Tell me about the changes to "Disney Springs" please.

[coastgirl]

The last time we visited was in 2015, and we stopped just long enough to hit the Lego Store. There were major construction issues, no sidewalks, serious parking congestion, and we felt very confused.

We consider ourselves "budget travellers" and the old DTD wasn't exactly designed for us. We did enjoy the Disney-themed shopping, and had fun there when the kids were 12 and under--but honestly, our kids have other interests now. (They are 15 and 17.)

We are arriving on a Sunday evening in July and were thinking we'd hit the area as a first night "easing in to Florida". But honestly, not sure what there is to do. In the past we've found the restaurants there expensive for what you get, though we have enjoyed the Earl of Sandwich and of course Ghirardelli. I guess that means we mostly stayed around what was called the Marketplace I believe. We never went to the part where there were clubs, live music, and sit-down dining. we probably won't eat there anyway, except maybe a snack, as there are so many other Florida favourites to choose from.

The new The Void experience is calling to us, and we always loved the huge Lego builds. Is The Void in the same area as the Lego Store? Does the Lego Store still have the great giant builds?

 

[writerguyfl]

Most Important: Disney Springs is a shopping center. But, it's a shopping center with distinct areas with Disney backstories and tons of details that you won't find at your local mall (even if some of the stores are the same). It's also a shopping center with free live music in the evenings (although you seem to not care about that). Plus, there are free boat rides between some of the areas.

I'm not a shopper and I haven't eaten at a sit-down restaurant in Disney Springs in probably a decade. However, I spend lots of time at Disney Springs when I visit Disney World. That fact is mostly because I stay at one of the hotels adjacent to Disney Springs. I use Disney Springs to augment my hotel dining options. Some of my "cheap" dining opinions:

• Wolfgang Puck Express: Great fast-casual dining. Order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. Pizza, sandwiches, pasta. Usually great service, too. [Marketplace area]
• Earl of Sandwich: I tried multiple times but I don't get the hype. Good breakfast option but I skip it for other meals. [Marketplace area]
• YeSake: Custom made Asian bowls and wraps with different proteins. I just discovered this kiosk on my New Year's trip. Nice and healthy. [Edge of West Side near the Planet Hollywood Observatory]
• Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza: I was skeptical that pizza could be good when cooked quickly. But, it really is tasty. Being able to customize your pizza is great. They are bigger than they seem...you probably can get by with 3 pizzas if you have 4 people. [Town Center]
• Cookes of Dublin: Fish and Chips, burgers, and chicken. Simple and tasty, although not very healthy since a lot of items are fried. The Orange Chocolate Pillow cookie is very good (and I don't usually like those flavors together). [The Landing]
• Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company: Their custom-brewed loose leaf teas are amazing. [The Landing]
• Coca-Cola Store Rooftop: If you don't have access to Coke Freestyle machine at a local fast food place, you can try it out here. Or, try a Coke/root beer float. Great view of Disney Springs, too. [Edge of West Side near the Planet Hollywood Observatory]

Lastly, The Void is located in the Marketplace area. It's right by Earl of Sandwich. And, the Lego Store is pretty much the same.

 

[coastgirl]

Awesome info, writerguy, thanks.

YeSake sounds appealing as a new stop. And my kid loves the coke freestyle, and it just doesn't exist here at home.

Is parking better now? I recall driving in circles like a vulture, waiting for someone to leave...

 

[DisHmsklMom]

Parking is much better with the new garages. Love that my car is cool after my visit.

 

[coastgirl]

Parking is much better with the new garages. Love that my car is cool after my visit.

Oh...is there a charge for parking now?

 

[DisHmsklMom]

No charge to park at this time.

 

[writerguyfl]

Is parking better now? I recall driving in circles like a vulture, waiting for someone to leave...

Parking at Disney Springs is pretty great in the garages now. When you arrive, they have signs saying how many open spaces are available on each level. Once you choose a level, they show the number of open spaces in each row. Upon entering a row, there are lights above every space. Red means occupied and green means the space is free.

 

[NinaBella]

My opinion is it is just a lot of shopping, shopping, and more shopping. If you are not looking for shopping, you might end up doing a lot of walking just to get to where the free music and Disney store is. We have ate at several of the restaurants and like going there.

 

[specialkk77]

Parking is vastly improved now, the garages are great!!!

Blaze pizza is pretty good, and a lower price point than many other options. Theres a tiny gelato shop at The Landing that's really yummy! Its fun to sit by the water and watch the boats and amphicars go by. Splitsville for bowling, AMC for movies. There's something for everyone at Disney Springs.

 

[lvdis]

Someone posted a link to this great map in a thread on the Restaurants board yesterday - http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/disney-springs.htm

 

[coastgirl]

Thanks all. And that map link is great.