Disney Springs just unveiled the first phase of a complete remodeling to Walt Disney World's prime shopping destination. With two parking garages now open, the walkways are seeing much less traffic and there are more shopping & dining options than ever before Here's what you need to know:
Sprinkles cupcakes are great, but be prepared to wait:
These delectable little treats are to die for, but on opening day the line was a minimum 1 hour wait all day long just to get a smell of these decadent snacks; the line for Orlando's first ever cupcake ATM was around 30 minutes long throughout the day. **Tip: Yes, it's cool to go inside and watch them make cupcakes, but store hours are form 10am-11pm. The cupcake ATM hours (right next to the store) are from 8am-2am.
D-Luxe is the best "bang for your buck" eatery at the Springs: At just a shade over 10 bucks, you'll be served the juiciest and arguably most unique burger on Disney property. Their homemade buns and seasoned fries are perfect compliments to the gourmet patties. Thick, flavorful milkshakes (virgin and alcoholic) will surely keep you coming back to this affordable hotspot. Full review: D-Luxe Burger
Daily Poutine is good, but pricey: Essentially french fries with toppings, these snacks are over-priced. The offerings are very good.. and are a filling snack, but costing nearly 10 dollars.. you are better off paying for a meal. I'm not knocking the quality, but the pricing might be enough to drive people away.
YeSake is a hidden gem: Just a small pop-up stand nestled into the heart of Disney Springs, YeSake offers hand-crafted tortilla rolls and vibrant slushies. Personally, I recommend the "Sake Cosmo Freeze," but, you can't go wrong picking any of them-- especially on a hot summer day.
If you want to see the "new additions," park in the Lime Lot: The Lime Lot is the newer of the two Disney Springs garages, making accessibility to Town Center incredibly convenient. The Lime garage exit dumps you right into the middle of the Town Center, making your shopping experience even easier. These garages have state-of-the-art equipment, with digital signs telling drivers how many parking spaces are available on each floor.. and which aisles have openings. All of those years of Downtown Disney driving headaches are finally over.
Don't pass up on B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. just because it's small: Right on the outskirts of the transformed Town Center, this sausage stand delivers with big portion sizes. They have a sampler, allowing you to try all different kinds of sausage-- or you can feast on the Bavarian Sausage Sandwich. Dishes are served with toppings on the side: pickled onions and spicy pickles. Full Review: B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.
Check out the Under Armour store: Even if you're not a fitness freak or sports fanatic, this store is impressive. Equipped with Marvel and Star Wars clothing.. this store has apparel for all demographics. On the second floor of this monstrous store, you'll see a larger than life Hulk sporting none other than the official Under Armour spandex. Also, make sure you check out the fitting rooms, featuring a life-size Captain America and Millennium Falcon murals.
Adventurous eaters, Try the Takoyaki at Street Food: Morimoto's "Street Food" is the counter service option to those wanting to try the iron chef's recipes. Takoyaki is on the menu and they are essentially "Octopus Fritters." These savory, sweet and sour deep fried balls are nothing short of unique and tasteful.
Guest Relations has relocated: Guest Relations used to be up near Once Upon a Toy and Ghiradelli, but it has now moved to the Town Center right outside the Lime Lot. The old location is strictly a Disney Photopass Center now.
Visit at nighttime: If you think the Mediterranean ambiance and decor of Disney Springs is a thing of beauty during the day, but a whole new personality comes out in the nighttime hours. With all of the new stores adding beauty to the area, the open, less congested land now even allows for old time favorites to shine; i.e The Rainforest Cafe Volcano. Live entertainment also fills the streets of Town Center at night; Acapella groups, folk bands and living statues are just a sample of the nightlife.