Disney Springs Orlando
Need a break from the rides at Disney World? Perhaps it’s the end of the day and you still have some energy left after exploring some of the numerous things to do in Orlando. For some kid-friendly excitement, visit Disney’s outdoor shopping, eating, and entertainment area at the Walt Disney World Resort on Lake Buena Vista. Is Disney Springs free to enter? Yes, admission is free, as is self-parking.
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, don’t forget to include a stop at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). Disney Springs is equally as lovely as the Disney Parks, despite the fact that it is not located within the Disney Parks. Disney Springs provides a little extra in your budget for splurges because the entrance is free. Here are nine Disney Springs splurges to consider on your next visit.
Because of the cooler temperatures and more events, most people visit Disney Springs in the evening. If you go in the evening, be aware that there may be more people, but avoiding the harsh afternoon heat (especially in the summer) may make it worthwhile.
We stayed at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Hotel. I liked the place because it is the closest hotel to Disney Springs and has a reasonable fee for being so near to the activities. It also provides complimentary shuttles to the parks because it is on Disney property and so near to the activity. The shops provide free package delivery to the hotel for all items I make, including my Disney Spring splurges.
Disney Springs Restaurants
Your first stop at Disney Springs should be on the food. Disney Springs has such a variety of restaurants and sweet treats to choose from that you should save up just a few calories for the food choices. Don’t worry about splurging too much. With all the walking you’ll do around the parks over the week, it’s more than worth it.
Lunch
For lunch or sandwich options, make sure you splurge at Earl of Sandwich. There are only 33 locations worldwide so this is not your average chain. What makes it a true splurge is the freshly baked bread for their hot sandwiches and unique menu combinations. On my last visit, I experienced the Holiday Turkey sandwich. It tasted like the day after the best Thanksgiving dinner and honestly reminded me of being home with my family. It’s made with carved slices of moist turkey layered with cornbread stuffing, a smooth turkey gravy, and dressed with cranberry sauce and mayonnaise. I can’t wait to go back after just thinking about it! The other options for hot sandwiches, wraps, salads, pizza breads, and artisan soups are just as satisfying and worth the splurge.
Tip: Earl of Sandwich is popular and made fresh to order so allow at least 30 minutes to an hour for your visit. They do offer Just for Kids menu options for even the pickiest of eaters.
Fancy Dinner
For an upscale dinner event, you have to try STK. This splurge offers the best aspects of a traditional steakhouse like attention to detail, knowledgeable servers and staff, and the most important menu standards of a steakhouse, perfectly cooked steaks from porterhouse to filet medallions. One thing STK doesn’t have is the traditional stuffiness of a steakhouse. STK boasts a DJ booth, an upscale sleek interior complete with white leather banquettes, drop pendant lighting, and a white longhorn sculpture on the first floor. The second floor is just as sleek and modern with an outdoor dining space providing views of Disney Springs and a section with high-top dining around a fire pit.
Tip: STK is open to families and has a Kids Menu but as the evening progresses, the atmosphere downstairs transforms more into a nightclub. Consider asking to be seated upstairs or on the outside patio with younger children.
The menu at STK hasn’t suffered at the expense of the décor. The bread served to the table is freshly baked individual loaves in cast iron skillets and topped with STK’s signature melted Blue Butter. Everything I tried during my visit was absolutely worth the calorie splurges. The shaved Brussels sprout salad had a crisp bite that I liked. The true taste of the ingredients came through with a light dressing that showcase the apples, cranberries, cheese, and almonds. The Lil BRGs, a flight of STK mini burgers, are among my favorite burgers even though I’m not a huge fan of beef.
Because this is a steakhouse, I wasn’t surprised to find nine different options for steaks with seven toppings and six sauce options. I asked someone having the steaks how they were and I was rewarded with a huge smile and thumbs-ups; she didn’t even want to take a minute to talk about it!
Disney Springs Experiences
The next area where you have to splurge is on the unique experiences at Disney Springs. Going into the parks is a magical experience but some days you’ll want to take things a little easier and just have a single focus. On those days, I vote for one splurge experience at Disney Springs and then going back to your hotel for a relaxing swim by the pool.
First on my list is the Amphicar. The Boathouse at Disney Springs is the only place in the world where you can take a ride on these vintage car and boat combos. You start out at a dock and just drive into the lake for a 30-minute tour. The $125 per half hour might be a slight splurge considering you’re riding in a car, but up to 3 people can ride with the driver.
I only have sons but I feel like another must-splurge experience is The Castle Package at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (BBB) is a salon owned by the Fairy Godmother and operated by Fairy Godmothers in Training where they make over your daughter to look like royalty.
The Castle Package includes hair styling, make-up, nail polish, a wand, a crown, and a Disney Princess gown of your choice for $199.95. I feel like if there is anywhere in the world where you should be transformed into a Princess, it’s at Disney! I’m seriously considering borrowing my niece just so I can have someone to do it with at least once.
Tip: The Disney Springs location of the BBB is larger than the one in Magic Kingdom and it is less crowded. After the transformation at Disney Springs, the princesses have their own parade through Disney Springs because the other princesses are busy at the parks. They’re even given princess training before their walk on how to wave, smile, and represent princesses all over the world.
A splurge that the whole family can enjoy is the Cirque du Soleil performance of La Nouba. Similarly to other Cirque de Soleil shows, La Nouba is a combination of acrobatics and music that will delight all families. La Nouba is one of the stationary shows and has been at Disney Springs for 18 years but it is never the same show because acts are being adjusted constantly.
Disney Springs Fashion
Finally, you have to splurge on the fashion at Disney Springs. If you are a fan of Disney, what better way to show your Disney Love when you go home than by splurging on these exclusive Disney fashion items only available at Disney properties?
I show my Disney Love every day with my Alex and Ani bracelets. The Disney Parks Collection by Alex and Ani has collections that fit if you’re a fan of princesses, Star Wars, cruise ships, the parks or anything Disney; there is a bracelet that more than likely expresses your love of Disney. But many of these are exclusives only available in the stores, so you’ll have to go check them out for yourself!
Disney Theme Parks Minnie Mouse Sequin Headband Red Black Mouse Ears
$21.00 (as of April 22, 2024 19:33 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Vera Bradley will also let you share your Disney Love with the elusive hidden (or not so hidden – your choice) Mickeys in their items. There are more than 15 different patterns and designs to choose from including basic black to multicolor and backpacks to weekenders. Busy moms need bags that fit your life and I have to admit that I’ve picked up more than just one over the years so I know they’re worth the splurge. But again these are exclusives in the store, so you have to visit to find the right one for you.
Freshly Picked Classic Park Fashion Waist Fanny Pack Bag, Mickey Mania
$79.99 (as of April 22, 2024 19:33 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
I fell in love with these Kate Spade Minnie items in person at the Kate Spade store at Disney Springs. They are available on the website but that doesn’t do them any justice. Once you actually see the details inside of the clutch and how soft the sweater is, you’ll more than make the splurge. Make sure to make the Kate Spade as part of your visit to Disney Springs.
Kate Spade New York Disney X Minnie Mouse Zip Around Wallet
$95.00 (as of April 22, 2024 19:33 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
This list is only my opinion but I’d love to learn more about your Disney Springs splurges and just your favorites from Disney Springs. Please share them with me; I love learning more based on other people’s experiences.