In the heart of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Disney Springs is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that offers endless options for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or just a fan for the day, below are some top things to do at Disney Springs curated by other Disney enthusiasts and me. We’ve been to Disney Springs twice, once when our son was two and again when he was four, so our examples are family-friendly.

Shopping with littles:

Visit the World of Disney store – one of the largest Disney merchandise stores in the world: Before we left Winnipeg, I convinced my son to sell a few of these baby toys, and I put the funds into a Disney gift card so he could choose want he wanted to buy himself on the trip. The World of Disney Store did not disappoint.

Visit the Star Wars Trading Post, which features merchandise from the Star Wars universe. So this one was for my son and me – I absolutely love Star Wars. I picked up some shirts for my husband and me to wear to Hollywood Studios, and my son chose the cutest Grogu toy. Everyone left the store happy. (photo)

Build your inner child at Lego Land: This was my son’s favorite part of the day. The Lego Land store had the best selection of Lego and featured any Lego set that you could imagine. Outside the store, kids and fun-loving adults can build a Lego car and test it on the ramps.

Not shopping related, but in the middle of the Disney Springs Marketplace, there is an area for kids to run around, climb, explore, and be kids.

Noteworthy point: for those looking for a more ‘adult’ shopping experience, Disney Springs is home to many luxury brands, unique boutiques, and so much more – so you can leave satisfied with or without the mouse ears.

Food that’s also entertainment: With over 60 dining options, Disney Springs offers something for every taste and budget. Try classic American dishes at The BOATHOUSE or enjoy a fantastic steak at Morimoto Asia. For a sweet treat, stop by The Ganachery for handcrafted ganache or Amorette’s Patisserie for delicate pastries. Below are some of my family’s favourite dining locations.

At the top of the list is T-Rex Café, as my son was absolutely astounded by the place. It felt like we walked into prehistoric times when dinosaurs ruled the earth! I read that the food was pretty good, and I was impressed with it and the entire experience. After my son and I finished our lunches, he dug for dino bones in the sand pit. I recommend this experience 100% for families with kids with dino obsessions. It’s important to note that reservations for T-Rex Café fill up immediately when they open. I woke up at 5:00 AM, 90 days before, to book a lunch reservation.

Wine Bar George set the dining bar high: You had me at the wine bar! We visited this restaurant with my husband’s coworkers after one of their training days, yes, Orlando is also a major training centre. I opted to create my flight and tried four different wines. We shared the food family style, and it was terrific. The kids’ menu was adorable, and the staff was kind and accommodating toward my son. I recommend this place ten out of ten.

Get your seafood fix at Paddlefish: We went as a group to Paddlefish, and not only was the food excellent, but they also catered to kids by offering an activity and a special kids’ menu. I went with the seared scallops and was very happy with my decision.

Enjoy a family meal at the Rainforest Cafe, a jungle-themed restaurant with animatronic animals and live reptiles. We didn’t make it to this one, but other family globetrotters swear by it.

Entertainment for the family:

Disney Springs is also a hub for entertainment, with options like Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, a high-flying acrobatics show, and the House of Blues, a concert venue featuring live music. Take a relaxing boat ride on the Disney Springs waters or enjoy a thrilling flight on the Characters in Flight balloon. Some of the experiences that we took in with the family include:

Take a ride on the balloon at Aerophile, which offers stunning views of Disney Springs and beyond.

See the Fountains of Fun, a musical water and light show several times each evening. We did this before Wine Bar George.

Take a ride on the train. This is great for the wee littles and an opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Stroll around, sightsee, and take it all in, as Disney Spring is truly magical.

Other noteworthy experiences include:

Watch a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theatre, where you can enjoy a meal while watching the latest blockbuster film.

Take a spin on the Amphicar, a car that can also drive on water, for a fun and unique experience, or go mini-golf or go-karting.  

Disney Springs is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a fun and magical experience in Orlando. With endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options, you’re sure to have a memorable day at this exciting destination.