Stop Skipping Disney Springs and Start Doing These Things

When planning a Disney trip, Disney Springs is often a location that is overlooked. Since most families are coming to town to enjoy the theme parks, Disney Springs rarely gets its own space on the Excel spreadsheet of planning. I’m here to ask you to reconsider! Here are my must do’s at Disney Springs

Eats

With sixty-four food offerings at Disney Springs, you have a LOT to choose from. They have everything from food trucks to signature dining experiences and everything in between.  Here are my top picks for every food mood. 

Brunch: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – If you are lucky enough to snag a reservation at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin, you wont regret it. The menu is complete with down home, southern comfort food that will leave you feeling so satisfyingly full that you will need a midday nap. We have never ordered a bad thing from here. My appetizer recommendation is the Church Lady Deviled Eggs coupled with the Fried Chicken and Doughnuts entree.  Don’t forget to pair your meal with your favorite moonshine cocktail. #SundayFunday anyone? 

Quick Service Lunch: Chicken Guy  I know – Chicken Fingers? Really? It is true you can get them a lot of places, but this place is a standout because of the sauces. Yes as Guy Fieri says, if the sauce is good, you can eat it on a flip flop. Chicken Guy, a Guy Fieri restaurant, has 22 different sauces to dip those tenders in ranging from favorites like Donkey Sauce to the hottest Habanero Hot Sauce. Plus this place has fried pickles. Count. Me. In. 

Beer Lovers: City Works Eatery & Pour House I love a good gastro pub. With over 90 local and global beers on tap, this is the perfect place to cool off, grab a coldie, and watch whatever sports are on TV. Not to mention, the food is actually really good. This place also has fried pickles. And cheese curds. Not to mention pretty good burgers. Definitely put this on the list for your non-Disney loving friend or spouse who is being a good sport about the whole shopping, Mickey Mouse, princesses, and spending a lot of money thing you are doing. 

Food & Wine Lovers: Wine Bar George George one-up’s those 90 beers over at City Works and offers over 140 different types of wines at this American foodie heaven. Master Somolier, George Miliotes, beautifully pairs all of his dishes from small plates to family style entrees with the perfect wine. If you stop by for lunch, everyone raves about the Steak Frites special. Pair that with the saganaki cheese appetizer (because cheese – that’s on fire? duh!) a bottle of Pinot, and have yourself an afternoon. 

Sweets

In my opinion, it’s best to skip out on desserts at the restaurants and head to these fan favorites. You can enjoy these treats right after your meal and get extras to bring back to your hotel!

Ganachery – Chocolate lovers rejoice. This little chocolate shop is ALWAYS a must do when we visit. In fact, during our last trip, my 5 year old and I waited outside for 25 minutes, in thunder and lightning, to get our little chocolate squares. Here at the Ganachery, you can watch the Chocolatiers make 16 different flavors of chocolate ganache squares. They also have some super fun seasonal offerings like Minnie Mouse piñatas, chocolate caramel skulls at Halloween, even Olaf hot cocoa bombs. But if there is a specialty item you HAVE to get, ask to get a homemade s’more. This classic nostalgia dessert gets a major facelift with specialty marshmallows, chocolate ganache, and a powdered sugar Mickey on top. *Chefs Kiss* 

Gideons Bakehouse– Have you ever wondered what a half pound cookie looks like? Or what a peanut butter cold brew coffee tastes like? Here at Gideons you can find that and more in this gothic victorian themed treasure of a bakery. If you want to get your hands on some of these cookies, make sure to get to Disney Springs early. This location is brand new in 2021 and has had up to an 11 HOUR virtual queue to get inside.  

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – This one gets an honorable mention. I have to be honest, I’ve never had a cupcake from Erin McKenna’s. However, if you have a food allergy or a child with an allergy, this is a great option to stock up and bring some back to the hotel room. Every sweet treat from this bakery is kosher and free of refined sugar, gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs! 

Shopping

Shopping is the other half of what Disney Springs is all about. With over 99 stores, there is plenty to choose from. You can find national chains like Ulta, lululemon, Anthropologie, and francescas. All are great, but here are some of my must stop shops unique to Disney Springs.

World of Disney– I mean, it’s the world’s largest Disney store. If there has ever been any merch that you were looking to purchase, chances are you can find it here. They have everything from plushies, ears, apparel, even home decor. If you are coming to the Springs, this is an absolute must do.  

Disney Style – I have found some super cute clothes at Disney Style. This store really plays to the 90s kid nostalgia. Think Justin Timberlake/Britney Spears Mickey Mouse Clubhouse days with all of the neons and geometric shapes. Not your thing? They usually have a cute photo-op in the back corner of the store that is worth the stop alone

Basin – In the era where hand-washing is king, Basin is a fun place to stop and wash your hands with some fragrant and natural soap. I’m a sucker for a good body wash or bath bomb. Basin at Disney Springs has some Mickey themed bar soaps that are fun gifts for your family and friends back home. We also let our daughter pick out a bath bomb or two for our hotel room to make bath time after long park days a bit more fun. 

Uniqlo- I never shopped at Uniqlo before going to Disney Springs. I think I like it so much because of the price point (VERY affordable) but they have really cute Disney inspired apparel. Everything from graphic tees, leggings, even jackets. This place has it all. Highly recommend checking this place out if you are on the hunt for cute Instagrammable Disney outfits.

Marketplace Co-op – I’ve never bought anything from the co-op, but its a fun place to walk through. They have phone cases, candles, items for your pet, even fine art. Arguably, the most popular section of the co-op is The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane. These fancy dresses are Disney Park and attraction inspired perfect for your next Disney Bound adventure 

Entertainment 

There is live music and entertainment all around the Springs. It’s fun to grab a beer or snack and just sit, listen, and people watch. Especially when there is a light breeze coming off of Lake Buena Vista. But if sitting and jamming out to cover bands isn’t your thing, here are some other options to consider. 

Amphicar Ride- Have you ever wanted to ride a car in the water? Now is your chance. These cars will take you and up to 3 of your friends on a 20 minute ride out on Lake Buena Vista. This is a cool and unique experience but it comes with a price tag of $125 per ride. But you can’t put a price on fun, am I right? 

Aerophile Balloon Flight – If you are looking for a more affordable unique experience to Disney Springs, I recommend going up in a tethered hot air balloon and see all of Disney World from 400 feet in the air. This is an 8 minute experience and costs $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-9. 

Live Show at The Edison – If you are looking for late night entertainment, I would absolutely go to The Edison. I love anything speakeasy, Gatsby era themed. After 10pm this restaurant turns into a party complete with burlesque dancers, sleight of hand magicians, and aerialists. Pair this with hand crafted cocktails and you are in for a great night.  

I could go on and on about how much I love Disney Springs and everything there is to do there. I would highly recommend incorporating Disney Springs into your next trip, even if it’s just for dinner on your arrival night. If you are traveling for an adults only trip, the Springs is a destination you have to go to for a fun night of libations and good food and fun. Do you go to Disney Springs when you visit Walt Disney World? Where do you go? Let me know in the comments below and share your favorites!

-Melinda