Disney Springs worth the time?

[Turn the Page]

We're in the minority and that's okay. We much preferred when it was Downtown Disney. We go primarily for the shopping, and I don't want to buy things in Disney that I can buy at my hometown shopping mall (I never have enough room in my luggage for that, anyway ). And there seemed to be less variety in the Disney merchandise as well - we went to Disney Springs on the last night of our latest trip, and we had seen all the merchandise before in the parks. I'm pretty sure that was my first time ever going there without buying anything. It also felt more "Disney" when it was DTD - I'm not sure if "trendy" is the right word, it's probably not, but it has a different vibe now that didn't do anything for us. We aren't itching to go back.

I agree. We liked it much better when it was DTD. I had the same reaction to the main section, it looks like a typical suburban shopping mall.....not that I really know what that looks like as I live in the middle of nowhere and our nearest mall is 1 1/2 hours away and not as fancy as DS is but still. I don't want to go to Sephora at Disney World. I also agree that World of Disney has gone downhill in recent years. We do like to visit the end with World of Disney and the Disney Christmas store and the kitchen store but that is pretty much it.

There are some interesting looking restaurants in DS though.

 

[RyMickey]

If you’re staying at Saratoga Springs and you’ve never been, you should definitely check it out. Yes, it’s really just shopping and restaurants, but some of the latter are the best on property and, if not the best, at least have a good atmosphere.

To me, I love sitting on the dock at The Boathouse enjoying the nice breeze and staring out across the water.

When we stay at SSR, we’ll often walk over in the morning and have a quick service breakfast at Wolfgang Puck’s which is right next to the walkway. It’s decidedly less crowded in the morning, so we’ll often take in shops then instead of at night when it’s busy.

Morimoto’s is fantastic, Amorette’s has some interesting desserts (although I’ve found anything that is heavily cake-based is a disappointment - go for cheesecake or mousse or fruit-centric things), and a Ghiradelli’s sundae is how we’ve ended every trip the past few years.

We avoid the mall-type shops, but the atmosphere is really pleasant and calm in the daytime and a bit more “fun” at night.

 

[Southernmiss]

For us, it's a nice evening or half day time filler.

We were there on Thanksgiving Day this past year. I actually surprised myself and did a lot of Xmas shopping at Uniglo and other stores. I like the Disney Christmas World and other Disney Stores and the Tea and Spice store. Atmosphere is nice outside.

 

[lubob]

Yes definitely worth going to. Lots of entertainment on the stage by world of disney. Also lots of disney shopping and great food.

 

[kwdw]

It's a shopping center with some Disney themed shopping and other upper middle class type stores. Nice variety of eating options - with quick bites that is counter service, bakeries, and nice restaurants. Entertainment - SW Void, movie theater, aquacar boat ride, bowling alley. Sometimes free outdoor entertainment depending on time of day and season. It's attractive - a place to walk around - some interesting camera shots to get while wandering if you pay attention. But it's not really that different than some shopping district areas in upper middle class America suburban - especially in "planned" communities. It's a bit generic in its feel that way. Like others have said - it's a nice evening or part of a day. Since you can walk from SSR - and if you have never been - it's worth a few hours.

 

[disneyvoice]

I love Disney Springs but I also love to shop in general (even if I don't actually buy anything). It's a fun place to walk around even if you don't go into any of the shops. We enjoy a lot of the restaurants at Disney Springs although we haven't tried very many yet - looking forward to more time to check out the restaurants when we move there in June!

 

[oneinvader1]

I don’t particularly love it but my kids LOVE going at night and dancing to the live music.

 

[a742246]

We love going in the evening, the entertainment is very good, not to mention the various restaurants. We go usually twice a visit.

 

[dminnie]

Do they still have the stage where visiting high school bands play?

What's the movie theater like? It seems like I heard there's something special about it. We have theaters at home, but rarely make time to go so it might be something we'd be interested in.

 

[CAS239]

Do they still have the stage where visiting high school bands play?

What's the movie theater like? It seems like I heard there's something special about it. We have theaters at home, but rarely make time to go so it might be something we'd be interested in.

Yes. The stage is right out front of world of Disney. They have a lot of acts perform there.

The theater is a very nice regular or dine in theater.. Depending on what side you choose to go to. You can watch a movie and have dinner

 

[glocon]

I think I would like to go to DS to see the Cherry Tree Lane dress shop. Also love the LEGO store, Ghirardelli ice cream shop, Earl of Sandwich, the Kitchen store and the Christmas store. And the store where you can make Mr Potato heads and light sabers.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I haven't been in a long time, as it tends to get squished out of our shorter trips, but I do enjoy it when I get there. Last time, we loved making shirts at Design-A-Tee!

 

[EdmondD]

We avoid the mall-type shops, but the atmosphere is really pleasant and calm in the daytime and a bit more “fun” at night.

I'd say exactly this for us. We always plan on a few hours there and those few hours always turn into several hours, especially if we're there when evening sets in and we start listening to performers.

 

[kniquy]

It is a nice area, but it is mainly shopping and dining. If you are not a big shopper then it might not feel like a good use of your time. I dread shopping, but i did enjoy going into some of the more unique shops that i don't have in my area or those that have items not found in the park shops. With the number of trips you have under your belt it might be worth planning a lunch and a little afternoon time there.

 

[yaksack]

It is a good way to spend some relaxing time. Have a drink and kick back.

 

[ChristineOH]

If you're staying at SSR, then definitely check it out! We go when we stay at POR and can take the boat, but I've never bothered with it when we'd have to take a bus.
My kids want to try the Void Star Wars VR, so we are planning to go in June, when luckily we are staying at POR.
We don't go crazy over the Lego Store or Ghirardelli like others do... and World of Disney is overwhelming and not my preferred shopping place. However, we did really like Uniqlo and the restaurant choices.

 

[dragonfly57005]

We used it for a completely rained out day.

 

[yaksack]

What is Void Star Wars VR?

 

[kwdw]

We used it for a completely rained out day.

Thanks for the perfect example of why I try to go to the parks on rainy days!

 

[fhtpdw20]

I checked it out on my last trip. I do not care for it. It is just too big now. I did enjoy the Coke building to sample bigger variety of coke products (for a fee of course) but you can get do that on a smaller scale at Epcot. I wanted to experience the amphibicar as well. It was ok but not something I would do again. Never been able to catch the tethered hot air balloon open.