5 Best Things to Do at Disney Springs
Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney) is an outdoor dining, shopping, and entertainment complex located at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Inside the Disney Springs complex are four different areas named The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and the Town Center. Disney Springs is known for non-stop fun with an abundance of exciting activities and things to do. You’ll find great attractions including great dining, fantastic shopping, free admission, and over a dozen entertainment venues.
Eat
The diverse selection of restaurants at Disney Springs is anything but boring! Restaurant options range from places to get a quick bite to splendidly themed restaurants and celebrity chef restaurants. Here are a few Disney Springs restaurants that you’ll want to consider trying while you’re there.
Jaleo
Traditional Spanish cuisine gets a modern twist to delight your palate.
Hand-carved jamon iberico, a carafe of sangria, and some rotating paella choices are just a few examples of the delicious food Jaleo has to offer.
D-Luxe Burger
If you have a craving for a great burger while you’re at Disney Springs, go for D-Luxe Burger. Choose from their blends of Angus short rib, chuck, and brisket, to those greasy, crispy-edged patties, all the way to their buttery toasted Parker House buns. Your mouth will be watering when you see their burgers. Upgrade and enjoy their fresh-cut fries and various dining sauces as well.
Wine Bar George
Enjoy delightful and tasty little drops that are packed with Havarti, mascarpone, pecorino, and fontina, and are fried using a cracker crust made from spicy jalapeno. You won’t be disappointed with this dining choice.
Desserts
Don’t just stop at dinner, Disney Springs offers a delightful selection of dessert shops. Some favorites to stop by and indulge include: Vivoli Il Gelato, Amorette’s Patisserie, and Sprinkles. Whatever your sweet tooth is craving, you’ll be sure to find it here.
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Amphicar Tours
Experience a one-of-a-kind adventure with an Amphicar Tour at Disney Springs! An amphicar is essentially a combination of a car and a boat. It can transform to have the ability to travel both on land and sea. Once you are aboard the Amphicar, you’ll be driven onto Lake Buena Vista where you’ll get to see the landmarks and hidden beauty of Disney Springs.
The Venezia Tours also offers a classy 40-foot Italian water taxi option that will take you on a trip around the Disney Springs area.
Characters In Flight
Rising up to 400 feet in the air, Characters in Flight is the largest tethered helium balloon in the world and is one of the best attractions you’ll find in Disney Springs. This helium balloon has a capacity of 29 guests for each ride where you’ll be wowed by stunning views of Orlando, and might even get to fly with Tinker Bell, Dumbo and Aladdin.
Shopping
Disney Springs has become known as one of the top shopping venues in Orlando. There are over 100 retail outlets including a Disney store with the largest assortment of Disney merchandise anywhere, a Harley-Davidson store, brand name shops and unique boutiques.
LEGO Store
Kids and kids-at-heart shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out LEGO’s store in Disney Springs. There’s tons of fun, excitement, and creativity happening here. Create whatever it is that you can imagine at the tables with pits in the middle that have thousands of different Lego pieces. You can spend the entire day here without even purchasing anything as long as you return the bricks back to where they belong.
Once Upon A Toy
Mr. Potato Head will always be a classic toy, so while you’re at Disney Springs, build your very own Mr. Potato Head. Once inside the store, your kids will want to spend hours playing with the Potato Head tower that dispenses endless amounts of parts and other accessories. The best part is that parents aren’t forced to purchase anything in the shop for the kids to play with the potato head.
Entertainment
Splitsville
Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a two-story, 50,000 square-foot bowling and dining complex. Perfect for families who want to unwind after an exciting day in Orlando or Walt Disney World. With billiard tables, 4 bars, entertainment, and indoor/outdoor seating, Splitsville blends nostalgia with the contemporary.
Events
Disney Springs hosts free, live performances every day of the week — including many opportunities for you to become part of the show! Keep an eye out for special events and plan accordingly.
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