Disney® Springs Introduction

Promising a wide variety of unique shops, lively bars, and upmarket restaurants, Disney Springs is a waterside shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Formerly known as Downtown Disney, this free-to-visit Disney park was renamed Disney Springs in 2015 and is within easy reach of Walt Disney World Resort®. There are more than 50 different venues, including official Disney merchandise shops, movie theaters, and the Cirque du Soleil® at La Nouba. There's also an extensive range of cocktail bars and al fresco restaurants, such as an authentic Indiana Jones-themed watering hole called Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.

Hotels near Disney® Springs

There's a broad range of accommodation surrounding Disney Springs, although the closest to the complex are 4-star Disney-branded hotels and resorts. These offer outdoor pools, full-service spas, and family-friendly restaurants, plus free airport and park shuttles. Some of the nearby hotels are themed with Old World or plantation-style decor. There are more affordable options too, including condo hotels, budget motels, and all-suite inns. The busiest times to visit Orlando are during the summer when hotel prices peak. For the best bargains, visit in late fall, or in January or February (avoiding Christmas) when you'll find the best room rates.

Where to stay near Disney® Springs

Disney Springs is a lakeside promenade in Lake Buena Vista, 17 miles southwest of Downtown Orlando. The majority of hotels in the area are on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, a palm tree-lined avenue with high-rise hotels and resorts. If you want to be within reach of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Hollywood Studio's, head to the area south of Disney Springs and Interstate 4, which overlooks Lake Bryan. You'll also find a variety of midrange and upmarket Disney-branded resorts around Epcot, 6 miles west of Disney Springs.

Things to see near Disney® Springs

Brave the exhilarating water slides, rapids, and surf pools at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. If you want to stay dry, head straight to Orlando's main attraction, Walt Disney World Resort®, where dozens of adventure zones boast thrill rides, plus Disney parades and iconic attractions like Cinderella's Castle, which is a mile from Disney Springs. You may want to escape the parks for the afternoon and enjoy a round of golf at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, 2.7 miles south, or pick up a fashion bargain or 2 at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, a 7-minute drive from Disney Springs.

How to get to Disney® Springs

Situated just off Buena Vista Drive and a mile from Interstate 4, the main route through Orlando, Disney Springs is easy to reach by car. There's plenty of complimentary parking on-site, and valet parking for an extra few bucks. It's a 20-minute drive from Orlando International Airport, and 16 miles from the Amtrak at Orlando Station. Getting around the area is easy. Walt Disney World Resort® offers a free network of buses which connect Disney Springs to Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, and water parks. There's also complimentary ferryboat service, which links Disney Springs to several Disney resorts.