Is Disney Springs Worth Visiting? Best Things to Do
Yes! Disney Springs is worth visiting. Unlike the Disney parks, Disney Springs is completely free to enter. It’s a great option for those who want to get that Disney atmosphere without paying a huge amount for tickets.
Disney Springs is also worth visiting for families on a Disney Vacation that want something to do at night or to have dinner outside of the parks.
While Disney Springs is worth a visit, there are some things to consider before planning your trip, so based on my own experiences visiting Disney Springs, I’ve compiled a list of pros and cons.
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Planning a Trip to Orlando or Disney?
Here are a few reasons why you should visit Disney Springs:
✅ Free admission & free parking
✅ Fun things to do like this Cirque du Soleil show
✅ Highly-rated hotels that are walking distance like the Drury Plaza Hotel
Is Disney Springs Worth Visiting? The Pros
Here is a quick list of the pros of visiting Disney Springs:
✅ Free Admission
One of the biggest pros of Disney Springs is that you aren’t paying to enter. Disney tickets are expensive (even with the Florida resident discounts)!
If you are planning a trip to Orlando, but are going to other places (like Universal Studios), then Disney Springs gives you the chance to get that Disney atmosphere without the Disney price tag.
The free admission is also great for those of us that live in Florida and are taking a weekend trip to Orlando. Again, while you may not want to go to one of the Disney Parks during a quick weekend trip, Disney Springs is a fun way to spend some time in Orlando.
✅ Variety of Restaurants in Disney Springs
Disney Springs is best known for its variety of shopping and restaurants. There are lots of unique themed places to eat in Disney Springs.
On our recent trip to Disney Springs, we had dinner at The Edison, and I highly recommend it. The food was great, but the real treat was the atmosphere. The restaurant has a 1920’s speakeasy theme mixed with a steampunk vibe. The menu features craft cocktails and American dishes. Plus, they frequently have live music & entertainment!
Disney Springs Restaurants
- The Edison
- The Boathouse
- Summer House on the Lake
- Rainforest Cafe
- T-Rex Cafe
- The Polite Pig
- House of Blues
- Enzo’s Hideaway
- STK Steakhouse
- Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
- Raglan Road Irish Pub
✅ Lots of Fun Things to do in Disney Springs
Another reason Disney Springs is worth visiting is there are lots of things to do, besides just restaurants and shopping.
From seeing an incredible Cirque du Soleil show to riding the Aerophile Balloon, there are lots of unique things to do at Disney Springs!
Best Things to do in Disney Springs
- See the Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life show
- Hop on the Sassagoula River Cruise for a FREE boat ride to the Disney Resorts
- Watching traditional irish dancing at Raglan Road Irish Pub
- Live music at Waterview Park
- Ride the Aerophile Balloon for scenic views
- Make custom M&Ms at the M&M Store
- Check out the LEGO store
- See a movie at the AMC Disney Springs Theater
- Go bowling at Splitsville
- Take a Amphicar Tour – a vintage car boat that floats in the water
- Go shopping at the World of Disney Store for Disney souvenirs
- Take a helicopter tour over Disney
✅ Disney Atmosphere: Safe & Family Friendly
One of the overall pros is just the Disney atmosphere at Disney Springs. While there aren’t Disney characters like at the parks, you still get that Disney feel.
Plus, Disney Springs is well-kept, clean, and they have safety measures including a security check at the entrances.
Last but not least, Disney Springs is very family-friendly. You’ll see kids of all ages from newborns to teens, and there are activities for everyone too. As a mom, I’m always hesitant to take my wild & hyper toddler to restaurants, but Disney Springs was designed for families and kiddos!
✅ Lots of Hotels near Disney Springs
Another pro to Disney Springs is there are tons of nearby hotel options. Some hotels are even walking distance, which makes visiting Disney Springs super easy.
Many hotels also have free shuttles. Keep in mind, shuttles usually have limited schedules and may stop at other hotels before Disney Springs. You can also easily get an Uber or Lyft.
Walking Distance Hotels near Disney Springs
- Highly-rated hotel
- Spacious outdoor area with a Splash Pad
- Pool and tub
- 10-15 minute walk to Disney Springs
⭐ Check Prices on Expedia I 💙 Check Prices on Booking.com
- Highly-rated hotel
- Two outdoor pools & a hot tub
- 5 minute walk to Disney Springs
⭐ Check Prices on Expedia I 💙 Check Prices on Booking.com
Is Disney Springs Worth Visiting? The Cons
As with any place, there are cons to visiting Disney Springs. Here are the big ones to consider when planning your trip.
Disney Springs is Crowded
As with any Disney attraction, Disney Springs can get very crowded. I recently visited Disney Springs on a Saturday evening right before Christmas and wow – it was really crowded, especially from about 6pm to 9pm.
The Christmas season is a very popular time to visit Disney, especially between Christmas Day and New Years. Other popular times include spring break (usually March to early April) and the week of Thanksgiving. Weekends in general can also be busy.
Disney Springs is Expensive
While Disney Springs has free admission, the cost of food, drinks, and activities is expensive.
As a local Floridian, Disney Springs is a bit on the pricey side for me. It isn’t insane pricing but it is tourist pricing for sure. Expect to pay $10+ for a drink, and $20+ for a burger/entree at a restaurant.
Is Disney Springs overpriced? Yeah maybe. It is Disney after all so the prices reflect that.
Florida Heat
Disney Springs can get really hot to walk around in the summer, especially if you aren’t used to the Florida heat and humidity. Luckily there are a lot of indoor dining options and shops, but when its hot and crowded everyone will want to be inside with AC.
There isn’t a lot of shade at Disney Springs, so it can get pretty hot if you are walking around.
I live in Florida, and I literally don’t do anything outside during the afternoons in July and August, unless it involves a beach!
Alternatives to Disney Springs
I think Disney Springs is worth visiting, but here are also a couple of alternatives to Disney Springs that are somewhat similar:
Universal CityWalk
Located outside of Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk features live music, restaurants, and a movie theater. It is pretty lively and can get crowded. It’s a fun spot to visit but is also smaller than Disney Springs.
ICON Park
ICON Park is located along International Drive. It is best known for its iconic ferris wheel, the Orlando Eye. It also has a variety of other attractions like SEA Life, Madame Tussauds, restaurants, shops, and more.
Is Disney Springs Worth Visiting with Kids?
I wanted to address a quick question on if Disney Springs is worth it with kids, yes – it is. While there aren’t Disney characters or lots of rides like the Disney Parks, it is still designed for families with kids.
Disney Springs is especially perfect for relaxing stroller rides with a baby (I miss those days). As for toddlers.. well taking a toddler anywhere is pure chaos most of the time, but Disney Springs family-oriented nature means there will be plenty of other hyper toddlers running around too.
For preschoolers and older kiddos, there are lots fun activities and lots of themed restaurants to eat at like the Rainforest Cafe.
🏖️ Looking for other kid-friendly places to visit in Florida?
Check out my 3 Days in Tampa with kids post or my guide on things to do in St. Augustine with kids!
FAQs: Is Disney Springs Worth It?
Disney Springs has free admission, plus a variety of unique restaurants, activities, and entertainment. It’s the perfect place to visit for a Disney-like atmosphere or to spend the evening while on a trip to visit the Disney Theme Parks.
Yes! Disney Springs is an experience. It’s an amazing place to wander around and enjoy the Disney themed atmosphere! Plus there are so many good places to eat in Disney Springs and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Yes, there is a free boat ride at Disney Springs called the Sassagoula River Cruise. This water taxi boat transports guests to and from the Disney Resorts to Disney Springs! You don’t have to be a resort guest to take the boat.
So, Is Disney Springs Worth Visiting?
Disney Springs is absolutely worth visiting on your next trip to Orlando or Disney World. Disney Springs has a great family-friendly atmosphere and is a fun place to wander around. There are many unique restaurants and fun activities in Disney Springs, plus it’s free to enter!
