Looking for a break from the theme parks without giving up the Disney magic? Disney Springs is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon or evening at Walt Disney World. This sprawling waterfront destination combines award-winning restaurants, unique shopping, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities—all without needing a theme park ticket.
Whether you’re planning an arrival day, a resort day, or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy dinner after the parks, Disney Springs deserves a place on your itinerary.
Planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Before building your daily itinerary, start with our Disney World Vacation Planning Guide, part of our Planning Basics series. It walks you through everything from choosing the right Disney Resort and tickets to dining, transportation, and Lightning Lanes, making it easy to build a vacation that fits your family and budget.
If you’d like a quick tour before you visit, be sure to watch our Disney Springs video on KC’s Corner Views.
Start with Something Sweet at Summer House on the Lake
One of Disney Springs’ newest restaurants, Summer House on the Lake, brings bright California-inspired flavors to Walt Disney World. While the seasonal menu is excellent, it’s the famous Cookie Bar that keeps guests coming back. Oversized fresh-baked cookies make the perfect afternoon treat—or a delicious dessert after dinner.
Dining Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
Disney Springs has become one of our favorite places to dine because there’s truly something for everyone.
Some of our favorite restaurants include:
- Homecomin’ by Chef Art Smith – Southern comfort food at its finest with fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, mac and cheese, and signature moonshine cocktails.
- Morimoto Asia – Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s flagship restaurant serving sushi, ramen, dim sum, and beautifully prepared Asian cuisine.
- Raglan Road Irish Pub – Authentic Irish food paired with energetic live music and award-winning Irish dancers.
- Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante – Classic Italian favorites served inside a beautifully themed 1930s airline terminal.
- The Food Truck Park – Perfect when everyone wants something different or you’re looking for a quick bite between shopping stops.
What’s New at Disney Springs This Summer
There’s always something new to discover, and this summer brings several exciting additions.
Level99 has officially opened on the West Side, introducing a two-story interactive entertainment complex with more than 60 challenge rooms, puzzle games, and physical activities designed for families, friends, and groups. It’s an exciting new option if you’re looking for something beyond shopping and dining.
Weekend brunch has also arrived at The Edison, served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy new brunch favorites alongside live entertainment in one of Disney Springs’ most unique settings.
Looking for a refreshing snack? Stop by the Kakigōri cart outside Morimoto Asia for traditional Japanese shaved ice, or visit the Affogato Gelato Cart in Marketplace for creamy gelato topped with rich espresso—the perfect Florida afternoon treat.
Fun for the Whole Family
Disney Springs isn’t just for adults.
Families love dining at T-REX Café and Rainforest Café, where immersive theming makes every meal part of the adventure. The LEGO Store remains one of our favorite stops, complete with giant LEGO sculptures outside and interactive play areas inside.
You’ll also find live entertainment throughout Disney Springs, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, the AMC movie theater, and plenty of waterfront spaces to simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Unique Experiences for Adults
As evening arrives, Disney Springs takes on a completely different vibe.
Some of our favorite spots include:
- The Edison for craft cocktails, elevated comfort food, and lively evening entertainment.
- Wine Bar George for expertly selected wines paired with outstanding small plates.
- Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, an Indiana Jones-inspired lounge full of aviation artifacts and creative cocktails.
Don’t Skip Dessert
No visit to Disney Springs is complete without dessert.
Our favorite sweet stops include:
- Gideon’s Bakehouse for legendary half-pound cookies and rotating cake slices.
- Salt & Straw for inventive seasonal ice cream flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
- Amorette’s Patisserie, where beautiful desserts are almost too pretty to eat—and where you can even participate in cake decorating experiences.
Waterfront Dining & Sunset Views
For incredible scenery, these restaurants are hard to beat.
The Boathouse offers fresh seafood, famous Amphicar rides, and beautiful waterfront seating.
Paddlefish, housed inside a modern riverboat, features rooftop dining with some of the best sunset views in Disney Springs.
Shopping & Relaxation
When we’re ready to slow down, one of our favorite stops is Basin, filled with handmade soaps, bath bombs, body scrubs, and luxurious self-care products.
We also love relaxing with a margarita from Marketplace Margarita, where you can grab a drink, find a waterfront seat, and enjoy some of the best people-watching at Walt Disney World.
Getting to Disney Springs
Disney Springs is easy to reach from anywhere on Walt Disney World property, but it’s important to know about a recent transportation update.
Disney now requires guests traveling from Disney Springs to Disney Resort hotels by complimentary bus or boat to have either a valid Disney Resort reservation or a confirmed dining reservation at that resort.
Before your trip, be sure to read our complete Disney Transportation Guide, part of our Planning Basics series, to learn the easiest ways to travel around Walt Disney World and avoid transportation surprises during your vacation.
Plan Your Disney Springs Visit
Disney Springs has become so much more than a shopping district. It’s a destination all its own, offering exceptional dining, family entertainment, unique experiences, and plenty of opportunities to relax outside the parks.
Whether you’re planning an arrival day, a non-park day, or an evening after the parks close, Disney Springs is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Ready to Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation?
Planning a Disney vacation involves much more than choosing a hotel. From selecting the right resort and dining reservations to transportation, Lightning Lanes, and park strategies, we’re here to make every step easier.
✨ Start with our complete Disney World Vacation Planning Guide to build the perfect itinerary.
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When you’re ready to turn your plans into a vacation, DizN Vacations with Jessica Yashin would love to help. Our complimentary vacation planning services include personalized recommendations, itinerary guidance, dining assistance, and support before, during, and after your trip—so you can focus on making magical memories.
