This article is about the Disney Springs complex at Walt Disney World. For the Downtown Disney district at Disneyland, see Disneyland#Downtown Disney.
At Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), you can design your own T-shirt or marvel at the biggest Disney store in the world; enjoy the fine cuisine of the world's top chefs or eat among the dinosaurs; see a the new hit movie as you dine at your seat or take a ride in a classic "Amphicar"; and in general just get away from the Disney parks for a while.
An outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in the southeast corner of Walt Disney World, Disney Springs has been re-imagined and expanded to four districtsː Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. Although it's geared primarily to adults looking for something to do away from the parks, kids will find several things to occupy their attention as well.
Nearby is the most popular water park in the country, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and several resort hotels and golf courses.
Understand
[edit]Visitors to Disney Springs will find that it has a split personality. During the day, it's a shopping district like no other on Disney property, with everything from mega-stores to smaller specialty boutiques. This is the place to go if you're on day six of your vacation and still haven't figured out what souvenirs you want, or if you decide you just need some good old-fashioned retail therapy. Most of the large stores are in the Disney Springs Marketplace area, with the specialty shops concentrated in the Disney Springs West Side.
At night, though, the lights come on and the place really gets hopping, with live music, stage shows, and sophisticated restaurant and lounges opening their doors to a primarily adult clientele. If you get tired of the relentlessly artificial environments of the theme parks, you can drop by Disney Springs at night for fun of an entirely different sort. The strongest concentration of activity at night is on the West Side, but The Landing gets its share as well thanks to its upscale restaurants and lounges.
Disney Springs also serves as a major transportation hub (especially late at night when the parks are closed), as it's the most reliable way to transfer buses in order to travel between two resorts via Disney transportation.
History
[edit]In 1975, just a few years after Walt Disney World opened, Disney created a small shopping district far to the southeast of the Magic Kingdom, which was at the time the only developed area of the property. As the Walt Disney World Village, and later the Disney Village Marketplace, it remained a remote and rarely visited destination for many years. The only real attraction aside from shopping was the Empress Lilly (Paddlefish in 2017), a non-functional replica paddlewheel boat named after Walt's widow that featured three separate dining rooms.
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Merriweather Pleasure's island
The back story of Pleasure Island held that the area was built around the turn of the 20th century by adventuring businessman Merriweather Pleasure. A severe storm destroyed Pleasure's business interests, however, and he disappeared, leaving behind only giant warehouses. In the late 1980s, entrepreneurs "rediscovered" the warehouses and converted them into the clubs of Pleasure Island. The very popular Adventurers Club, uniquely, was set in Pleasure's time and featured many of his rich adventuring cohorts. |
In the late 1980s, however, as Walt Disney World prepared to open its third theme park, executives realized that adult guests would want to have a place to go after the parks closed, where they could have a drink or go out dancing. And why, they reasoned, should Disney force such guests to go off-property to the city of Orlando to find nightlife, when they could keep them (and their money) on-property? The result was Pleasure Island, a themed collection of nightclubs (with a few restaurants and shops scattered among them) built right next door to the Marketplace. It proved successful, keeping Disney visitors on Disney property, and even attracting locals interested in unique nightclubs like the Adventurers Club and restaurants like Planet Hollywood.
The concept was expanded even further in 1997 with the renaming of the entire area to Downtown Disney, and the opening of the Downtown Disney West Side. The West Side, on the far side of Pleasure Island from the Marketplace, was anchored by the giant circus arena created for a Cirque du Soleil show, and the five-story indoor video play area DisneyQuest (1998). It also included several high-concept restaurants such as Bongos Cuban Cafe and House of Blues.
In 2008, Disney closed down the six remaining Pleasure Island nightclubs, leaving it relatively barren, although the restaurants and shops remained open. Disney had announced plans to convert Pleasure Island into a new district called Hyperion Wharf, but that plan was quickly shelved in favor of a new idea.
In March 2013, Disney released a 3-yr plan to re-imagine and expand the entire Downtown Disney area as Disney Springs, representing a fictional town that developed around a natural spring in central Florida. In this plan, West Side and Marketplace remain, with West Side re-imagined as an Exposition circa 1950s and Marketplace as American Craftsman circa 1930s, while Pleasure Island was transformed in 2015 to The Landing, a transportation hub and marina with re-purposed industrial buildings circa 1900s. A new Town Center was created in 2016, on former surface parking lots just to the south of The Landing, to be the central business district with Spanish revival architecture circa 1920s, complete with a bubbling spring running its length. The Town Center serves as the main entrance of the entire four-district Disney Springs complex. To make up for the loss of parking, Disney added two parking structures, Orange and Lime garages, adjacent to West Side and Town Center respectively.
With the area's transformation, Disney Springs remains an active and vibrant complex, with greatly expanded variety of non-theme-park entertainment, dining, and shopping for Walt Disney World guests and off-property visitors alike.
Get in
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There is no admission fee for Disney Springs in general, although individual attractions may carry a fee. The main entrance is the Town Center opened in 2016 in the middle of the complex. Wheelchair, ECV and stroller rentals are available at the nearby Sundries location next to the Town Center bus loop.
Typhoon Lagoon admission is $49 for adults and $41 for children, unless you have added the Water Park Fun and More option to your Magic Your Way package.
By car
[edit]Disney Springs and Typhoon Lagoon are on Buena Vista Drive; drive east from Epcot Center Drive or west from Hotel Plaza Boulevard. Parking is free at both locations. During peak periods, valet parking may be available for $25.
Two parking structures flank the Town Center main entrance to Disney Springsː the Lime Garage on the right adjacent to Town Center and closer to the Marketplace, and the Orange Garage on the left adjacent to the West Side. There are surface lots on the far end of the West Side.
By Disney transportation
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Buses and ferries travel to Disney Springs.
From any resort, you can take the Disney Springs bus from your resort's bus stop. The buses will drop you off in front of the Town Center. These buses sometimes also stop at Typhoon Lagoon after Disney Springs.
Ferries travel the Sassagoula River from Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs to Disney Springs. The three ferry docks are at the far end of the West Side, at the Landing, and on the bridge between the Marketplace and Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga Springs and Downtown Disney Hotel Plaza guests can also walk to Disney Springs.
If you're going to Typhoon Lagoon, take the Disney Springs bus. Before 1PM or so, you can stay on board and the bus will continue on to Typhoon Lagoon. After that time, you may have to switch buses; ask your bus driver for confirmation. You can, of course, arrive at Disney Springs by foot or by boat before transferring to a bus to Typhoon Lagoon.
From the theme parks
[edit]Because parking at Disney Springs is free, Disney doesn't provide regular direct transportation from Disney Springs to the theme parks or vice versa. Instead, if you want to make the trip, you'll need to transfer at a resort hotel. (The same is true for Typhoon Lagoon.) Your best option might be to take a bus to Saratoga Springs and then make the relatively short walk to Disney Springs.
Disney offers direct buses from the four theme parks to Disney Springs daily after 4PM until 11PM or 2 hours after theme parks close, whichever is earlier. There is no corresponding return bus from Disney Springs to the theme parks.
Get around
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Disney Springs is long and skinny, running roughly northeast-to-west. The northeastern-most end is the Disney Springs Marketplace. The Marketplace curves down and around to the southwest, where it meets up with The Landing (on the water front) and Town Center (to the south near the bus stops). To the west is, of course, the Disney Springs West Side, with the Cirque du Soleil arena at the far end near the ferry terminal.
The entire long complex is sandwiched between parking lots/structures on the south side and Village Lake on the north. From Village Lake, boats can travel the Sassagoula River, which provides access to the Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and Port Orleans resorts. The Downtown Disney Hotel Plaza, a set of inexpensive non-Disney resorts on Disney property, lies just to the northeast of the Marketplace.
If you're tired of walking and need to get from one end of Disney Springs to the other, a free shuttle boat runs among the three docks (West Side, The Landing, Marketplace) every 15 minutes or so—make sure you get on the Green Flag boat.
See and do
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You may have come for the shopping or for the food, but you shouldn't overlook the other attractions of Disney Springs. You can go to the movies, bowl a few frames, or even take a trip on the tallest attraction at Walt Disney World. You'll also find live entertainment—music and comedy—at various venues throughout the complex, especially at night. (For example, look for Nova Era, a chamber trio playing classical music with a modern twist, Wednesdays and Thursdays across from the Lime Garage entrance.)
- 1 AMC Disney Springs 24 (West Side), ☏ +1 407 827-1308. Su-Th 10:30AM-11PM, F Sa 9:45AM-midnight. Okay, so you're on vacation in Florida, with four theme parks, two water parks, and a host of recreational activities to choose from; why would you spend ten bucks to sit inside and watch a movie you could see just as easily back home? Good question. Maybe you just need a break from Disney. And the air conditioning can be attractive. Admittedly, this is a very nice multiplex; all 24 theaters have "rocker-style" stadium seating, surround sound, and digital projection, and one screen is a "Dolby Cinema" (providing enhanced audio, a bigger screen, and other improvements). 6 of the auditoriums are Dine-In Theaters, where you can order food and drinks (including beer, wine, and cocktails) right from your seat while you watch a film. $8-11, Dine-In $3 more, Dolby $4 more.
- 2 The Boathouse tours (The Landing). The Boathouse, Disney Springs' showpiece waterfront restaurant, also offers some unique boat tours. For starters, they have the world's only commercial stable of real 1960s Amphicars, amphibious vehicles that fully reflect the styling of their original era. These captain-guided tours are 20 minutes long and cost $125 per car. They also have an Italian water taxi called Venezia, for groups up to 20; the tour includes champagne and dessert, with live music, and costs $75/person ($50/child under 13) for 30 minutes. Wine tasting-cruises on the same boat are available for $125 per person or $225 per couple. All tours are available daily 10AM-10PM, weather permitting. Reservations for Amphicars must be made in person, for the Venezia tours, call +1 407 939-2628.
- 3 Aerophile (formerly Characters in Flight) (West Side). 8:30AM-midnight, weather permitting. The only literal "ride" in Disney Springs, but it's the tallest one on the entire property. This tethered hot-air balloon lifts you 400 feet in the air for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World. Ages 10+ $20, ages 3-9 $15; $10 before 10:30AM.
- 4 Splitsville (bowling), 1494 E Buena Vista Dr (West Side), ☏ +1 407-938-7467. Su 10AM-1AM, M-Th 10:30AM-1AM, F 10:30AM-2AM, Sa 10AM-2AM. This growing chain of bowling centers seems like a perfect fit for the nightlife-and-entertainment atmosphere of the West Side—and with 30 lanes spread over two floors, this is the largest Splitsville ever built. Far more than just a bowling alley, Splitsville features bowling concierges who bring your shoes, balls, and food right to your lane; an extensive restaurant menu with both casual and innovative cuisine; a full bar; and live music every night. With so much to do, even people who don't bowl can have a great time. $20/bowler ($15 M-F before 4PM) for 60-105 min of bowling (varies based on party size); shoe rental incl.
Typhoon Lagoon
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According to Disney Imagineering legend, years ago, a fishing trawler named Miss Tilly found itself caught in a powerful hurricane. When the torrent subsided, the boat found itself perched precariously atop Mt. Mayday, with water still gushing down through channels and valleys to a lake below. What else was there to do but for the survivors to create Typhoon Lagoon?
Typhoon Lagoon is the second-most-visited water park in the world (Chime-Long WaterPark in Guangzhou, China, just barely passed it in 2013), and is a great place to beat the Summer heat from June through September. While its theme is not as whimsically inventive as that of its sister park, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon excels at providing guests a consistent and energetic setting for some of the best water rides in the world. But do keep an eye out for the unique touches the Imagineers have brought to the decor, including scattered remnants of ships' cargoes and even palm trees supposedly bent low by the hurricane!
Typhoon Lagoon is not far from Disney Springs, and the two often share bus routes. The park is usually open from 10AM–5PM, and admission is $52 for adults or $44 for kids ages 3-10. Admission to the water park counts as one of your "Fun Visits" if you've added either the Water Park Fun & More or the Park Hopper Plus options to your tickets—and note that just one admission almost pays for the cost of the option.
The direct telephone number for Typhoon Lagoon is +1 407 560-4141. Typhoon Lagoon closes for annual refurbishment every fall or winter, almost always including the month of December (during which Blizzard Beach remains open to provide a bit of Christmas-in-Florida atmosphere).
- 5 Castaway Creek. A 2,000-foot tubing river that winds through the whole park.
- 6 Crush 'n Gusher Water 'Rollercoaster'. What do you get when you cross a water slide with a roller coaster? This!
- 7 Gangplank Falls. A family ride, in four-passenger tubes.
- 8 Humunga Kowabunga. Three 214 foot long slides send you plummeting straight down, at a terrifying five stories per second!
- 9 Keelhaul Falls. A whitewater rafting experience.
- 10 Ketchakiddee Creek. A children's play area.
- 11 Mayday Falls. Inner tube slide winding down the side of an artificial mountain.
- 12 Miss Adventure Falls. Family raft ride through a collection of sunken treasures.
- 13 Storm Slides. Three 30-mph slides through dark caverns.
- 14 Surf Pool. One of the world's largest wave pools with some of the largest artificially created waves. Take advantage of the surfing lessons offered here.
Golf
[edit]There is one 18-hole championship golf course in the Disney Springs area. See "Golf" in the overview for rules and regulations. Monday through Friday, 18 holes will cost $89 if you're staying at a Disney hotel, and $104 otherwise. On weekends, add $10. During the summer, 10AM-3PM tee times are discounted; ask for the "Summer Price Slice" when you call. Late afternoon tee times are $59 on weekdays and $69 on weekends for everyone. Call +1 407 WDW-GOLF (939-4653) to reserve a tee time.
- 15 Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, 2200 Club Lake Dr (off Buena Vista Dr, north of Saratoga Springs). This golf course meanders throughout the area north of Disney Springs, starting adjacent to the Saratoga Springs Resort, crossing the Sassagoula River, and running right through the middle of the Old Key West Resort. At 6,819 yards, with narrow fairways and even a challenging island green on hole 7, this golf course will give a great tour of the scenery around the Disney Springs-area resorts.
Spa
[edit]- 16 Senses – A Disney Spa (Saratoga Springs Resort), ☏ +1 407-WDW-SPAS (939-7727). 8AM-8PM. Saratoga Springs, New York, was once known for its healing and relaxing mineral waters, a tradition carried forward at this full-service spa and health club. The expected wide array of massages, facial and full-body treatments, and manicures and pedicures are all available here, and they're not restricted to guests staying at the resort. Expect to pay about $140 for a 50-minute treatment, or $200 for an 80-minute treatment, with plenty of more expensive packages available.
Waterfront recreation
[edit]The Riverside section of Disney's Port Orleans Resort has an old-fashioned Fishin' Hole, with cane rods and plenty of bluegill, bass, and catfish to catch (though you may have some competition, in the form of a river otter). Hours normally 7AM-1:45PM daily.
Buy
[edit]Disney Springs is a retail mecca, a mall done Disney-style. The highest concentration of Disney-themed merchandise shops is in the Marketplace, the eastern part of Disney Springs. The new Town Center holds most of the chain stores one might find in any American mall, but also is home to more unique retailers not easily found elsewhere. Many of the stores here also sell exclusive Disney-inspired designs. The rest of Disney Springs has fewer shops, but the West Side does house some specialty retailers, with a lot less mouse ears.
For shops without direct phone numbers, you can call Guest Relations at +1 407 828-3150. Press '3' and tell the operator which store you wish to contact.
All stores at Disney Springs open at 10AM and close at 11PM (11:30PM Friday and Saturday).
Marketplace
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The Marketplace is anchored by the 51,000-square-foot (4,700-m2) World of Disney:
- 1 World of Disney, ☏ +1 407 828-1451. A Disney Store on steroids, with a truly stunning array of character and park merchandise. This is the place to go if you can't find a souvenir you like anywhere else.
If that doesn't suit your fancy, try out these other shops:
- 2 Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, ☏ +1 407 828-4840, fax: +1 407 828-8019, arribaswdw@arribas.com. Since 1967, Arribas Brothers has been crafting metal, crystal, and glass into works of art featuring iconic Disney characters and settings. The store sparkles with light refracted through the many creations; you have to at least wander through the place even if you don't intend to buy anything.
- 3 The Art of Disney, ☏ +1 407 828-3929. An art gallery a-la-Disney, filled with works that wouldn't look out of place in a museum, whether they had a Disney theme or not. Fun to browse, but don't think you can't afford the stuff in here; there's lots to be had for very reasonable prices. Of course, if you feel like splurging, you can't really go wrong here, either.
- Basin, ☏ +1 407 827-8080. All-natural bath and skin-care products.
- 4 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. 9AM-9PM. Just like the one at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the place to go for a little girl who wants to get the full princess treatment. Her "fairy godmother" will do her up right with makeup, hairstyle, and other accouterments, although Mom and Dad will have to pay for the privilege. Very popular; appointments (call +1 407 WDW-STYLE (939-7895)) are strongly recommended. $50-250.
- Disney Design-A-Tee. Can't find a shirt with your favorite character in your size? Disney Design-A-Tee comes to the rescue! In this new, experimental shop, you can design your own T-shirt using a library of graphics, add custom text, and get it printed on a T-shirt in your choice of colors and sizes. The graphic selection is good but has some gaps; it's also hard to navigate. But once your design is finished, the shirt is ready within a couple of hours (depending on how busy they are) and the screen printing is high-quality. Well worth the time to stop in.
- 5 Disney's Days of Christmas, ☏ +1 407 828-3759. There are 365 days of Christmas at this shop, with a much larger selection than Magic Kingdom's Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe or Hollywood Studios' It's a Wonderful Shop.
- 6 Disney's Pin Traders. The largest trading-pin store at Walt Disney World, which means it's a gathering place for pin trading as well as purchasing.
- 7 Disney's Wonderful World of Memories. Pick up personalized hats and leather goods and special seasonal merchandise (like graduation gear!) at this unique shop.
- 8 The LEGO Store, ☏ +1 407 828-0065, fax: +1 407 828-0059. Here you can gawk at the LEGO sculptures, try your hand at building some of your own, or shop for that one set that you're missing from your collection. Don't miss the Pick-A-Brick wall, an entire section devoted to à la carte brick bins; replace that one missing piece or assemble your own custom set!
- 9 Marketplace Co-Op. A selection of small boutiques-within-the-store, with Disney changing the concepts within as the market demands. As of summer 2018, the six boutiques offer wares such as women's accessories, men's apparel, travel accessories, unique Disney art, home goods, and personalized electronics accessories.
- 10 Mickey's Pantry, ☏ +1 407 828-3886. Kitchen products and other housewares; the adjacent Spice & Tea Exchange store pairs nicely.
- 11 Once Upon a Toy, ☏ +1 407 934-7775. WDW's second-largest collection of Disney toys (after World of Disney). It may seem redundant with that mega-store next door, but Once Upon a Toy specializes in third-party toys with a Disney theme (like board games and Rubik's cubes) and non-Disney merchandise (check out the Mr. Potato Head parts bin).
- 12 Star Wars Trading Post. It's here that you can build-your-own Star Wars lightsaber or droid if the store in Hollywood Studios is too busy for you. A selection of other gear from a galaxy "far far away" is also available.
- 13 Tren-D. An eclectic shop with contemporary Disney-inspired designs for teenage fashionistas. The designs here tend to be unique to this store; it's worth a look if you're in the market for less "touristy" fare.
Gift shops inside the Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex restaurants also sell a variety of specialized themed merchandise. Inside of T-Rex specifically, the gift shop includes a Build-A-Bear Workshop outpost with a twist; Build-A-Dino allows you to create your very own dinosaur stuffed animal.
Throughout the Marketplace area, various kiosks sell goods ranging from pearl jewelry and custom rings to gifts for your dog and items made just for those that are left-handed.
Town Center
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This is the newest and most "mall" section of Disney Springs, but nevertheless, many of the chains here have a very limited selection of brick-and-mortar stores, with their Disney Springs location being one of their only outlets.
- 14 American Threads. Pick up trendsetting styles with a bohemian flair at this hip, chic women's boutique selling everything from rompers to unique accessories.
- 15 Coca-Cola Store, 1512 E Buena Vista Dr, ☏ +1 407-560-0107. 10AM-11PM daily. Check out this "former bottling plant", now selling exclusive Coke merchandise. You can also meet the company's Polar Bear mascot and enjoy the rooftop beverage bar including international soft drinks and frozen beverages, and evening cocktails and alcoholic smoothies.
- 16 Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories. Disney-themed handbags, necklaces, bracelets and more at this temporary shop open while World of Disney undergoes a makeover.
- 17 Free People. Hip boutique specializing in bohemian-style apparel and accessories with a modern influence.
- 18 Johnny Was. Chic bohemian looks are also sold at this small shop; perfect spot to pick up maxi dresses and silk scarves.
- 19 Lacoste. The famous iconic crocodile is featured on shirts and more for men, women, and children at this fashionable French chain. Complimentary monogramming is offered on all polo shirt purchases.
- 20 Lilly Pulitzer. Playful prints cover everything from clothing to accessories to home decor, capturing a unique vacation vibe inspired by their Floridian beginnings.
- 21 L'Occitane en Provence. Sample a range of all-natural skincare and beauty products before you buy one at this French apothecary. Mix your own essential oils or receive a complimentary mini facial or hand massage while you browse.
- 22 Origins. High-performance botanical skincare products are sold alongside in-store complimentary mini facials and customized samples.
- 23 Orlando Harley-Davidson, ☏ +1 407-938-0522. Okay, so you can't actually buy a Harley here, but you can buy Harley logo merchandise and drool over the custom hogs on display.
- 24 Shore. Beach-inspired boutique selling swimwear, tees, and accessories fit for a Floridian lifestyle.
- 25 Stance. Online startup retailer specializing in unique sock designs for all ages and genders.
- 26 Superdry. This British brand offers up high-quality fabrics featuring unique vintage American and Japanese-influenced graphics on items like hoodies, T-shirts, and flip-flops.
- Trophy Room. This new store sells exclusive sports merchandise, hip sneakers, and authentic memorabilia in a space inspired by the trophy room of founder Marcus Jordan's father, NBA star Michael Jordan.
- 27 Tumi. Luxurious backpacks, briefcases, luggage, and accessories are sold at this boutique for the modern traveller.
- 28 Under Armour Brand House. More than just a regular Under Armour store, this two-floor emporium sells the latest in athletic apparel, shoes, and fitness gadgets. A massive sneaker wall and a special area where athletes can test their skills round out the unique offerings.
- 29 Uniqlo. The explosive growth of this Japanese-born retailer is a testament to the quality and style of their clothing, available for men, women, kids, and even infants. Special Disney-exclusive brands at this store make it worth a visit.
- 30 UNOde50. Unique, handcrafted Spanish jewelry for both men and women artfully designed in limited quantities.
- 31 Volcom. Store specializing in sporty apparel for skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing.
Other, more standard "mall" stores here include Anthropologie, Coach, Columbia Sportswear, Everything But Water, francesca's, kate spade new york, Lucky Brand, MAC Cosmetics, Oakley, Pandora Jewelry, Sephora, Sperry, Tommy Bahama, UGG, and Vera Bradley.
There are also some unique specialty stores spread around the Town Center, with eyeglasses at Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear; handbags and backpacks at Kipling; jewelry at Alex and Ani, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International, and Na Hoku - Hawaii's Finest Jewelers; shoes at Johnston & Murphy, and Melissa Shoes; and art and home goods at Sugarboo & Co.
The Store at Planet Hollywood also sells a variety of themed apparel and souvenirs.
The Landing
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Dominated by restaurants and bars, there are some smaller shops tucked in among the large eateries on this island.
- 32 Art of Shaving. Classic, refined store selling high-end grooming essentials for the modern man. The connected Barber Spa offers pricey but thorough haircuts and shaves.
- 33 Chapel Hats. A store specializing in every kind of headwear you could think of, from fedoras to sun hats and fancy top hats to kid's caps.
- 34 Erwin Pearl. An "affordable luxury" jewelry chain featuring unique, handcrafted bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings, pins, and charms.
- 35 Havaianas. Offering casual footwear, this Brazilian chain lays claim to be the home of the "original" flip-flops. In addition to the over 300 unique styles, you can design-your-own.
- 36 Sanuk. Searching for sandals, flats, or other foorwear? This shop stocks unique shoes with fun designs crafted from interesting materials, like yoga mats.
- 37 Savannah Bee Company. Pick up some locally-grown, all-natural honey as well as luxurious body care goods made from the honey.
Kiosks in the "Riverboat Square" plaza near the bridge to the Marketplace sell goods ranging from hammocks, to bath and body products, to movie-replica jewelry.
Both the Boathouse Boatique and Raglan Road's Shop for Ireland stock unique goods based on their respective restaurant's theme.
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West Side
[edit]The West Side's stores are all larger, specialty shops focused on a specific type of merchandise or brand.
- Curl by Sammy Duvall. Watersports icon Sammy Duvall lends his name to this high-end surf shop; it also sells ski and skate gear.
- Disney's Candy Cauldron. There's no shortage of candy shops in Disney World, but this one features a show kitchen, too, if you'd like to watch the sweet stuff being made.
- DisneyStyle. Hip, trendy and fashionable apparel and accessories inspired by Disney's characters and attractions.
- Fit2Run. This is the place for athletic footwear. A complimentary evaluation includes a video-taped gait analysis and an iStep barometric scan to help you find the perfect pair. To try them out, an indoor track is perfect for test runs.
- Pop Gallery. Pricey art and other items of high caliber; if that sounds beyond your means, just grab a complimentary glass of bubbly and treat it like an art gallery!
- Something Silver. Men's and women's jewelry made from recycled or renewable material.
- Sosa Family Cigars. A smoke shop at Disney? Yes. Sosa is a premium Dominican brand, and this shop features a cool humidor with 80 brands of hand-rolled cigars.
- Star Wars Galactic Outpost. An extensive array of toys, apparel, and collectibles from the Star Wars saga.
- Sunglass Icon. Just what it says on the door: all the designer sunglasses you could possibly want.
- Super Hero Headquarters. A high-tech shop featuring all sorts of Marvel superhero merchandise.
- Pelé Soccer, ☏ +1 407-560-0605. Soccer gear from around the world, including both equipment and logo merchandise.
Bongos Cuban Café Souvenir and Gift Shop, Splitsville's Memory Lanes, and the House of Blues Company Store all offer unique themed gifts specific to each restaurant and venue.
Eat
[edit]Disney Springs is Disney World's largest dining destination, and while it is geared primarily towards adults, all of the restaurants are family-friendly (at least before nightfall). You won't find many "generic" restaurants here; each one has a distinct hook or drawing card that brings in the crowds. If you run out of time to try them all, well, now you have something to look forward to on your next visit, right?
See Eat in the main Walt Disney World article for information on the Disney restaurant pricing system, character dining, dietary restrictions, and advance dining reservations. The telephone numbers below are for extraordinary circumstances only; for reservations and most health or diet issues, call the main Disney Dining number at +1 407 WDW-DINE (939-3463).
Although most of these restaurants are run by outside companies, they all now accept the Disney Dining Plan. The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia, Paddlefish, and STK Orlando are Signature Restaurants and require two table-service credits; the other table-service restaurants require only one.
Marketplace
[edit]The Disney Springs Marketplace is where you'll find the kid-friendliest food options; the restaurants close earlier so they don't have as many late-night entertainment options. Marketplace restaurants are open from 9AM to 11PM daily.
- Earl of Sandwich, ☏ +1 407 938-1762, fax: +1 407 938-0123. This very popular eatery comes by its name honestly: this is the flagship location of a growing chain of sandwich shops co-founded by John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich himself. Far more than your ordinary sandwich shop, these are some of the best hot sandwiches you'll ever have the pleasure of biting into. The house specialty is "The Original 1762", with roast beef, cheddar cheese, and horseradish. The line is long but moves steadily; there are so many choices you may have trouble deciding before you reach the front! $6.
- Rainforest Cafe, ☏ +1 407 827-8500. One of two WDW locations for this chain restaurant, which features animatronic animals, thunderstorms, and good food. There's a big gift shop packed with Rainforest Cafe logos, too. One word of warning—the animatronics can be a bit startling, as they sometimes come to life suddenly; some kids might find them unsettling. $13–32.
- T-Rex, ☏ +1 407 828-TREX (8739). This new restaurant, the second one in the chain, is a lot like Rainforest Cafe, but with prehistoric creatures instead of modern animals. The "Dino-Store" gift shop features just about what you'd expect, but don't miss the Build-A-Dino area, run by Build-A-Bear Workshop. It tends to be one of most popular restaurants in Disney Springs, so reservations are highly recommended. $12–30.
- Wolfgang Puck Express, ☏ +1 407 828-0107. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has his name on three restaurants at Disney Springs. This is the most casual of them, with a variety of traditional favorites including Italian and barbecue entrees. They're all expertly prepared and some have added just a little twist from Puck. $10–16.
Town Center
[edit]- Frontera Cocina, 1486 Buena Vista Dr, ☏ +1 407-228-1901. Daily 11AM-11PM. Chef Rick Bayless has created a heavily Mexican-flavored eatery for Disney Springs. All the standard south-of-the-border staples are here: enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, guacamole... but each expertly prepared and presented with some additional flavors you may not be used to. There's also a takeout window with a couple of taco options and margaritas.
The Landing
[edit]Pleasure Island's nightclubs are a thing of the past, but The Landing is home to some new and very good restaurants. They're for the most part not heavily themed, but they're well worth checking out if you're in the mood for high-quality food without loud music—or loud dinosaurs—interrupting your meal.
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- The Boathouse, ☏ +1 407 939-2628. Daily 11AM-1:30AM. The Boathouse is an expansive upscale waterfront restaurant, the centerpiece of The Landing. With five dining areas and three bars with outdoor seating and live entertainment daily, it's an extremely popular destination. The casual and fun boathouse atmosphere draws raves. There are vintage and classic boats all around the docks and some are available for tours! (See "Do" section below) On the menu, steaks and seafood are the specialties, served simply but with excellent quality and preparation. $15-35 per adult; Dining Plan requires two credits.
- Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', ☏ +1 407 560-0100. M-Th 11AM- 11PM, F Sa 11PM-midnight, Su 10AM-11PM. This celebrity chef returns to his roots at this homey restaurant serving up the best Floridian cuisine has to offer. Specialties include their fried chicken, Florida grouper, and "shine" cake made from their house moonshine. An extensive range of cocktails made with local ingredients are a perfect compliment to the meal. A walk-up window outside offers up a limited menu to-go. $15-35 per adult.
- The Edison, ☏ +1 407 560-9288. Su-W 11:30AM-1AM, Th-Sa 11:30AM-2AM. Step into this cavernous, industrial gothic hotspot for American cuisine, craft cocktails, and exciting entertainment. Set within the island's old power plant, the second outpost of this Los Angeles icon is 21+ after 10PM, and offers late-night music and entertainment from Thursday through Saturday. Note: a dress code is in place nightly after 10, with ball caps, sleeveless shirts, and flip-flops not allowed. $15-$35 per adult.
- Maria & Enzo's Ristorante, ☏ +1 407 560-8466. Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Traditional Italian restaurant cooking up authentic pastas and parmigianas in a "restored" 1930s-era air terminal setting. $15-$35 per adult.
- Pizza Ponte. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. An array of authentic Italian slices are served up all day at this counter-service pizzeria with limited seating within the larger Maria & Enzo's building. Under $15 per adult.
- Enzo's Hideaway. Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-1AM. Enjoy classic Italian dishes and sip unique cocktails while you listen to solo jazz artists late into the night at this rediscovered 1920s speakeasy hidden beneath the air terminal that houses Maria & Enzo's. $15-35 per adult.
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- Morimoto Asia, ☏ +1 407-939-6686. Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-1AM. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto has opened this enormous eatery to bring a pan-Asian flavor to Disney Springs. Dressed as the former Disney Springs Bottling Company, the restaurant features a gleaming metal and crystal interior with numerous dining areas and a bar that stretches across the building's two stories. Morimoto's specialty has always been Japanese fusion, but here he brings in flavors from throughout East Asia, as well as Western-inspired dishes with signature Asian touches. An outside walk-up window, Street Food, serves ramen, sushi, and more at a cheaper price. $15-35 per adult; Dining Plan requires two credits.
- Paddlefish, ☏ +1 407 934-2628. Su-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F Sa 11:30AM-midnight. A long time ago, before Pleasure Island was even a glimmer in anyone's eye, this was the Empress Lilly, a replica (but non-functioning) paddle-wheel steamboat named for Walt Disney's widow. After many years as Fulton's Crab House, its newest incarnation is Paddlefish. As with its predecessors, the specialty is seafood. Although the three floors each offer a different experience, with the open top deck particularly appealing, the view still pales in comparison to the seafood-focused Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot. Lunch $15-35, Dinner $35-60 per adult, Dining Plan requires two credits.
- Paradiso 37, ☏ +1 407 934-3700. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnght, Bar until 2AM. This eatery features selections from throughout the 37 countries of the Western Hemisphere: from burgers to burritos, and from salmon to arepas. $15-35 per adult.
- Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, ☏ +1 407 938-0300. Daily 11AM-11PM, late night until 1AM (1:30 on weekends). You ought to feel "lucky" to dine at this Irish restaurant, which of course wouldn't be complete without a full-service bar built in Ireland and shipped over. Live entertainment from 6PM until midnight, six nights a week. $15-35 per adult.
- Cooke's of Dublin. Daily 11AM-midnight. Adjacent to Raglan Road, Cooke's is known for its fish and chips. In fact, there's not much else on the menu, but what they do have, they do very well. $9–12.
- STK Orlando, 1580 E Buena Vista Dr. An aggressively modern upscale steakhouse, STK Orlando borrows several signature dishes from other restaurants in the small chain, as well as adding a few unique localized dishes of its own. Big space with a fair bit of outdoor patio seating. ; Dining Plan requires two credits.
- Terralina Crafted Italian, ☏ +1 407 934-8888. Daily 11:30AM-11PM. Waterfront dining in this Italian country home with a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes, including some served family-style. $15-35 per adult.
West Side
[edit]The West Side is the home of the celebrity restaurant. Movie stars, comedians, singers, and even a celebrity chef have all created venues here that reflect their own personalities and proclivities. West Side restaurants are open from 11AM to midnight daily.
- Bongos Cuban Cafe, ☏ +1 407 828-0999. Singers Emilio and Gloria Estefan established Bongos to be a nightspot with authentic Cuban flavor, both in the food and in the entertainment. Behind the two-story pineapple that marks its entrance is one of the most vibrant, energetic venues in all of Disney Springs, and that's saying something. $16–29.
- House of Blues, 1490 E Buena Vista Dr, ☏ +1 407 934-BLUE (2583). You can't miss this place; just head for the 100-foot water tower! Dan Aykroyd—that's right, Elwood Blues himself—co-founded this chain of rocking establishments that are both restaurant and live music venue. You'll find some free music in the various dining rooms every night, with major acts booked in the main hall that have a separate admission fee. But don't overlook the food—you'll find a variety of hearty down-home Southern meals from burgers to jambalaya. $11–27.
- The Smokehouse. If you hanker for some barbecue but don't want to wait for a table at the Crossroads (the main House of Blues dining room), try this counter service location at the side of the building.
- Planet Hollywood Observatory, ☏ +1 407 827-7827, fax: +1 407 827-7847. Founded by Demi Moore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis, the Planet Hollywood chain has never been as successful as they hoped, but it's still a great place to gawk at celebrity paraphernalia and enjoy a good meal at the same time. This giant spherical structure sits between the Town Center and the West Side, and it's usually pretty busy. Just like at a Hard Rock Cafe, part of the appeal is buying a T-shirt identifying the location you visited; if you don't want to brave the crowds at the restaurant, you can check out their standalone store just down the street on the West Side. $12–27.
Food trucks
[edit]Disney's dipping their toe into the food truck phenomenon. They've constructed a Food Truck Park on the West Side near Bongos Cuban Cafe. There are four Disney food trucks, each one representing one of the four theme parks, but since they're mobile they may or may not be present on any given day. Non-Disney trucks may also be found on occasion, especially if one of the Disney trucks is elsewhere. The trucks serve food daily, opening between 1PM and 5PM (depending on crowd levels) and closing at 11PM. For the four Disney food trucks, entrees cost $8–15, or you can use a quick-service credit from the Dining Plan.
- Fantasy Fare (Magic Kingdom). Popular dishes from Disney's worldwide theme parks that aren't usually available in Florida, like Disneyland's hand-dipped corn dogs.
- Springs' Street Tacos (Disney Springs).
- Superstar Catering (Hollywood Studios). Specializing in meatballs in a variety of presentations.
- World Showcase of Flavors (Epcot). Select fan-favorites from the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will now be available year-round, including lobster rolls and pierogies.
Snacks and sweets
[edit]There are several food locations at Disney Springs that don't really qualify as restaurants, but a couple are of particular note:
- The Ganachery (The Landing). Opens 15 Dec 2015. Chocolatiers will personally welcome you to this new shop, introducing you to the intricate possibilities of fine chocolate ganache. The subtle flavor variations of expertly crafted chocolate can rival those of wine in their complexity and opportunity for new discoveries, and The Ganachery aims to demonstrate that. You can even watch the chocolatiers at work, as nearly everything in the store is crafted on-site.
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop and Soda Fountain (Marketplace), ☏ +1 407 934-8855. Enjoy chocolates, ice cream, and other great desserts at this San Francisco legend. Ghirardelli is the first name in chocolate for good reason. $3–30.
- Starbucks (West Side). 10AM-midnight. Sure, you've been to Starbucks; you know what it's got. But this one's probably not like any other one you've seen. For starters, they serve up the "Starbucks Evenings" menu, which includes beer, wine, and small-plate appetizers. This is also a "Starbucks Reserve" location, one of their select shops that offers exotic brewed-to-order beans from a specialty counter. But on top of all that, there's tons of seating indoor and out, living botanical murals, and an interactive 'chalkboard' that's directly connected to one at the Starbucks in Disneyland's Downtown Disney district! (Note that there's another Starbucks at the Marketplace near World of Disney, but it's much smaller, has no seating, and just serves the regular Starbucks fare; it's open 8AM-midnight.)
- Vivoli Il Gelato (The Landing). Daily 10AM-midnight. The word "authentic" is thrown around a bit too often these days, especially at Disney, but this Italian establishment comes by it honestly; Vivoli is the oldest gelateria in Florence. Gelato is ice cream made in a traditional Italian style, and Vivoli has 24 flavors of it ready for scooping. The recipes and some of the more important ingredients are imported from Italy; other ingredients are locally sourced where possible. In addition to the divine gelati, Vivoli serves up sorbets, biscotti, and coffees. Gelato and sorbetto $5-7, sundaes and shakes $10-11.
Resort dining
[edit]All restaurants at Disney resorts accept the Dining Plan.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort
[edit]Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter used to be two separate resorts, so they each have their own food courts for quick counter-service dining. They share a table-service location, though:
- Boatwright's Dining Hall (near the Riverside main lobby). 5-10PM. This may be the largest restaurant on the property, serving Southern fare such as ribs, chicken, steaks, etc. Great for families or groups of adults, as the large restaurant is big enough to absorb a lot of noise. $18-27.
Disney's Old Key West Resort
[edit]Goods To Go is your standard basic counter-service location with burgers and chicken nuggets and not a whole lot else. For more substantial fare:
- Olivia's Cafe. 7:30AM-10PM. Strongly meat-based entrees with substantial Caribbean accents. $17-28.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
[edit]Artist's Palette serves hot sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads from a counter. For table-service:
- Turf Club Bar and Grill. through Sep 29: noon-9PM; starting Sep 30: 5-10PM. American fare with a sophisticated twist. Reportedly has good views of the Buena Vista golf course. $12-29.
Typhoon Lagoon
[edit]- Leaning Palms. Park open-park close. This is the main eatery at Typhoon Lagoon, and the only one open during the slowest parts of the year. It's also the only one with indoor seating. Burgers, pizza, chicken, and tuna. $6-8.
- Typhoon Tilly's. Open seasonally, park open-park close. This is the secondary meal location, located near the Shark Reef. BBQ pork, hot dogs, even PB&J if you want it. Outdoor seating. $6-9.
Drink
[edit]
Several years ago, this section would have been chock full of unique late-night venues, with comedy, music both modern and classic, and even (briefly) rollerskating. Now, the nightclubs are gone (though you can find a couple over at Disney's BoardWalk: Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Hall), but you still have some options if you're looking for nightlife.
- Dockside Margaritas (Marketplace). A mid-century Floridian fruit stand is the setting for Disney Springs' first standalone bar. Unique Flordia-themed margaritas are the specialty, and Floridian craft beers are on tap. Live waterfront entertainment daily, in the afternoon and evening until 10:30PM.
- Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar (The Landing). Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight; F Sa 11:30AM-1AM. Okay, send your memories back, way back, to the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first Indiana Jones film. The intrepid pilot who rescues Indy from the Peruvian natives in the prologue was Jock Lindsey (and his snake Reggie). It seems that at some point, while Indy and Jock were searching for the Fountain of Youth, they stumbled across Disney Springs. The setting appealed to Jock, who bought some waterfront property and opened up a seaplane touring service in Disney Springs, later converting his hangar to a casual lounge. You'll find lots of drinks and bar food named after some iconic elements from the films, as well as decor representing Jock and Indy's adventures around the world.
- MacGuffins Bar and Lounge (inside the AMC multiplex). Hang out with friends before the show, or grab an after-movie cocktail in AMC's full-service bar. In addition to the drinks both hard and soft, the full "Fork & Screen" menu is available as well, with burgers, pizza, and other casual-restaurant staples. Meals $9-12.
- Sosa Family Cigars (West Side). If tobacco is your thing, you'll definitely want to stop at this cigar bar, pretty much the only place in Walt Disney World that you can smoke indoors. But don't pull out your Camels; they've got a wide selection of cigars ready for smoking, stored in custom humidors. You can have some wine or spirits with your cigar as well, but you should probably steer clear if you're just here for the alcohol.
Keep in mind that many of Disney Springs' restaurants have full bars, letting you belly up for a drink without waiting for a table. Chief among them is Raglan Road, The Landing's Irish pub. Between pints of Guinness, you may catch some live music on selected nights.
On the other hand, if you're really in the mood to rock the night away, head over to the House of Blues on the West Side. They've got live music every night, though you'll have to pay extra to catch the best shows in their main hall. And if all you want to do is get your groove on, your best bet is Bongos Cuban Cafe; the music is deejayed but the dance floor is ready and waiting.
Of course, don't forget Splitsville's bowling lanes and the AMC Disney Springs 24 movie theater, both of which keep guests entertained well into the night.
Resorts
[edit]The resorts all have pool bars available with a small selection of refreshments. In addition:
- The Gurgling Suitcase (Old Key West). 11:30AM-midnight daily. A small but serviceable bar with the most bizarre name on property.
- River Roost Lounge (Port Orleans-Riverside). 4PM-midnight daily. The lounge at Port Orleans-Riverside has a full bar and offers specialty drinks and a few snacks and appetizers (until 10PM). Sing along with pianist "Ye Haa" Bob Jackson from 8:30PM-close, W-Sa.
- Scat Cat's Club (Port Orleans-French Quarter). 4PM-midnight daily. Scat Cat, featured in the animated classic The Aristocats, must have moved to New Orleans after the events of the film, since this lounge in the French Quarter resort is named for him. Their specialty is any drink served in a hurricane glass, an innovation developed in the real New Orleans.
- The Turf Club Bar (Saratoga Springs). Adjacent to the Turf Club Grill, this lounge takes you back to a time when horse racing was the domain of the well-to-do, with leather seating and billiards tables.
Sleep
[edit]
| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | $0-$150 |
| Mid-range | $150-$250 |
| Splurge | $250+ |
There is a full range of hotel options near Disney Springs, unless you're looking for a Disney Value Resort like Pop Century. The low-end options in this area are non-Disney hotels with none of the theming or amenities provided to Disney resort guests. The Moderate and Deluxe resorts, however, are Disney through-and-through, and possibly the most scenic and most tranquil resorts on the entire property.
The price you pay for tranquility, however, is remoteness; with the exception of Disney Springs itself, the parks are all a fair distance away by bus or car, with no monorail or boat transportation available. If this doesn't trouble you, however, it's hard to go wrong with any of these resorts.
Budget
[edit]The Disney Springs Hotel Plaza, adjacent to the Marketplace, is made up of seven chain hotels. These are fairly generic hotels that lack most, if not all, of the theming and amenities of their Disney-owned counterparts. They are, however, ideal for guests who are on a tight budget or who prefer a more traditional hotel experience. The Best Western, Buena Vista Palace, Doubletree, Hilton, and Wyndham have car rental kiosks in their lobbies.
- 1 Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort, 2000 Hotel Plaza Blvd, ☏ +1 407 828-2424. A tall hotel, but other than that, it's your average Best Western. $86–150.
- 2 B Resort and Spa (formerly Royal Plaza Hotel), 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, ☏ +1 407 828-2828, info@bresortlbv.com. After extensive renovations, the former Royal Plaza is now part of the B Resorts chain. It features a 3,000-sq-ft saltwater pool, a spa, and a BBQ restaurant. Some rooms have bunk beds for kids; some suites available. $90–170.
- 3 Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, 1900 Buena Vista Dr, ☏ +1 407-827-2727. The closest of the seven to Disney Springs. $104–260.
- 4 Doubletree Guest Suites, 2305 Hotel Plaza Blvd, ☏ +1 407 934-1000. The only all-suite hotel of the seven, also the closest to the exit; you can just walk from here to the off-property shops and restaurants nearby. $100–354 (2-room suite).
- 5 Hilton Resort, 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd, ☏ +1 407 827-4000. The second closest, just across from the Buena Vista Palace. $140–240.
- 6 Holiday Inn, 1805 Hotel Plaza Blvd, ☏ +1 407 828-8888. Also tall just like the Best Western, but again, it's your average Holiday Inn. $93–160.
- 7 Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort (Regal Sun Resort), 1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd, toll-free: +1-800-624-4109. Great resort, offers Disney character breakfast. $100–270.
Mid-range
[edit]A pair of "Moderate" resorts lie at the northern end of the Sassagoula River (with boat access to Disney Springs). Between the two of them, they cover all of the iconic aspects of Southern living, from the Mississippi bayou, to massive plantation mansions, to the lively French Quarter of New Orleans. Rooms at these resorts are smallish but adequate, with basic amenities and exterior entrances.
- 8 Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, 1251 Riverside Dr (adjacent to Port Orleans-French Quarter), ☏ +1 407 934-6000. Experience the gentle feel of the mansions and towns along the lower Mississippi River. Opened as Dixie Landings, Port Orleans Riverside has two distinct sets of buildings: Alligator Bayou features rustic cottage-like buildings with lots of water and reeds surrounding them, and Magnolia Bend is the home of stately southern mansions on neatly-manicured grounds. Ol' Man Island is a pool and fishing area themed as a sort of "swimmin' hole". The food court, Riverside Mill, is spacious, as is Boatwright's Dining Hall, the only table-service restaurant in the Port Orleans area. Outstanding theming here for the price, very laid-back and relaxing. The whole resort is heavily wooded, so it really feels isolated from the general bustle of Walt Disney World. As of March 2012, some rooms have been converted to Royal Guest Rooms, each themed in the style of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, or The Princess and the Frog. $150–250.
- 9 Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, 2201 Orleans Dr (off Epcot Center Drive), ☏ +1 407 934-5000, fax: +1 407 934-5353. Take a walk down Bourbon Street. Visually much livelier than Riverside, this resort once had the Port Orleans name all to itself, but it became the French Quarter when Dixie Landings was renamed. French Quarter is smaller and more intimate than its sister resort, and you'll need to walk to Boatwright's to have a table-service meal, but it's closer to Disney Springs so it's a shorter trip on the ferry. Keep an ear out while wandering the French Quarter; you might hear a live Dixieland band on selected days. $150–250.
Splurge
[edit]The Deluxe resorts near Disney Springs are both dedicated Disney Vacation Club resorts, which means there are no basic hotel rooms. The smallest villas are studios, which have a kitchenette but no separate living room. It also means that DVC members get first crack at the entirety of both resorts, but they're both so large, especially Saratoga Springs, that you shouldn't have any problem getting a room.
At both resorts, you'll find a full array of amenities and recreation, including boating, tennis, basketball, playgrounds, and of course swimming pools. There are also special activities that vary each day; you'll get a full schedule at check-in. Both resorts also have general stores for stocking their villas' kitchens; prices are high and selection is poor, but they're awfully convenient.
- 10 Disney's Old Key West Resort, 1510 North Cove Rd, ☏ +1 407 827-7700. The spirit of the Florida Keys embodied in a Deluxe resort. The villas here have a contemporary, airy beach house feel, with scenic views of the woods, the river, or the golf course—or all three. Probably the least popular of the DVC resorts, but sometimes it's the only one left with villas available during peak times. That's not to say it's not worth booking a room here, just that it lacks some of the panache of the other Deluxe Villa resorts. $295–425 (studios).
- 11 Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, 1960 Broadway, ☏ +1 407 827-1100. A lush country retreat capturing the heyday of Upstate New York and the Saratoga Race Course. This sprawling resort with a horse-racing theme is often overlooked but offers a wide range of views and amenities. You can get a room just steps from Disney Springs, or one that looks across Village Lake at the bright lights there. If you prefer more peace and quiet, go for a room along the Sassagoula River or adjacent to the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Either way, you'll be within walking distance of the relaxing and rejuvenating services at Senses, Saratoga Springs' day spa. $295–425 (studios).
- The Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. These treehouses—octagonal cabins on stilts—deviate from the normal villa layouts, sleeping nine in 1,074 square feet (100 sq m) of space. The unique setting and rustic atmosphere, along with the novelty of the elevated treehouses, mean you'll have to get lucky, or know a DVC member, to get a reservation. $545–900 (up to 9 people per villa).
