Disney Springs, which is basically a fifth park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is a shopping, entertainment and dining complex that offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences. But one question that many people have is whether or not Disney Springs is actually free?
Disney Springs is free to enter and has many free activities for visitors to enjoy, such as boat rides, live performances, digital information points and playgrounds.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are more than enough ways to spend money at Disney Springs, but not only is admission free but so is parking.
On top of that there are numerous different free things to do and see at this amazing place where you could spend an entire day just taking it all in – having a great lunch, doing more shopping than you could imagine, and finishing things off with a world-class dinner.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan looking for a magical day out, or just looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to spend a day with the family, Disney Springs is definitely worth checking out. With a wide range of free activities on offer, you’re sure to find something that appeals to everyone in your group. So pack your bags and don’t forget your camera, because you’re in for a free and fun-filled day at Disney Springs!
Transportation
Disney Resort guests can take advantage of the complimentary transportation available to and from Disney Springs.
Currently, there is no way to travel from Disney Springs to the theme parks.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of transportation options available for non-Disney resort guests as well.
Disney Resort guests are able to take advantage of the complimentary transportation that can bring you from your resort directly to Disney Springs.
Want to know what’s even better? You don’t have to be a resort guest to hop on the any of the Disney busses to visit any of the resorts! If you want to park at Disney Springs, then hop on a bus to shop at the Grand Floridian you are more than welcome to do so.
Keep in mind, there is no transportation service that connects Disney Springs to any of the theme parks, so if you want to go to one of the parks from Disney Springs you’ll need to take one of the buses to one of the hotels, then hop on a bus from there to get to the park.
We’ve done this a few times and while it’s not ideal, it works. When we do this we pick one of the hotels on the Monorail line so we can connect from there, and ride in style on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
Nevertheless, there are a variety of different transportation options available for those who are not staying at a Disney Resort.
If you want to move faster, because Disney transportation may be a lot of things but fast isn’t always one of them, there are taxis and ridesharing service like a Minnie Van via Lyft offer great services for getting you quickly to your desired destination. What’s more, if you are renting a car during your visit, this could be another great option for parking at a specific theme park and accessing all other 4 parks with ease.
Whatever you decide to do though, always remember to plan ahead so you have the most efficient means of travel! With these transportation options in mind, getting around Disney won’t be too much of a hassle during your visit!
Parking
If you feel like Disney is nickel and diming you to death then you’ll be pleased to know that parking at Disney Springs is free! Yep you read that right.
There are plenty of options for parking at Disney Springs. Guests can access several convenient garages or surface lots at no charge.
There are three parking garages and three surface parking lots, each of which is named after a different fruit that Florida is known for growing and exporting. The garages are named Orange, Lime, and Grapefruit, while the surface lots are Strawberry and Watermelon. Additionally, there are two additional lots, Lemon and Mango. Lemon is for valet parking, and Mango is for preferred parking.
One of the benefits of the parking garages is that they utilize technology to make it easy for visitors to find an available spot. There are digital message boards located along Buena Vista Drive that indicate when garages and surface lots are full, so you can plan accordingly.
Additionally, all of the parking garages are “smart,” meaning that visitors can see a real-time update on available spaces per level as well as which lanes have vacancies.
Each parking spot in the garages is equipped with an overhead LED light that turns red when the spot is occupied and green when it is available. Moreover, each lane will tell you how many (if any) spots are open in a given lane. There is a digital display thatwill be marked accordingly, helping guests make their way to the open spots more quickly. This makes it easy to quickly spot an open spot and get parked without having to waste time driving around looking for a spot.
It’s worth noting that all the parking options can get quite busy in the evening hours and on weekends, so if you’re staying on property you may want to consider other transportation options if you’re planning to visit during those times. All the hotels have busses that run to and from Disney Springs.
Security and Regulations
Disney Springs takes security very seriously, with the same rules and regulations in place as all of the theme parks. This helps to create an atmosphere that is safe and comfortable for everyone. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, extra safety measures have been adopted to ensure the health and welfare of all who enter.
For those who choose to park in one of Disney Springs’ two parking garages, they can rest easy knowing that their vehicles will be watches over throughout their entire stay at the iconic entertainment district. Security staff constantly patrols both garages and cameras monitor every activity, giving visitors peace of mind that their vehicles are safe while they enjoy everything that Disney Springs offers.
Layout and Sections
Disney Springs is a great destination for a day out, with plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages. To make the most of your time at Disney Springs, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of the area and plan out your itinerary. One of the key things to know is that Disney Springs is divided into four distinct sections: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side.
The Marketplace is the first section of Disney Springs, and it’s the perfect place to begin your visit. Here you’ll find a wide variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a number of family-friendly activities and entertainment options. This section of Disney Springs is also home to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail and the Disney Springs Marketplace Coaster.
The Landing is the next section of Disney Springs, and it’s a great spot to visit for a bite to eat or a drink. The area features a collection of restaurants, bars, and other dining options. Additionally, The Landing is home to several notable restaurants such as Jaleo, Morimoto Asia, and The BOATHOUSE, where you can take a boat ride during the day or dine in an Amphicar.
The Town Center section is the newest section and features more shops, dining options, and entertainment venues. This area has a more modern feel and plenty of open space for strolling around. You’ll find a mix of well-known retailers like Zara and Sephora alongside unique boutiques and the distinctive Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail during the holidays.
The West Side of Disney Springs is home to a wide variety of entertainment options, including a AMC Movie Theater, the NBA Experience, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes. It’s also home to the Disney’s Earful Tower, a landmark with a great views of the springs.
As you can see, Disney Springs has something to offer for everyone, so it’s worth taking the time to plan out your visit ahead of time. You can use the My Disney Experience App to help you navigate the area and make the most of your time. Just don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as there’s plenty of walking to be done!
Dining and Entertainment
Disney Springs is a great destination for visitors looking for a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. With over 50 unique options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you. Some of the highlights include:
- Dining options: With a wide variety of restaurants, bars, lounges, and snack stands to choose from, there’s something for everyone at Disney Springs. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or a more upscale dining experience, you’ll find it here. Some of the notable restaurants are Jaleo, Morimoto Asia, The BOATHOUSE, The Edison, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
- Entertainment options: In addition to the wide variety of shops and restaurants, Disney Springs offers a host of entertainment options that are sure to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Here are a few of the highlights:
- Hot air balloon ride with Aerophile: This is a must-do for visitors looking for a unique and exciting way to experience Disney Springs. The 400ft ride will give you a stunning views of the entire Walt Disney World Resort.
- Disney PhotoPass Studio: This is a great option for families looking to capture some special memories of their trip to Disney Springs. You’ll be able to take photos with your favorite Disney characters, as well as other themed backgrounds and props.
- Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil: This visually stunning show is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering. It’s a great option for visitors looking for a more immersive entertainment experience.
- AMC Dine-In Theatres: If you’re a movie lover, you’ll love the AMC Dine-In Theatres. You’ll be able to enjoy a meal while you watch the latest movies in state-of-the-art comfort.
- The Art of Disney store: This is a must-see destination for fans of Disney animation and art. You’ll find a wide variety of art and merchandise inspired by your favorite Disney movies and characters.
- House of Blues: This iconic music venue is a great option for visitors looking for live music, food, and drinks.
- Lime parking garage rooftop terrace: This terrace offers a great spot for visitors to relax and unwind, with beautiful views of the area.
- Special events and festivals: Disney Springs is home to a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year, including live music, parades, and more.
Additionally, you can find outdoor entertainment options available around the area, character interactions and meet and greets, and various services and amenities such as restrooms, strollers, and wheelchairs rental which provide a lot of conveniences to the visitors. All in all, Disney Springs is a great destination for visitors looking for a wide variety of dining and entertainment options in one place, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Shopping
Disney Springs is a great destination for shoppers looking for a wide variety of options to choose from. There are a lot of shopping experiences to be had, something to appeal to every kind of shopper.
One of the must-see destinations for any shopper is the World of Disney shop. This store is the largest Disney store in the world and it’s a great place to window shop or pick up a souvenir of your visit. You’ll find a wide variety of Disney-themed merchandise, from clothing and accessories to home decor and collectibles. It’s a great spot for Disney fans of all ages, and whether you’re looking for a specific item or just want to browse, the World of Disney shop is sure to impress.
Aside from World of Disney, there’s a wide variety of stores and shops that cater to different tastes, from fashion and accessories to outdoor and sports equipment. You’ll find popular stores like UNIQLO, Coach, Volcom, Levi’s, The LEGO store, Vera Bradley, Columbia, Tommy Bahama, Harley Davidson, Super Hero Headquarters and many more.
Disney Springs has a great balance of Disney-themed merchandise, but it also offers more variety than you would find in a mall or outlet. It’s a great place to find unique and hard-to-find items.
For a special event at Disney Springs, it’s recommended to arrive one hour prior in order to guarantee you a spot. One of the best things about visiting Disney Springs is the opportunity to take a bus ride to any of the Disney Resorts, even if you haven’t booked a stay. This allows you to visit different resorts for dinner or just to hang out, without having to worry about transportation costs.
Another popular free activity at Disney Springs is the boat rides offered by the Sassagoula Steamboat Company. These boat rides take visitors to the Saratoga Springs Resort and the Old Key West Resort, as well as the Westside and Marketplace areas. The boat rides are a great way to relax and take in the beautiful views of Lake Buena Vista, and are enjoyed by both kids and adults.
In addition to the boat rides, there are also several other free live music shows and performances available at Disney Springs. The Waterview Park Stage, Sunshine Highline Stage, and House of Blues’ Front Porch all feature free live music shows. Visitors can also catch live performances by Disney Performing Arts dance troupes at the AdventHealth Waterside stage.
For those looking for a unique photo opportunity, the DisneyStyle store offers a stationary tea cup for visitors to sit in, and there’s also a stationary motorcycle at the Orlando Harley-Davidson shop. The T-Rex Cafe also has a free play zone called the Paleo Zone where children can explore the history of the Earth and search for fossils. The cafe also has free digital information points (mupis) available for visitors to explore.
Finally, visitors can also enjoy a range of other free activities at Disney Springs, including seasonal festivals, street performers, and playgrounds in the marketplace area. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing boat ride or some live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Disney Springs. And the best part? All of these activities are completely free!
Tips and Recommendations
If you’re planning a visit to Disney Springs, it’s important to take the time to plan and prepare in advance to make the most of your experience. One of the best ways to do this is by studying the map of Disney Springs and deciding which sections and activities you want to experience before you go.
The first step to planning your visit is to download or pick up a map of Disney Springs. This will give you a good idea of the layout of the park, as well as the locations of the various shops, restaurants, and attractions. Once you have a map, you can start to plan out your visit by deciding which sections of the park you want to explore and which activities you want to do.
For example, if you’re a fan of Disney merchandise, you’ll definitely want to check out the World of Disney store, which is the largest Disney store in the world. Similarly, if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to make sure you check out some of the delicious dining options at DisneySprings. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some entertainment, you can catch some of the free live performances by Disney Performing Arts dance troupes and live music shows at the AdventHealth Waterside stage.
Another great thing to consider when planning your visit is to check out the calendar of events and special promotions that are happening during your trip. You’ll be able to find out what is scheduled to be on during your visit and make sure you don’t miss any of the special events.
Overall, taking the time to plan and prepare in advance will help you make the most of your visit to Disney Springs and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun activities, shops and more it has to offer.
Final thoughts
Disney Springs offers something for everyone – from delicious dining and unique entertainment options, to world-class shopping and a wide variety of free activities. With transportation and parking options available, it’s easy to make Disney Springs a part of your vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind destination, packed with fun and memories for the entire family.
Nexts Steps
The next step is connect with other Disney fans. Join the Disney Park Advisor Community group to connect with other Disney fans and get tips and advice on planning the perfect Disney vacation. This private Facebook group is the perfect place to share your love of all things Disney and get insider knowledge from other Disney enthusiasts. Simply click the link below to request membership and become a part of our community.
