Feb
2020
5 – Shopping at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is arguably the hidden gem of Walt Disney World. This is truly somewhere you could spend an entire day at, shopping and eating your heart out. Throughout the years, Disney Springs has seen a lot of change, (previously 1975’s Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, 1977’s Walt Disney World Village, 1989’s Disney Village Marketplace and 1997’s Downtown Disney). The focus of the area is to provide guests a beautiful location for gaining the Disney experience without having to pay for admission or for much of the entertainment. Parking is free, and busing is provided from many of the Disney Resorts, but non-Disney guests can visit as well with no hassle.
Disney Springs has over 50 food destinations, from candy shops, to walk-up windows, to full-service restaurants and everything in between. Food trucks, sit-down formal restaurants, quick services, and dinner with a show: there is something for everybody here. Personal favorites include House of Blues (American cuisine with a New Orleans twist), STK Orlando (upscale steakhouse with a modern vibe and DJ), T-REX (dino-themed eatery featuring creative cuisine and fun discovery zones and a Build-a-Dino), and Splitsville (an eat-in bowling alley). The best server I have ever had was at STK, and I have so many happy memories at these restaurants and more in Disney Springs. There are still many places that I hope to visit, so my favorites list might change.
Shopping in Disney Springs. “The ~Hoppin’~ Good Guide to Disney Springs,” by Mommy Frog, 2 Jan. 2020. Undercover Tourist, http://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disney-springs/.
The other half of the coin is shopping. From stores selling direct Disney merchandise, shoppers will be pleased to find stores from fine jewelers, sportswear (from Under Armour, Pélé Soccer, etc.), and luxury items to please all members of the family.
For the men, Art of Shaving is a really neat shop to find grooming necessities and a personal spa for haircuts, facials, and custom treatments for male beauty. As my dad shopped, my mom and I smelled all of the cologne and aftershave – the shop smells SO GOOD and the men working there were really helpful for my dad. My mom and I however found paradise at Basin, a hub for bath, body, skincare, haircare, and gift items. Similar to LUSH, Basin has hundreds of types of bath bombs, hand and lip scrubs (which are life changing), soap bars (including lots of Disney- exclusive styles), a make-your-own-candle station, bath salts, and anything else you would need to have a perfect spa night. Other standout locations include Disney’s Candy Cauldron, the Savannah Bee Company, Kate Spade, Sephora, and the World of Disney, the largest Disney store on property.
While a day spent at Disney Springs might seem like a “day off” from park excitement, it is certainly not a free day of nothing. I love coming here; there isn’t the stress of rushing to a ride, waiting in 120 minute lines, or worrying about getting to your dinner reservation. All the fun and food is here!
Featured here is the link to the Disney Springs direct website which has the complete list of things to eat, see, do, and purchase. When planning your next trip to Walt Disney World, be sure to check reservations for dining here and set aside some spending funds for treating yourself and your loved ones.
Rose Spahn
February 14, 2020 at 6:43 pm (5 years ago)Last year me and my family took a trip to Orlando to go to Universal Studios, but we stayed at a hotel across the street from Disney springs. I remember running through it and it seemed like a really cool place. To be honest it was really hard to run through because there were a lot of people, but it everyone seemed happy and I think there was entertainment. There was soooo many stores and all were lit up really brightly so it was pretty cool to look and I’m pretty sure there was singing going on.
chp5091
February 14, 2020 at 6:55 pm (5 years ago)When I went to Disney Springs, I was definitely surprised to see everything it encompassed. I was excepting it to be a few restaurants and shops, but I completely agree when you said you could probably spend an entire day there. Also, I was not expecting there too be as many crazy-expensive designer stores as there are there, but I guess I should not have underestimated Disney World. I am not sure about when the next time I will be in Disney World is, but I will definitely try to remember some of your dining suggestions.