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Disney Springs is a Disney entertainment complex that is located inside the Walt Disney World Resort. Much more than an open-air mall, it brings a differentiated concept that reflects Disney’s magical touch. With more than 100 stores, including the largest Disney store in the world and a huge LEGO Store, the complex also brings a variety of restaurants and several attractions, such as Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” show, live shows and attractions such as the Aerophile balloon. All this and other activities and attractions make the complex tour very interesting in Orlando, with the advantage of not charging entrance fees.
What is Disney Springs and how is it divided?
As mentioned, Disney Springs is a Disney entertainment complex, but it is not a theme park, that is, it is not the kind of tour that takes up all day. It is perfect to enjoy the end of the afternoon and, if you wish, extend it until the evening, when it gets a little busier. The nightly vibe there is very interesting, with the opportunity to go shopping, have dinner in one of the excellent restaurants or even watch a show.
Disney Springs consists of four main areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and West Side. Its conception was inspired by coastal cities in Florida, such as St. Augustine and Coral Gables. According to creative director Dave Hoffman, “Each neighborhood reflects its function and the fictional historical period in which it was developed”.
How to get there
Disney Springs is located inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, in the Orlando region, Florida. It is close to the main attractions of the Disney complex, such as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks.
Below is the map on Google Maps with the directions:
More than 100 stores
For shopping lovers, the complex offers more than 100 stores, from luxury boutiques such as Coach, Sephora, Lacoste and Kate Spade, to more popular brands such as Zara and Uniqlo. Themed stores are the great attractions, such as World of Disney, the largest Disney brand store in the world, and the LEGO Store, which impresses with its huge sculptures made of small pieces, some exhibited around the store.
For those looking for something exclusive, there are also stores such as Art of Disney, full of collectible works of art inspired by the Disney universe, and Basin, famous for its natural and personalized beauty products.
Why the name “Springs”?
In the fictional story invented by Disney, the place would have been founded around the 19th century by a farmer who discovered natural springs, which gave the city its name. Over time, the settlement would have grown and expanded around these springs.
In fact, here it is worth noting that the central region of Florida is widely known for its springs, which inspired the name of Disney Springs. These springs form rivers and natural pools of crystal clear waters, with tones ranging from blue to green, perfect for swimming, diving and wildlife observation, such as the famous manatees. Some of the most popular include Wekiwa Springs, Blue Spring, known for sheltering manatees in winter, and Rainbow Springs, famous for its waterfalls.
Get to know the best springs in Florida here
How it all began: The evolution of Disney Springs
Disney Springs has become more popular among Orlando visitors in the last ten years, but few know that it has a history dating back almost 50 years. The complex opened on March 22, 1975 as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, a small space with shops inspired by New England’s coastal villages. The idea was to have a shopping center within the Disney area, to keep visitors in the territory of Walt Disney World for longer and prevent them from looking for entertainment outside of Disney’s limits.
Just two years later, in 1977, the place was renamed Walt Disney World Village, signaling Disney’s desire to integrate the space more with the rest of the resort.
In the 1980s, the place gained a new identity as Disney Village Marketplace, accompanied by expansions that introduced iconic shops and restaurants, such as Rainforest Café and LEGO Store, as well as the controversial Pleasure Island, an adult-only area with bars and nightclubs. In September 2008, all its nightclubs were closed, but the shops and restaurants remained open. The area is now called The Landing and is the central part of the complex.
In 1997, the complex was renamed Downtown Disney, consolidating itself as a space that brought together three large areas: Marketplace, Pleasure Island and the newly added West Side, which brought novelties such as Cirque du Soleil, DisneyQuest and major brand stores. This phase lasted until 2013, when Disney announced a major transformation: the birth of Disney Springs.
Gastronomy for All Tastes
The culinary experience in the complex is a separate attraction. With more than 60 dining options, there is something to please all palates. Restaurants like The BOATHOUSE, known for its seafood dishes and its beautiful view of the lake. Morimoto Asia offers a fusion of Asian flavors. These are just a few examples of restaurants within Disney Springs.
For a unique experience, be sure to visit the T-Rex Café, which with its Jurassic atmosphere, or Gideon’s Bakehouse, famous for its giant and delicious cookies. For drink lovers, Wine Bar George offers a selection of high quality wines.
Now that you already know about Disney Springs, get to know this other tour..
Disney Springs is already more popular among tourists, but did you know of another different tour, also inside the Walt Disney World Resort, that few know? I’m talking about Disney BoardWalk, a charming promenade inspired by the coastal cities on the east coast of the United States, such as Atlantic City and Coney Island. Located around a lake, Disney BoardWalk offers a unique experience, with restaurants, bars, shops and live entertainment in a cozy and nostalgic environment. Learn more about Disney Boardwalk
Orlando has a lot to offer
The city of Orlando and its region offer a multitude of attractions that go far beyond theme parks. There are hundreds of tours and experiences, such as Disney Springs, which combine entertainment, gastronomy and shopping in a charming environment. This diversity is one of the factors that make Orlando one of the most desired destinations in the world, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Investing in a property in Orlando is taking advantage of the potential of a promising market and in constant appreciation. Whether for leisure, housing or as a source of income with seasonal rentals, the city offers unique opportunities for those who seek to combine quality of life with excellent financial returns.
AMG International Realty specializes in the Florida real estate market and is ready to help you find the ideal property, whether to live or invest. Contact us at +1 (305) 318-6968 and find out how to turn Orlando into the next big step for your dreams.
