Fun And Fast Facts About Disney Springs

Walt Disney World has had a shopping center on the site of Disney Springs since 1975, The quaint shopping village was home to a toy shop, pottery shop, garden store, and small grocer amongst others. Disney Springs today is a bustling "metropolis of shopping, dining and entertainment," a creative reimagination of Downtown Disney and perhaps the most luxurious and cosmopolitan incarnation yet. Read on for some fun and fast facts about Disney Springs.


Fun And Fast Facts About Disney Springs


Over the years this area of the Walt Disney World Property has gone through several names: such as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, Walt Disney World Village, Downtown Disney, and now Disney Springs.

Disney Springs was inspired by the welcoming, waterfront towns of the early 1900s; early Florida settlers were attracted by the springs and their natural beauty. "In Disney Springs, you enter more than a place to shop and dine," said Keith Bradford, vice president of Disney Springs. "You enter a story"as only Disney can tell it."

Disney Springs has grown to 120 truly stylish acres along the south shore of Lake Buena Vista. It's home to more than 150 shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.


The Springs Bottling Company


The beautiful blue springs coursing through Town Center contains 1.2 million gallons of water. From one end to the next the springs cover about the same area as the walk down Main Street, U.S.A. to Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.

The Town Center neighborhood is home to Spanish Revival architecture from the 1920's, Disney used 15 different shades of white paint to achieve the look and feel of this space.

Disney used over 57,000 recycled bricks in the hardscape of The Landing, at Disney Springs neighborhoods. The bricks came from nearby Rollins College, keeping materials local and recycling both helps tell the story of Disney Springs and fits in to Disney's environmentally conscious policies.


Sparkling Blue Springs

Admission to Disney Springs is free! The shopping however is anything but, so be sure to save a little extra in your vacation budget. Disney Springs may be reached by car, bus, boat or via pedestrian bridge, and Guests of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels can access complimentary transportation.

Two "Hidden Mickeys" can be found in the murals found inside World of Disney, which happens to be the world's largest Disney merchandise store, and a must stop for last minute souvenirs.

Boat lovers will delight in the stunning collection of 19 antique and modern luxury boats docked at The Boathouse. All of the boats at the marina are fully operational, but only two are chartered to guests -- The Venezia, a 40-foot wooden Italian Water Taxi, and the Lady Rose, a small steam boat. If boat's aren't your thing, maybe they will delight you with the fun amphicars.


Stitch Towers Above the World of Disney Entrance


Disney Springs boasts restaurants from five James Beard Award-winning chefs: Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto Asia), Art Smith (Chef Art Smith's Homecoming Kitchen and Southern Shine), Rick Bayless (Frontera Cocina), Tony Mantuano (Portobello), Wolfgang Puck (Wolfgang Puck Cafe).

If you get a craving in the middle of the night for cupcakes, Sprinkles bakery has you covered! Sprinkles Disney Springs is home to a big pink cupcake-dispensing ATM, with 24-hour access.

Guests to the rooftop lounge of the Coca-Cola Store can pick from more than 100 sparkling and still options, plus tastes of the world, mocktails, cocktails, and frozen Coke drinks.


The Roof-top Coca-Cola Bar


While many people used to set aside a half day for Downtown Disney, it's easy to lose a full day enjoying the new retail complex. My family likes to schedule in a non-Park day just so we can take our time and enjoy all there is to offer. Guests looking for more information about the sprawling complex will find extensive information about Disney Springs via the web site disneysprings.com.