Guide to Disney Springs

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Our Guide to Disney Springs, updated September 2025, provides all the essential information to plan your day visiting the Walt Disney World shopping, entertainment, and dining paradise. The complex opened in 1975 and has undergone several expansions and alterations. It remains free to enter, packed with 150+ shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, and split across four themed neighborhoods.

Last updated: 6 September 2025

Disney Springs History

The story of Disney Springs begins at our new Town Center, which is oriented around a series of bubbling natural springs that first attracted settlers to the area. From there, the town grew to encompass three more neighborhoods.

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The above quote is the fictional history of Disney Springs. However, the area has its own unique history, marked by several significant changes over the years. Previously known as Downtown Disney, the conversion to Disney Springs was completed in the Spring of 2016.

Disney Springs Travel Guide
Disney Springs Travel Guide

Originally opening in 1975, Disney Springs has undergone several name changes and redesigns:

  • In the early 1960s, Walt Disney identified an area of land near the I-4 and Highway 535 interchange when planning his Florida Project, which he thought would suit an entertainment district. This area became Lake Buena Vista.
  • 1975 – Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village opened, featuring clusters of boutique and handicraft merchandise shops.
  • 1977 – A significant retheming changed the area into Walt Disney World Village.
  • 1989 – The name changed to Disney Village Marketplace, and the Pleasure Island area opened. Pleasure Island was a collection of clubs to compete with the then-popular Church Street Station entertainment complex. 
  • 1997 – Name changed to Downtown Disney. A third area, called West Side, was opened. West Side increased the number of dining and family entertainment options available.
  • 2013: Disney announces a large-scale transformation to Disney Springs. The transformation will include new parking garages, bridges, expanded retail, and dining.
  • 2015–2016: The Disney Springs name was adopted in September 2015. The Town Center grand opening occurred in May 2016, effectively completing the major works.

Today, Disney Springs is 120 acres in size across four neighborhoods: Town Center, Marketplace, The Landing, and West Side.

Guide to Disney Springs sign to enter Disney Springs
Guide to Disney Springs

Disney Springs Today

The modern-day Disney Springs is an extensive shopping, entertainment, and dining complex. Disney Springs is an area the whole family can enjoy and is free to enter.

Unlike the old Pleasure Island, there are no areas that are adult-only. Disney Springs has over 100 shops selling Disney merchandise and well-known brands. From fine dining to quick service counters, food options will suit all tastes and budgets.

Disney Springs is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique ambiance.

Disney Springs Today shot showing view across Disney Springs including Boathouse and Rainforest Cafe
Disney Springs Today

Town Center

The Town Center at Disney Springs depicts the fictional town’s central business district, featuring Spanish Revival architecture from the 1920s. There are interesting landscapes and water features throughout the Town Center. The area opened in 2016 after three years of building work and features many well-known retailers. Lacoste, Levi’s, Pandora, Harley-Davidson, and Superdry are just some of the brands you will find at the Town Center.

Town Center Disney Springs photo shows shoppers enjoying the day
Town Center Disney Springs

Dining locations in the Town Center include Planet Hollywood and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Also, you can enjoy a beverage at the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar.

Coac cola Store Disney Springs
Planet Hollywood Disney Springs

Marketplace

The Marketplace is the original part of Disney Springs, originally known as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. Today, the area houses many popular shops and restaurants.

The Marketplace has been designed to evoke the American Craftsman style of the 1930s. The area has several fun dining locations, including the fantastic T-REX and Rainforest Cafe.

The Marketplace is home to several shops, which tend to be more fun-based than those you will find at Town Center. Shopping options in the Marketplace include Disney’s Pin Traders, Goofy’s Candy Company, Lego Imagination Center, and Disney’s Days of Christmas.

The highlight for many guests is the massive World of Disney store. World of Disney is the largest Disney Store in the world and includes everything Disney you can imagine. However, it has one omission: you can’t buy a birthday card!

In addition, you’ll also find the Marketplace Stage, Carousel, and Train Express here.

World of Disney at Disney Springs Stitch outside the store
World of Disney at Disney Springs

The Landing

The Landing is designed to be Disney Springs’ fictional transportation hub and marina. The area features nautical-themed restaurants and shops. The Landing was the former site of Pleasure Island, which closed in 2008.

There are only a few shops in The Landing, but plenty of restaurants exist. Dining options include Raglan Road, The Boathouse, Enzo’s Hideaway, Wine Bar George, and Morimoto Asia.

Enzo's Hideaway at The Landing _ Guide to Disney Springs including Tips and Tricks
Enzo’s Hideaway at The Landing

West Side

According to the town’s fictional history, West Side, at Disney Springs, was developed in the 1950s. West Side was originally part of Downtown Disney and now features several popular restaurants, a bowling alley, and a movie theatre. Drawn to Life is a Cirque Du Soleil show located on the West Side.

The former NBA Experience building on the West Side is being converted into Level99, a large immersive art and entertainment venue. While an opening date hasn’t yet been confirmed, it has been announced that there will be over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, and art hunts that will test your mental and physical prowess.

Outside of House of Blues at Disney Springs
House of Blues is located on the West Side

Disney Springs hours, entry & guest services

Disney Springs is open 365 days a year, there is no charge to enter, and parking is free.

Opening Hours

Disney Springs is open daily; hours vary by venue but typically run from 10:00 until late evening. Always check the hours before you go. Disney Springs is no longer a late-night venue, and it has been several years since it was open after 11:30 pm.

Guest Services

Located at the Town Center is the Disney Springs Welcome Center. The Welcome Center provides guest services assistance at Disney Springs. Services available include:

  • Accessibility Information
  • Guide Maps
  • Lost Guests
  • My Disney Experience Mobile App
  • Stamps
  • Currency exchange
  • Services for foreign guests
The Welcome Centre at Disney Springs provides Guest Services and is in the Town Center.
The Welcome Center at Disney Springs

Things to do at Disney Springs

Dining and Drinks at Disney Springs

Disney Springs has increased the variety of restaurants available at Walt Disney World. Currently, there are over 60 locations serving food or drink. From upscale dining to family eateries, there is something for everyone. Fan favorites include The BOATHOUSE, Homecomin’ by Chef Art Smith, Morimoto Asia, Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, and treats from Gideon’s Bakehouse or Salt & Straw.

Many of the restaurants at Disney Springs have live entertainment and include waterfront views. The majority of restaurants accept Advance Dining Reservations. Not all locations accept the Disney Dining Plan, but many do. Make sure you carefully check the number of credits needed for a meal.

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is an Indiana Jones inspired location
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Shopping at Disney Springs

Disney Springs has become a shopper’s paradise, especially for those who like shopping with a Disney Theme! There are shopping options throughout Disney Springs, but the Town Center is home to many of the most well-known names (non-Disney) and boutique shops.

Check My Disney Experience for the latest information or the Disney Springs website.

Guide to Disney Springs- Shopping late night
Late Night Shopping at Disney Springs

Entertainment at Disney Springs

Unlike the former Downtown Disney, Disney Springs entertainment is a family affair. There is something for everyone, from street entertainers to live music on the Marketplace Stage. Guests might particularly enjoy the following:

  • The Classic Carousel
  • AMC Disney Springs Cinema
  • Bowling Alley at Splitsville Luxury Lanes
  • Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil
  • Vintage Amphicar from The BOATHOUSE.
  • Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight
Amphicar one of the more unusual entertainment options at Disney Springs
Hire an Amphicar at Disney Springs

Disney Springs: Your Questions and Answers

Do you have a question about Disney Springs?

We have created a collection of your most common questions about Disney Springs in our Disney Springs Tips Post.

Getting to Disney Springs

Parking at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is open daily, has no admission fee, and includes free parking. Three free garages are at Disney Springs, Orange, Lime, and Grapefruit, plus there are surface lots (Lemon, Mango, Strawberry, Watermelon).

Electronic signs show real-time space counts; pedestrian bridges connect garages to the action. EV charging is available.

Valet parking is no longer available.

Rideshare

Guests visiting Disney Springs via rideshare options, including Minnie Vans, can be dropped off and picked up near Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories and behind the Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney building.

Guide to Disney Springs

Getting to Disney Springs from Disney Resorts

Bus transportation is available from all Walt Disney World resorts. Services are regular and run all day. However, travel times are not always that quick.

Also, water taxis are running to Disney Springs from Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, Old Key West & Saratoga Springs Resorts. Arrival docks are located at the Marketplace and The Landing.

A pedestrian bridge from Saratoga Springs is available, which goes directly to the Marketplace.

There is no direct bus from Disney Springs to the theme parks. If you need to reach a park, transfer via a Disney Resort hotel, or use a rideshare/taxi.

You can learn more about transportation options at our Walt Disney World Transport Guide.

Guide to Disney Springs
Guide to Disney Springs

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

There are seven non-Disney Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels. These hotels offer several resort advantages and are usually slightly cheaper than booking an official Disney Resort. The seven hotels are:

  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
  • Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
  • Holiday Inn Orlando
  • Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista

Guests at these hotels currently receive 30-minute Early Entry to the theme parks each day, and hotel shuttle options—check your specific hotel for details.

Guide to Disney Springs walking in Disney Springs
Guide to Disney Springs

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To learn more about Walt Disney World, visit our Guide to Walt Disney World.

Disney Springs
Guide to Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Orlando

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This overlook features a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.” Walt the Dreamer statue at EPCOT Spaceship Earth is one of the most recognizable structures in any theme park. Inside is a 15-minute ride that shows the advancement of human communication. A post-ride exhibit is called Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future. Spaceship Earth was to transform, but this transformation has been postponed. However, at the time of writing, it is undergoing a multi-month refurbishment, but no changes have been announced. GEO-82 is a new adult-only lounge that has opened at the exit of Spaceship Earth. Spacehip Earth EPCOT Figment, the mischievous cartoon dragon, stars in Journey into Imagination with Figment. This is a fun dark ride experience. However, my children have found Figment to be a little scary when young. ImageWorks: The What-If Labs is an interactive area you can explore after the ride. 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Mission Space is a simulator ride that is meant to replicate what an astronaut might feel in space. I don't get Mission Space—It just feels a bit odd and not very enjoyable. I am happy to give it a miss if the time is tight. Space 220 is a relatively new addition to the park adjacent to Mission Space. I'm pleased to say the restaurant is significantly better than the ride, and you should not miss it. Dining at Space 220 EPCOT Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, in the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, is my favorite current attraction in Walt Disney World. It was initially slated to open in 2021, but eventually opened on May 27, 2022. The indoor coaster stars the Guardians of the Galaxy cast, including Rocket and Groot. The fast-spinning coaster has fantastic effects and a sensational random soundtrack. The ride is popular for a good reason, and unless you want a lengthy wait, you might need to buy a Single Pass. The very popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind World Nature Guests ride Clamobiles and take an underwater trip in The Seas with Nemo & Friends. The ride includes views of a massive aquarium, which you can explore further after the ride. Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive animated show where guests can ask questions to Crush from Finding Nemo. I find the animation of Turtle Talk very impressive, and the entire family seems to enjoy the show. The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT There are three attractions inside the Land Pavilion in the World Nature area. Soarin' Around the World is a hang gliding motion simulator that takes guests over various regions of the world. The attraction used to be one of EPCOT's most popular, but waits are usually fairly manageable on most days. Soarin' at The Land Awesome Planet is a 10-minute film partly created by Industrial Light & Magic. The film explores the spectacular beauty, diversity, and dynamic story of Earth. Living with the Land is a narrated boat ride where you will visit various greenhouses and learn about future agriculture innovations. Unfortunately, many of these future agricultural innovations have been highlighted for over 20 years. Presumably, the future should be here by now, or it just isn’t happening. Perhaps many of these innovations are the agricultural equivalent of the Sinclair C5? Actually, we did the Behind the Seeds Tour, and I now have a whole new perspective on this agrarian innovation. Living with the Land Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, opened in 2023. This interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. It isn't the reasons why you visit EPCOT, but actually, it is great fun. Worth visiting during the day and after dark. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana World Showcase World Showcase is a permanent world fair containing 11 pavilions, each representing a country. The pavilions surround the World Showcase Lagoon, where the nightly Luminous The Symphony of Us occurs. The show features fireworks, fountains, music, and lights. I'm not a massive fan, but many people love it. The pavilions contain architecture, attractions, shops, and restaurants you would typically find in that country. Cast Members are usually citizens of the respective countries. Theoretically, there is space for a further nine pavilions at World Showcase, but despite rumors, there has been no confirmation of additions to World Showcase. EPCOT's International Gateway, between the United Kingdom & France, provides a less hectic additional entrance and exit for the park. It can be reached from the EPCOT Resorts by walking or by boat. In addition, there is a Disney Skyliner stop. It is a great entrance if you want to be one of the first guests to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. World Showcase Guide to Epcot For Beginners Mexico The Mexico pavilion includes the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a "Small World-type ride" featuring Donald Duck. There had been rumors that this attraction might be updated with a new Coco theme, but it seems to have gone very quiet. The majority of the pavilion is located inside the impressive pyramid. The central indoor area of the pyramid is themed as an outdoor twilight-lit Mexican village and marketplace. Norway The Norway Pavilion is the most recent nation to be added to World Showcase in 1988. The outside of the pavilion is a reproduction of Oslo's Akershus Fortress. Norway includes the popular Frozen Ever After dark ride. This ride is exceptionally popular, and waits can be long if you do not use a Lightning Lane. Frozen Ever After Norway is also the only place at Walt Disney World to meet Anna & Elsa. China You enter this pavilion through a large triple-arched gate. An impressive replication of the Temple of Heaven is the dominant feature. China includes "Reflections of China," a Circle-Vision 360° movie exploring China's history. A new film called “Wondrous China” had previously been announced, but it seems to have been canceled. The Outpost The Outpost isn't an official EPCOT pavilion but has been around since 1983. The original EPCOT plans highlighted a future Equatorial Africa Pavilion in this area, but it was never developed. The Outpost contains some African-themed shopping and refreshment stops. However, there isn't much to see here. Germany Germany is designed to look like a German town, but with architecture from various regions. When the pavilion was initially designed, the Unification of Germany seemed a remote possibility. Many small shops sell traditional German goods. There is an impressive Model Village on the pavilion's exit towards Italy. Italy Italy features a plaza surrounded by a collection of buildings inspired by hallmarks of Italian architecture. The centerpiece is the superb reproduction of St Mark's Campanile, which is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice. The pavilion includes several shops that sell costly gifts, including Armani products, fine crystal, wines & porcelain. The American Adventure The United States pavilion is actually called The American Adventure. The highlight is an audio-animatronic show detailing American history. Overall, there is little to see in this pavilion, but the show is rather good, although perhaps a bit too patriotic! The American Adventure Epcot World Showcase Japan Japan is made up of buildings surrounding a courtyard. The entrance to the courtyard features a 5-story Japanese Pagoda. Several Japanese gardens and pools decorate the pavilion. In many of the pools, you will find colorful Koi Fish. It is home to the only remaining Mitsukoshi Department Store in the United States. Morocco You can't haggle in Morocco, or I don't think you can. Otherwise, this pavilion is laid out to look like a traditional Moroccan market. It is one of my favorite pavilions in the World Showcase. However, the pavilion has undergone a sad decline in recent years after its operator hit financial difficulties. There are now few options, and the excellent Restaurant Marrakesh has been closed since 2020. Disney desperately needs to do something to revitalize this formerly brilliant pavilion. France France is themed to look like a Parisian neighborhood pre-World War 1. A replica of the Eiffel Tower is the highlight of the pavilion. The Eiffel Tower was reconstructed at a 1/10 scale of the original and stretches 103 feet into the air. Imagineers used forced perspective to make it look bigger than it is. There are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in this pavilion. A panoramic film titled Impressions de France can be viewed in the pavilion, which has been recently upgraded to 4k. Running in tandem in the same theater is a Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened in Epcot on October 1st, 2021. The attraction is in 3D and uses a trackless ride system. During the ride, you shrink to the size of a rat and cause mayhem in Gustav’s kitchen. The ride is great fun, and a personal favorite since I first rode the Disneyland Paris version. However, it will become 2D in November. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure United Kingdom The United Kingdom is designed to look like a traditional English village, which never existed. There are some interesting gardens and several shops in the pavilion. In addition, there are usually some live bands entertaining guests. However, there is little to do in this pavilion apart from relaxing. A future Mary Poppins attraction was planned but has now been canceled. Canada The Canada pavilion is designed to remind guests of the Canadian outdoors. The outstanding landscaping includes a canyon, a waterfall, gardens, and totem poles. Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 debuted in January 2020. The film features narration by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. Dining and Drinking at EPCOT If you are a foodie, then EPCOT is probably the park for you! EPCOT has the most extensive selection of dining options at Walt Disney World. From snack carts to signature dining, unique dining experiences will suit any budget. There are multiple Quick Service Locations and Food Carts throughout EPCOT. Those located in World Showcase serve traditional food from the country you are in. During the various EPCOT Festivals, additional counters are serving different specialty treats. Unlike the Magic Kingdom, where alcohol is limited, EPCOT serves specialty drinks in many locations. Drinking Around the World is a popular way many adults enjoy World Showcase. There are a large number of table service restaurants at EPCOT. Check My Disney Experience for the latest information, and note that there are reviews for the majority of restaurants on this site. EPCOT's restaurants fill up, and standby lines, if they exist, can be very long. Obtaining an Advance Dining Reservation is highly recommended. Our Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World has further information. Seasonal Festivals at EPCOT Perhaps one of the very best things about visiting EPCOT is the annual festivals. No visit to EPCOT is the same, and throughout the year, the park develops a temporary new look for the yearly festivals. Increasingly, there are very few weeks that do not hold a festival at EPCOT, but over the last year, dates have shortened slightly. There are four annual festivals, each offering unique entertainment, food, and drink. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of food and drinks worldwide. The Food & Wine Festival is one of the yearly highlights at Walt Disney World and draws big crowds of locals, especially on the weekends. Located throughout EPCOT are Marketplaces serving specialty Drinks and Food. The festival used to be limited to World Showcase, but is now throughout the park. Eat to the Beat is a series of free concerts held nightly throughout the Food & Wine Festival. Acts who appear regularly include Billy Ocean, Tiffany, and Starship. Here is our review of the 2024 festival. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Epcot International Festival of the Holidays The final celebration of the Epcot year features the holiday traditions of the 11 World Showcase nations. Live musical productions plus seasonal food & drink make this a not-to-miss event. Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of Christmas in the Candlelight Processional. A 50-piece orchestra and choir accompany the narrator. Epcot International Festival of the Arts The Epcot International Festival of the Arts starts the Epcot year by celebrating food, art & entertainment. The festival is the newest of the Epcot Festivals, and previous highlights have included: Food studios celebrate the culinary arts. The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series. International musical and variety acts. Performing artists, including acrobats. Workshops led by professionals will teach different artistic techniques. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Held annually in the spring is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Highlights include: Outdoor kitchens encircling World Showcase offer exciting food choices plus accompanying drinks. The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series Themed gardens and wildlife habitats, including a butterfly house. Disney-themed topiaries throughout the park. Annual highlights include Belle in France along with Beast, Snow White in Germany with the Seven Dwarfs, and Anna and Elsa in Norway. You can read more about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in our review. Figment Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Read More To learn more about Walt Disney World, visit our Guide to Walt Disney World. Guide to EPCOT for Beginners
Our Guide to Animal Kingdom for Beginners contains the latest information to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation. Our family-focused tips and tricks will ensure a great vacation, whether a first-time or repeat visitor. Our Guide to The Animal Kingdom has been updated and includes all the latest information for 2025 and 2026.

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