Disney Springs is essentially an outdoor mall and entertainment complex following many of the Town Center models found in most cities. It features countless Disney themed stores, as well as other shops and restaurants centered around Lake Buena Vista. There’s also a splash pad, train ride, hot air balloon ride, movie theatre, bowling alley, and a ton of other really cool things!
The Layout
- The West Side– Tons of restaurants, AMC Movie Theatre, and Splitsville Bowling Alley
- Town Center– Over 30 shops plus more dining options
- The Landing- More restaurants and shopping
- Marketplace- Shops, restaurants, splash pad, train, carousel. and more kid-friendly stuff.
Kid-Friendly Things to do at Disney Springs
Build LEGO
Outside of the LEGO store, there are large bins of LEGO where kids can build whatever their heart desires. There are even racetracks where they can race their LEGO vehicles. This is a free activity however, there are tons of AMAZING LEGO kits available for purchase inside.
Take Photos with “Characters” and Lego Figurines
There are some unbelievable LEGO sculptures on the property. Grab your camera, pick your favorite filter, and Instagram away! There are also some pretty alright Disney Statues, as well. Sure, they aren’t real characters, but kids still love taking photos with them.
Splash Pad
There is a free splash pad located in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. It’s nestled near the Earl of Sandwich and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Be sure to pack your kids suits! This is the perfect way to cool down and break up the day at Disney Springs!
Carousel
Isn’t it crazy how much kids love carousels? I mean, it’s truly one of those things that has stood the test of time. For just $3 a pop our kiddo can hop on the Venetian carousel and go for a bit of a whirl.
Train Ride
Choo choo! All aboard! Located in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs there is a small train perfect for little kids. Don’t worry grown ups, you can ride too! Rides are just $3. The train departs from just outside of the Star Wars Trading Post.
Face Painting
There is a popular face painting kiosk in the Marketplace. You can select from a menu of options or have a custom design painted. If you can dream it, they can do it.
Aerophile- Hot Air Balloon Ride
If your family is feeling a bit more brave, you can check out the Aerophile. This hot air balloon is the largest tethered helium balloon. The balloon will soar up to 400 feet giving you amazing views of Lake Buena Vista and the surrounding area. The cost is $15/child and $20/adult. The ride is located in the West Side of Disney Springs near Splitsville.
Catch a Movie
Okay, so maybe soaring in the air isn’t your thing. If you want to try something a bit more low-key (and air-conditioned!!), check out the AMC Dine-In Movie Theatre. You read that right, Dine-In! You can feast on delicious food while you catch a film- and escape the heat.
Food options include nachos, wings, sushi, loaded brisket fries, salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, churros, ice cream sundaes, and more.
Splitsville Bowling Alley
Dude, this place is MASSIVE! It offers 50,000 square feet of bowling, pool tables, live entertainment, food, and air conditioning. They serve pizza, burgers, sushi, and appetizers. They also serve beer, wine, and specialty drinks.
NBA Experience
Alright sports fans, this one is for you! Get in the game at this basketball themed venue. There are 13 interactive activities including dribbling and skills courts, the Replay Center, and arcade style games.
Rainforest Cafe
Your kids will love the fun rainforest and jungle theme at the Rainforest Cafe. Just wait until you see their reaction when the rainforest comes alive for a thunderstorm! The restaurant serves American cuisine such as shrimp tacos, steak, ribs, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, turkey wrap, and more. Reservations are recommended.
T-Rex Restaurant
The restaurants pretty much explain themselves at Disney Springs…don’t they? So, obviously, this is a dinosaur themed restaurant. Your kids will freak out over the prehistoric atmosphere. There is also a giant sandpit with bones for them to excavate. If they are lucky, they may even find jewels! Menu items include nachos, flatbread, pasta, shrimp, salmon, meatloaf, ribs, chicken, steak, and burgers. Reservations are recommended.
Planet Hollywood
Disney Springs is also home to the infamous Planet Hollywood! If you’re a fan of the Food Network, make sure you pop in to try one of Guy Fieri’s burgers. Trust me, they are legit!
Build a Dino
Speaking of dinosaurs, there is a Build a Dino shop where kids can create their own dinosaur (like Build A Bear only…more ferocious).
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
If your little one isn’t the dirt under their fingers, dino-loving type, perhaps the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is more up their alley. Kids 3-12 are welcome to visit this fancy schmancy salon to get made over into princesses or knights. Reservations are strongly recommended. You can reserve your time slot up to 180 days before your visit.
Shopping
Okay….so normally kids don’t love shopping, but this is shopping Walt style. They will be amazed at all of the super cool Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars toys!
Here are some that your kiddo’s will probably love:
- Word of Disney (the largest Disney character store on the globe…and probably the universe)
- Marvel Super Hero Headquarters
- Disney Style
- Once Upon a Toy
- The LEGO Store
- Star Wars Trading Post
- Star Wars Galactic Outpost
World of Disney
Yes…this is a store, but it’s not just any store. It’s a store that stands above all of the rest. The World of Disney is the largest Disney character store in the world! If you only go into one store while you’re in Disney Springs, it should be this one! It’s remarkable. It’s the perfect place to shop for Disney souvenirs, Mickey Ears, stuffed animals, clothes, toys, and even kitchen decor!
The Candy Cauldron
This show kitchen lets visitors catch a glimpse of how Disney’s iconic candy creations are made. Of course, you can pick up some goodies, as well. The candy apples are iconic and to die for! Other classic confections include chocolate covered strawberries, marshmallow wands, Rice Krispie Treats, cupcakes, and pre-packaged treats.
Goofy’s Candy Shop
This place is heaven. Not only do they serve candy but they also serve Rice Krispie Treats, cake pops, cupcakes, candy apples, flavored popcorn, fudge, and other sweet treats and baked goods.
Sprinkles Bakery
This cupcake shop features made from scratch cupcakes. The flavor combinations are out of this world! Some favorites include, red velvet, sprinkle, black and white, salty caramel, and triple cinnamon. There is even a cupcake ATM! You can also get ice cream, cookies, and coffee drinks here.
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