DISNEY SPRINGS® at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

Top 10 Must-Do’s at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando

For the most up-to-date information on WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort safety guidelines, please visit: Returning to a World of Magic.

With four distinct neighborhoods and more than 150 restaurants, retailers and fun activities, Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando offers worlds of possibilities — and they continue to expand with each passing year. To help you make the most of your time at the walkable entertainment district, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 things in three major categories you must try at least once at Disney Springs, including balloon rides, celebrity chef tasting tours, amphicar voyages and more.

Learn more: Must-See Attractions at Walt Disney World Resort

Also, keep in mind that Disney Springs boasts easy access, free admission and free covered parking. Just be sure to make a note of where you parked before exploring this fun, imaginative setting that you’ll only find in Orlando!

And Disney fans, take note: the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary, The World’s Most Magical Celebration, is underway through March 2023! The milestone is so magically momentous that Walt Disney World has coined a new word — “EARidescence” — to describe the experience. You’ll discover special surprises throughout Walt Disney World Resort, not to mention sparkling new looks for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and a wealth of other surprises!

Restaurants at Disney Springs ®

Morimoto Asia Chef Morimoto
Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto Asia at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Patina Restaurant Group)

Celebrity Chefs

Orlando has become a magnet for celebrity chef-owned restaurants in recent years, and you’ll find more at Disney Springs than anywhere else in the destination. Current headliners include Chef José Andrés’ JALEO, which is complemented by Pepe by José Andrés — the first-ever brick-and-mortar version of his famous food truck.

Learn more: Chefs of Orlando

You can also experience the farm-to-table freshness of Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, inventive fusions at Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia™, gourmet Mexican fare at Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, and sandwiches and burgers from Guy Fieri at Chicken Guy! and Planet Hollywood®. Plus, Wolfgang Puck has debuted Wolfgang Puck® Bar & Grill, which builds on his longtime relationship with Disney Springs.

You will also find local celebrity chefs at Disney Springs courtesy of The Polite Pig. It’s headed by James Beard-nominated Chefs James and Julie Petrakis, who also own The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park among other local favorites.

The Edison at Disney Springs interior bar bartender
The Edison at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Patina Restaurant Group)

The Edison and Enzo’s Hideaway

Nights in Orlando have been more electric since The Edison debuted — and it’s not just because the restaurant, lounge and nightlife hotspot looks as if it was built inside a converted power plant! Live entertainment brings the sizzle and serves as a vibrant complement to The Edison’s signature cocktails and upscale American fare. Burlesque is even on the menu during weekend evenings, when a dress code is in effect and entry is limited to guests 21 and up.

Head downstairs from The Edison for Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar & Restaurant, a speakeasy with a semi-hidden entrance, Prohibition-era cocktails and a hearty menu. You can enjoy even more of “Enzo’s” cooking at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, which is upstairs next to The Edison.

Learn more: Orlando Speakeasies

Family dining at a restaurant in Disney Springs®
House of Blues® at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando

House of Blues®

Home to world-renowned musical acts and artists, House of Blues is a cultural and musical icon, where Southern cuisine and live music converge. Regional, national and international acts have all performed concerts in this famous venue to the delight of visitors and locals. Whether you’re planning a visit to see your favorite band, or popping in for a bite at the Blues Kitchen, House of Blues retains its hip and funky vibe.

What’s more, Sundays at House of Blues are for brunch! Enjoy a tempting buffet featuring comfort food classics like peel-and-eat shrimp, biscuits and gravy, banana bread pudding, and more. And one more thing: Did we mention it’s all-you-can-eat?

The exterior of Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar in Disney Springs at night
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

Themed Restaurants

You know how Walt Disney World theme parks are filled with fantastical environments designed to whisk you away from the world you know to ones you normally only dream of? They brought the same magic to Disney Springs — particularly when it comes to themed restaurants.

Take Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, for example. Based on the blockbuster Indiana Jones films, it’s named after and allegedly owned by the pilot who flew Jones to safety in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Inside, you can marvel at artifacts from Jones and Lindsey’s travels while enjoying food and beverages inspired by their adventures.

Other themed restaurants you’ll want to try at Disney Springs include Rainforest Cafe® and T-REX™, as well as the aforementioned Enzo’s Hideaway, Planet Hollywood and The Edison. Just be sure to save room for the out-of-this-world cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse, which serves incredible desserts in a storefront that resembles an old-time bookstore. Can’t make it to Disney Springs during your visit? You can visit Gideon’s original location at East End Market in Orlando’s Audubon Park Garden District near downtown.

Entertainment at DISNEY SPRINGS®

Cirque Du Soleil - Drawn to Life transition animation table
Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney

Something fresh is always waiting for you at Disney Springs! Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney is an all-new production that a live acrobatic journey where the stage transforms into a giant animation table.

Learn more: New Reasons to Visit Orlando

Created in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney is the ultimate love letter to the art of Disney animation. And you can only witness this unique celebration of life’s deliberate and unanticipated movements at Disney Springs in Orlando!

Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs­™ West Side bar seating
Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Steve Boxell Photography)

Splitsville Luxury Lanes™

If you enjoy bowling and you’re coming to Orlando, we have three words for you: Splitsville Luxury Lanes. The two-story, 50,000-square-foot bowling and dining venue is perfect for people of all ages, and a great addition to your attractions and entertainment must-do list.

Splitsville’s atmosphere is a rare combination of upscale modern and nostalgic kitsch, complete with 30 bowling lanes, billiards, live entertainment and indoor/outdoor seating. Splitsville also offers an eclectic menu that features everything from fresh-rolled sushi and steak chimichurri to traditional favorites like mouthwatering cheeseburgers and hand-tossed pizzas.

Boathouse restaurant at Disney Springs®
Take a Spin in an Amphicar at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

Amphicar Tours

What’s an amphicar, you ask? Pretty much what it sounds like: a cross between a car and a boat that can travel on land and sea. Fewer than 400 of these James Bond-esque conveyances still exist, but you can experience what it’s like to travel in one via Disney Springs’ Amphicar Tours, hosted by The BOATHOUSE®!

Learn more: Orlando Tours

After you climb aboard, an experienced captain will drive you onto Lake Buena Vista, where you’ll enjoy a 25-minute tour of Disney Springs’ landmarks and natural beauty.

Aerial of Disney Springs®
Aerophile — The World Leader in Balloon Flight at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Katie Ellison/©Disney)

Helium Balloon Rides

Disney Springs doesn’t just promise adventure by land and sea via amphicars, but also by air courtesy of Aerophile — The World Leader in Balloon Flight. This attraction uses an Aéro30 helium balloon, which you can board for a relaxing ascent that will take you 400 feet in the air.

Learn more: Orlando Balloon Rides

While you’re up there, enjoy gorgeous views of Orlando’s landscape — including Walt Disney World theme parks! For a fun family game, see how many iconic landmarks you can spot while you’re floating high in the sky on Disney Springs’ beautiful balloon.

An aerialist performs above the crowd at The Edison at Disney Springs
Burlesque at The Edison at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Patina Restaurant Group)

Free Live Entertainment

Are you not entertained? Then head to Disney Springs, which hosts free, live performances every day of the week — including many opportunities for you to become part of the show! Keep an eye out for special events at the district’s Waterview Park, Sunshine Highline, Springs Overlook and Riverboat Square areas, with singing, DJ sets, performance art and more making appearances.

Also, keep in mind that many Disney Springs’ eateries offer complimentary live entertainment for guests. Standouts include traditional Irish singing at Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant, burlesque at The Edison and more.

Shopping at DISNEY SPRINGS®

Family shopping at Disney Springs®
Shop the Latest Disney Fashions and More at DISNEY SPRINGS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

World-Famous Retailers & One-of-a-Kind Gems

If you love to shop, you’re going to adore the more than 100 retailers at Disney Springs. Available options cover just about every style preference and budget, including everything from coveted brand names to unique boutiques to exclusive Disney collectibles.

Learn more: Orlando Shopping

For example, it’s easy to feel the Force at Disney Springs thanks to Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Star Wars Trading Post. They offer clothing, toys, accessories, art and other products based on the famous galaxy far, far away, including exclusives you can only get in Orlando. Similarly, Super Hero Headquarters promises a smashing good time for fans of Marvel’s comic books and movies.

You can also browse the latest designs at Alex and Ani®, pick up some fashionable headwear at Chapel Hats, get up to speed at Fit2Run, or even buy a motorcycle at Orlando Harley-Davidson®. In short, you’ll find it all and a lot more at Disney Springs!

Disney Springs is just one of endless adventures waiting for you at Walt Disney World Resort — and Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com can help you save on admission to all Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks. Take advantage of our free planning tools to discover more ways to enhance your experiences in the Theme Park Capital of the World!

Disney Springs® FAQs

Get answers to visitors’ most frequently asked questions about visiting Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

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