Disney Springs, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is an expansive, open-air district renowned for its exceptional blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment—all with free admission and parking. Spanning 120 acres along scenic Lake Buena Vista, Disney Springs features over 150 shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a favorite destination for families, couples, and Disney fans alike.
History and Layout
Originally launched in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, Disney Springs evolved through various identities—from Walt Disney World Village and Downtown Disney to its grand redesign and name change in 2016. The transformation brought themed neighborhoods:
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Town Center: Centered around bubbling springs and offering high-end boutiques and popular retailers.
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Marketplace: Family-centric, with the iconic World of Disney store and unique toys and sweets.
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The Landing: Waterfront dining area boasting chef-driven restaurants and lively bars.
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West Side: Focused on entertainment, live music venues, bowling, a movie theater, and “Drawn to Life” by Cirque du Soleil.
Dining & Shopping
Disney Springs is a culinary powerhouse, with seven James Beard award-winning restaurants and celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Masaharu Morimoto, Rick Bayless, and Art Smith serving up innovative dishes. Top choices include The BOATHOUSE, Wine Bar George, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Morimoto Asia, and the wildly creative Gideon’s Bakehouse for desserts.
Shopping spans from stylish brands like Lululemon, Zara, and Coach to Disney-themed boutiques, exclusive collectibles, and toy stores. World of Disney stands as the largest Disney retail location in the world.
Entertainment & Activities
Beyond dining and shopping, Disney Springs delivers world-class entertainment:
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Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil: Spectacular acrobatics merged with Disney storytelling.
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Aerophile Balloon Ride: Soar over Lake Buena Vista in the world’s largest tethered helium balloon.
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Live Music & Art Walks: Nightly outdoor performances, art displays, caricature artists, and street entertainers add magic throughout the day.
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Family Attractions: Classic Carousel, Train Express, Amphicar tours (cars that float on the water), movie nights, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Atmosphere
Guests stroll through beautifully landscaped promenades, enjoy waterfront views, and sample everything from gourmet bites to ice cream sundaes. Disney Springs is lively all year round, with seasonal events, holiday décor, and expanded offerings during special occasions.
Whether visiting for a few hours or an entire day, Disney Springs offers fun, relaxation, and plenty of Disney magic without the need for a theme park ticket—making it a can’t-miss addition to any Orlando itinerary.
