Note from Katie: allow me to introduce you to my sister, Maggie! Maggie and I have been traveling together for as far back as I can remember, though you may recognize her from our family adventures in Ireland or our girls’ trip to three countries in one week. I am so excited for her to share some thoughts on the blog.
Traveling anywhere can be a bit overwhelming, especially when going to places like Disney. Since the parks now have a reservation system, you are less likely to encounter too much chaos whilst inside, but Disney Springs is still very popular and you do not need a ticket or reservation to enter. Meaning – it can get very crowded, very fast. So my very first DO is to arrive early in the day. DON’T arrive several hours early – there is no rope drop ceremony and everything opens at the same time. I will be referencing different locations throughout Disney Springs, but for a full list of retailers, restaurants, and attractions at Disney springs, check out their website here.
When you initially enter Disney Springs, you are surrounded by shopping. You can find just about anything. From souvenirs to makeup to socks, there is something for everyone. DON’T buy things that are readily available off Disney property. There is a Sephora and a Kate Spade, which MAY have a few Disney “inspired” products, but stores like Fabletics and Harley Davidson are the same as they would be in any mall. Vera Bradley and Uniqlo do have Disney specific sections, so those may be worth a look. The main attraction, of course, are the Disney souvenir stores like World of Disney and Pin Traders. DO check out the Marketplace Co-Op for gifts for Disney loving adults. Highlights include: prints, pet products, housewares, and even Disney exclusive wearables (dresses and magicbands FTW).
In regards to souvenirs for kids, DO consider pin trading on property. You can pick up a starter set or lanyard pin set with a few pins at almost any Disney store and ask the cashiers if they have a pin trading board. It is tons of fun for the younger ones and you don’t have to spend a lot. Plus, you may find a rare one if you check each store. My recommendation, though, is DON’T buy the blind boxes or starter sets if you are able to purchase a specific pin you would want more (then you don’t have to trade if you don’t want to).
A major feature of Disney Springs is their LEGO store. I personally, DON’T think going in is worth it. The inside of the store is visually similar to any other LEGO store in the area. There are no Disney specific discounts or exclusives. The line to get inside is frequently long and once you do get in, it is very crowded and overstimulating. DO take a look at the LEGO sculptures outside and in the water. If you are hoping for a LEGO experience, check out LEGOLAND in nearby Winter Haven.
Food experiences at the Springs are varied. You can grab a bite at a quick service restaurant, a food truck, chef restaurants, or a themed eatery. Before picking a restaurant, DO check their outside or online menu. There are several restaurants with similar fare but very different quality and ambiance. For example, if you are of legal drinking age, DO go to the Jellyfish Bar in the T-Rex Cafe, but DON’T have a meal there. The ambiance is magical and immersive, but the food itself is relatively underwhelming and overpriced for adults. For children, it could be a very fun experience. Other themed restaurants, such as the Edison, or a chef restaurant, such as Morimoto, can offer a better dining experience for a similar price tag. If you decide to grab a drink at the T-Rex Cafe, a souvenir glass is included in the price, unlike other bars on property. Also, DO check the menu for allergens or food restrictions. Since Disney does not ACTUALLY own some of these restaurants, they set their own standards for food preparation.
While specific restaurants have different wait times, DO consider downloading the My Disney Experience app and booking a reservation or calling ahead for times. For example, Gideon’s Bakehouse has a virtual queue, but that virtual queue can be several hours and you may STILL need to spend an hour or more waiting in a physical line. It’s a pretty good cookie, but for me, I would say DON’T spend the day waiting in line for longer than you’d wait for Space Mountain and Peter Pan combined. If you are dying to have a cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse, I would recommend driving a little farther and getting one at their East End Market location – the wait time is substantially shorter and the cookies are just as good.
Disney Springs is a lot of walking in very hot, humid weather. DO make sure to wear comfortable shoes. People will often do DisneyBound outfits to the parks and wear uncomfortable footwear. While there are places to sit, DON’T come to the parks or Disney Springs wearing something that you’re not willing to walk in for ten miles. You will most likely not need a jacket, so DON’T bring it. If you are worried about the weather, DO bring a rain poncho instead. You can purchase them onsite at almost any bigger store.
Bonus Pro-Tips:
- Take a picture of your parking garage location. There are four parking garages and you’ll want to remember which one you were in at the end of a long day.
- Stay hydrated. All Disney properties let you bring in a refillable water bottle and there are fill stations and water fountains all over. If you are not a fan of water, like me, consider bringing flavored drink packets.
- DisneyBound! Adults are not allowed to wear character costumes, even in Disney Springs, but finding pieces in your closet that resemble your favorite character can enhance the magic. For kids, there is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where you can provide your child with a magical dress-up experience onsite.
- Hotel hopping. You don’t have to be staying in a hotel on property to check them out. Obviously, don’t try to access guest specific areas, but you can definitely check out their gift shops and lobby areas. Around the holidays, Disney hotels have themed gingerbread houses (way more elaborate ones than you are likely thinking – think functioning quarter-scale carousels and lighthouses) and you are able to walk into the hotel to check them out. My personal favorites would have to be the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Yacht Club Resort, and you can take the bus from Disney Springs to there and back.
Disney Springs can be a full day of fun and unique experiences. Whether you are a frequent visitor to Disney or this is your first time in the House of Mouse, these tips can come in handy to help you make the best of your day.
Thank you for coming to my TEDtalk. 🙂
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