Disney Springs Recommendations

[mommajen08]

Hello! We're heading down this weekend for a stay at Universal Orlando Resorts. Most of our trip will be spent at the Universal Parks, but we do plan to spend some time this Saturday at Disney Springs. We've never been there before. I was wondering if there are any things we should definitely check out while we're there (restaurants, stores, etc.). We're a family of four with 14 and 18 year old daughters. Our 14 year old is sad we're not spending any time at the Disney Parks this trip, so I was hoping we'd pick up a little Disney magic this way

 

[R4inbow]

Disney Springs is one of our favourite places to go when we're in Orlando, to the point that we often stay in Saratoga Springs so we can walk there. We do like just spending some downtime there though, so your 14 year old might have different ideas of what's fun. We like getting a drink in Earl of Sandwich, sitting in the shade at the front and watching the world go by. Then walking up and down and going in any shops we feel like on the way.

If you fancy something a bit more exciting, the Aerophile hot air balloon looks a lot of fun, or the amphicars. We also quite enjoy just walking along by the water and watching the amphicars set off.

You can also get a bus from there into one of the resorts, maybe eat in one of them, to have a little more Disney magic?

 

[Skippyboo]

Definitely stop at the big World of Disney store. If you want table service dining. Might be difficult to find an adr. You can also try open table. I would recommend exploring Disney Springs website. I would also recommend going in the afternoon. It’s going to be super busy at night especially with the holiday

 

[k5xs]

I agree with R4inbow and Skippyboo.

Shopping is kind of hit and miss, but Uniqlo often has bargains.

We like poutine, so the Daily Poutine is a must do for us.

Love Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar--ask for the diving bell table.

 

[M23F5]

Agree with everything shared above and have to add Gideons if you love cookies. We were lucky enough to arrive early and only have a 30 minute wait last time. Otherwise, you can walk up and join their virtual queue.

 

[BostonEd]

If your 14yo wants some Disney time, have you considered having dinner at one of the resorts? Except for the Disney store, I don't consider Disney Springs very "Disney".

 

[mommajen08]

Thanks all for the recommendations! We had a great time at Disney Springs. The girls definitely got their Disney fix at the World of Disney store. The many live performances we were able to watch also helped kick off our vacation mode.

Much to my dismay, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe (14 y/o daughter's friends all told her to eat there) and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We requested a table as soon as we arrived at Disney Springs and had 45 minutes to wander before it was ready.

The girls were happy to go to Zara (we don't have one by us) and the Coca Cola store was a big hit, especially the rooftop bar. All in all a successful night

 

[FunnyLady1966]

I'm dying to try Chicken Guy because we're huge Guy Fieri fans.

 

[SwanVT2]

Thanks all for the recommendations! We had a great time at Disney Springs. The girls definitely got their Disney fix at the World of Disney store. The many live performances we were able to watch also helped kick off our vacation mode.

Much to my dismay, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe (14 y/o daughter's friends all told her to eat there) and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We requested a table as soon as we arrived at Disney Springs and had 45 minutes to wander before it was ready.

The girls were happy to go to Zara (we don't have one by us) and the Coca Cola store was a big hit, especially the rooftop bar. All in all a successful night

My daughter loved Zara!!

 

[Anna131517]

We ate at the Polite Pig and enjoyed the food. World of Disney is huge and has a ton of stuff. The Lego store is cool if anyone in your family is still into building legos - they have adult sets.

 

[lookingforsunshine]

The cirque show is amazing.

 

[kbelle8995]

I would go to Disney Springs. There are lots of good restaurant options. And you can get that touch of Disney without having to go to the parks. The shops for Disney are many but they can go to other stores. It can be crowded on the weekends.