25 Best & Fun Things To Do At Disney Springs You Will Love

Formerly known as Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is a fantastic location with several unique shops, unusual restaurants, and jaw-dropping entertainment.

It is situated on Lake Buena Vista and bordered by the Walt Disney Resort at Buena Vista Drive.

The 120-acre outdoor site has been open since 1975 and offers a variety of spaces for you to explore.

Explore more than 50 brand-name stores, and enjoy a range of culinary treats at a selection of quick-service counters, world-class restaurants, and waterside cafes.

There are also a variety of enjoyable activities, including concerts, theatres, and various family-focused attractions.

Disney Springs offers enough attractions to explore, whether alone or with family. So let’s check the best things to do here.

Things To Do At Disney Springs

1. Splitsville Luxury Lanes

The Walt Disney World Resort’s Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a two-story, 50,000-square-foot bowling and dining complex in the center of Disney Springs.

Getting in, you will realize it’s not your regular bowling alley. Instead, you will feel as though you have entered a bowling alley from a 1950s movie.

In fact, the warm, cuddly atmosphere at Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs is exactly what you would expect from the Disney company.

With 30 lanes, billiards, live entertainment, and indoor and outdoor seating, Splitsville’s atmosphere is a unique blend of an upscale and nostalgic feel, making it the ideal venue for your party.

The cuisine at Splitsville is diverse and includes everything from hand-tossed pizzas and mouthwatering cheeseburgers to fresh-rolled sushi and steak chimichurri.

Additionally, there is a gift shop section filled with fantastic Splitsville souvenirs.

The menu is extensive and straightforward to read. There are also many dining tables.

They are open from Monday through Friday at 11:00 AM. While on Saturday and Sunday, it is open 10:30 AM.

Address: 1530 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States

2. Aerophile

Located in Disney Springs near the AMC theater, Aerophile is just the right to go if you want to have a 360-degree view of the city.

Board the Aerophile to travel 400 feet over Disney Springs in a hot-air balloon.

Views of the surrounding Disney Springs neighborhood and Lake Buena Vista are available, in addition to views of the entire Walt Disney World Resort.

Watch out for the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, and the Spaceship Earth at Epcot.

The balloon’s basket can accommodate 29 passengers plus one licensed Aérophile pilot.

On clear days, every trip offers breathtaking panoramic views up to 10 kilometers distant, so don’t forget those cameras!

What a special experience this is! The trip would, however, be enjoyable if you are not terrified of heights.

Even though it appears to be blown all over when you’re standing on the ground and looking up at it, you won’t feel any shaking.

Depending on the wind conditions, the height can be changed from 200 feet to 400 feet.

Go early in the day when the winds are typically calm. This increases the likelihood that you will climb higher.

Address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

3. Coca-Cola Rooftop Bar

The Coca-Cola Rooftop bar is where you can try out different variations of your favorite Coke beverage or sample beverages from around the world.

Within an hour following the first purchase, sample up to five refills, or combine any of the 100 self-serve options to make new flavors.

There are three levels total; the first and second floors have gifts like clothing, cups, and pencils, and the third floor has a rooftop bar.

Go to the rooftop bar and try the coke flights first instead of going up the first two stories!

For $11, you receive a dozen fun Coca-Cola beverage products from around the world.

Visit the area of all the goods they sell made of UPcycled material from their products from South American countries on the second floor, then have your picture taken with the polar bear, which is fun.

Then stroll to the first floor and attempt to create your T-shirt. Additionally, there are a lot of t-shirts on sale.

The dining, entertainment, and shopping areas of Disney World are also beautifully visible from the Rooftop Bar.

Address: 1512 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830-8431

4. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is a bar and restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), inspired by the Indiana Jones movies.

The bar, which opened on September 22, 2015, is decorated with airplane artifacts and letters from Indiana Jones to represent the former hangar and residence of Jock Lindsey.

This immersive establishment is made even more vibrant by inventive beverages with names inspired by movies.

Fans of the movies will also find tons of authentic memorabilia and entertaining take-home trinkets in many famous drinks.

The site also boasts stunning views of the lake and the boat car launch, and the ambiance is lovely.

Today, thrill-seeking families go across oceans and countries to enjoy the rustic charm of this hangar bar with its rusted artifacts, salvaged machinery, and relics of ancient glories.

Enjoy beer flights and wine, or learn about the “spirits” of adventure, which are unique, exotic elixirs that can be combined with your culinary journey.

Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

Address: Pleasure Island Boat Dock, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

5. Morimoto ASIA

Come have a completely different dining experience at Morimoto Asia.

The restaurant features one-of-a-kind display kitchens and gives an inside look at customs like dim sum and Peking duck carving.

The restaurant’s enormous, two-story layout features a second-level sushi bar and lounge, a 20-foot-long chandelier, lounges inspired by Shanghai, and private dining areas.

The chef here, Masaharu Morimoto, is a professional chef from Japan, renowned for his unique takes on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine.

His memorable cuisine and distinctive culinary perspective are matched only by his exquisitely designed restaurants, such as Morimoto Asia.

Choose from Korean and Malay specialties, other meals influenced by Asian street food stalls, or Japanese favorites like sushi, sashimi, and the juicy Kakuni Bao.

Additionally, you can choose Chinese classics like crispy Peking duck carving (served with Chinese pancakes and dim sum).

There is also a sizable selection of sake at the restaurant.

Address: Disney Springs, 1600 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

6. Marketplace Carousel and Train

Marketplace is a fun family attraction you shouldn’t miss.

During your day at Disney Springs, ride a gentle train down a track made just for tots while waving to your little ones.

Similarly, on any of the 16 handcrafted horses, you can take a ride on the vintage carousel.

Pick among horses that can leap or rock or go for a more leisurely ride in one of the two opulent carriages.

A rotating teacup gives your enjoyable journey a dash of Disney magic.

You can allow your kids to enjoy the fun by letting them ride the Disney Springs Marketplace Train Express and Carousel.

7. Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

At Disney Springs in Walt Disney World, Raglan Road is an Irish pub with table service. Raglan is also one of the top dining options in Disney Springs.

Raglan Road offers excellent food as well as live music and entertainment.

The primary lure here is the table service meals and top-notch Irish entertainment; however, you can stop by the bar for beverages alone.

Raglan Road features an authentic Irish menu, which is highly uncommon for Irish eateries in the United States.

Instead of just a handful of green shamrocks freely scattered throughout, the Irish décor includes dark woods, brass fixtures, beautiful tiling, and masonry, lending extra credence to the claim that the pub is genuinely Irish and not just pretending to be one.

The fish and chips are big enough for two people to split, but if you’re sharing, you should try getting a side salad.

They offer a wide selection of salads with excellent dressings.

There is a lot of noise and activity here because popular Irish tunes are played while highly talented singers and dancers frequently perform on stage.

Each area of the pub feels distinct and genuine, and the bar is gorgeously decorated.

The main stage area only takes up roughly 25% of the tavern.

You won’t be able to see the main stage from every location because the dancers occasionally roam about the tavern and perform in various areas.

Additionally, the table in one of the side rooms could be preferable if you don’t enjoy loud music and singing.

Address: 1640 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

8. World of Disney Store

This shop, located in Disney Springs, is the one you should go to if you’re a lover of Disney.

Find something special for almost everyone as you peruse a sizable selection of Disney memorabilia.

The store is filled with inspiring details, such as mystical movie posters, enchanted artwork, and animation ink jars that come to life with a trail of fairy dust.

They have everything, including clothing, pins, stickers, magnets, dolls, toys, shirts, and gowns for kids.

There are also costumes and more featuring Marvel, Star Wars, and the most recent Disney princesses.

You can either use the surprisingly quick checkout line or do your shopping online, which is substantially faster for checkout.

Address: 1486 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

9. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

One of the best places to visit for waterpark thrill-seekers of all ages is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

In fact, a ticket to Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park offers a cool getaway in a tropical setting.

The location is also one of two water parks in the Walt Disney World Resort.

Surf 6-foot waves in the Surf Pool and go shark snorkeling at Shark Reef!

Escape to a tropical paradise where you can enjoy a fun-filled party in abundance.

You’ll adore the lazy river, wave pool, kids’ play area, and the fantastic waterslides!

Despite being best known for its wave pool, many people are unaware that Typhoon Lagoon also offers private surfing lessons.

With Ketchakiddee Creek’s kid-friendly aquatic activities and the miniature runs on Bay Slides, kids won’t be left out of the fun either.

And the 2,000-foot-long Castaway Creek offers a tranquil way for the whole family to travel through the park.

Overall, it’s a fantastic location, especially during the summer.

The rides aren’t as themed as other Disney Parks, but the wait times are substantially lower.

You can buy several Disney fast food options here, as well as the company’s famous Dole Whip ice cream (but not the floats!).

Address: 1145 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

10. Epcot

Epcot is one of the four theme parks of Walt Disney World Resort.

The park is separated into Future World and World Showcase and spans 300 acres.

For younger children, the rides and attractions in the park’s front section are appealing, but the world showcase is primarily a food and beverage area with sporadic entertainment.

However, the variety of food and drink, the family-friendly fun/educational options, and the overall experience are wonderful.

If you’re looking primarily for rides, you’re probably better off at other Disney parks or Universal, but the overall experience here is great.

Be sure to catch the Harmonious light show at night’s end.

It’s best to have a view that includes the center of the ring (which resembles a Stargate near the center of the central lake) since it serves as the show’s focal point.

Address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

11. House Of Blues

House of Blues is a unique Disney Springs restaurant with an outdoor drinking area, a concert venue, and a gift shop.

The house’s signature flavors are those from the South and Louisiana.

So, come to House of Blues for delicacies influenced by classic Southern cuisine and world favorites.

The delectable cuisine at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar has favorites like fried chicken, slow-smoked pulled pork, shrimp with grits, and Creole jambalaya.

There is also a wide range of food on the menu, including burgers, salads, and barbecue.

Be sure to look at the paintings and sculptures created by more than 60 artists from the Delta region as you enjoy the tastes and a hearty helping of Southern music!

Don’t forget to take advantage of the daily drink promotions, available Monday through Thursday from open until 5:00 PM.

The best up-and-coming bands, as well as well-known, well-recognized musicians, travel to the House of Blues.

Stay to dance to live DJs spinning chart-topping classics after the band leaves the stage.

The Blues Brothers and R&B themes are featured at the gift shop.

Address: 1490 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

Hungry? Check out some of the best Restaurants in Disney Springs!

12. Amphicar, Disney Springs

There are some attractions unique to Disney Springs you won’t get anywhere else, and Amphicar is one of them.

The only location in the world where you can take a Captain’s Guided Tour in an antique Amphicar is at THE BOATHOUSE Orlando.

Ride in a vintage Amphicar, a rare amphibious car that can float on land and water, for a 20-minute guided tour of Lake Buena Vista’s waters.

The stylish 1960s Amphicar transforms into a boat, so you can enjoy a relaxing, family-friendly cruise around the lake with fantastic views of famous Disney Springs landmarks as your captain takes you.

Riding for the first time might seem strange, but after the initial shock wears off, you may sit back and take in the wonder of it all.

Nothing about it resembles a boat. Instead, it has the impression of a floating car. They move pretty slowly, and as you ride, your body is submerged but dry.

Weather permitting, you can make a reservation from 10 AM to 10 PM.

The Amphicar takes up to three guests.

13. LEGO Store, Disney Springs

You’ll adore this store if Legos are your thing!

The inside is enormous and has every imaginable Lego set.

Similarly, the builds around the store are incredible! A dragon in the Springs, Star Wars, Frozen, Incredible Hulk – all large structures.

They also provide other services that let you create your own figures.

If you want to create your own little figs, head straight to the station in the center of the store and join the virtual line as soon as you enter.

Load up on different LEGO sets, including individual bricks, kits, LEGO-themed goods, and collector playsets based on some of your favorite Disney movies and characters.

Create your own LEGO Minifigure, combine and contrast with an almost infinite number of adjustable options.

Anyone can enjoy a trip to this shop, regardless of age or connection to the goods.

Address: 1672 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

Planning a road trip to other cities? Check out our list of things to do in Tampa, Fort Myers, and Destin!

14. AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24

So you end up in Orlando on a day when it’s raining. Or you’ve spent days at theme parks and are way past tired.

Perhaps you just want to relax and watch a movie. Whatever the motivation, coming here is a no-brainer.

With the large screens with high-quality laser projectors and plush leather seats that recline, you will love it here.

Six out of the 24 theaters provide a distinctive dine-in service that brings homemade food and drinks right to your seat, in addition to the two marketplace concession kiosks filled with grab-and-go delicacies.

Cocktails can be ordered at MacGuffins Bar if you are over 21 before, during, or after the performance.

Check out the movie schedule in advance if you’re planning an Orlando or Disney Springs vacation, and think about watching an afternoon or evening movie as a substitute activity if the weather or exhaustion makes you want to change your original plans.

Address: 1500 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

15. Dockside Margaritas

If you need a few moments to yourself, or a chance to rest after shopping at Disney Springs, this is a great place to be.

The location’s name says it all. It serves margaritas and has a lovely lakeside outdoor seating area with views of Disney Springs.

Relax at this laid-back waterfront margarita bar with views of Buena Vista Cove, handcrafted margaritas, genuine Florida beers, and a 1960s Florida fruit stand theme.

The ambiance is unrivaled, with seating at the bar as well as tables, sofas, and chairs.

There is also live music, which is always good, to help you unwind even more.

Local beers and wines are also offered if you’d rather skip one of the house margaritas.

Address: Marketplace, Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

16. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

This is one of the most fantastic places to be if you want to see a cirque-style Disney production.

With both overt and covert references to Disney’s classic animated films, this program is fantastic for Disney fans.

The show’s artistic direction incorporates the Disney theme into a stunning demonstration of the thought process that goes on in an animator’s head.

With Drawn to Life, Walt Disney Animation’s art is brought to life.

Embark on a live acrobatic adventure as the stage is transformed into a massive animated table with your entire family.

You have a choice of surface parking or parking in one of the multi-story garages because the location is at the eastern end of the Disney Springs complex.

You can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and food you can take to your seats, including popcorn and pretzels, from the concession stand.

The performance is vibrant, imaginative, and artistically executed.

Address: 1478 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

17. The Edison

One of the most unusual locations you can visit in Disney Springs is Edison.

The Edison is a luxurious restaurant with traditional American cuisine, and entering here seems like the 1920s are coming to life as you enter.

This enormous, split-level building was built to imitate an abandoned power station from the 1920s. The building is the main contributor to the 1920s feel.

It has everything you need for an unforgettable lunch, dinner, or a spectacular night out.

It has three bars and numerous quaint lounges on its various levels.

The Edison offers a fun, family-friendly dining experience during the day, but after 10 PM, it becomes adult-only.

At night, the establishment focus on craft cocktails and cabaret entertainment.

Additionally, live music, singing, and dancing are featured every night, and on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, costumed dancers, variety shows, and a DJ turn The Edison into a true electric hot spot.

The dress code also changes. Slacks, jeans, or dress shorts are required for men. No flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, or ball caps are allowed.

Address: 1570 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

18. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Want a magical hotel to explore or lodge while in Disney Springs? Then Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a good place to go.

First of all, it is simply breathtaking. The lavish, five-story Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is designed to resemble a Victorian home.

Armchairs with wingbacks and antiques are arranged in the lobby’s high atrium. Meanwhile, the bedrooms have golden textiles and studded headboards.

In short, everything about this hotel, including the lobby, the lagoon, and the structure itself, is spectacular.

Relax outside while enjoying a wonderful massage and viewing nighttime fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.

The excellent transit choices to and from the parks are some advantages of staying at this hotel.

You can use a boat to travel to Magic Kingdom, the monorail to travel to Epcot, and the buses to travel to the other parks frequently, and all of them are quick.

Any age can enjoy this hotel because of the staff, the cast members, and just the chance to watch the fireworks from Magic Kingdom while using the monorail or boat to access the park.

Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

19. Goofy’s Candy Company

You can’t be in Disney Springs and not feed your sweet tooth, right?

Situated by the Rainforest Cafe in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs, Goofy’s Candy is the place to go for anything candy.

In fact, there is something to tempt every palate, from salty snacks to sweet treats.

The variety of candies and other sweets available here includes pecan clusters, cupcakes, slushies, caramel apples, and more.

Goofy’s Glaciers, a design-your-own frozen slushy beverage, is the main attraction here.

It’s great that you can combine any flavors you like to make your own Goofy Glacier beverage.

The store’s second section serves as its true focal point: a miniature candy factory. Pick up a green order sheet, and check all the items you want to be customized for you.

Three other shopping spaces are available at the store.

The pre-bagged candy comes first; it includes everything from cotton candy and popcorn to taffy and gummy bears.

The Jelly Belly Jelly Bean wall, where you can create your own bagged combination, is the second thing you’ll see.

The candy counter comes last, where you may select from a wide variety of sweet delights such as themed caramel apples, biscuits, fudge, etc

It’s a good place to stop and use any remaining dining credits.

Goofy’s Candy Company is open from 10:00 AM until the time Disney’s shopping and dining area closes.

Address: 1375 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821, United States

20. T-Rex Cafe

There are many family attractions in Disney Springs, but T-Rex Cafe is one of a kind, especially if you got kids.

Explore this dinosaur-themed café to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a prehistoric world. It is filled with interactive learning spaces and inventive food.

Come for lunch or dinner and experience the fun of the size of a megalosaurus!

Most of the food is typical American fare, which would appeal to many people.

You will enjoy searching the Paleo area for buried bones and valuable stones before indulging in a delicious lunch with traditional fares like salads and steaks.

In addition to the meal, you will see rumbling meteor showers, fiery “explosions,” squawking pterosaurs, wooly mammoths, and a massive undulating octopus.

There are also life-sized animatronic dinosaurs—including a 15-foot-tall T. Rex—in themed rooms depicting various primordial landscapes.

Visit the Dino Store for various souvenirs, clothing, toys, and other items relating to the Mesozoic era after touring the various sections.

Address: 1676 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

21. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Gran Fiesta Tour is one of those fun little hidden gems sprinkled throughout the Disney parks.

The Gran Fiesta Tour is a leisurely boat ride filled with a lot of fun.

Although it’s poorly lit, this is a terrific slow-moving, soothing ride for all ages because there aren’t any scary parts or flashing lights to startle younger kids.

The ride is hidden in the left-rear corner of the pyramid inside the Mexico pavilion.

The ride immerses guests in the world of The Three Caballeros, where Donald has vanished somewhere in Mexico and his friends José Carioca, the Brazilian parrot, and Panchito, the Mexican charro rooster, are searching for him.

The tour begins with a ride through the lovely night, passing a sizable mountain on one side and what appears to be lucky diners in a stunning patio restaurant on the other.

Surprisingly, it appears that few people are aware of this ride.

Five to 15 minutes at most, with five minutes being the average, is the maximum wait time to board the ride, so it’s quick.

Address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

22. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Here’s a special shop that sells a dessert you won’t forget anytime soon, especially when combined with the large donuts.

Learn about hand-made treats, including delicious yeast and cake doughnuts, a variety of cold brew pick-me-ups, and a couple of sweet-yet-savory sandwiches.

Watch the humble donut being fried, glazed, and topped with various colorful toppings.

Firstly, these donuts are delicious.

Secondly, the donuts here are unbelievable; they are not your average donut!

It’s as if a regular donut was exposed to radiation and transformed into the Incredible Hulk of Donuts.

You definitely need a napkin and something to drink with it!

The only caveat here is that no matter what time you go there, there will be a queue because, although the store only opens at nine, the line starts considerably earlier.

Address: 1504 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

23. Disney PhotoPass Studio

Your trip to Disney Springs will be greatly enhanced by Photopass Studio.

It is the ideal location for fantastic pictures.

You do not need to make reservations; just come by the studio while you visit Disney Springs, and a photographer will assist you in choosing the ideal background.

Select from a range of designs, from conventional to digital Disney sceneries captured with green-screen technology.

There are three Disney PhotoPass Studios that you can visit: Sir Mickey’s at the Magic Kingdom Park, the Marketplace at Disney Springs, and the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

You can take pictures in front of a standard backdrop at the studios located at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, while the studio at Disney Springs offers both a standard backdrop and a large selection of virtual backdrops with Disney themes.

The green screen enables a variety of photo styles, including seasonal and 50th-anniversary backdrop options.

Overall, Disney PhotoPass photographers will ensure you get the exact shot you want to show your family and friends, whether you have a family photo session or a solo one.

Address: Marketplace, Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

24. Wine Bar George

More than 150 wines are available by the glass, bottle, and ounce at Wine Bar George.

The ambiance here is classy without becoming stuffy.

There is a sizable cocktail menu as well as a superb assortment of beer and wine.

Enjoy wines from renowned and well-known wineries as well as emerging wine-growing regions.

Whether you’re searching for a glass of wine on tap or an ounce of some of the best wine in the world, there’s something to please everyone.

You will also discover a wide selection of delectable food options that go well with each wine.

Small plates like hummus, spiced olives, and house-made meatballs are good starters.

You can also sample a variety of cheese boards or charcuterie boards.

Address: 1610 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

25. Disney Pin Traders

When looking for unique products, visitors to Walt Disney World often engage in the hobby of pin exchanging.

Pin trading is one of the more traditional alternatives you can select from the variety of activities at Disney Springs.

Pin swapping is a tradition that has existed in many Disney locales since 1999.

You must go to the Disney Pin Traders shop in The Marketplace if you wish to engage in pin trading at Disney Springs.

When visiting the store, you can see numerous collections of pins, and you are free to trade with other customers and even store employees.

It’s a great way to meet Cast Members and gather mementos of beloved characters, attractions, and other things.

Final Remarks

From the more than 50 brand-name stores, different range of culinary treats at a selection of quick-service counters, world-class restaurants, waterside cafes, and several fun places, you will definitely see something that piques your interest.

 

Safe Travels!