Are you an early bird looking to get an early start at Disney Springs?
Lots of people – like me – like to get out for an early morning stroll, even when they’re on vacation. There is something about the morning air and being up before most everyone else that’s very peaceful and satisfying.
And if you’re on vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort you might want to enjoy the early morning hours at Disney Springs.
But can you walk around Disney Springs before it officially opens?
Yes, it is possible to walk around Disney Springs before it officially opens. The parking garages open at 7am and as soon as they’re open you can park and head into complex and enjoy your morning there before everything else opens. The complex is surrounded by a beautiful lake and lush landscaping, so there are plenty of places to explore even before the stores and restaurants open their doors.
But what if you want to grab a cup of coffee from Starbucks?
What if you’re looking for breakfast or brunch?
What options do you have?
From exploring the beautiful lake and landscaping to grabbing a cup of coffee or brunch with the family, there is more to do in the early morning at Disney Springs than you might have originally thought.
In this post, we’ll go over what you need to know about visiting Disney Springs early in the day and what options you have.
Before we get started, if you’re a fan of all things Disney and love discussing theme parks and planning Disney vacations, then I want to announce the launch of my new private Facebook group, the Disney Park Advisor Community. This is a place where Disney fans can come together to share their love of all things Disney, ask questions, get advice, and make new friends. Click the link to request membership. I can’t wait to see you in the group!
Open hours at Disney Springs
When it comes to visiting Disney Springs, one of the most important things to consider is the open hours for the complex. The parking garages at Disney Springs generally open in the 7:00 a.m. range. This means that as soon as the parking garages are open, you can park your car and start exploring the complex.
You can walk along Lake Buena Vista and enjoy exploring the beautiful lake and landscaping around the complex. This can include taking a walk or jog along the lake’s edge, or taking a scenic stroll through the Landing.
Even though there are no entertainment options, street performers, or stores open in the early morning hours at Disney Springs, you can still take advantage of the early morning hours to take some beautiful photos of the area without the crowds and hustle of the day.
Early morning transportation to Disney Springs
If you don’t have a car while you’re staying at Walt Disney World, keep in mind that bus service from Disney Springs to and from the resorts starts at about 10:30 a.m.
So if you’re counting on catching an early morning bus to Disney Springs, you’re out of luck.
There is a little bit of good news though.
If you’re staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa you can easily walk from the resort to Disney Springs.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is kind of close by, but unless you’re really an ambitious walker, the distance from the resort to Disney Springs is probably too much for a casual walk.
So what do you do if you want to get to Disney Springs early in the morning but you’re not within walking distance?
You still have options.
One thing you can do is take a Minnie Van. Minnie Van service start running at 6:30 AM and run until 12:30am every day.
And there is always taxi service from one of the numerous taxi companies that serve Disney guests.
No easy transition to visiting the parks
If you’re thinking that you can park at Disney Springs early in the morning, then hop on a bus for rope drop, you shouldn’t probably re-think that plan.
While you can technically park early at Disney Springs and do it in theory, in reality, it’s probably not worth all the extra effort.
You would need to stay at Disney Springs from whenever you arrived (assuming around 7am when the parking garages open), spend time there until bus service starts at 10:30am, then take a bus to one of the resorts, then catch another bus to the park.
That’s a lot of work.
There is no direct transportation to the theme parks from Disney Springs, so if you’re planning on visiting the parks that day, your best bet may be to drive, or just endure all the connections you’d need to make.
Either way, using this method, you’re not going to get an early start at the parks, and rope drop is pretty much out of the question.
What to do at Disney Springs before it opens
If you want to do more than just enjoy the scenery and walk around Disney Springs early in the morning before it opens there are options.
Many of the popular locations within Disney Springs also have their own specific open hours.
For example, if you want to grab a cup of coffee, the Starbucks locations within the complex open at 9:00 a.m. So, if you’re an early riser and need your caffeine fix, you’ll be able to grab a cup of coffee before the rest of the complex opens.
And there are some early-ish breakfast options too.
Another popular spot, Earl of Sandwich, also opens at 9:00 a.m. This is a great option for those looking for a quick breakfast before starting their day at Disney Springs.
If you’re looking for something more substantial like a brunch, then you should know that Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ opens for brunch at 9:00 a.m. and is a great spot for a classic Southern style brunch.
Similarly, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant opens for brunch at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. So, if you’re looking for a hearty breakfast and a pint of Guinness, Raglan Road is the place for you.
When it comes to the shops and stores, the majority open at 10:00 a.m. However, some may open later. It’s always best to check the specific open hours for the places you’re planning on visiting before you go.
Once things start opening up there are numerous different dining options, like Wine Bar George which starts serving brunch at 10:30 am, The House Blues’ brunch starts at 10am but is only available on Saturdays and Sundays at either location. If you’re looking for something sweet, Sprinkles cupcake shop opens at 10.
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.
