Disney Springs doesn’t ask you to rope drop anything. It doesn’t hand you a map of rides or a schedule to keep up with. Instead, it invites you to wander.

This is where Disney shifts into something a little more effortless. A waterfront district filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment that feels just as much about the in-between moments as the big stops along the way. One minute you’re browsing flagship stores, the next you’re listening to live music drift through the air or watching the sunset reflect off the water.

What makes Disney Springs unique is that there’s no single way to “do it right.” You can come for dinner, stay for dessert, end up in a store you didn’t plan on entering, and somehow feel like that was the whole point.

But even in a place built for wandering, there are experiences that stand out.

That’s where this guide comes in.

I’m going to walk you through the must-do experiences at Disney Springs so you can make the most of what’s here – without ever feeling like you had to rush through it.

• Planning Your Disney Springs Visit
• Stores Worth Getting Lost In
• Bites, Sips, and Sweet Stops
• Entertainment, Strolls, and Surprises
• Helpful Tips for Your Visit
• My Disney Springs Must-Do List

Planning Your Disney Springs Visit

If you’re hoping for a quieter experience, visiting earlier in the day usually means smaller crowds and an easier time getting into popular shops. Evenings bring more energy with live entertainment, but they also bring bigger crowds.

There is enough to do at Disney Springs that you could make a whole day out of it if you wanted to break up your trip with a rest day. Or you could even pair it with a park day if you know you aren’t going to spend the whole day there.

We like to go to Disney Springs on check-in day. We drop our stuff off in the resort and then head over to see what souvenirs we can pick up so that we’re not having to get them in the parks. It also lets us ease into vacation mode before the busy park days begin.

And if you don’t want to or can’t drive yourself, Disney transportation makes getting to Disney Springs surprisingly easy from most Disney resorts.

Then comes the hardest decision. What store to hit first.

Stores Worth Getting Lost In

There are so many good stores to visit at Disney Springs, here are the ones I suggest not missing. See a full list of stores offered here.

World of Disney

If you’re only stepping into one Disney merchandise store during your trip, make it World of Disney. It’s massive. You could easily spend an hour wandering through the different rooms. Whether you’re hunting for ears, spirit jerseys, plushes, kitchen gadgets, or that souvenir you suddenly decide you can’t leave without, chances are it’s somewhere inside these walls.

This is always one of my first stops in Disney Springs. I like to scope out what I might find in the parks and if I fall in love with something I can go ahead and buy it and take it back to my room, instead of having to lug it around the parks or make a trip back in the middle of my park day.

The LEGO Store

Disney’s Days of Christmas

This is probably one of my favorite shops in all of Disney. There is something oddly magical about hearing Christmas music while it’s 90 degrees outside. They have all decorations you could ever want like ornaments, stockings, and Disney themed holiday décor!

This is also where you can get personalized Christmas ornaments created. Watching artists personalize ornaments by hand makes the keepsake feel even more special. It is one of my favorite keepsakes and I make sure we get an ornament with the current year every time we visit.

Disney’s Pin Traders

Whether you’re already an avid pin trader or you’re thinking about starting your first collection, Disney’s Pin Traders is the perfect place to browse. The walls are packed with everything from open edition favorites to limited releases, mystery packs, and starter sets. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun seeing just how many different pins Disney has created over the years.

Bites, Sips, and Sweet Stops

Iconic Snacks and Treats

Gideon’s Bakehouse

When you hear about Disney Springs, one of the most popular recommendations is going to be Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Walking inside feels like stepping into an old storybook bakery, complete with dim lighting, vintage décor, and a line that is always there.

The cookies and treats you get here are huge and made from scratch. But they offer more than just cookies. People rave about the cakes and iced drinks you can get as well. With a variety of flavors to choose from, and limited edition desserts throughout the year, Gideon’s will have something that everyone will enjoy.

Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew

Have you ever wondered how donuts are made? Well wonder no longer. At Everglazed, you can watch how it’s fried and glazed and topped with the unique toppings they use. They’re enormous, over-the-top, and somehow still ridiculously soft. Get a classic glazed or cake donut or try one of the funky options.

Quick-Service Favorites

Earl of Sandwich

Sometimes all you want between shopping stops is a solid sandwich, and Earl of Sandwich has earned its reputation for exactly that. The sandwiches aren’t all that expensive and make for a quick and easy meal if you want something reliable.

Chicken Guy!

I love me a good chicken tender and I feel like Chicken Guy! satisfies that chicken craving. And guys, the sauces! 22 different sauces, so if you don’t find something you like, that is on you. I like to try something different every time I go. So far my favorites are the garlic parmesan and the chipotle ranch.

The Polite Pig

This is one I feel like I was sleeping on until recently. My husband and I wanted to try something new when we got to Disney Springs on our last trip, and now we can’t wait to go back. We got the Butcher Board (for 2) because we wanted to try a little bit of everything and let me tell you, it was so worth it! All the meat was juicy and tender and the sides were flavorful and filling. I cannot recommend The Polite Pig enough.

Worth Making a Reservation

The Boathouse

If you are wanting a fine dining option, The Boathouse is the place for you. This upscale restaurant offers dishes ranging from seafood to steak. If you can, request outdoor seating. Watching the boats cruise across the water while you eat makes the experience even better.

Wine Bar George

Known for their wine, but with food to pair, Wine Bar George is a great option for adults looking for the finer things in life.

Even if you’re not a wine expert, the staff is fantastic at helping you find something you’ll enjoy. Pair it with one of their sharable plates and you’ve got one of the most relaxing meals at Disney Springs.

Entertainment, Strolls, and Surprises

Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight

One of the few attractions offered at Disney Springs, Aerophile gives guests an 8-minute ride in the world’s largest helium balloon. On a clear day, you will get some great views above the Disney Springs skyline. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate just how large Walt Disney World really is.

Live music, street performers, and pop-up entertainment

One of my favorite things about Disney Springs is that entertainment isn’t confined to one theater or one stage. As you wander from one neighborhood to another, you’ll often stumble across live musicians, street performers, DJs, or small performances that make the whole area feel alive. It gives Disney Springs an energy that changes depending on when you visit.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

In reality, you can spend as much or as little time at Disney Springs as you think you need. It can easily be done in tandem with a park or arrival day. Or you can plan a rest day, and use Disney Springs as your escape. And the best part is, you don’t need a park ticket to visit Disney Springs.

One thing I highly recommend is that if you are wanting to enjoy one of the sit down restaurants, you may want to book dining reservations in advance just like in the parks. Or get your name on the lists as soon as you arrive, because depending on the time of year you go, there might be a longer wait than what you might expect.

If you are driving to Disney Springs, parking is free, but know that you will have a bit of a walk from the parking lots and garages to the actual shops. So plan accordingly when you’re buying all of your souvenirs. Trust me, those shopping bags get heavier on the walk back.

And if you are using Disney transportation, make sure you know the schedule of when the last vehicle leaves to make it back to your resort without having to pay for ride-share.

My Disney Springs Must-Do List

Disney Springs is one of the few places at Walt Disney World where I intentionally don’t make much of a plan. Some of my favorite moments have come from wandering into a shop I wasn’t expecting or grabbing a meal simply because it smelled amazing walking by. That’s part of what keeps me coming back. Every visit feels just a little different.

My ideal day at Disney Springs is honestly just strolling through the shops and enjoying a good meal. Like I said, one of my favorite souvenirs is the custom Christmas ornaments so that is one of the first stops I’m making.

The other store I never miss is Disney’s Pin Traders. If you’re curious about pin trading and why I never miss stopping at this shop, I’ve got a guide that will help you start trading and an article all about my current pin collection.

That’s really the beauty of Disney Springs. It isn’t about checking every store off a list or squeezing every restaurant into one afternoon. It’s about slowing down enough to discover something unexpected.

Wander into a shop you hadn’t planned on visiting. Try the dessert that caught your eye. Stop to listen to a musician for a few minutes. Sit by the water just because there’s nowhere else you need to be.

Sometimes the best Disney memories aren’t made while racing to the next attraction. Sometimes they’re made simply by wandering.

And if you’re planning the rest of your Disney trip too, be sure to check out my other Must-Do Guides for the rest of Walt Disney World so you can make the most of every park.

Now I want to hear from you! What’s the one place you never skip at Disney Springs? Is there a restaurant, shop, or hidden gem you think every visitor should experience? Let me know in the comments. I might just discover something new to add to my next trip!