In 2015 Disney Springs (previously known as Downtown Disney) got a re-vamp and WOW what a place it is now! Imagineers at Disney created a completely new theme, centered around a wonderful spring in Florida. I love visiting for its beauty, shopping, entertainment, and great food!!
Since I live just minutes from Disney, I spend a lot of time during my weekends and evenings visiting Disney Springs and getting to experience everything it has to offer. From Sunday brunching at Georges wine bar to bowling at Splitsville, stocking up on my bath bombs from Basin and grabbing my favorite salted caramel cupcake from Sprinkles. There is so much to do and see for everyone in the family!
I have listed my top must do’s for when you get the chance to visit.
Food
Wine Bar George – There are a lot of fun brunch options during weekends. Brunch typically starts at 10:30am I am obsessed with the Dole Whip Mimosa’s at this stunning restaurant and usually order a second! My favorite dish is their Eggs Benedict. With a fun twist on the traditional Eggs Benedict, theirs is made with chicken sausage on a crispy polenta cake.
The BOATHOUSE – Waterfront dining while enjoying a fresh lobster Roll and the best Old fashioned in town is my idea of heaven! Not only are the food and drinks incredible, the views of Saratoga Springs Resort and the boats passing by give a relaxed vacation vibe. You can even take a Captains guided tour in a vintage Amphicar for an additional fee. Their tours are a first come, first serve basis and you can sign up at the Boathouse boutique.
Dessert
Swirls on the Water – Sticking with the Dole Whip theme, this awesome new place offers a full menu of Dole Whip items from floats to dessert nachos! My favorite is the Dole Whip flight so that I get to taste multiple flavors!
Amorette’s Patisserie – This beautiful French bakery offers signature pastries and cakes including the Mickey Mouse (chocolate chiffon cake, dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate mousse), macaroons, eclairs, crème brulee and more. The Amorette’s Signature beverage is a rose regale with a cute Minnie Mouse chocolate topper. These are only available Monday through Thursday.
Shopping
As well as a lot of my favorite high street stores including Zara, Kate Spade and Sephora, I love the boutiques and unique stores Disney Springs has to offer.
Basin is a natural bath, body, and haircare store. All their products are chemical free, and they have some fun items. I love their specialty bath bombs. Particularly the Bombshell bath bomb that has rose petals inside. So fun for a gift or to treat yourself for a special occasion.
The Lego Store – This store is really cool and interactive. You can even create your own LEGO Minifigure. There are tons of Lego sets to purchase and a fun Pick-A-Brick wall. They have larger than life models all made from Lego around the store and outside. There is even a giant Loch Ness Monster! His name is Brickly!
Entertainment
Cirque du Soleil and Disney Drawn to life. I am a huge fan of Cirque shows. The acrobatic skills, creativity and amazing talent is so amazing to watch. I recommend this show for the entire family. Children under two are free if they sit on their parents’ lap. There is usually at 5:30pm and an 8:00pm show
AdventHealth Waterside Stage – I love watching and listening to all the talented artists who perform on this outdoor stage. Its such a great place to go for FREE Live entertainment. They have everything from musicians to Disney dance troops
Tips
Guests staying at Saratoga Springs can either walk or boat over to Disney Springs
Try to get to Disney Springs by 10am or just before, as the makes parking and entry easy.
Parking is free! Valet parking is available and costs $20. This is located right by Cirque du Soleil
Buses are provided when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. They drop you off at the town center in Disney Springs which is convenient and close to everything. Buses begin running to and from the resorts 30 minutes before opening and 1.5 hours after closing
Select Disney Resorts offer Water Taxis to Disney Springs. These include
- Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
- Old Key West
- Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- Port Orleans French Quarter
Water taxis can drop you off at the following locations
- The Marketplace
- The Landing
- West Side
