Hey everyone MrsGoldenEars here! Let's talk a little bit about Disney Springs. Should this be a part of your vacation, is it worth the time spent out of the parks? Grab your ears and lets go!
Disney Springs, which used to be DownTown Disney is a must do for my family and I when we go to Disney. It has restaurants, entertainment, shopping and even some magical moments during the holidays. But the big question is should you take away precious park time or even fireworks somewhere to head to what some see as a glorified outdoor mall? Let's break it down, dinner, desserts and of course shopping!
The dining in Disney Springs is unmatched, a few of our favorites are Morimoto Asia, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' as well as Maria and Enzo's. You make ADR (advanced dining reservations) for these restaurants just like the ones in park or resorts on your My Disney Experience App. However here is a pro-tip for you, some of these restaurants are also on open table, check your app if you couldn’t get the reservation you wanted, or you have some tired little ones and decide you want to head out of parks early.
There are a lot of places that stay open past 11pm, for drinks small plates and even some great entertainment. Raglan Road often has folk singers, Irish step dancing and other live music at their outside seating as well as inside. As your passing outside it really is great to watch, and helps keep you entertained while waiting in line for Gideons, but we will get to Gideons. The Edison is another great experience dinner with steampunk vibes and performances while you dine.
Did someone say dessert? You have tons of options here, Swirls on the Water, Amorette's Patisserie, The Ganachery, Gideons, Sprinkles, and much more! So where do you go? Sprinkles has a walkup ATM that I get a kick out of as an adult, so I am sure your little ones or even you will love ordering a cupcake and having it come out of an ATM. Amorette's is a little it more on the fancy side with absolutely delicious cakes and pastries. Make sure you take a look as they often have limited edition cakes for holidays or special releases.
Gideons is a mystical world of giant cookies and huge cake slices. There is two different options to get in here so check and see when you get to Disney Springs if it is on your list. Sometimes on busier days they will have a virtual queue you can sign up for where they will text you, others there is just a line. Don't let the line scare you, it takes about 25 minutes and boy is it worth it. Inside you are greeted with an amazing scent and a very Tim Burtonesque vibe. The walls are covered with the story of Gideons, as well as cool pictures and artifacts. They have a hot cookie hour daily where the coveted cookies are hot out of the oven and served with ice cream, but these do go fast! Next time you stop in, try the cold brew, I promise you will not regret it.
As for shopping, the options span from World of Disney to Free people. World Of Disney is a must see and has many rooms filled with all the newest and best merchandise. It is about 4 times the size of the Emporium on main street and a stop I look forward to each trip. Basin is a great shop to get some luxury soaps and bath bombs, to take advantage of the gorgeous resort tubs, if you are lucky to have one. The stores are great for a quick pick up if you forgot something as well, I have many times needed more socks from those summer rain storms. You will find stores you can see in your local malls, but some will have special Disney exclusives like Coach and Vera Bradley. You will find a hidden gem in the back of the Christmas store here, filled with wax melts, candles and room sprays from your favorite resorts of Disney rides.
If you need a date night out, a place for the kids to burn off some steam, or even a nice stroll and some snacks without the hustle and bustle of the parks, this is a great place to come hang out. You can easily get here from your resort busses, a lyft, Minnie Van, or a quick walk from Saratoga. There is always entertainment, great shopping and of course an awesome atmosphere. Make sure to build a stop into your next trip!
~MrsGoldenEars
MrsGoldenEars on Twitter
MrsGoldenEars on Instagram
The dining in Disney Springs is unmatched, a few of our favorites are Morimoto Asia, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' as well as Maria and Enzo's. You make ADR (advanced dining reservations) for these restaurants just like the ones in park or resorts on your My Disney Experience App. However here is a pro-tip for you, some of these restaurants are also on open table, check your app if you couldn’t get the reservation you wanted, or you have some tired little ones and decide you want to head out of parks early.
There are a lot of places that stay open past 11pm, for drinks small plates and even some great entertainment. Raglan Road often has folk singers, Irish step dancing and other live music at their outside seating as well as inside. As your passing outside it really is great to watch, and helps keep you entertained while waiting in line for Gideons, but we will get to Gideons. The Edison is another great experience dinner with steampunk vibes and performances while you dine.
Did someone say dessert? You have tons of options here, Swirls on the Water, Amorette's Patisserie, The Ganachery, Gideons, Sprinkles, and much more! So where do you go? Sprinkles has a walkup ATM that I get a kick out of as an adult, so I am sure your little ones or even you will love ordering a cupcake and having it come out of an ATM. Amorette's is a little it more on the fancy side with absolutely delicious cakes and pastries. Make sure you take a look as they often have limited edition cakes for holidays or special releases.
Gideons is a mystical world of giant cookies and huge cake slices. There is two different options to get in here so check and see when you get to Disney Springs if it is on your list. Sometimes on busier days they will have a virtual queue you can sign up for where they will text you, others there is just a line. Don't let the line scare you, it takes about 25 minutes and boy is it worth it. Inside you are greeted with an amazing scent and a very Tim Burtonesque vibe. The walls are covered with the story of Gideons, as well as cool pictures and artifacts. They have a hot cookie hour daily where the coveted cookies are hot out of the oven and served with ice cream, but these do go fast! Next time you stop in, try the cold brew, I promise you will not regret it.
As for shopping, the options span from World of Disney to Free people. World Of Disney is a must see and has many rooms filled with all the newest and best merchandise. It is about 4 times the size of the Emporium on main street and a stop I look forward to each trip. Basin is a great shop to get some luxury soaps and bath bombs, to take advantage of the gorgeous resort tubs, if you are lucky to have one. The stores are great for a quick pick up if you forgot something as well, I have many times needed more socks from those summer rain storms. You will find stores you can see in your local malls, but some will have special Disney exclusives like Coach and Vera Bradley. You will find a hidden gem in the back of the Christmas store here, filled with wax melts, candles and room sprays from your favorite resorts of Disney rides.
If you need a date night out, a place for the kids to burn off some steam, or even a nice stroll and some snacks without the hustle and bustle of the parks, this is a great place to come hang out. You can easily get here from your resort busses, a lyft, Minnie Van, or a quick walk from Saratoga. There is always entertainment, great shopping and of course an awesome atmosphere. Make sure to build a stop into your next trip!
~MrsGoldenEars
MrsGoldenEars on Twitter
MrsGoldenEars on Instagram
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