No trip to Walt Disney World would be complete without a visit to Disney Springs. Over the last few years, Disney has completely overhauled the former Downtown Disney location and turned it into something beautiful.
Things to Do in Disney Springs with Kids
With entertainment and dining options appealing to guests of all ages, Disney has succeeded in creating a space where everyone can find something to enjoy. Keep reading for the best things to do in Disney Springs with kids.
1. Eat Dessert First
Disney Springs is a mecca of dining options, and the specialty dessert shops might convince you to have dessert first! From Amorette’s Patisserie to Vivoli Il Gelato to the famous Sprinkles, there is something for everyone regarding sweet treats.
Sarah’s Tip: For my gluten-free, kosher, and vegan friends, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC offers delicious treats freshly prepared daily. It can be found near The BOATHOUSE restaurant in The Landing section of Disney Springs.
2. Splitsville
What could be more fun than bowling the night away? Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great place for families to unwind and enjoy one another’s company. Dining options include upscale menus and 2 sushi bars. If bowling isn’t really your thing, there is also live music and dancing to add to the excitement of the evening.
3. The Lego Store
The Disney Springs Lego Store is a great place for kids to unleash their creativity (and for parents to take a load off)! Bricks are free to build and play with; no purchase is necessary to play.
Don’t miss the amazing Lego sculptures of iconic Disney characters and scenes! Make it a game to see how many different sculptures your family can find.
4. Visit the Coca-Cola Store
First, fans of classic Coca-Cola beverages and merchandise will enjoy a unique experience at the Disney Springs Coca-Cola store. Meet the beloved Coca-Cola Polar Bear on the second level of the store. Enjoy over 100 different beverage choices on the rooftop bar via the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
Indulge in various adult beverages in the evening, including handcrafted cocktails and smoothies. The rooftop view is incredible, especially at night!
5. Characters in Flight
Soaring 400 feet into the air in the world’s largest tethered helium balloon is an experience families will never forget. Characters in Flight holds up to 29 guests per ride, giving passengers breathtaking views of the surrounding Disney Springs areas.
This exhilarating ride can be found on the West Side of Disney Springs, near Splitsville.
6. Eat Your Heart Out
Another fun aspect of Disney Springs is the incredible variety of dining options. Families can choose upscale eats or quick bites, and either option will satisfy the desire for more than “the usual.”
Kids will especially love interactive restaurants like Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe.
Food trucks located near Bongos Cuban Cafe on the West Side of Disney Springs offer fast fare at an affordable price. New restaurants continue to be added yearly, so there will always be something new to explore each time you visit!
7. Boat Rides
Part of the fun of Disney Springs is the unique ways guests can travel to and from the area. For a fee, guests can take a 20-minute tour of the area in one of the vintage Amphicars docked next to The BOATHOUSE restaurant.
Guests can board a ferry boat in Disney Springs and be transported to select resorts (and vice versa) for no extra cost. Simple things, like a casual boat ride, are often the most fun for families.
8. Specialty Stores
No visit to Disney Springs is complete without visiting its amazing selection of stores! The newly opened store “Disney Style” offers all the popular items seen on the Disney Style Instagram page. The World of Disney store also received an overhaul in 2020 and debuted a new, easier-to-navigate layout.
“Once Upon a Toy” has a cool Mr. Potato Head building center where kids can build their own Mr. Potato Head but don’t necessarily have to make a purchase. In the “Galactic Outpost,” Star Wars fans can build a lightsaber or droid to take home.
9. Rides at Disney Springs
No tickets to the parks? No problem! Kids can ride family favorites like the classic Marketplace Carousel and Marketplace Train Express for a small fee. While these rides are low on thrills, they are high on making little ones smile.
10. See a Movie
Can you see a movie anywhere? Yes. Does your movie theater have a full-service bar and food offerings besides popcorn? If you said no, then check out AMC Disney Springs.
Not only will all the current Walt Disney Company movies be playing, but if you upgrade your ticket to a dine-in experience, you will get direct-to-seat food and drink service, and your seat will recline! Just try not to fall asleep if you’re exhausted from a long day at the theme parks!
