Disney Springs Guide: Best Restaurants, Shopping, and Entertainment at Walt Disney World
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Apr 10
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 16
🎉 Why We Love Disney Springs
Love to shop? Obsessed with great food? Enjoy strolling through a waterfront district with live music and magical vibes? Then Disney Springs is calling your name.
This lively outdoor destination at Walt Disney World features over 150 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues—all with no park ticket required. Whether you're:
Unwinding on a rest day,
Making the most of your arrival or departure day, or
Just in the mood to eat, browse, and explore
Disney Springs offers the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and Florida sunshine. It's our go-to spot to spend a relaxing afternoon or lively evening without ever stepping foot in a park.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Don’t skip dessert—some of Disney World’s best snacks are hiding here (hello, Gideon’s cookies and Everglazed donuts 😍).
🎟️ Looking for more things to do outside the parks? Don’t miss our Beyond the Parks Disney World Guide for mini-golf, fireworks dining, resort hopping, and more.
🧭 Exploring the Four Disney Springs Neighborhoods
Disney Springs is divided into four distinct neighborhoods—each with its own personality, style, and mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Let’s start with one of the liveliest…
🎭 West Side – Bold, Playful, and Full of Surprises
If you’re looking for fun with a modern twist, West Side brings the energy. This area has an industrial-chic vibe and offers everything from high-flying thrills to laidback entertainment.
🎬 Catch a movie at AMC Disney Springs 24
🎸 Rock out at House of Blues with live music and Southern eats
🎳 Go retro with upscale bowling and sushi at Splitsville Luxury Lanes™
🎈 Take to the skies on Aerophile – a helium balloon that gives you stunning aerial views of Disney Springs and beyond
🎟️ Don’t miss “Drawn to Life” by Cirque du Soleil®, an unforgettable performance blending animation, acrobatics, and storytelling magic.
🕔 Showtimes for “Drawn to Life”
Wednesday–Saturday: 5:30 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday: 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM
Whether you’re arriving for an evening of entertainment or ending a sunny Disney day, West Side is the perfect spot to unwind, play, and be wowed.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re planning to see “Drawn to Life,” arrive a bit early and grab a bite nearby—Splitsville’s outdoor bar is a great pre-show hangout!
⚓ The Landing – Nautical Charm Meets Waterfront Magic
Welcome to The Landing—a waterfront district where old-world marina vibes meet modern Disney creativity. With stunning views, cozy patios, and some of the most sought-after dining in all of Disney Springs, this area is perfect for soaking up a relaxing afternoon or romantic evening.
🛶 Theming Tip: The Landing tells the story of a once-bustling transport hub turned stylish marina village, and that storytelling shines through in its architecture, atmosphere, and eateries.
🍹 Top Spots to Explore
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – This aviation-themed hideaway is packed with quirky Indiana Jones details and offers great cocktails with runway views.
The Boathouse – Part surf & turf restaurant, part vintage dream. You can even take a ride in an amphicar—a car that drives into the water for a 20-minute cruise!
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant – Live music, Irish dancers, hearty food, and plenty of charm. A fan-favorite for families and groups.
Gideon’s Bakehouse – Home of the legendary half‑pound cookies, these treats draw early crowd - arrive by 9 AM and check out our full guide to Gideon’s Bakehouse virtual queue for tips on snagging a cookie.
🍪 Want to learn more about Gideon’s eerie backstory, cult-favorite cookies, and over-the-top cake slices? Pop over to our full guide: Is Gideon's Bakhouse Worth the Hype?
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Gideon’s opens before most of Disney Springs—grab your place in line when you arrive and explore nearby shops while you wait for your cookie fix!
🛍️ Town Center – Where Old Florida Meets New Fashion
Picture this: a sun-drenched promenade inspired by a 1920s Florida waterfront town, complete with Spanish Revival architecture, bubbling fountains, and a whole lot of retail therapy. Welcome to Town Center, the stylish heart of Disney Springs.
What was once a parking lot has been reimagined as a luxe shopping and dining district filled with palm-lined walkways, top brands, and breezy charm.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Need a caffeine fix before diving into Disney shopping? See our Best Coffee in Walt Disney World guide for where to find great brews—including Disney Springs picks.
🛒 Top Shops in Town Center
Uniqlo – The first location in the Southeast U.S.! Affordable, high-quality basics with a Disney twist.
Anthropologie – Trendy boho finds and dreamy home goods.
Sephora – For your vacation glam fix.
Kate Spade New York, L’Occitane en Provence, and more—perfect for window shopping or a splurge.
🍽️ You’ll also find grab-and-go eats and casual sit-down options nearby, making this the perfect spot to break from the parks and refresh your look.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Need a wardrobe refresh mid-trip? Uniqlo is your go-to for budget-friendly tees, jackets, and even Disney-themed apparel that’s perfect for the parks.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Don’t skip Disney Ever After—a must-stop shop for character-inspired Loungefly bags, sparkly Minnie ears, and even stylish Lug bags. Feeling crafty? You can design your own custom headband by mixing and matching Disney-themed elements to create a look that’s totally you!
🧸 Marketplace – Family-Friendly Fun with a Craftsman Twist
Rounding out our tour of Disney Springs, Marketplace brings all the cozy charm of a 1930s American Craftsman town—plus plenty of shopping, snacks, and kid-approved fun.
This area feels the most nostalgic, with a warm, woodsy design and wide walkways perfect for families. It’s also where many longtime Disney fans feel most at home—it was part of the original Downtown Disney and still holds that classic vibe.
🍽️ Family-Friendly Dining Favorites
🦕 T-REX Café – Full of animatronic dinos, themed rooms, and over-the-top desserts. A must for dino-loving kids!
🌴 Rainforest Café – Jungle vibes, thunder storms, and tropical bites. Another great pick for adventurous eaters.
🥪 Earl of Sandwich – The original location, and still one of the best spots for a quick (and budget-friendly) bite.
🧱 Can’t-Miss Shops
The LEGO Store – Giant character sculptures, build-your-own bricks, and plenty of hands-on fun.
🛍️ World of Disney – According to Disney, this is the largest collection of Disney merchandise in the world. You’ll find everything from spirit jerseys and Minnie ears to home décor and plushes.
🎶 Live Entertainment – Music, Magic, and Surprise Performances
One of the best parts of Disney Springs? The live entertainment that seems to pop up around every corner! From full-on stage shows to mellow acoustic sets, there’s always something to enjoy—especially in the evenings when the atmosphere truly comes alive.
🎤 Main Performance Venues
Marketplace Waterside Stage – A large, open-air venue with ample seating and a rotating lineup of local talent, school groups, and seasonal performances.
The Landing Stage – Tucked near Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, this smaller stage offers a cozy setting for acoustic acts and up-close entertainment.
🎸 Live Music Hotspots Keep your ears open as you stroll—musicians often play throughout Disney Springs in the late afternoon and evening hours at locations like:
🍹 Dockside Margaritas
🎳 Outside Splitsville Luxury Lanes
🛥️ The Boathouse patio
🇲🇽 Paradiso 37
🛍️ Town Center, near the Welcome Center
🎬 West Side, near Disney Style and AMC Theatres
🎹 And even a roaming, strolling piano that moves through the crowds!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want to catch the most performances? Aim for a visit after 5 PM—live music usually ramps up in the evening, especially on weekends and during seasonal events.
Want even more tasty sips across Walt Disney World? Check out Kim’s Ultimate Adult Drink Guide for our favorite lounges, bars, and beverages—including hidden gems at Disney Springs.
🎄 Seasonal Magic – Holidays at Disney Springs
During the holidays, Disney Springs transforms into a winter wonderland—no park ticket required! The festive spirit comes alive with roaming entertainment, like towering toy soldier stilt walkers, elegant snowflake skaters, and seasonal musicians that bring extra joy to every corner.
✨ One of the highlights? The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, a free self-guided tour featuring over a dozen beautifully themed trees inspired by Disney favorites like The Muppets, The Haunted Mansion, Tangled, and more. It’s a merry must-do for families, couples, and anyone who loves holiday magic!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Pick up a Christmas Tree Stroll map from select retail locations and collect stickers as you find each tree—you’ll even get a festive surprise once you complete it!
🏝️ Why Disney Springs Belongs on Your Itinerary
With its perfect blend of relaxation, retail therapy, delicious dining, and live entertainment, Disney Springs is more than just a shopping district—it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you make it the main event or pair it with a park day, you’ll find countless ways to create unforgettable memories here.
So take your time, soak up the atmosphere, and don’t forget to check out our favorite spots—from half-pound cookies at Gideon’s to headband customization at Disney Ever After.
💆♀️ Looking to pair Disney Springs with a little extra relaxation or resort hopping? Check out our guide to Magical Things To Do at the Disney Resort Hotels for hidden gems like outdoor movies, s’mores, and spa-worthy experiences—no park ticket needed!
Happy planning—and as always, sprinkle a little pixie dust on your magical journey!
✨ Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
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