Disney Springs is open every day, usually from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (sometimes a little later on weekends), and it’s completely free to enter. No tickets needed, and maybe best of all — parking is free too. It’s a great way to enjoy a Disney day without stepping foot into the parks.

The Layout

Disney Springs is divided into four main areas:

The Marketplace – The most Disney-forward section, home to souvenir central (World of Disney), the LEGO Store, and family spots like Rainforest Café.
The Landing – Along the water, this area leans more adult with sit-down restaurants, live music, and a few favorites like Gideon’s Bakehouse and The BOATHOUSE.
Town Center – More modern and sleek, this area is where you’ll find higher-end shops, Blaze Pizza, and the Coca-Cola Store.
West Side – The entertainment zone, with places like AMC Theatres, House of Blues, and Cirque du Soleil.

Each area has a slightly different vibe, but all of them are walkable and well-connected. You’ll notice thoughtful theming throughout—Disney Springs is built around the idea of a Florida town that developed over time, with old industrial buildings turned into trendy shops and restaurants. (Look out for clever design touches like the old bottling plant that’s now Morimoto Asia.)

Parking + Transportation

Let’s talk logistics for a minute.

There are three main garages: Lime, Orange, and Grapefruit. Lime is closest to the Marketplace, Orange puts you right near the West Side and Town Center, and Grapefruit is across the street with a bridge to walk over. We usually aim for Lime or Orange depending on where we’re headed.

One thing I really appreciate: these garages tell you how many spots are open on each level, and each space has an overhead light so you’re not circling endlessly. Huge win.

There are also surface lots (Strawberry and Watermelon) closer to House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil, and valet is available if you’re feeling fancy. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can take a bus straight to Disney Springs, and if you’re staying at Port Orleans, Old Key West, or Saratoga Springs, you can even take a ferryboat ride over.

Where We Eat

Disney Springs has some of the best dining in all of Walt Disney World—whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between shops or sitting down for a full meal.

First, here are Travel Grown’s top picks:

• Quick service - Polite Pig! Hands down—fast, flavorful, and consistently great.

• Table service - Our top 3:

The Boathouse – Make reservations in advance, this one books up fast.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – Southern comfort food done right.
Raglan Road – A favorite for live music and a solid choice for gluten- and peanut-free needs.

Want more options? C heck out our full Disney Springs dining guide.

And if you’re looking for something fun (and a little fizzy), head up to the rooftop of the Coca-Cola Store for the international soda flight. It’s a cool little break and such a fun experience—my son and I had the best time trying all the different flavors. Read more about our Coke flight experience here.

Best Kid Friendly Spots

Disney Springs is a great spot for kids to have some fun on a non-park day. There’s so much to see and do, and here are a few of our favorite things:

The LEGO Store – We could spend hours here just playing with the interactive displays and marveling at the amazing LEGO creations. You can make your own minifigure!
The Art Corner – Kids can get creative making spin art. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that ends with a cool, one-of-a-kind souvenir.
T-REX Dino Store – Let the kids build their own dinosaur! It’s like Build-A-Bear, but with a prehistoric twist.
Once Upon a Toy – Packed with Disney plush and toys, this store is a must-stop for picking up a cuddly new friend.
Disney’s Pin Traders – The ultimate pin-trading destination. It’s fun to browse, and a great way to get a unique souvenir.

Where We Shop

You can find everything from Mickey ears to designer handbags at Disney Springs. I like to mix souvenir hunting with a little everyday shopping—grab a gift, browse for vacation clothes, or just wander and window shop. Some of our go-to spots:

For Disney merch and souvenirs:

World of Disney – Massive selection of park merchandise. You’ll find a lot of what’s sold inside the parks, all in one place. If you stand out front here, watch out! Stitch spits water on unsuspecting guests (or kids anxiously waiting for it!)
Marketplace Co-Op – A must for unique Disney home goods, apparel, and indie-style designs.
Disney’s Days of Christmas – We love to stop here each year to pick out our annual family ornament.

For everyday shopping:

UNIQLO – Affordable basics, Disney collabs, and great vacation staples.
Free People, Francesca’s, Lilly Pulitzer, Coach, Kate Spade – Great for browsing fun outfits or treating yourself.
OluKai – If you need sandals or travel shoes, they’re super comfy and built to last.

For the kids (or the kid at heart):

Pelé Soccer – My son could spend forever in here.
Goofy’s Candy Co. – A fun stop for kids (and adults!) with build-your-own treats, packaged snacks, and lots of colorful sugar.

Live Entertainment

Disney Springs is always buzzing with live entertainment, offering something for everyone. You’ll find everything from talented musicians at Raglan Road to the jaw-dropping performances of Cirque du Soleil. And that’s just the beginning—there are pop-up concerts throughout the area, with local bands playing in the evenings, creating a lively atmosphere as you stroll around.

On any given night, you might catch a surprise dance troupe, street performers, or even a solo artist serenading the crowd. The entertainment here isn’t just a nice bonus; it’s a big part of what makes the night feel special, giving you a chance to unwind and soak up the energetic vibe of Disney Springs. Whether you’re enjoying dinner or taking a break from shopping, you never know what amazing show might be just around the corner.

A Great Way to Spend a Non-Park Day at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is one of those spots we always return to, and it never feels the same twice. It’s a great option for a day away from the parks, offering a change of pace without losing that Disney magic. Whether you’re looking for a fun family day or a romantic date night, Disney Springs has you covered. What I love most is that you don’t need a park ticket to enjoy everything it has to offer.

From shopping and dining to just wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere, Disney Springs is a great place to unwind and spend a few hours. Whether you’re grabbing a bite at one of its delicious restaurants, browsing for unique finds, or simply enjoying the lively entertainment, it’s an experience that’s always worth the visit. It’s a great way to create memorable moments without the crowds of the theme parks.

A Guide to Disney Springs: Where We Eat, Shop, and Wander