Even though we kind of miss Downtown Disney, we love the expanded and re-branded Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, especially during the holiday season!
Each November, Disney Springs gets wrapped and ready for the holidays throughout the world-class shopping-dining-entertainment district. It honestly could be Disney’s fifth theme park, it’s so large (and fun)!
I had the opportunity to spend the good part of an entire day at the expanded Disney Springs when it launched in late 2016 and still didn’t get to do everything.
The district is separated into four “neighborhoods”, which transform for the holidays through festive decor, entertainment and holiday shopping at their amazing retailers- hello Lilly Pulitzer and Vera Bradley!
Retail locations range from name-brands to cozy boutiques to everything in between. There’s truly something for everyone!
I highly recommend taking a day this holiday season to experience the expanded Disney Springs if you haven’t already.
Here’s your recommended plan of action, should you choose to accept it:
- Drive up from South Florida in the morning and park for FREE in one of Disney Springs’ parking garages. There are even sensors in each row that tell you how many parking spaces are available. Too cool.
- Stop for a quick lunch at one of the many new dining locations such as:
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D-Luxe Burger– try the Southern. You won’t regret it!
2. Planet Hollywood Observatory (which had a HUGE renovation)
3. Paddlefish (near the entrance of Portobello Country Italian Trattoria)
4. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza (I love the one in Boca!)
- Get shopping! There are so many options, including one of my NYC favs, UNIQLO. I discovered so many stores at the expanded Disney Springs!
Shopping won’t get you into the holiday spirit? Then head over to see the big guy himself at Santa’s Chalet. Even better, once dusk settles, take a stroll through the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail! This was amazing. The entire time I was thinking, “which one of these trees can I recreate at home?” Plus SNOW!
Have I mentioned that Disney Springs also features some amazing dining destinations?
Several bloggers and I experienced a multi-course meal at Morimoto Asia. What a delight! I love that I no longer have to travel all the way to NYC for Morimoto or Chicago for Frontera Cocina. They’re all (and more!) at Disney Springs. 🙂
Other fun options to explore at the expanded Disney Springs:
- Coca Cola Store & Rooftop Beverage Bar: Enjoy classic and exotic flavors from around the world while taking in panoramic views of Disney Springs atop the Coca-Coca Cola Store. It’s pretty cool. I tasted every flavor they offered!
- Characters in Flight: By the time I made it to this awesome hot air balloon experience, it was too windy to go up. But, it’s definitely on my list for next time! More info and pricing HERE.
- The Disney Springs Christmas Tree: Be sure to take a selfie by this beauty! The tree is the centerpiece of all of the holiday decor at Disney Springs.
Hosted: This post was hosted by Walt Disney World. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the host. Any statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclosure for more information. I was invited on a complimentary media trip with park tickets, meals, shopping experiences and accommodations, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
