No trip to Orlando is complete without a visit to Disney Springs! The 120-acre outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex has four areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. Enjoy buses and water taxis for fun and convenient transportation between Disney Springs and other areas of Walt Disney World. Let's take a look at what makes Disney Springs such a wondrous place to visit!
Fun Facts and the History of Disney Springs
The complex dates back to 1975 when it first opened. Over the years, it has been renamed and expanded several times. Names have included: Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, Walt Disney World Village, Disney Village Marketplace, and Downtown Disney. The current name, Disney Springs, has been in effect since 2013.
Disney Springs was originally intended to be a shopping mall, however, under the management of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, it began expanding two years after opening. Eisner was looking for ways to keep visitors on Disney property longer, and from seeking fun elsewhere.
Enjoy live music and 25 unique acts every night.
Inspired by the welcoming, waterfront Florida towns of the early 1900s, Disney Springs is described by vice president Keith Bradford as "More than a place to shop and dine. It's a story - as only Disney can tell it."
Disney Springs is full of uniqueness. A few highlights include: ordering cupcakes from a cupcake-dispensing ATM, watching vintage cars drive right into the water, springs throughout the complex containing more than one million gallons of water.
You'll find the largest Disney Store in the world at Disney Springs.
Great Places to Eat at Disney Springs
With all of the excellent restaurant choices, you'll definitely want to enjoy a meal while at Disney Springs. The dining experience is like no other, with restaurants where you'll find award-winning chefs, great food, entertainment, and fun decor that you just won't see anywhere else. For a succulent menu that includes sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and fresh seafood, try The Boathouse. You'll enjoy waterfront views, and oyster bar and the on-site shop called the Boatique. If Southern food is what you are craving, then Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' is where you want to go. Here, you'll find a menu of comfort food that showcases all of Florida's finest flavors. Try dishes such as Church Lady Deviled Eggs, Fried Chicken and Doughnuts, Florida Grouper, and more. At The Daily Poutine, you can indulge in a classic Canadian dish - thick French fries topped with cheddar cheese curds and beef gravy. Even more mouthwatering? You'll find four different varieties of this wonderful creation. For a sweet treat after your meal, don't forget to stop by Amorette's Patisserie. This delicious and sophisticated bakery offers items that include the Mickey Mouse Pastry, Disney Character Cakes, Sunday Coffee Pastry, and much more.
What Makes Disney Springs Such a Great Place
Disney Springs is one of the best destinations in Orlando! A fun break from the theme parks that the city is famous for, it is a delightful experience for people of all ages. One of the best aspects of Disney Springs is that admission is free. You can see many gems, such as "Hidden Mickeys", as well as paintings that tell the story of Disney Springs. You can do things such as craft a custom hat out of snap-on ears, letters and stickers plus monogramming, enjoy exotic chocolate that you won't find anywhere else, or make personalized Christmas ornaments. Take a hot air balloon ride, or take a selfie with the Coca-Cola polar bear. Disney Springs is like a world of its own, offering amazing things to do for everyone who visits.
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