Disney Springs worth the trip?

[Blue32]

We will be in WDW during Christmas party season and two of our 3 MK days will be on party nights. I have never been a huge fan of Downtown Disney, but some of the dining options seem much more appealing to me than MK or the MK resorts. We really love Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express and the Boathouse looks promising also. Is Disney Springs worth the time and hassle to get to after a day at MK for dinner? If we make the trek...what is the best option? Car? Bus? Uber?

 

[brertoad]

If it were me, I'd say no, not worth it. Especially if it's a weekend, and if it's in December. If you have a low tolerance for crowds and hassles, avoid it. We went last year on the first Saturday of December and the crowd levels were unbelievable. We had a Boathouse reservation with friends, and our meal took about 3 hours, we had to wait one hour past ADR time, and the meal was really average and way overpriced. After dinner we tried to get to Hollywood Studios, and the lines coming out of there were backed up, buses, cars just lined up in what seemed to be a 1 or more hour stand off waiting to get into the parking lot.

Weekend crowds are a huge hassle at WDW. I'd recommend eating at one of the MK resorts. Or go to Disney Springs early in the morning between 10 am and noon.

 

[SunnieRN]

I always find Disney Springs VERY crowded, but a fun place to eat and browse. Have you been to Ragllan Road? Fun place!

If you have children, you can get a Laundrys card, which can help you get priority seating at T-rex or Rainforest Cafe.

I don't know where you're staying but POR TS restaurant is getting fantastic reviews, or their QS is really good.

If you go to Boma you could watch the animals with night vision goggles, or listen to stories at the fire pit!

Then there is also eating at 'Ohana or Kona and watching the electric water parade and the holiday party fireworks from the beach.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time!!!

 

[Shanti]

I wouldn't. I still remember the traffic the last time we went (which wasn't peak season, btw).

 

[Blue32]

The date I had in mind was actually a Tues., Nov. 29th if that makes any difference. Thanks for the opinions!

 

[DisBuckMan]

You'll be fine on that date. I would either walk to Contemporary, or boat to Poly/TTC and bus to DS from there.

It's worth it for a better meal than you'll get at MK.

 

[mkla2015]

We always go to Disney Springs a couple times each trip. It's usually not too bad unless it's on the weekend.

Where are you staying? We've never had issues using busses other than one time but that was due to a bus driving into a poll and causing a HUGE traffic jam.

 

[loves to dive]

If it's worth it is subjective and only you can decide,for me, no. There are plenty of places to eat on property, right in the MK area you have 4 resorts within boat/walking distance. Epcot resorts have some good choices and the Dolphin has a few good places. I've never had good experiences busing to DS, I mean never, not once have I been able to leave the place without a hour wait for the bus, no matter where I was going.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

We were there around the exact same time last year--we arrived on Saturday, November 28th and had an 8:45 p.m. ADR that night at Raglan Road, which we loved. It was crowded, but not terribly so and it was all really fun and festive! Not sure where you're staying--we were at CBR and we took a bus to Disney Springs with no issues.

 

[Blue32]

We are staying at AKL and will have a car but most likely use the bus, at least for MK days. Not real sure how long the transit would be to get there from MK, as we were thinking of heading there on a night that MK closes early.

 

[DisBuckMan]

We are staying at AKL and will have a car but most likely use the bus, at least for MK days. Not real sure how long the transit would be to get there from MK, as we were thinking of heading there on a night that MK closes early.

10-12 minutes from the time you catch the bus, barring anything unforseen. It's not nearly as far as many people make it out to be. It's only about 8 miles from AKL to MK.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We love Rsglan Road and the Boathuse at DS. Plus my husband loves the Art by Disney store and the Christmas store. And there is always a lot of outdoor music being played. So for us it's well worth it. We usually take a boat over from OKW or Saratoga or a bus. I wouldn't drive with the traffic no matter what time or day. Also we don't go to the parks very much anymore so the movie theater is great as is the bowling.

 

[Jgeauxmo]

We loved ds on our last trip and so much more will be open this fall. I think it's worth an evening to check out.

 

[Blue32]

10-12 minutes from the time you catch the bus, barring anything unforseen. It's not nearly as far as many people make it out to be. It's only about 8 miles from AKL to MK.

Sorry, I meant the transit time from MK to Disney Springs. We had thought about dinner there after MK's early close on a party night.

 

[DisBuckMan]

Sorry, I meant the transit time from MK to Disney Springs. We had thought about dinner there after MK's early close on a party night.

It's a bit more extended, since you can't go directly from a park to Disney Springs. Your best bet, outside of taking a taxi or Uber, is probably walk to the Contemporary, then catch a DS bus from there. It's a short walk to CR from MK, then a 10-15 minute bus ride from there.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

If you want to avoid the buses, you can take a bus from MK to POR and then the boat to DS. My kids love the boat ride from POR.

 

[DisBuckMan]

If you want to avoid the buses, you can take a bus from MK to POR and then the boat to DS. My kids love the boat ride from POR.

Do what now?

 

[Lyn-CA]

How are the crowds and traffic on Sunday nights after 7 pm?

 

[DisBuckMan]

How are the crowds and traffic on Sunday nights after 7 pm?

Depends on when you're there.

 

[Lyn-CA]

Depends on when you're there.

Our trip is in early August 2016.