeks ago with just my daughter. Both times felt underwhelming.

The first time, a shorter trip it was beautiful, crowded, with a lot of restaurants, food trucks, and shops, but we left early because our family member (who works for Disney) arrived with park passes, so we didn’t get to explore much.

This second time, I hoped for something more exciting — but it felt like déjà vu. Same shops, same restaurants, and overall the vibe just wasn’t engaging. The stores seemed to cater mostly to an older, European/Caucasian demographic, with very little variety or cultural diversity. Even the Disney stores weren’t that exciting.

Honestly, Disney Springs feels more like a beach resort boardwalk for people 50+— not much energy, not much magic, and definitely not family-friendly if you’re looking for something to do with young kids. There are no rides, no characters, and minimal entertainment. The coolest attraction is probably the vintage car/boat ride, but I opted out since I’m not really a water person. It was nice to sit by the water and watch people cruise around doing doughnuts and figure 8s — but that’s about as exciting as it got.

The food options are geared toward an adult palate, so unless your kid loves upscale menus, you may have a hard time. My daughter is more of a Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Raising Cane’s type of eater. I think it would be great if Disney Springs added more chain-style or family-friendly restaurants like Zaxby’s, Shake Shack, or even a TGIF. Not everyone wants steak or wine.

There were a couple of stages with performers, but no clear schedule and no real engagement. I couldn’t tell if it was rehearsal or a soundcheck. If they added a consistent live entertainment schedule, like a Disney cover band or kid-friendly acts, that would really help bring the energy up. Even seeing a character walk by now and then would go a long way — I know it’s not the parks, but it is Disney isn’t it?

Suggestions: • More family-friendly food options • Live performances and consistent entertainment • Characters or interactive cast members • Attractions like mini-golf, a giant chess board, or skating • Stores that reflect more cultures, styles, and interests • Less emphasis on outlet-style shopping

My daughter was bored — aside from Build-A-Bear and another stuffed animal (which she didn’t need). But that’s telling. We had gone to Universal’s CityWalk the day before, and honestly, it was much more exciting.

Only reason I gave 2 stars instead of 1: ✔ I enjoyed the $15 smoothie 🥹I got from the food truck (pricey, but tasty) ✔ The vibe by the water was relaxing🙏🏼

Would I recommend it? Only if you’re looking to walk around, eat something, and shop quietly. If you’re expecting Disney magic or fun outside the parks — this ain’t it. Unless you’re a laid-back, older crowd who loves candles, loafers, dockers, and beach resort wear… you might not feel like this space was designed with...