Disney Springs is one of those places that surprises people every single time they visit. What most guests assume is just a shopping mall on Disney property turns out to be a sprawling entertainment, dining, and activity complex that could easily fill an entire day — or several evenings — all on its own. And the best part? There is no theme park ticket required.

As Central Florida locals, Ron and I visit Disney Springs on a regular basis. Sometimes it is to catch a movie, sometimes it is to grab dinner and listen to live music, and sometimes we just want to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. After years of visits, we know this place well — and today we are sharing 15 of the best things to do so you can make the most of every minute you spend there.

1. Ride the Aerophile — The World’s Largest Tethered Helium Balloon

If you have ever driven past Disney Springs or spotted it from I-4, you have almost certainly noticed the massive hot air balloon floating above the complex. What you might not know is that you can actually ride it.

The Aerophile is the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon and it is tethered, so you are completely safe throughout the eight-minute ride. At the top, on a clear day, you can see up to 10 miles in every direction — including stunning views of all of the Disney parks spread out around you. It is a genuinely memorable experience and a completely different perspective on the Walt Disney World Resort.

2. Catch a Cirque du Soleil Show — Drawn to Life

If you have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show, Disney Springs is a fantastic place to experience one for the first time. The current production is called Drawn to Life, and it is a show I genuinely love.

What makes Drawn to Life special is the way it weaves Disney storytelling and imagery into the classic Cirque du Soleil framework — acrobatics, emotion, breathtaking athleticism, and visual artistry — without becoming a fully Disney-branded production. You still get everything that makes Cirque du Soleil extraordinary, with just enough Disney magic woven in to make it feel perfectly at home here. It is wonderful for adults, great for older kids, and one of the most memorable entertainment experiences at Walt Disney World that does not require a park ticket.

3. Listen to Live Music — It Is Everywhere

This is honestly what we do at Disney Springs most often, and it never gets old. On most evenings, live music fills the air throughout the complex from multiple stages positioned at different points along the waterfront and shopping districts.

The variety is genuinely impressive — pop, jazz, Cuban, reggae, and more depending on the night and the stage. Beyond the dedicated performance stages, many of the restaurants and bars have their own live music as well. Splitzville typically has performers most nights. House of Blues, Raglan Road, Planet Hollywood, and Stargazers all feature live acts regularly. We have even caught live music on the rooftop at Paddlefish, which is a particularly lovely setting on a warm evening.

Simply wandering Disney Springs in the evening with music floating through the air from every direction is one of the most enjoyable free experiences in all of Orlando.

4. Explore the World of Disney Store

I am giving this its own spot on the list because it deserves it — this is the largest Disney store in the world, and for any Disney fan it is nothing short of a dream.

You will find everything imaginable here: Mickey ears in every style, plush toys, apparel for the whole family, collectibles, artwork, home goods, and souvenirs of every kind. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, walking through this store is an experience in itself. It is beautifully merchandised and always stocked with items you simply cannot find anywhere else. If you are saving your Disney shopping for one place rather than buying everything inside the parks, this is where to do it.

5. Take an Amphicar Ride at The BOATHOUSE

This is one of the most unique and genuinely fun experiences at Disney Springs, and it is one that a lot of guests walk right past without realizing what they are seeing.

The Amphicars are 1960s-style vintage vehicles that are simultaneously a car and a boat — they drive down the launch ramp, roll right into the water, and transform into a boat for a guided tour of Lake Buena Vista. The whole experience is charming, a little quirky, and completely memorable whether you are going as a couple or with the whole family.

Even if you are not riding, watching the Amphicars launch from the dock at The BOATHOUSE is entertaining on its own. They draw a crowd every time.

6. Eat and Drink Your Way Around Disney Springs

The dining scene at Disney Springs is extensive enough to warrant its own guide — and we have just scratched the surface here. But here are the highlights worth knowing.

For a themed dining experience with entertainment: Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex are both fantastic options, especially for families with kids. The environments are immersive and the entertainment is built right into the meal. Planet Hollywood is worth visiting for the incredible collection of Hollywood memorabilia that surrounds you while you dine.

For something more upscale: The BOATHOUSE delivers a wonderful seafood and yacht club atmosphere with waterfront seating that is especially lovely in the evening. Wine Bar George is a sophisticated wine-focused spot with a menu to match. Morimoto Asia brings Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s cuisine to Disney Springs with spectacular results. Paddlefish serves excellent seafood aboard a docked steamboat. STK Steakhouse is the destination for a true fine dining steakhouse experience.

For a fun night out: Raglan Road is an authentic Irish pub experience with live music, Irish dancers, and a full menu of traditional Irish fare — more on this one later. The Edison offers a stunning steampunk-themed environment with great food and live entertainment in the evenings.

For drinks: Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is a Florida Southern kitchen with some of the most creative cocktails at Disney Springs — Ron’s personal favorite is the apple pie moonshine drink, and it is as good as it sounds. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is an Indiana Jones-themed bar that is endlessly fun and charming. The Lava Bar outside Rainforest Cafe has a great outdoor waterfront vibe.

One thing worth knowing — you can carry your drinks with you as you walk around Disney Springs. Just keep them within the complex boundaries and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

For something budget-friendly: Earl of Sandwich is a perennial favorite for good reason — fresh, fast, and genuinely delicious. Blaze Pizza, D-Luxe Burger, Chicken Guy, B.B. Wolf’s Sausages, and several food trucks round out a solid lineup of quick and affordable options for when you want something casual without committing to a full sit-down restaurant.

7. Go Bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Yes, there is a bowling alley at Disney Springs — and it is a great one.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes combines retro-style bowling lanes with a surprisingly extensive menu that includes sushi, burgers, pizza, and plenty of cocktail options. It is a fantastic option for families with a range of tastes, groups of friends looking for something interactive, or couples wanting a fun date night activity that is a little different from the usual. Bowling, dining, and drinks all in one place makes for an easy, low-planning evening that always delivers a good time.

8. Try the Sweet Treats — This Deserves Its Own Category

I am giving sweet treats their own section because Disney Springs is genuinely extraordinary when it comes to desserts and indulgent snacks. This is not an exaggeration.

Gideon’s Bakehouse is the crown jewel of Disney Springs sweets. This local Orlando cookie shop — with its original location near downtown Orlando — has become so popular at Disney Springs that lines regularly stretch out the door and down the side of the building. The cookies are enormous, the flavors rotate regularly, and they are worth every minute of the wait.

Amorette’s Patisserie is a beautiful French bakery where you will find elegant pastries, gorgeous specialty cakes, and those adorable dome-shaped character cakes that photograph beautifully and taste even better. They also occasionally offer cake decorating experiences if you can snag a spot.

Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew serves creative, indulgent donuts alongside excellent cold brew coffee — a perfect combination.

The Ganachery specializes in artisan chocolates and chocolate ganache — a great spot to pick up something special to take home.

Ghirardelli is your destination for an over-the-top ice cream sundae experience with the famous San Francisco chocolate brand.

Salt & Straw is unlike any ice cream shop you have been to before. Their flavors rotate seasonally and are genuinely creative — think turkey and stuffing ice cream at Thanksgiving or other unexpected combinations that actually work. They offer as many samples as you want, which makes choosing almost as fun as eating.

Swirls on the Water is where you go for Dole Whip flights — multiple flavors of the beloved frozen treat served together. For Dole Whip fans, this is a must.

AristoCrepes offers savory and sweet crepes for something a little different.

Set aside time to wander through several of these spots on a single visit. Treating the sweet options at Disney Springs as a self-guided dessert tour is one of the most fun things you can do there.

9. Sample Coke Products from Around the World at the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop

The Coca-Cola Store is hard to miss at Disney Springs, but a lot of guests never make it up to the rooftop — and that is where the real fun is.

Head to the top floor and order a sampler flight of Coca-Cola products from countries and regions all around the world. Some are delicious. Some are surprising. Some are genuinely unusual. All of them make for a fun, memorable, and affordable activity with great views of Disney Springs as the backdrop. The rooftop also serves alcoholic beverages and other options for guests looking for something beyond the soda flight.

10. Shop — There Is So Much More Than World of Disney

We covered the World of Disney Store already, but Disney Springs as a whole offers an impressive amount of retail variety that extends well beyond Disney merchandise.

A few favorites worth seeking out:

Marketplace Co-Op is a Disney store with a constantly rotating selection of home goods, tech accessories, pet wear, and unique Disney lifestyle merchandise. It functions like a curated marketplace with different vendors, so what you find on one visit may be completely different from the last. We love browsing here because there is always something new.

Bowes Signature Candles is where you go if you want to bring home the scent of Disney — candles inspired by beloved experiences like the Haunted Mansion, Dole Whip, and other iconic park smells. These make wonderful gifts.

The M&M Store lets you create custom M&M’s with personalized text and colors — a fun souvenir option.

The LEGO Store, Star Wars Galactic Outpost, Marvel Superhero Headquarters, and the dedicated soccer store round out a strong lineup of specialty retail.

For non-Disney shopping, you will find Sephora, lululemon, Fit to Run, and a variety of apparel and lifestyle retailers that make Disney Springs worth a visit even for guests who are not particularly Disney-focused.

11. Visit the LEGO Store and the Outdoor Sculptures

The LEGO Store at Disney Springs is worth a visit for the sculptures alone before you ever step inside. The outdoor display area features large-scale LEGO sculptures — including a dragon that has been a fixture at Disney Springs for years — as well as rotating builds featuring Star Wars characters, Disney princesses, and other themes.

Inside the store, you can browse an extensive selection of LEGO sets across every theme and price point, play with display builds, and pick up a set as a great souvenir for kids and adults alike. Lines can get long during peak times but typically move reasonably well.

12. Catch a Movie at the AMC Theatre

The AMC 24-screen theatre at Disney Springs is one of the best movie-going experiences in the Orlando area, and the dine-in option elevates it further.

The dine-in theatre allows you to order from a full food and drinks menu — including a full bar — and have everything delivered directly to your seat during the film. It is a genuinely enjoyable way to see a movie, particularly for Disney and Marvel releases where the Disney Springs location leans into the occasion with themed decorations and special celebrations around opening weekends.

13. Get Photos at the Disney Photo Pass Studio

This one is a hidden gem that a lot of guests walk right past, and it is a fantastic experience for anyone who already has Memory Maker included with their trip or on their Annual Pass.

The Disney Photo Pass Studio inside Disney Springs offers professional photos against a variety of creative and beautifully staged backdrops — with as many poses and setups as you want. Unlike photos taken inside the theme parks which often have crowds or other guests in the background, the studio experience gives you a clean, controlled setting where you can take your time and get genuinely great shots. It is especially wonderful for families who want memorable photos without the chaos of the park environment around them.

14. Watch for Level 99 — Coming Soon

At the time of writing, Level 99 has not yet opened at Disney Springs but it is one of the most anticipated new additions to the complex. The concept features 60 themed challenge rooms offering obstacle courses, escape room-style experiences, and interactive gaming activities across two floors.

Level 99 will also include a two-story bar and Detroit-style pizza — which has us very excited. If you are visiting after this opens, it is likely to be one of the standout new experiences at Disney Springs and absolutely worth checking out.

15. Experience the Full Raglan Road Irish Pub

We saved one of our absolute favorites for last, and Raglan Road deserves every bit of the attention.

Yes, we mentioned Raglan Road when we talked about live music — but this place is so much more than just a bar with music. Raglan Road is a full Irish entertainment complex that happens to be one of the most authentically fun experiences at all of Disney Springs.

Inside, you will find a sprawling, beautifully designed Irish pub with live Irish music, live Irish step dancing performances that are genuinely impressive, a full traditional Irish menu, and a large bar. Outside, there is a patio stage with its own live music and another bar. There is also an Irish gift shop on the premises.

The combination of great food, excellent drinks, live music, and the energy of the Irish dance performances makes an evening at Raglan Road feel like something genuinely special. We have been countless times and it never disappoints.

Plan Your Disney Springs Visit

Disney Springs is open daily and requires no theme park admission — parking is free in the surrounding garages. Whether you are visiting Orlando as a tourist or you are a Central Florida local looking for a great evening out, Disney Springs consistently delivers.

Our recommendation is to arrive in the late afternoon, grab dinner at one of the restaurants, spend the evening wandering between the live music stages, and end the night with something sweet from Gideon’s Bakehouse or Salt & Straw. It is one of those evenings that feels effortlessly magical — which is exactly what Orlando does best.

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