I explored Disney Springs at night, and I hope you will too! I’m sharing 7 of the coolest things you can do at night in this Disney-themed complex.
Is Disney Springs Worth Visiting at Night?
Yes. Disney Springs is free to enter, stays open late, and is fun to explore after dark. Also, you don’t need a park ticket to enter. The lighting, live music, and waterfront atmosphere make it a fun evening option at Walt Disney World. Shops and restaurants stay open until at least 11PM, and bars like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar run past midnight.
I visited at 8:00PM after I finished a work conference in Orlando. There were tons of stores to explore and I had so much fun soaking up the energy. I grabbed food, crowd watched, and had the best time. Here’s what I recommend doing if you’re going to Disney Springs after dark.
What Disney Springs Looks Like After Dark
At night, Disney Springs comes alive with a super festive atmosphere. The string lights sparkle, water reflects off the lake, and the glow from storefronts turns the shopping complex into full Disney magic.
Even if you don’t buy a single thing or sit down for a meal, the loop around the lake is worth it. Go around sunset and stay through dark if you can. You’ll see what I mean.
1. Shop Specialty Disney Stores
I learned you can buy a lot of the same Disney merchandize that is sold inside the parks. The shops were full of the cutest plushies and clothing, I had to stop myself from buying everything.
When I was there, I wandered through Once Upon a Time, The LEGO Store, Marketplace Co-Op, and World of Disney. If you’re looking for Disney branded clothing, stuffed animals, or cute character merchandise these are the spots.
Further into Town Center is where clothing stores and designers line the village-themed streets. Give yourself lots of time to browse if you’re in a shopping mood. You never know what cute Disney-inspired finds you might uncover.
2. Discover Kiosk Treasures
Speaking of shopping, I happened upon tons of cute kiosk shops along the streets. My favorite was the ALOHA Collection kiosk at Riverboat Square. This brand, founded by two women from Hawai’i, features waterproof matching bag sets in catchy prints. I use them for all my makeup and beach bags. Highly recommend a stop here!
3. Grab Dinner
If you search Best Restaurants in Disney Springs you’ll find lots of detailed reviews of every restaurant. The streets are lined with sit down and fast casual dining.
A few spots I noticed:
- T-Rex Cafe is a fun, quirky family-friendly sit down.
- Paddlefish leans towards fine dining.
- The Boathouse was bustling, and looked like the go-to spot along the pond.
- Chef Art Smith’s Home Cookin’ was a cozy looking stop for southern comfort food.
- STK is an upscale steakhouse if you want to relax and people watch.
3. Sip at a Speakeasy
The first thing I do anywhere I travel is look up speakeasies. And sure enough, Disney Springs has a speakeasy trail you’ll want to explore (for the 21+ crowd).
- Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is an adventure-themed bar. You’ll feel like you’re hanging out with Indiana Jones. It runs well past midnight, so there’s no rush.
- I walked into Enzo’s Hideaway and it’s full speakeasy vibes. Turn a corner through the door for a hidden hall with seating and signature cocktails. Late night, the vibe gets even better.
- The Forbidden Lounge inside Morimoto Asia is the other spot you want to stop with romantic low lit vibes.
- Wine Bar George is a laid back bar with a patio. Looks great if you want a calm outdoor hangout.
4. Eat Famous Desserts
There are two desserts I kept seeing people raving about online. Gelato from Vivoli Il Gelato, and stand-in-line famous cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse. There was a line at 10:00PM , on a regular weeknight. I wish I could say I stuck it out and got the cookie, but I went for gelato instead (no regrets, it was fabulous).
5. Watch “Drawn to Life” by Cirque du Soleil
Disney Springs hosts a Cirque du Soleil show year round. Catch “Drawn to Life” on the West Side if you’re around mid-afternoon. You can buy tickets online ahead of time.
6. Catch Live Music
See a live band at House of Blues. Or if you’re a bit of a commitment-phobe, do what I did and stop at Riverboat Square to catch the onstage performances. There’s always something going on after dark, so even if you don’t stop for long you’ll hear the music across the park.
7. Soak Up Disney Vibes
A loop around Disney Springs is really fun even if you don’t buy anything. The waterfront near The Boathouse at night is a great free thing to do at Walt Disney World. Keep an eye out for fun surprises like giant lego structures near the Lego Store and the volcano “explosions” at Rainforest Cafe.
Key Takeaways
- No ticket needed. Disney Springs is always free to enter.
- Open late: most bars run past midnight.
- Drone show is free. Check the schedule before you go.
- Gideon’s Bakehouse has lines past 10PM. Worth it.
- Free parking: Lime, Orange, and Grapefruit garages.
- Speakeasy trail: Enzo’s Hideaway and Forbidden Lounge.
- Best atmosphere: waterfront near The Boathouse after dark.
Final Thoughts
If you like Disney Parks I think you’ll enjoy exploring Disney Springs at night. You’ll get to see a lot of the same stuff as you would with a daytime visit, but without the heat or massive crowds. I loved the magical feel of walking around, grabbing a treat here and there, and enjoying the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disney Springs fun at night?
Yes! Disney Springs is really fun at night. The string lights, lake reflections, and live music create a lively atmosphere that makes the shops and restaurants come alive with Disney magic. It is free to enter, stays open late, and has enough bars, restaurants, and entertainment to fill an evening.
Is anything in Disney Springs open late?
Yes. Most Disney Springs restaurants and bars stay open until 11PM or later. Bars like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Enzo’s Hideaway typically run past midnight. Gideon’s Bakehouse is famous for late-night lines , there was still a queue at 10PM on a regular weeknight (you have to try their cookies!)
Where do I park at Disney Springs?
Parking is free at Disney Springs. There are three covered garages: Lime, Orange, and Grapefruit. Two surface lots, Strawberry and Watermelon, are also free. For evening visits, the garages fill quickly on weekends, so arrive by 7PM to get a good spot.
What is the best Disney Springs breakfast spot?
Summer House on the Lake is the most popular Disney Springs breakfast option, with a 4.9 star rating across 19,000+ Google reviews. My research shows that the restaurant fills quickly, so make a reservation if you can.
Does the Skyliner connect to Disney Springs?
No. The Disney Skyliner gondola system does not stop at Disney Springs. The property has its own free parking and is also accessible via complimentary bus service from most Walt Disney World resort hotels.
Is Disney Springs the same as Downtown Disney?
Yes. Disney Springs is the rebranded name for what was previously called Downtown Disney. The area was redesigned and reopened under the Disney Springs name with expanded offerings.
Do you need a ticket to visit Disney Springs?
No ticket is required to enter Disney Springs. It is a free, open-air shopping and dining district outside the Walt Disney World theme parks. You only need a reservation or cover charge for specific venues like House of Blues concerts.
How long should I spend at Disney Springs at night?
Plan for at least two to three hours to browse shops, grab dinner or drinks, and catch live entertainment. If you want to do a full sit-down dinner, the drone show, and a dessert stop at Gideon’s Bakehouse, budget closer to four hours.
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