About Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a 120-acre outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World. Formerly known as Downtown Disney, the district was completely reimagined and reopened in phases from 2013 to 2016. With over 150 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, Disney Springs is free to enter and offers complimentary parking.
History of Disney Springs
The area began as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in 1975, evolved into Downtown Disney Marketplace and West Side, and was fully reimagined as Disney Springs between 2013 and 2016. The $1.5 billion transformation added the Town Center section, new parking garages, and a reimagined waterfront with a cohesive story of a historic Florida spring-fed town.
Park Areas & Lands
🏪 Town Center
An open-air shopping promenade featuring premium brands like Zara, Uniqlo, Kate Spade, and Anthropologie in a Spanish-revival architectural style.
🧸 Marketplace
The original shopping area featuring the World of Disney (one of the largest Disney merchandise stores in the world), LEGO Store, and family-friendly dining.
🎬 West Side
Entertainment-focused area home to AMC Theatres, Splitsville Luxury Lanes bowling, Cirque du Soleil, and House of Blues.
🌊 The Landing
Waterfront dining and nightlife area with some of Disney Springs' best restaurants including The Boathouse and Morimoto Asia.
Must-Do Attractions
- World of Disney - One of the largest Disney merchandise stores in the world spanning over 50,000 square feet of shopping
- The BOATHOUSE - Upscale waterfront restaurant offering steaks, seafood, and vintage Amphicar boat tours on the lake
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes - Retro-modern bowling alley with 30 lanes, a full restaurant, and live entertainment
- Cirque du Soleil - Drawn to Life - Disney's exclusive Cirque du Soleil show combining animation-inspired acrobatics with a touching storyline
- LEGO Store - Massive LEGO retail experience with build stations, a pick-a-brick wall, and incredible LEGO sculptures throughout
Insider Tips
- Disney Springs is free - no admission or parking charge, making it a great option for non-park days
- The best dining reservations (The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia, Wine Bar George) should be booked 60 days out
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded times for shopping
- The Amphicar tours at The Boathouse let you ride in a vintage 1960s car that drives into the water
- Happy hour deals are available at several restaurants including Wine Bar George, Morimoto Asia, and Raglan Road
- Free bus transportation runs from all Disney resort hotels to Disney Springs
Best Times to Visit
Disney Springs is least crowded on weekday mornings and early afternoons. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest. Holiday shopping season (November through December) brings the largest crowds. Dining reservations are essential during peak hours.
Tickets & Pricing
Disney Springs is completely free to visit - no admission or parking required. Individual venues, restaurants, and entertainment options have their own pricing. Cirque du Soleil tickets start at $79. Splitsville bowling starts at $17/person.
Dining at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a dining destination in its own right. Top picks include The Boathouse (seafood and steaks), Morimoto Asia (Iron Chef Morimoto's Asian fusion), Wine Bar George (Master Sommelier George Miliotes), Raglan Road Irish Pub, Homecomin' (Chef Art Smith's Southern comfort food), and Jaleo (Jose Andres' Spanish tapas). Quick-service favorites include Blaze Pizza, The Polite Pig, and D-Luxe Burger.
Official Resources
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