One of the easiest ways to save is by having a smart dining strategy. You have to eat. It’s a non-negotiable, but it’s also the area you have the most control over in your travel budget. We have several posts covering ways to save money on Disney World food that you can check out.

With the right mindset and a loose travel plan, you can totally do Disney World on a budget without sacrificing. Grab your pen and paper, and let’s dive in!

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With the right approach, a Disney trip can be affordable and magical. The cheapest way to visit Disney World is to plan smart and make informed choices. We’ve had many budget-friendly Disney adventures, and so can you!

Before we dive in, if you can’t afford to go to Disney World, you should wait. While it is possible to do Disney on a budget, I wouldn’t want you to be so strapped for cash that you can’t allow for some indulgences, like buying a Disney balloon for your child. If that’s the case, I would encourage you to wait another year or so, save some more money, and you will have an infinitely better vacation!

To help you save, we’ve written several money-saving articles to help get you on the right track. Remember, money saved is money earned, so the more money you can keep in the bank, the more you can save for a dream Disney vacation!

Related: Resort Hopping at Disney World (on the monorail)

Cheapest Way To Do Disney World

As with any vacation destination, travel, accommodations, tickets, and food will be your main expenses. Other areas, like souvenirs and alcoholic drinks, are optional. The time of year you visit will be the most critical factor, so let’s start there.

Flights, hotels, and even Disney ticket prices will be higher during peak travel times, such as holidays and when kids are out of school. Traveling during the off-season will ensure you get the lowest rates on flights, accommodations, and even Disney ticket prices.

Disney Packing List Must Haves

Raincoats! Regardless of when you visit, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a pop-up shower during your trip. Be prepared and bring rain ponchos from home to avoid paying premium prices at Disney World!

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Slowest Times At Disney World

One of the best times to visit Disney is after the Thanksgiving crowds leave and before the Christmas crowds arrive. Prices are lower, the weather is beautiful, and the Disney Christmas decorations are up, adding to the magic of your trip.

For the same reasons, January and February are also great. The decorations are gone, but you’ll have much cooler weather. There are cheerleading competitions around this time every year, and thousands of cheerleaders inundate Disney property. Book your trip between these competitions, and you’ll be fine.

Late August and most of September are notoriously among the best times for low crowds and prices. It’s still a little too hot for us, but if that doesn’t bother you, you can’t go wrong with Disney in September!

Related: Best Quick Service At Disney World (for $10 or less)

Authorized Disney Travel Agents

Hiring a travel agent may be your best bet if it’s your first trip to Disney. Not only will they know the best times to go, but they can also do all the planning for you based on your budget. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything to hire a Disney travel agent. They actually get paid a commission directly from Disney. Search Google or ask for recommendations in popular Disney forums to find an authorized Disney travel agent. They have a wealth of information, and the members are incredibly helpful. My favorites are DISboards, WDWMagic, and TouringPlans.

Traveling To Disney World

Driving is usually the cheapest way to get to Disney World. We live in Nashville, which is a 10-hour drive. The benefit of driving is that you can load up your car, which saves so much money! We bring cases of water and food, along with tons of extra health and beauty items, so we don’t have to buy anything on-site. You can estimate what you’ll pay for gas ahead of time.

If driving is out of the question, book the cheapest flight with the lowest baggage fees. In this case, I recommend paying for an extra bag and bringing as much as you can from home. The less you have to buy at the parks, the better. The additional baggage fee will often be less than the cost of forgetting something and paying full price on Disney World property.

Accommodations At Walt Disney World

I always recommend staying on Disney property to take advantage of perks like early park access, free transportation, and the experience of staying in the “Disney bubble.” However, we LOVE the Drury near Disney Springs. More on that below!

Booking your accommodations is the first thing you should do. Walt Disney World Resorts and Good Neighbor Hotels book up far in advance. Once you’ve secured your hotel, you can monitor prices and modify your reservation as needed.

• Disney Value Resorts, such as Disney All-Star Movies, Disney All-Star Music, and Disney All-Star Sports, are almost always the cheapest, ranging from $133 to over $200 a night, depending on the time of year.
• The Drury Plaza Hotel is the newest hotel in the Disney Springs area. We stayed here on our last trip, and we loved it so much that I wrote an entire review. While some value resorts might be less per night, the Drury offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, a free nightly hot buffet, and three free alcoholic drinks per adult per night of your stay. That’s a huge savings since food is a significant expense for most travelers.

Must Haves For Your Disney Trip

Autograph books! Meeting the characters at Disney World is a fun (and free) activity. It creates core memories that last a lifetime. Be prepared with these courtesy autograph books to avoid pain in-park prices!

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Disney World Ticket Prices

The price varies daily, with the cheapest Disney World tickets being during the off-season. For example, in 2026, you’ll pay around $119 fpr a one-day ticket vs $185 in December. You can see the most current price on the Disney website. A single-day ticket is a flat rate, but the price of a multi-day ticket decreases each consecutive day. You can also check the Disney World special offers page for ticket and resort discounts.

There are a few different ways to upgrade your ticket, but for the sake of this post, I recommend saving money and sticking with one park per day. Disney Springs is always a good option if you get done at the park a little early and are looking for something to do in the evening!

Related: Toddler Packing List Ideas for Disney (from a mom!)

Cut Back On Theme Park Days

The parks are a ton of fun, but one of the cheapest ways to do Disney World is to cut a park day. Depending on your children’s ages and how many days you’re there, you might want to consider only visiting two or three parks. Our grandkids don’t love Epcot, so that’s not a priority when they’re with us. 

Some of the best days at Disney are actually spent outside of the parks. You can explore the resorts via the monorail or ride the Disney Skyliner to others. The last time we were there, we made the monorail loop with our two-year-old grandson, and he LOVED playing with the oversized toys outside at the Contemporary.

Hang out at Disney Springs, or simply enjoy the resort you’re already staying at, let the kids swim, and relax. The parks can be exhausting, and a break is usually necessary!

Food Prices At Disney World

If you include drinks, meals, and snacks, an average family of four can spend well over $50 per person per day. Here are some ways to save!

Get some groceries. On the first day of your trip, either drive to the closest grocery store or place a delivery order for bottled water, snacks, and breakfast options. If you drive, bring non-perishable items from home. I’ve had Amazon Fresh and Instacart delivered to the hotel.

Have your first meal of the day in your room. It saves the cost of an entire meal out. We stock up on yogurt cups, cottage cheese, and granola bars. However, if your family loves breakfast, this is almost the cheapest meal of the day at Disney World.

Snacking in the park can add up, so I suggest bringing a few non-perishables, like granola bars, nuts, and jerky. Familiarize yourself with the Disney World Food Policy to know what you can and can’t bring into the parks. That said, Disney World has amazing snacks under $5 (like the School Bread at Kringla Bakeri shown above). We shared some of our favorites in this post!

Avoid sit-down restaurants. They are costly! As a foodie, I also believe that the quick-service restaurants are where you’ll find some of the best food at Disney – at the lowest prices. I’ve posted a lot about this here.

Share meals. It literally cuts the price of a meal in half. A few of our favorites are these totcho bowls, this Cuban Sandwich served with plantain chips, and the Jambon Beurre Sandwich at Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie. If one meal isn’t quite enough, order an extra side instead of a second meal OR supplement with one of the snacks you’ve brought.

It baffles me that people still pay for water bottles in the park, which can easily cost $50 a day or more. Bring bottles of water with you, or carry a refillable one. We LOVE these collapsible bottles.

Related: Disney World Food Prices (and ways to save)

Souvenirs At Disney World

Everything at Disney World is more expensive, especially souvenirs and Disney apparel. If you can, avoid buying them at Disney. Here are some things I did when my kids were younger.

Some of the cheapest apparel for a trip to Disney World can be found at H&M, Kohl’s, and Target. Even on a budget, dressing in Disney gear is fun, and you can find some great deals. My favorite Disney sweatshirt is from Kohl’s, and I got it on clearance for about $8.

In the months before your trip, frequent the Dollar Tree and stock up on Disney items. When your kids ask for something, pull a little surprise out of your backpack. This is also a great way to keep younger kids occupied in long lines.

Inside the parks, the refillable popcorn bucket is your best bet. The popcorn buckets can be refilled for around $2.50 for the entire trip. Mickey Ears and Disney autograph books can be purchased on Amazon for much less than you’ll pay on property.

Is Lightning Lane Multi-Pass Worth It

Time is money at Disney World, so while some people recommend skipping the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, I disagree, depending on when you’re traveling. Waiting in long lines can take hours out of your day. Multi Pass is an extra expense, but the time it saves is invaluable. It’s definitely worth considering and making room in your budget.

If you visit Disney during the lowest crowd time, you may only need it at some parks. Magic Kingdom, for example, has a lot of rides for kids, and it’s a lot to fit in in one day. Multi Pass may be beneficial here. However, at Hollywood Studios, young kids probably won’t be able to go on Slinky Dog Dash or Tower of Terror, so you may not need it at this park. I recommend looking at the Multi-Pass rides at each park to decide if it’s a good fit for your family.

Consider the heat. In addition to saving time, standing in long lines and baking in the sun is no one’s favorite thing to do. Lightning Lane is something we will always budget for!

That wraps up our tips for the cheapest way to do Disney World. If you have any money-saving Disney hacks, please share them in the comments. And if you’ve just started planning your Disney trip, we have a simple 4-step process you should definitely check out!

No family trip is complete without a Dole Whip Mickey-shaped pretzel, but the Disney snacks on this list may surprise you. From a Mickey Affogato that’s a Disney must for us on every trip to smoked paprika chips that are totally addictive, you’ll want to add these to your Disney itinerary!

In this post, I’m sharing some of our favorite snacks at Disney World, along with a few Disney World tips and tricks to help you enjoy them while keeping your Disney food budget in check.

Our last trip to Disney was in January, and we are still thinking about the food we ate. We’re foodies, and trying new Disney treats is one of the things we look forward to. On our last trip, we had some of the best food we’ve ever had. So, let’s dive right into the best Disney World snacks!

While we love a good table service meal, we typically focus on quick-service meals and snacks. Eating this way allows us to try more throughout the day while saving money. Speaking of saving money, we just posted our favorite quick-service meals for less than $10.

Related: The Cheapest Way To Do Disney World

Best Disney World Snacks, 2024 Edition

Typically, most of my posts are about saving money, but it’s nice to treat yourself, especially on vacation. Some of the snacks on this list didn’t make the cut for our favorite Disney snacks under $5 list, but they’re some of the best we’ve had and are worth going out of your way for!

Affogato Espresso Gelato $12.75

Gelateria Toscana

• Location: Epcot > Italy Pavilion
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Gelateria Toscana Menu

I have to start with the Affogato Espresso Gelato because it’s my all-time favorite snack at Walt Disney World! It begins with Italian espresso, then vanilla gelato is added, creating a classic affogato. Then, to add some Disney magic, they top it with two little amaretto cookies to mimic Mickey’s ears. It’s bitter and sweet and absolute perfection!

Chicken Dumplings With Ponzu $6.99

Mr. Kamal’s

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Mr. Kamal’s Menu (no official menu posted)

These dumplings are gloriously crispy without being greasy and filled with a tender, flavorful chicken filling. The Ponzi sauce that comes with them is tangy and bright without being overly sweet. You’ll want to slam-dunk your dumplings in it. This is one of our favorite little savory snacks at Animal Kingdom!

Honey Pistachio Croissant $6.49

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments Menu

The honey pistachio croissant at Tamu Tamu was another pleasant surprise on this trip. The croissant itself is buttery and flaky. Then, they drizzle it with honey and top it with toasted pistachios. I love the texture of the pistachios, and the honey adds the perfect sweetness!

Indian-style Bread Service $23.00

Sanaa Lounge

• Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge > Kidani Village
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Sanaa Lounge Menu

I’ve raved about the Indian-style bread service at Sanaa Lounge for years. It’s available at Sanaa restaurant, but many guests don’t know you can also get it at the lounge, where you don’t need a reservation. The bread service includes five Indian-style breads, along with a variety of sauces and chutneys. This is one of the best Disney World snacks because it’s a relaxed and fun way to eat, perfectly suited for sharing with friends.

Wookiee Cookie $7.49

Backlot Express

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Echo Lake
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Backlot Express Menu

My husband has a huge sweet tooth and loves the Wookiee Cookie at Backlot Express. First of all, this thing is humongous. A few people could easily share this as a snack. The oatmeal cookie is chewy without being overly sweet and filled with a vanilla cream frosting that’s smooth, not gritty like some frostings. The garnish is milk chocolate and made to look like Chewbacca’s sash. This is a snack we look forward to every trip, and at just $7.49, it’s a fantastic value!

Churros With Dipping Sauces $11.00

Nomad Lounge

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Discovery Island
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Nomad Lounge Menu

It’s no secret among Disney regulars that the churros at Nomad Lounge are the best on Disney property. They are light and fluffy on the inside, with the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar coating the outside. They’re delightfully crispy and screaming to be dunked into one of the dipping sauces they come with. These are also available gluten-free upon request. On this trip, we received vanilla crema and a seasonal sauce, which was chili-strawberry. Both were absolutely delicious! Nomad Lounge is a hidden gem and one of our favorite places to hang out.

Bavarian Pretzel $12.00

BaseLine Tap House

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Grand Avenue
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• BaseLine Tap House Menu

Since relaxation is the goal on every Disney trip, we have a few favorite spots to take a break, and Baseline Taphouse at Hollywood Studios is one of them. The Bavarian pretzel with beer, cheese, and mustard is a must. The pretzel is well known as one of the best on property, and the beer cheese fondue is a flavor bomb. Grab a couple of beers and a pretzel, and relax for a while!

Half Baguette $2.95

Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie

• Location: Epcot > Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Menu

The half-baguette at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France pavilion at Epcot is easily one of the best snacks at Disney World and the cheapest. In the photo above, I had just torn off a piece, but you get an entire half-baguette for $2.95, and a whole baguette (which is huge) is only $3.95. I’ll be honest: as someone who doesn’t love bread, I only tried this because I had heard it was a good value – but – WOW. It was so so good! Pro tip. They will give you salted butter and jam upon request, so you should definitely ask for them!

Edamame With Chili Salt $5.00

Geyser Point Bar & Grill

• Location: Wilderness Lodge > Outside
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Geyser Point Bar & Grill Menu

It’s a simple and healthy snack that pairs perfectly with a couple of cold beers. Geyser Point is a vibe, and we’re here for it. It’s located along the waterfront at Wilderness Lodge, with gorgeous views of Bay Lake. We’ve tried almost everything on the menu, but keep returning for the edamame and chili salt. We love this spot so much that I wrote a blog post all about it!

Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores $9.00

The Ganachery

• Location: Disney Springs > The Landing
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• The Ganachery Menu

The artisan s’mores at The Ganachery aren’t just any s’mores. They’re special and must be on our best Disney World snacks list! After you place your order, you can walk over to the glass windows and watch a chocolate artisan handcraft your s’more. The top is dusted with powdered sugar in the shape of Mickey. It’s almost too cute to eat, but you’ll want to eat it – quickly – because it’s melty, messy, and delish!

Maple Popcorn $6.99

Canada Popcorn Cart

• Location: Epcot > Canada
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Canada Popcorn Cart

Shannon and I love popcorn, but the popcorn at Disney never blew us away until we tried the maple popcorn in the Canada pavilion. You can find this at the cart/kiosk in front of the La Cellier restaurant gardens. The popcorn was fresh and crisp, with just the right amount of maple flavor. If you like maple and a sweet-and-salty combination, you’ll love this. At $6.50, it’s a fun little snack for kids and adults alike!

Best Disney World Snacks, Honorable Mentions

Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom

• Chipotle Barbecue Loaded Fries $8.29: Topped with pulled pork, slaw, and chipotle barbecue sauce. We loved the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. You can read more about these here. Casey’s Corner Menu

Karamell-Küche in World Showcase at EPCOT

• Dark Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt $4.49. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Karamell-Küche, but the dark chocolate balances the caramel’s sweetness, and I love the sea salt on top. Karamell-Küche (no posted menu)

Adventureland Spring Roll Cart in Magic Kingdom

• Cheeseburger Spring Rolls $9.50: Choose from two seasonal spring rolls, including sauces. These spring rolls have a cult following for a reason. They taste like a cheeseburger wrapped in a light, crispy spring roll wrapper and come with a burger-style dipping sauce. The seasonal spring roll rotates. The day we were there, it was a pizza flavor.

That wraps up our roundup of the best Walt Disney World snacks. Please share your favorites in the comments so I can try them on our next trip!

If you’re a foodie, add this to your vacation bucket list immediately. Olivia’s delivers on food, service, and atmosphere, offering up familiar favorites as well as unique options with an island flair.

One of my favorite Disney tips is to visit other Disney World resorts. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day outside of the Disney parks, especially if you’re on a family trip with kids. There are typically fun (and free) things to do, not to mention it’s a great way to sample all the amazing Disney World food specific to each resort!

If you’re heading to Disney and looking for more dining options to add to your itinerary, I just shared our favorite sandwiches and some of the best salads you can get on property. And if you’re heading to Disney Springs early, here’s where you can get breakfast before 10 AM! Let’s dive in.

The food at Disney World has come a long way in the 40+ years we’ve been visiting. Disney restaurants have stepped up their game, and Olivia’s Cafe is no exception. Brunch at Olivia’s is actually breakfast. It’s served from 7:30 AM to 2 PM, seven days a week, and the menu stays the same.

Old Key West is a smaller Disney resort hotel, but it is highly underrated. It’s small but charming, unpretentious, and inviting. Olivia’s is no exception. Imagine a beach house with a warm and cozy vibe. There are nautical touches throughout the restaurant, large paddle ceiling fans, mismatched chairs, and an overall casual and welcoming atmosphere. It makes you want to stay a while.

The inspiration for the restaurant came from Olivia Farmsworth, a resident of Old Key West who was well known for inviting strangers and friends into her kitchen to eat. As you enter the restaurant, the lobby walls are covered with real photos of Disney Vacation Club members (who often return to update them). This is meant to make you feel welcomed, and it does. It’s the first thing I noticed, and I LOVED looking at all the photos. 

Olivia’s Cafe At Disney’s Old Key West

On our last few trips, we’ve been staying at the Drury hotel in Orlando, which is actually a Good Neighbor Hotel located right outside Disney Springs. We absolutely love this Disney hotel and the location. In fact, we love it so much that I wrote a full review here.

Shannon and I love getting up early and walking to Disney Springs. There are some early-morning breakfast options worth waking up for, and it’s a relaxing way to start on a non-park day. Once at Disnsye Springs, you can follow the path over to Saratoga Springs, which takes you all the way to Old Key West Resort. It’s a long but beautiful walk, as most of this path runs along the water. The morning we did this, we had one goal in mind: to have breakfast or brunch at Olivia’s café, and it did not disappoint.

Related: Geyser Point Bar and Grill Review @ Wilderness Lodge Resort

Olivia’s Cafe Menu

The menu at Olivia’s is one of the things that makes it unique. You’ll find familiar favorites like pancakes and omelettes as well as island-inspired dishes like the wildly popular conch fritters, banana bread French toast with Bahamian banana rub syrup, and unique condiments like Key lime hollandaise sauce and a Key West-inspired ketchup. Shannon and I rarely go out to a Disney breakfast or brunch because the menus don’t excite us. We’re always looking for something a little more unique that entices us to go, and Olivia’s café does that!

If you’re on the Disney dining plan, Olivia’s Café counts as one table service credit for both breakfast/brunch and dinner. I always recommend that you look at the prices for each table-service restaurant you plan to visit. Use your credits at the most expensive restaurants to get the most bang for your buck! You can access all the Disney restaurant menus on their website and via the My Disney Experience App. I’ve also noticed the app is updated more often than the website.

Disney Brunch Review

We started with a cocktail, the blackberry orange spritz, made with Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, for $17.50. I don’t typically order bubbly drinks, but after the walk from our hotel, it sounded refreshing, and it was. This was light, refreshing, not too sweet, but also alcohol forward, which I didn’t mind. Adult beverages at Disney World are expensive, so I want my money’s worth. 

We started with the famous Olivia’s Cafe conch fritters, served with key lime mustard for $16, which I was so excited to try. I had heard nothing but good reviews about them, and they were not wrong. The texture was spot-on for a fritter, and I loved the visible chunks of conch, which added nice texture. You’ll also want to slam dunk these in the Key lime mustard. It was fantastic!

I had already scoured the menu and knew I wanted to order the crab cake Benedict ($26). Eggs Benedict is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and this was another home run! The crabcakes themselves are full of crab without too much breading, but the Key lime hollandaise makes the dish. It’s light and tangy, with a hint of lime, giving it a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the crab cakes and rich egg yolks. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of Olivia’s breakfast potatoes. They taste like scallop potatoes made with canned soup. The next time we go, I will choose a different side.

My husband ordered the bacon jam cheeseburger for $26 and loved it. Specifically, he commented on the quality of the beef, and I agree. You can tell it’s a good-quality beef patty. My only note, though my husband disagreed, is that the avocado is not necessary. I love avocado, but I don’t think it meshes well with the jam and pickles’ flavors. Speaking of the pickles, they’re delicious and come from The Land Pavilion at Epcot, so that’s a little Disney fun fact. The ketchup is their Key West ketchup, which has a bit of citrus. It also comes with an aïoli. This was unique and flavorful! (he also did not care for the potatoes)

Pro tip. You can find the menu for Olivia’s Cafe here. It’s always a good idea to check Disney menus right up until you leave for your trip, as they change often.

Related: Polite Pig @ Disney Springs Review

Final Thoughts

Aside from the potatoes, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Olivia’s Café! With so many fantastic Disney restaurants to choose from, I ask myself three questions before recommending one.

• Would I go out of my way to go back?
  • As I mentioned above, brunch doesn’t usually excite us, but we will absolutely go out of our way to go back to Olivia’s Café (and I’ll be ordering the conch fritters every time!)
• Is it memorable?
  • I have already forgotten many of the things we tried on our most recent trip, but I’m still thinking about our meal, so yes – it’s memorable!
• What would I recommend to other people?
  • I recommend Olivia’s to anyone looking for a breakfast that is a little more unique, who loves exploring other Disney resorts, and anyone traveling with kids. The menu has something for everyone, including Mickey waffles.

If you’ve dined at Olivia’s Café, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Disney Springs can be hectic, but it can also be quite relaxing if you know the right time to go. Most guests wake up early and head straight to the parks, but during your Disney trip planning, it’s a good idea to carve out some time to visit Disney Springs early, especially on a family trip when everyone could use a more laid-back morning.

We spend a lot of time at Disney Springs. If you haven’t tried the Hop Salt Pretzel at Polite Pig or the Chipotle Cobb Salad, both are fantastic. And the Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores at The Ganachery are a must! Be sure to add them to your Disney itinerary!

If you’ve never been to Disney Springs before the stores open in the morning, I highly recommend it. It’s so relaxing, and no-stress Disney vacations are kind of our thing. They pipe the music in, and you get a rare opportunity to explore, snag some fantastic photos (without people in the background), and beat the crowds when stores start to open. Once you’ve gotten a few steps in, you’ll want something to eat, and there are solid options for an early breakfast at Disney Springs!

Breakfast At Disney Springs

Brunch at Disney Springs is hugely popular, but for the sake of this post, we’re focusing on breakfast before 10 AM, as those options are limited and many guests are unaware they’re even available. From sweet and savory options at Everglazed to the newly opened “grab and go” breakfast at Summer House On The Lake, you can’t go wrong. Before we dive in, let’s discuss how and where to get into Disney Springs.

What Time Does Disney Springs Open

Disney Springs officially opens at 10 AM, but unofficially at 9 AM, which is the same time all the eateries on this list open. If you look at the Disney website, the posted opening time is still listed as 10 AM, which makes me wonder how many people don’t realize they can enter an hour earlier. Planning an early trip to Disney Springs is 1000% worth it. (and as soon as The Ganchery opens, the made-to-order s’mores are a must!)

Disney Mickey + Pluto Retro T-Shirt

This super soft Disney t-shirt is one of our favorites! The lightweight material is comfortable in the Florida heat, and one of our favorite money saving Disney tips is to buy your Disney apparel and souvenirs before you get there. (it comes in various color and sizes)

Shop Here

Parking At Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers numerous free parking options, including surface lots and covered parking garages. These are spread out from one end to the other, which is nice because you can park as close as you need to be. The Disney website states parking at Disney Springs starts at 9 AM, but many guests report being able to park earlier, and we’ve witnessed it ourselves many times. If you’re heading to breakfast at Disney Springs, it’s helpful to know which parking option is closest to your destination, which I’ll provide below. 

Related: Food Prices at Disney World + Ways To Save

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Starting at the West End of Disney Springs for breakfast, Everglazed Donuts is a must, especially if you’re a donut lover. They offer both fun and unique options like maple double bacon, peabut butter explosion, and fruity pebbles, as well as glazed and cake for donut purists. If you prefer a savory breakfast like me, there is something for you, too!

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

I was sad when they removed the donut burger from the menu, but I can’t be mad about the breakfast sandwich. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Hearty, cheesy, and customizable with your choice of donut, it’s a delicious and filling breakfast for $10.  I recommend a glazed donut as it adds just the right amount of sweetness. Seating is limited, but there is seating both inside and in a small area outside. We love taking our breakfast down to the water and enjoying the sights and sounds of Disney Springs waking up.

Summer House On The Lake

Staying on the west side, the Summer House on the Lake offers a new grab-and-go breakfast at Disney Springs. The options here are limited, and they can sell out quickly. Once they sell out, that’s it for the day. On the day we visited, everything was already sold out except for the breakfast sandwiches and breakfast tacos. I had already seen videos of the breakfast sandwich, and that’s what we were excited to try!

Summer House on the Lake
Grab & Go Breakfast Hours: 9:00 AM (until sold out)
Location: West Side
Closest Parking: Orange Garage or Strawberry Surface Lot

This is a perfect example of how something so simple can be so delicious. Made with high-quality, flavorful ingredients, this sandwich would make me return again and again. For just $7.95, it was flavorful, well-balanced, and very filling. The bread itself is very soft and subtly sweet, and the bread-to-filling ratio is spot-on. The bacon was smoky and flavorful, and the Fresno pepper sauce added good flavor without being overpowering. 

As you can see in the picture, the egg patty is thick and gives a Starbucks egg-bite vibe. It’s creamy, custardy, and the whole sandwich is perfectly balanced – flavorful, not dry, and satisfying. Each item is individually wrapped and packed nicely, giving you the choice to sit on their patio or take it elsewhere.

Related: New (Quick Service) Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Earl Of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich is one of our favorite spots for an early breakfast at Disney Springs. Their breakfast sandwiches do not disappoint. Ranging from $7.49 to $8.99, they are just as delicious as the lunch and dinner options. You can customize them with extra veggies, avocado, protein, etc. This was the sausage, egg, and cheese, and we added avocado, red onion, and tomato. It was hearty and filling!

Earl of Sandwich
Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Location: Marketplace
Closest Parking: Lime Garage

The second and newer option at Earl’s is their breakfast bowls. These are also customizable. They’re basically a tater tot bowl, and we have a profound love for totcho bowls at Disney World. We ordered ours with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, onions, sausage, and sour cream for $8.99. It was savory, hearty, and shareable. My only note is that I don’t love the tall and narrow bowl. Most of the toppings are actually under all that cheese, which made it difficult to mix them up. On our next trip, I will ask for a plate to transfer it. 

Disney Vacation Planner

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Starbucks

Last but not least, two Starbucks locations open at 9 AM. One is located on the west side, just in front of the Aerophile Ballon (pictured above). This is the larger of the two locations, offering a full bakery case with options you’re already familiar with. It has ample indoor and outdoor seating. Closest parking is the orange garage.

The second location is a walk-up window located in the Marketplace near the Disney Store. It offers a smaller selection of pastries and no seating. The closest parking would be the lime garage. (When I’m at Disney, I’m skipping Starbucks and getting Joffrey’s over in The Landing at 10 AM!)

And that’s a wrap on where you can find an early breakfast at Disney Springs. I can’t encourage taking advantage of the quiet to sip coffee and enjoy a peaceful morning!

Whether you’re hunting down the very best food at Disney or just browsing for unique offerings, this place is a serious contender. From smoked brisket to hop salt pretzels and the largest bourbon bar on Disney property, it’s quickly become one of our favorite places to eat at Disney Springs.

Let’s dig into what makes Polite Pig at Disney Springs a must for your next Orlando vacation!

I like barbecue, but it’s not my first choice, and with so many other fantastic restaurants at Disney Springs, we had overlooked this gem for far too long. I was expecting typical barbecue classics like pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw, which are fine but not my favorites. However, with offerings such as barbecue meatballs, Caesar salad, a smoked turkey BLT, and cedar-planked salmon, continue reading to learn why The Polite Pig Disney Springs has become one of our Disney musts! (psst. you can often find us hanging out at the outdoor bourbon bar)

Related: Geyser Point at Wildnerness Lodge – A Disney Must

Polite Pig Disney Springs

The Polite Pig is a fast-casual barbecue restaurant with an upscale feel. The food is elevated but not in a pretentious way. It’s also home to one of the largest bourbon selections on Disney property, which features a fantastic Sweet Tea Old Fashioned, pictured below. Once you place your order, you find a seat, and a server will bring your food to you. They go a step further by checking on you and sometimes refilling drinks and sauces, making it feel more like a full-service experience.

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Before diving into the food, here are some fun facts and tidbits. 

Who owns the Polite Pig?

• The Polite Pig is actually not owned by Disney.  It’s owned by James Beard award nominees James & Julie Petrakis, who also own the Ravenous Pig gastropub in Winter Park. The Polite Pig in Disney Springs is the only location of its kind in the world. This, along with the unique food and bourbon bar, is part of what draws people in. It’s been a hit since the doors were opened.

Polite Pig Menu Options

• The Polite Pig offers a variety of options, including appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, and platters. It’s a meat-forward menu, with all meats smoked fresh on-site, including brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork. There is also an unlimited sauce bar. A personal pet peeve of mine is when my meal is pre-sauced, so I appreciate having some control there.

Where is the Polite Pig located?

• The Polite Pig is located in the Town Center section of Disney Springs. When parking a car, you’ll want to park in the lime garage, which will bring you practically right to the door. When you exit the garage via the escalator or elevator, it’s just a few steps in front of you on your right.

The Polite Pig Reservations

• You do not need reservations, so it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. It gets crowded quickly, and there is almost always a line out the door before it opens, so plan accordingly. I suggest arriving early and eating between busy meal times.  There is also a small outdoor bourbon bar where you can find us hanging out!

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Without further ado, let’s discuss the real reason everyone is here – the food at Polite Pig Disney Springs! As always, I recommend checking the menu to verify the dish you’re interested in is still available. Disney is constantly changing menus! Polite Pig Menu

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Chipotle Cobb $14.00

If you think salads are boring, this is the salad that will change your mind. In fact, we have two roundups of our favorites from our 2024 Disney trip, as well as the most recent one from 2025.

The Polite Pig’s Cobb starts with mixed greens topped with chopped eggs, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, and is served with an avocado chipotle dressing. You have the option of adding any of their smoked meats, so we chose to add brisket. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely amazing. Chewy, smoky brisket, fresh veggies, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, flavorful dressing—perfection. The salad is humongous and served in a stainless steel mixing bowl. Two people can easily share it, especially if you add the extra protein!

Related: Best Totchos at Disney World (aka – loaded tater tots!)

Hop Salt Pretzel $11.00

It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to something that is bread-heavy. I’d rather fill up on meat and veggies. Not only did I love this pretzel, but it surpasses every other pretzel on Disney property, including the pretzel at the Baseline Taphouse, which we also love.

The inside is tender and fluffy, and the outside is crispy, chewy, and salty. It’s served with a beer cheese fondue and an IPA mustard, both of which are incredibly flavorful. The beer cheese fondue was a pleasant surprise. Instead of being thick and gloppy, which I find many beer cheeses to be, this was a little runnier, but in the best way. Additionally, it’s enormous, which is a recurring theme at Polite Pig Disney Springs. Every dish in this post is shareable!

Pulled Pork Plate $18.00

Everything on this platter exceeded our expectations. The pork was perfectly smoked without being overpowering. It was tender, free of fat and gristle, and not at all dry. You shouldn’t have to smother your smoked meat and sauce to be able to eat it. Do you feel me? It should be delicious on its own, and the sauce is an enhancement.

The sides we chose were coleslaw and potato salad, and they were both fantastic. Coleslaw with barbecue is a must for us. We love the bright and crunchy salad as an accompaniment to a heavy meal, and my husband is always going to order potato salad if it’s on the menu. The potato salad was the standout. As someone who typically doesn’t get excited about potato salad, I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it to be very flavorful. 

Related: Kuamsha Breakfast at Animal Kingdom Lodge (new quick service option!) 

Polite Pig Allergy Menu

In addition to gluten-free options, Polite Pig Disney Springs caters to several dietary needs. They have two allergy menus. One is dedicated to gluten-free options, and the other is incredibly detailed, listing each menu item with common allergens. This is highly unique for a restaurant to do, making it much easier to make modifications. You can always speak with the manager and/or the chef if you need more help.

I hope you enjoyed our review of Polite Pig Disney Springs! I’d love to hear your experience!

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Of course, Christmas at Disney World is busy. Expect crowds, longer wait times, and packed evenings—especially Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s. But don’t stress. With a few simple planning tips, you can enjoy the magic and stay ahead of the rush.

Whether you’re planning a trip in 2025 or looking ahead, the holidays at Disney World are truly unforgettable and one of those bucket-list experiences that feel straight out of a holiday movie. This post is updated yearly!

The holidays at Disney World are special! Every square inch of the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs is transformed. This year, the celebration begins at the start of November and continues through New Year’s Day. Highlights include the Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Holidays at Disney World – FAQ

Christmas at Disney is the most popular time of the year. Millions of people visit, and planning your trip can feel overwhelming. We’ll dive into important details and dates below, but here’s a summary of the most frequently asked questions. Be sure to scroll through all of Disney planning posts for our favorite food, ways to save money, and more!

When Does Disney World Decorate For Christmas?

• The festivities kick off this year on November 14th, 2025. Expect Disney World to begin decorating for Christmas on this date, with completion at all four parks and resorts by the end of the month. Magic Kingdom decorations typically start even earlier!

Is Disney World Open On Christmas Day?

• It sure is! Check out the Disney park calendar for updated opening and closing times for each park!

What Time Are The Fireworks at Magic Kingdom

• Disney has confirmed changes to this year’s holiday fireworks schedule. Here’s what we know:
  • Now through December 20th: Happily Ever After Fireworks at 9:00 PM (for ALL guests – excluding MVMCP nights)
  • November 7th – December 21st: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 10:00 PM (limited to MVMCP guests)
  • December 22nd – December 29th: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at 8:30 PM (for ALL Magic Kingdom guests)
  • December 30th and December 31st: Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks (for ALL Magic Kingdom guests)
  • January 1st, 2026: Happily Ever After returns at 9:00 PM for all!

If you are curious about the weather, crowd levels, and other logistics this time of year, refer back to our December post.

Related: Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Magic Kingdom Holiday Happenings

There’s nothing quite like Magic Kingdom at Christmas! From the moment you set foot on Main Street USA, you are immersed in the magic of Christmas!

• Jungle Cruise gets a Christmas makeover and is transformed into the Jingle Cruise, decked out in holiday decor! 
• Cinderella Castle will display very merry projections with special Frozen guests, Main Street is gussied up with trimmings, and several of the rides get a dash of the Christmas spirit with Yuletide overlays (like the fan-favorite “Jingle Cruise!”)
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Dates: November 7th to December 21st, 2025 ) – The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo opportunities with characters dressed in their finest holiday attire, a festive parade, and a fireworks display.

Christmas at EPCOT

Throughout the World Showcase, enjoy festive performances and storytellers sharing their country’s traditions. There will also be an overlay at EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind with holly jolly tunes! Other attractions will also receive holiday makeovers, such as Living with the Land.

• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays ( Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025 ) – Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays! Enjoy savory and sweet treats, storytelling from special visitors, and the ever-popular Candlelight Processional.
• Candlelight Processional (Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025 ) – Every night, a celebrity narrator, along with a 50-piece live orchestra and choir, visits the World Showcase to retell the biblical story of Christmas. This event is performed at three different times: 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:15 PM. As a huge fan favorite, plan to arrive early or consider booking a dining package to secure a prime spot!

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

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Hollywood Studios Holiday Happenings

Holidays happenings start on November 14th and run through December 30, 2025, at Hollywood studios. Characters make an appearance around the park in holiday attire, and there are several shows and events to get you in the Christmas spirit!

• Sunset Seasons Greetings returns as The Hollywood Tower Hotel is transformed nightly with holiday projections. It’s AMAZING!  , and turns the spooky hotel into a merry image!
• Keep your eye out for Santa Claus, as he is often spotted riding down Hollywood Boulevard in his red convertible. Disney characters will also get into the holiday spirit, like Andy’s toys in Toy Story Land and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, who gives a special cheery finale at the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
• If you want to have a merriful meal, try Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine! Characters don their Christmas outfits, seasonal tunes are played, and the restaurant features a special Yuletide menu. As always, we recommend making a reservation, as this is a popular dining location during the holidays.

Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom parks transform during the holiday season, which runs from November 14th through December 30, 2025. With festive Tree of Life awakenings at night and Merry Menagerie appearance on Discovery Island, the holiday spirit is all around the park!

• Animal Kingdom brings the merriness with winter white decorations and glowing luminaries throughout the park. Guests can also meet Santa Claus at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party located on the patio at Restaurantosaurus! At night, The Tree of Life’s Awakenings projection show gets a makeover with a shimmering holiday edition.
• Be sure to include the Merry Menagerie in your itinerary! This charming event features beautiful artisan puppets of arctic critters strolling throughout Discovery Island. Check the My Disney Experience app, pick up a Times Guide, or ask a Cast Member for the exact times.

Christmas at Disney Springs

It is a holiday party at Disney Springs during Christmastime! Festivities include live performances, DJs spinning merry tracks, toy soldiers on slits, and snowflake skaters. It even SNOWS in the evenings! Plus, guests can meet Santa at Pin Trader’s and send letters to Santa at Once Upon a Toy.

• The ever-popular Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is returning this year from November 13th, 2025, through January 4th, 2026! Pick up a map and look for the incredibly themed Christmas trees throughout the different areas of Disney Springs. Once you spot one, be sure to mark it on your map with a coordinating sticker. Once completed, head to the redemption location for your free reward! Click here for updates on map locations.
• The overlays don’t stop at the parks! Head to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to see its transformation and indulge in the holiday menu. Other Disney Springs restaurants will also feature specialty items and decor.

Holidays at Disney World Resorts

One of our favorite (and free!) holiday traditions is strolling the Walt Disney World Resort hotels to marvel at their impressive decorations. You’ll find grand holiday trimmings, incredible Christmas trees, gingerbread creations, ornaments, bows, ribbons—you name it!

• Don’t forget about Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin! Santa claimed it as his “favorite resort” last year, and they even had the world’s LARGEST chocolate Santa! 
• Head off the beaten path to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds to find incredible Disney World Christmas decorations designed by GUESTS! Campers put on quite the holiday spectacle with decorated golf carts, RVs, and campsites. While you are there, stop by Tri-Circle-D Ranch and visit the horse stables!

Important! As Disney World continues to crack down on parking at Disney resorts, you may experience issues getting in. We have a dedicated post to parking around Disney property, which we keep updated as Disney changes its rules.

Related: Monorail Resort Hopping: Lounges, Food & More

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The holiday season at Disney World is busy with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Jolly Nights, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and so much more. In this post, we’re sharing everything you need to know, along with our own tips. We’ve learned a lot over the years we’ve visited!

 Depending on your dates, our tips for visiting in November and New Year’s at Disney may be helpful!

Disney knows how to celebrate the holidays, but you might not realize that you don’t have to go during Christmas time to enjoy all the festivities! As we discussed in this post, Disney celebrates the holiday season from early November through the end of the year!

In this post, we’ll discuss what you can expect at Disney World in December, as well as the sweet spot when you can take advantage of all the Christmas festivities with fewer crowds! From the decorations and events to seasonal food and resort happenings, it’s truly magical and worth experiencing at least once.

Disney World in December

Since the weather is one of the best things about visiting in December, let’s start there! Good news – hurricane season is officially over, which means less rain and humidity! I grew up in Florida, and there are very few months when the weather is as perfect as it is in December. There will be a chill in the air in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures averaging from highs in the 70s°F to lows in the 50s°F.

Bring a light jacket and plan to wear layers. If it’s a sunny day, you may still feel warm in the afternoon, but it’s nothing like the intense heat I call the death rays of summer. That said, Central Florida weather can be unpredictable. For years, we visited during December and saw temperatures as low as the 40s° and as high as the mid-80s°. Check the weather right up until the day before you leave to avoid frantically buying a new wardrobe because the weather changed, and yes, that’s happened to us! 

Related Planning Posts

We have dozens of posts to help with your Disney trip planning. The list below serves as a great starting point, featuring some of our Disney must-dos, favorite Disney snacks, budget-friendly options, and best times to visit.

• Best Salads At Disney 2025
• Drury Hotel Disney Springs Full Review
• Renting A Pontoon Boat At Disney World
• Plan A Disney Trip In 4 Easy Steps
• Polite Pig Disney Springs Review
• Disney Springs Happy Hours
• Resort Hopping At Disney World

December Crowds

While there are some pockets of slower times, overall, we expect elevated crowds across Disney World in December. It shouldn’t be surprising that crowds will reach their highest peak the week of Christmas and New Year’s Day. After all, this is notoriously Disney’s most attended time of year! 

If you are looking for the lowest crowds, try the first week of December. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas break is lovely because most families do not take time off work or school. You can enjoy Christmas magic at Disney before the crowds arrive.

Once the second half of the month hits, expect crowds to skyrocket. Although this may seem stressful (and it can be!), with the right mindset, it can be a truly enjoyable experience. Both guests and Cast Members are in the holiday spirit and tend to be more tolerant of longer wait times and crowded spaces. 

December Events at Walt Disney World

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Dates: November 7th to December 21st, 2025
The aptly named “holly, jolly event” is returning this year! Celebrate the most magical time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth! Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, photo opportunities with characters dressed in their finest holiday attire, and a festive parade and fireworks display. This is one of the most popular events at Disney World in December!

Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
Dates: November 8th to December 22nd, 2025
Jollywood Nights is returning for a second year! Step into a shimmering holiday scene with glitz and glamour! This holiday extravaganza is a separately ticketed event held on select nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Enjoy exclusive entertainment, food offerings, specially-curated holiday beverages, and the return of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit this link.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Dates: November 28th to December 30th, 2025
Located throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase, guests can get extra festive by learning (and enjoying!) how other cultures celebrate the holidays! Enjoy savory and sweet treats (like my personal favorite, the Holiday Cookie Stroll), storytelling from special guests, and the ever-popular Candlelight Processional. 

New Year Celebrations
Dates: December 30th and 31st, 2025
Celebrate 2025 with memory-making fireworks displays at both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT! Although subject to change, Magic Kingdom typically hosts two nights of its celebratory show “Fantasy in the Sky.” As for EPCOT, expect several dance parties throughout the World Showcase on New Year’s Eve, December 31st. Then, it is time to count down to the New Year with “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration.” Hollywood Studios also gets into the festivities with a DJ dance party that has guests grooving into the New Year! 

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• Disney Junior Soccer Showcase (November 28th – December 30th, 2025)
• Disney Boy Soccer Showcase (December 28th – December 30th, 2025)

Tips For Visiting Disney World In December

• Don’t miss the Christmas tree stroll at Disney Springs, which runs from November 13th, 2025, through January 4th, 2026. This Christmas-themed scavenger hunt is one of our favorite events! Guests search for extravagantly decorated Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs using a free map provided at various locations. Click here for updates on map locations.
• In years past, during the week of Christmas, Walt Disney World theme parks would reach capacity by early morning. Remember this when trying to enter a park mid-morning/late afternoon. Also, capacity limits may affect your ability to hop freely between parks. Historically, Magic Kingdom is the first park to reach capacity (max 90,000 people), with Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom following (each with a max of 60,000 people). If you want to hop this week, we suggest guests head to EPCOT, which has the highest capacity (max 110,000 people).
• If the escalated crowd levels concern you, you can always stay and enjoy the amenities offered at your Walt Disney World resort. In fact, resort hopping is one of our favorite ways to enjoy a non-park day. Most offer excellent restaurants and fun activities unique to that particular resort. We have offered guided art projects (for an additional fee), hosted pool games for kids, featured trivia and karaoke at the bars, and shown movies “under the stars.” Ask a Cast Member at your resort for more details! 
• Don’t let December’s cooler weather scare you away from swimming – ALL of the pools at Walt Disney World resorts and parks are heated to 82 degrees! The hotels offer many jacuzzis and hot tubs for soaking in on those chilly December nights. If your family wants to swim for several hours, plan pool time during the middle of the day, as mornings and evenings will be significantly cooler.

I hope these tips for visiting Disney World in December were helpful. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

In this full Drury Hotel Disney Springs review, you’ll get the scoop on everything from the spacious rooms and pet-friendly policy to the free hot breakfast, nightly dinner buffet, and the unbeatable Drury Plaza Disney Springs shuttle schedule. Plus, it’s one of the hotels within walking distance to Disney Springs, home to some of the best food at Disney World, fantastic restaurants, and live entertainment. 

Whether it’s your first Disney trip, you’re planning a Disney vacation on a budget, or looking for hotels closest to Disney Springs, this post breaks down what makes Drury Hotel Orlando / Disney Springs a standout! 

We recently returned from our yearly Disney trip and had such a wonderful experience at the Drury Hotel Disney Springs that I started writing this review on the drive home. We absolutely LOVED our stay here and think this is the best Disney Springs hotel!

This was the first time in years we stayed off-property, and admittedly, I was a little sad not to be staying in what most Disney addicts call our Disney bubble, but the sadness dissipated quickly. By the time we checked in, got to our room, and explored the hotel, we knew we had made a great choice!

Drury Hotel Disney Springs Full Review

Although it may look and feel brand new, the building is actually the former Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel. The Drury Hotel brand purchased the building in 2017 and completely renovated the entire hotel, adding a tower and nearly doubling the number of rooms. If you had told me this wasn’t a brand-new building, I wouldn’t have believed you. Every square inch of the hotel was immaculate!

The Drury is not a Disney-owned and operated hotel. It’s a “Good Neighbor” hotel, which means you can book it as part of a Disney vacation package, and it comes with perks like Morning Extra Magic hours at the parks.

Before I discuss everything we loved about this hotel, let’s first discuss the one thing we didn’t.

Cheerleading Competitions At Disney World

We’ll start with the only negative thing about our experience, and it really had nothing to do with the hotel itself. The first and last weekends of our two-week stay overlapped with the national cheerleading competitions held every year at Disney. AllEars.net does a great job of updating the dates of the competitions and the resorts and hotels affected. The Drury at Disney Springs was one of them. If you book during one of these competitions, here are some things you should know.

• While the cheerleading teams are there, the elevators will be packed, especially in the mornings.
• They leave for their competitions early, so the breakfast buffet is very crowded in the mornings. 
• You will hear them practicing. It’s fun to watch, but not fun if you’re trying to sleep.
• They inundate the hotel from Friday to Sunday, but typically start clearing out on Monday.
• In the morning, when they’re headed out to competitions, the area in front of the hotel is crowded with buses. If you are trying to check in or out, you won’t be able to pull your car up in front of the lobby until the buses leave.

Is The Drury at Disney Springs Pet Friendly?

I have been frustrated for years by the lack of decent pet-friendly hotels and boarding options on Disney property. If someone were to open a state-of-the-art boarding center for pets, I think it would be a huge success. Good news, though. The Drury Hotel is pet-friendly! Here are the details.

• No more than 2 pets per room.
• The total combined weight of the pets is not to exceed 80 lbs.
• Rooms with pets will be charged a DAILY $50 fee.
• You can read the Drury pet policy here.

The $50 daily fee is the highest pet fee I’ve ever seen. We were staying for two weeks, so I ended up talking to the manager (as advised by the reservation agent), and he was able to work with us on the pet fee. Having said that, the fee is comparable to what you would pay at Best Friends Pet Resort on Disney property, depending on the size of the room you reserve.

Walking To Disney Springs From The Drury

Walking to Disney Springs from the Drury is one of my favorite things about this hotel. We timed this walk several times, and it never took more than 15 minutes. It’s also a nice walk. The sidewalks are wide, and you never have to cross the street. The sidewalk leads to a small building with an elevator that takes you to a walking bridge to Disney Springs. You’ll enter Disney Springs on the Marketplace side near eet by Maneet Chauhan and The Spice & Tea Exchange. 

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The Lobby

The lobby is spacious, beautifully decorated, and feels both modern and comfortable. There is ample seating throughout, with comfortable chairs and small couches. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the large windows on the far side of the lobby leading out to the pool and deck area, which overlooks a lake and Disney Springs. It’s gorgeous!

The Kitchen + Bar is also in the lobby, serving craft cocktails, locally sourced beer, and food. A small store called Market Place is well stocked with food, drinks, toiletries, and other items you may need or want during your stay. Inside, you’ll also find a small self-serve Starbucks and a Pizza Hut Express.

I was very happy to find out there is a coffee station set up 24 hours a day, and the coffee was surprisingly good. So good in fact that we never used the coffee pot we brought with us. Hot tea is also available at the coffee station downstairs, but the tea selection is better upstairs, where the buffet is.

The staff were some of the friendliest we’ve encountered. We had to make several changes to our reservation throughout our stay, and they were always accommodating without ever making us feel like we were a burden. I cannot say enough good things about the staff here!

The Pool, Splash Pad, And Outdoor Bar

The pool and deck area at Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs was our favorite part of the entire hotel! You could find us here in the mornings sipping coffee or in the evenings listening to live music and sipping on a cocktail. There is ample seating, and the Lakeside Bar & Grill area is far enough away from the pool to feel like two separate spaces. My husband got the burger three times and said it was the best he had during our entire stay. I LOVED the brisket queso and chips and ordered it twice!

There’s a splash pad for kids, fully fenced and with plenty of seating for adults. We’ve taken our grandson here many times and just let him run and play without fear of him getting out. 

Dining At Drury Disney Springs

One of the best perks of staying at a Drury is the complimentary hot breakfast and dinner buffet. One of my favorite tips for traveling cheaply is to stay at hotels that offer complimentary breakfast. At the Drury, you get TWO free meals and complimentary adult beverages! This can save a significant amount of money, depending on the size of your party. There is also complimentary popcorn and soft drinks in the buffet area from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm every single night. For more tips for doing Disney on a budget, we have tons of tips and tricks here.

At breakfast, they’re making real scrambled eggs. In fact, you can watch them being cooked on a giant grill. The selection of hot food items, including pastries, bagels, muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt, and oatmeal, was impressive, to say the least. There is truly something for everyone, including the option to make your own Mickey waffles! There are three hot bars, all featuring the same thing, which helps keep guests spaced out when it gets crowded. 

The dinner selection rotates every night. You can find the Drury Kickback menu here. I loved that there was a salad bar every night, and I was impressed by how fresh everything was. As for the hot food, it isn’t the best food you’ll ever eat, but it’s good—and free. The meatballs are decent, and everyone loved the chicken strips. When you check in, you’ll receive a drink card that you can use at a bar area set up during Kickback hours. Considering alcoholic drinks on Disney property can easily be $15 or more, this is a significant perk!

The food area is on the hotel’s second floor, which was nice. It was completely separate from the lobby area. The buffet area also has tons of seating—in fact, it’s massive—which was nice while the cheerleaders were there. We still had no problem finding a place to sit!

Drury Disney Springs Food & Beverage Hours

• Free Hot Breakfast on the 2nd Floor: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
• Free 5:30 Kickback on the 2nd Floor: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Kitchen + Bar: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am Mon-Sat and 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm Sun
• Lakeside Bar & Grill: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
• The Marketplace: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
• Pizza Hut Express®: 6:00 am – 12:00 am

Rooms At Drury Hotel Disney Springs

We stayed in a two-queen deluxe with a terrace for two weeks and had plenty of space. The room was spacious and comfortable, but my favorite part was the foyer area upon entering. There is a small refrigerator, microwave, safe, storage cubby, large counter, and a separate sink. The separate sink was very convenient, especially since the bathroom only had one.

My only gripe about the room was that there was no real closet. The space where you hang your clothes is near the door and very small (as shown in the photo below). 

The bathroom was spacious and clean, with plenty of storage (photo below). I always bring a small hanging organizer for my skin care and makeup, as well as an over-the-door organizer. There was plenty of room to hang both without getting in the way. I highly recommend doing this, especially if you have kids or bring a lot of stuff like me—ha! It keeps everything off the counter and organized.

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Amenities At The Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs

The list of amenities at Drury Hotel Disney Springs is long!

• The fitness center and business center are open 24 hours a day to registered guests.
• Complimentary hot breakfast is available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. daily.
• Free 5:30 Kickback dinner is offered from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. nightly.
• Level Up Arcade, a fully equipped game room, features an impressive number of games.
• A 20,000-square-foot deck with a saltwater pool, whirlpool, kids’ splash zone, and bar.
• Packages can be delivered to the hotel front desk. I had several delivered (see photo).
• Traveling with kids or need an extra sleeping place? Rollaways are available for $10 per day.
• Pack ’n Plays are available at no charge. I suggest requesting one when making your reservation.
• Free complimentary shuttle service to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Shuttle service begins 1.5 hours before park opening and runs 1.5 hours after the park closes.

Have you been to the Drury Hotel at Disney Springs? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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I say this all the time, but Disney World food keeps getting better. Thirty years ago, you would have never seen a spinach salad with beets and fennel or a Niçoise-style salad with fresh tuna on the menu. If you think salads are boring, it’s because you’re eating boring salads, and these salads are unique, flavorful, and delicious!

If you’re planning a Disney trip and looking for more deliciousness to add to your itinerary, I recently shared some of my favorite sandwiches, as well as the best quick-service options at Disney if you’re on a budget.

As promised, we’re back with another round of our favorite salads at Disney World! If you missed our last post, we shared our favorites from 2024, including an excellent shrimp and cabbage salad at the Polynesian Resort. Finding healthy food at Disney World is surprisingly easy. Most menus clearly list options for common allergens—such as eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat—as well as gluten-free choices. Eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and Disney does an excellent job accommodating dietary needs. You’ll find plenty of salads on menus throughout the parks and resorts—and they’re anything but boring.

Healthy Food At Disney World

The first—and most obvious—question is: why bother eating healthy at Disney World? For some people, it’s a necessity due to dietary restrictions. For others, like us, it’s all about balance. Eating well simply helps us feel our best. If I splurge all day, every day, I end up feeling pretty awful—and that’s not how I want to feel on vacation. I genuinely crave fresh, nourishing food, and with salads like these, I never feel like I’m missing out!

Related: MORE Favorite Disney Salads (From 2024)

Spinach with Beets @ Terralina Crafted $17.00

I’m starting with our favorite salad of the trip. We loved it so much that we went back for it twice. Terralina Crafted is located in The Landing at Disney Springs. It’s often overlooked and highly underrated. People walk right past this outdoor bar without noticing it, but it’s one of our favorite spots to grab a drink and a bite to eat. They have a fantastic happy hour at both the indoor and outdoor bars. You can read more about Disney Springs’ happy hours here.

The base of the salad is fresh spinach, and a generous amount of it! It’s tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette that is perfectly balanced and not too sweet. The shaved fennel is crunchy and fresh, and adds amazing texture. If you’ve never had fennel before, it has a subtle licorice flavor. The Gorgonzola adds an earthy creaminess that is the perfect finishing touch. This salad is truly SO delicious and a fantastic combination of flavors. It was an 11 out of 10 for us, and I’m already excited about having it again on our next trip.

Caesar Salad With Chicken @ The Artist’s Palette $11.99

On our last trip, we did a split stay. Our kids joined us for the first half of the trip, so we got a two-bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs. I have a full review coming soon, but in the meantime, I can’t recommend this resort enough, especially if you’ve ever been interested in staying in a villa. We loved having so much space, a kitchen to cook in, and the huge soaking tub after walking 20,000 steps! 

However, Saratoga could benefit from additional dining options, especially given its large size and spread-out layout. We found a few gems, including the Caesar salad at The Artist’s Palette. It’s simple, with just romaine, chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and packaged dressing. I love a Caesar salad, and if it’s on the menu, I’ll order it. Caesar salads are supposed to be simple. In fact, if you add other ingredients, it’s no longer a Caesar salad. That said, I appreciated the simplicity and enjoyed this salad both times I had it!

Enjoying healthy food at Disney World in between all the splurges helps you stay on track with any nutrition goals you may have. For us, that’s protein and fiber, so my favorite thing about it was the generous amount of chicken. It’s easily enough for two people, and I would estimate that there’s at least 8 ounces of chicken, which is approximately 75 grams of protein!

Niçoise-style Salad + Seared Tuna @ Connections Eatery $11.19

The Niçoise-style Salad with Seared Tuna at Connections Eatery impressed us as much as the General Tso’s Chicken Salad we enjoyed last year. Wow, wow, wow! It’s not difficult to enjoy healthy food at Disney World, especially with a salad like this. I don’t know what I expected, but this tuna was perfectly cooked, and you could taste the quality and freshness. If you’ve never had a Niçoise Salad, it’s a classic French dish that typically includes tuna, olives, and anchovies. Adding a bunch of other ingredients to a Niçoise salad makes it an entirely different dish, so I appreciated that Disney stayed as close to the authentic version as possible.

The salad comes with mixed greens, romaine, potato wedges, tomatoes, green beans, olives, white beans, and a Dijon vinaigrette. You can order it with or without the tuna. Without the tuna, this is an excellent, healthy plant-based food option at Disney World. We opted to add it, and we’re so happy we did. The added protein helped us feel full and satisfied. The vinaigrette was incredibly flavorful. We asked for extra on the side, and the cast member happily obliged. My only note is that I would have liked more green beans and white beans. I think we counted two green beans and had to go looking for the white beans. 

Related: Best Sandwiches At Disney World From 2025

Garden Salad @ Dockside Bar (at The Boathouse) $9.00

The garden salad at The Boathouse is simple and basic, but in the best way. When you’re craving something light and refreshing, a simple salad hits the spot. The base is iceberg lettuce, and it’s topped with carrots, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers. It’s usually served with an herb vinaigrette, but we asked for blue cheese dressing and added blue cheese crumbles. Disney is great about accommodating you, so don’t hesitate to ask if you see something you want to omit or add. This salad and the clam strips behind it are my go-to meal at the boathouse! 

Pro tip. When it comes to finding healthy food at Disney World, don’t be afraid to make a request. You’ll notice I made changes to most of these salads. More often than not, the cast member is more than happy to accommodate your request!

Combination Bowl @ The Mara $15.79

Lastly, the Combination Bowl at The Mara inside Animal Kingdom Lodge was a total flavor bomb! Chermoula-spiced shrimp and oak-grilled chicken with pilau rice, kale slaw, cucumber-tomato salad, and chermoula sour cream. We requested more kale slaw than rice, which is why it’s on the list. It was fresh and crisp and felt like we were eating a salad. They make this right in front of you, so as I said above, don’t hesitate to make a request. The line moves quickly, so I suggest asking politely and quickly.

Pilau rice is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish typically cooked with a blend of Indian and African spices. One thing to note about the food at Animal Kingdom Lodge is that it is not lacking in flavor. The Chermoula-spiced shrimp and chicken are cooked perfectly with warm, earthy spices. The kale salad and cucumber salad are bright and zippy, and the chermoula sour cream was cool and creamy. This was hearty, flavorful, filling, and so delicious! For $15.99, this is an excellent value and easily shareable between two people.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of healthy food at Disney World – 2025 salad edition. If you missed our 2024 edition, you can find it here. If you have any favorites you’d like to share, please comment below, and we will add them to our list to try on our next trip!

In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in May, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. After several months of lots and lots of crowds, expect to finally see some reprieve in May at Disney World. Along with fewer crowds, the weather is pretty beautiful this time of year. May is one of our favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. We have you covered on what to do, see, and more while visiting Disney in May!

As always, we can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Weather At Disney World in May

Although the crowds are dropping, expect the heat to rise at Disney World in May. That said, temperatures won’t be as brutal as summer. Averages range from a high of 88°F and lows of 66°F. Plus, hurricane season won’t start until June 1st, so the rain and humidity should be minimal for Florida standards.

May’s weather makes packing clothes easy. Just throw in your summer clothes, and you are good to go! You may want to add a light jacket if you are cold-natured (especially in those heavily air-conditioned queues!) and/or a raincoat just in case!

May Crowds at Disney World

Overall, the crowds at Walt Disney World in May are average or below average – hooray! This is because Spring Break is officially over and school is still in session. Parents want their kiddos to finish their school year strong and be part of the festivities, skipping the trip to Disney World until the summer months. This is GREAT news for those visiting Walt Disney World in May.

The busiest time of the month will definitely be Memorial Day weekend, from May 22nd to May 27th this year. Because Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off for summer vacation, expect an increase in crowds at the Walt Disney World resort, and expect it to continue to grow in the summer months. We would plan your Disney trip before Memorial Day to avoid the elevated crowds if you can.

One caveat to note. This year, the much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe opens on May 22nd, 2025, the Thursday before Memorial Day. This may impact park crowds in a positive way for Disney goers, with more visitors heading to Universal. Time will tell how Epic crowds influence Walt Disney World.

Another thing to consider is that EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival is still taking place. You can expect EPCOT to be more crowded on the weekends, as locals love to spend their days off at the festival. Also, several sporting events are taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. This may impact theme park visitors, guests at Disney Springs (especially in the evenings), and/or room availability at the value resorts.

Below are the weekly highlights for Disney World in May:

• March 5 – June 2, 2025: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• May 22 – May 27, 2025: Memorial Day weekend
• May 22, 2025 – Universal Epic Universe opens
• May 27, 2025 – The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After debut.

Events At Walt Disney World

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 5th – June 2nd, 2025
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt.

Cool Kid Summer
Dates: May 27th – September 20th, 2025
Disney World celebrates summer with family-friendly events, like “kid zones” in the parks, dance parties, games in the resorts, and more! Plus, Disney offers many discounts this summer—read below in the “Tips” section for more details.

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• The Summit Championship (May 1st – May 4th, 2025)
• The D2 Summit (May 9th – May 11th, 2025)
• Special Olympics Florida Summer Games (May 16th – May 17th, 2025)
• AAU Basketball Memorial Day Classic (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)
• Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament (May 24th – May 26th, 2025)

Find more details about these events here.

Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed during May:

In The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain (returning in 2026)
• Magic Kingdom – Astro Orbiter (returning summer 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents (returning sometime late 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – children’s playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant (returning spring 2025)
• EPCOT – Test Track (returning date TBA; sometime in 2025)
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach (closing for a brief refurbishment and reopening May 21st, 2025)

At The Resorts:

• Yacht and Beach Club – Stormalong Bay (returning June 2025)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (undergoing refurbishment until June 16th, 2025. FYI: Although reservations cannot be made during this time, one course will remain open so guests can visit via walk-ups.)

Disney Springs:

• Starbucks: West Side Disney Springs (March 3rd, 2025 – TBA)
• Recent Permanent Closures in 2025
• Hollywood Studios – Mama Melrose (permanently closing May 10th, 2025)
• Animal Kingdom – Work on Dinoland USA continues (retheming to Tropical Americas Pueblo Esperanza, opening 2027)
• Animal Kingdom – TriceraTop Spin (permanently closed)
• Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough To Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• BoardWalk – Jellyrolls (permanently closed)

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In May

For the first time in many years, both of Disney World’s water parks will be open this May and into summer! As a reminder, Typhoon Lagoon will already be in operation and Blizzard Beach will open on May 21st, 2025. Both water parks will remain open until September 8th, 2025, when either temporarily closes. Which park is yet to be determined.

To combat the projected Epic crowds, Disney has been offering various discounts! These include discounted 3-day park tickets, 50% off select children’s tickets, free dining, and more! See them all here!

To put on your radar. Expect Magic Kingdom’s brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, to debut late this summer 2025! Until then, those visiting Walt Disney World in May can enjoy TWO new shows at Hollywood Studios: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Both shows premiere on May 27th, 2025.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but sadly, that’s not always the case, especially when traveling with kids. Both my kids were under five when we took them to Disney for the first time, and I was wiped out when we got home. We had a great time, but I certainly didn’t feel like I had been on a relaxing vacation when we got home – ha! In this post, we’re sharing what we’ve learned in our 30+ years of traveling with kids and now as adults with our kids and grandkids. Peaceful vacations can be a reality with the right mindset and strategies!

When someone tells me they hate Disney World, the first thing I ask is when they went. It was usually in the summer when the heat and humidity were horrendous or during a major holiday when the parks were packed wall-to-wall with people. But that’s true for all tourist destinations. Gatlinburg, for example, is a nightmare during the holidays. It can take hours to get down the parkway, and restaurant reservations are impossible – not my idea of a peaceful vacation. The time of year you visit any vacation destination will significantly impact your overall experience. To have a relaxing Disney Trip, you first need to know when to go! Let’s dive in.

Peaceful Vacations At Disney

As we discuss finding more peaceful moments, remember there are no rules. Do what feels relaxing to you. For my husband and me, that’s spending a couple of hours at Nomad Lounge or Geyser Point, strolling around our resort, hanging out at Baseline Taphouse, sharing a pretzel and a beer, or riding the friendship boats. For others, that might look like sleeping in or spending the day hanging out by the pool. There is no right or wrong, but don’t go home without doing at least some relaxing things you wanted to do. This is your vacation, after all!

Most of these tips can be applied to any vacation destination, not just Disney.

When You Visit Matters

When Disney World is packed with people, it’s simply not enjoyable, in my opinion. There will be long lines for rides, restaurants, and even Disney transportation. Rather than repeating myself, I recently posted the best times to visit Disney World. I know many people are unaffected by crowds, but in the spirit of peaceful vacations, crowds and long lines should be avoided, if possible.

Most families with school-aged children can only visit during holidays or when school is out, which are the most crowded times. If that is your situation, don’t be discouraged. We have visited Disney many times when the crowd levels are high, and you can still have an enjoyable vacation by following some of the tips below.

Don’t Over-Plan

We’ve been going to Disney World since my kids were toddlers. They are adults now, and we travel with our children and young grandchildren, so I can relate to visiting Disney World at every stage of life. This is the advice I would give to anyone going to Disney World looking to have a relaxing and peaceful vacation.

• Your overall experience will be profoundly affected by how much you try to fit in. If you hit the ground running first thing in the morning and go-go-go all day long, especially if you have young kids, that’s a recipe for being stressed out and exhausted by mid-afternoon. Disney veterans call it the 3 o’clock meltdown.

Instead of doing that, cut some things out of your plan. This is hard, but you will not be able to do it all, at least not without feeling rushed and stressed. Trust me on this. We’ve gone more times than I can count, and we still can’t fit everything in. Everything at Disney World takes more time than you think it will. Embrace that you won’t get it all done, and look forward to doing new things on your next trip!

By slowing down, you change the whole dynamic of your trip. Instead of feeling rushed and chaotic, you can relax and enjoy the little moments that too many people miss. There is pure joy in those moments, like watching your kids run around the hub green in front of the castle, or riding the monorail and exploring resorts. That’s what vacation is all about! Life is already rushed and chaotic enough. Your vacation shouldn’t be.

Time Is Money

Time is money at Disney World. Waiting in long lines, Disney transportation, and getting from point A to point B will take longer than you think. If you have to wait an hour or more for just 3 to 4 rides, that’s 3 to 4 hours of your day waiting in line. Depending on how many days you have at Disney World, this could consume precious hours, possibly making you feel rushed and stressed. 

Take Advantage Of Rideshare

• You will never find us riding a bus. A peaceful vacation is not being crammed onto a bus like cattle and stuck on it for 45 minutes to an hour. Nope! We are huge fans of rideshare. The picture above was from last year. We had just arrived at Magic Kingdom in our Disney Minnie Van, no ticket and transfer center, no monorail or ferry, and no stress. Just a peaceful trip to the front of the park and $45 WELL spent! You do not have to take a Minnie Van. Regular Lyft options are available, but Minnie Vans are perfect if you have a child in a car seat. They come fully equipped, and the drive does everything for you!
• The first thing people say is, “It’s too expensive,” but hear me out. Rideshare saves time and stress. I added up all of our rideshare receipts from our last 14-day trip, and the total was $228, including tips (and I’m a very generous tipper). That averages out to $17 a day. That’s the cost of a beer in most places, a Mickey pretzel, or a turkey leg. The price is a non-issue as far as I’m concerned, especially if less stress getting to and from the parks matters to you.
• Disney World encourages rideshare, so multiple vehicles are usually lined up outside virtually every parking resort. You rarely have to wait more than five minutes, and you’re taken directly to your destination. Instead of being crammed into a bus or monorail with long lines that take forever, you’re starting and ending your day relaxing while also saving a ton of time. If you prioritize rideshare, you will have a much more relaxing trip!

Purchase Lightning Lane

Who wants to spend half their day waiting in long lines? Not me! Purchasing Lightning Lanes passes is another way to save valuable time, have a more relaxing vacation, and ensure you can ride your favorite rides!

• When you purchase a Lightning Lane pass, you essentially book a time to return to the ride. It allows you to skip the standby line, which can sometimes be a very long wait. You can read how the Lightning Lane system works here, but I highly recommend budgeting for it. It can save hours, not to mention the stress of not having to wait in long lines, especially in the heat and/or if you have young kids.
• Some people like to ride as many rides as possible at the beginning of the day and then have a slow and relaxing afternoon. While others want to space their ride times out, which is what I like to do. Booking ride times an hour to an hour and a half apart gives us plenty of time to leisurely make our way to the next ride without feeling rushed. This is when you can stop and enjoy a Micey pretzel, or let the kids play. The overall trend here is no rushing because rushing = stress! 
• Depending on who you’re traveling with, sometimes Lightning Lane isn’t necessary for all four parks. If you have kids, for example, you will need it at Magic Kingdom, especially if it’s a busier time of year. But if you’re visiting with low crowds, you may not need it at Animal Kingdom. We purchase it for every park. At this point, we are so spoiled by not waiting in lines that it’s just something we budget for every trip, and the time and stress it saves us is well worth the expense! Having said that. We save a TON of money in other ways. You can read my Cheapest Way To Do Disney post for some ideas.

Peaceful Vacations Are Slow Vacations

It’s OK to go slow and take a break. As discussed above, you won’t be able to do it all anyway, so embrace going slow. Slowing down also means you won’t miss the little details. Most people have blinders on when they arrive at the park. They hurry to get to that first ride and blow past everything around them. Disney spends millions of dollars on the details, so slow down and pay attention to the magic around you.

Sometimes, you may need to feed your kids, take a break from all the stimulation, or escape the heat. Even on the most crowded days, there are quiet spots all over Disney property. Some are more secluded, while others have beautiful views, like the stadium in Animal Kingdom. Although it’s not shaded, it is almost always empty. We like to grab a drink or a coffee and hang out here for a while. If you want more peaceful moments like this, be intentional about making them! Here are some of our favorite spots.

Animal Kingdom

• Harambe Market or Flame Tree BBQ has tons of seating before the lunch crowds set in.
• Discovery River Amphitheater (no shade but beautiful views and ample seating)
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek (especially in the morning)
• The not-so-secret little pathway that runs parallel to the main walkway from Africa to Asia. 

Magic Kingdom

• Center Street near Uptown Jewelers on Main Street offers seating perfect for people-watching.
• The courtyard behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square.
• Ride the train and stay on it. It’s a beautiful, breezy ride that keeps the kids happy!
• Hall of Presidents is quiet, has air-conditioning, and is a great place to cool off and decompress.

Hollywood Studios

• Backlot Express, before opening, has tons of seating, which is mostly shaded.
• The tables and chairs in front of ABC Commissary are perfect for sitting and people-watching.
• Sunset Boulevard is a vibe. Most eateries are closed in the morning, with plenty of open seating.
• There is a seating area outside the Tower of Terror exit that most people miss. It’s secluded and quiet!

Epcot

• The Morocco Pavilion (pictured above) has secluded seating areas and the Fez House.
• Waterfront seating in front of the France Pavilion. It’s not shaded but typically empty and peaceful.
• Japan Pavilion offers serene gardens and ample seating. We love sitting in the bamboo trees.
• Connections Eatery is pretty empty before lunch. There is TONS of air-conditioned seating.

• Disney Springs

• The walking path along the water on the West Side is our favorite place to relax at Disney Springs!
• Terralina Crafted has an outdoor bar we LOVE. It’s relaxing, covered, and the drinks are great!
• The tables behind The Art Corner on the Marketplace side are a little hidden and quieter.
• In my opinion, nothing beats sitting at the Dockside bar behind The Boathouse. Hanging out here is a whole vibe. It’s casual, the servers are incredible, it’s breezy even on hot days, and you can watch the Amphicar Water Taxis go by as you relax and enjoy the company around you. It’s our favorite way to start and end a vacation in a relaxing and peaceful way!

Pro tip. Several restaurants around Disney property have seating that can be accessed even when the restaurant isn’t open. For example, the Rose and Crown dining room in the UK at Epcot has ample indoor and outdoor seating that you can enjoy when the restaurant is closed. We often get fish and chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop and eat inside Rose and Crown, which is air-conditioned. Another favorite is Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom. It’s enormous, and most of it is covered. Before it opens at 11 AM, it is virtually empty and relaxing!

Do The Opposite Of Everyone Else

One of the most enjoyable times to explore the World Showcase at Epcot is first thing in the morning. Most people have one thing on their mind, and that’s to get to their first ride. This is when you want to go! On our last trip, we arrived through the international Gateway (the back entrance) as soon as it opened. As you can see in the photo above, it was practically empty. We slowly strolled around, exploring the countries while drinking our coffee, and it was one of the most enjoyable mornings of our trip!

This tip can be applied to every park. While they might not be as empty as the World Showcase, if you do the opposite of what most people do, which is hurrying to get to the rides, you can usually find these little peaceful moments on your vacation.

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I hope this post has given you some helpful ideas for a peaceful vacation. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

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More Posts You May Enjoy

• Disney World Baby Care Center Guide
• Healthy Eating at Disney World + The Best Salads!
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How to Save Money When Traveling
• Disney World Food Prices + Ways You Can Save

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In this post, we discuss visiting Walt Disney World in April, covering everything from weather to events to crowd levels—plus personal tips and tricks we have learned over the years. Expect a lot of fellow Disney goers this month. They, too, want to celebrate Easter in the parks, enjoy their spring break, attend EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival, and participate in a runDisney race! Plus, the weather this time of year is perfection! 

As always, we can hardly keep up with Disney’s changes, but we try our best to update these posts. If we missed something, please comment, and we will fix it ASAP!

Weather At Disney World in April

You’ll be braving the spring break crowds during your visit to Disney World in April, but at least you will do it in beautiful weather! With lows in the 60s and highs in the mid-80s, this is one of the most comfortable times of the year. Compared to the winter months, April’s weather is much more consistent, meaning far fewer cold snaps or heat waves. 

Along with even-keeled temperatures, April is one of Disney World’s sunniest months! There are fewer rain storms than the rest of the year – and when they occur, they are typically short-lived and scattered. Plus, visitors are still in the clear for hurricane season, which doesn’t begin until June 1st. 

April Crowds at Disney World

There are many reasons to visit Walt Disney World in April: the beautiful weather, exciting events, and Easter weekend! And it shows with the many people visiting this time of year. In other words, the crowds are high! 

Besides the reasons mentioned above, guests love visiting because it is still spring break for many school districts nationwide. This break is typically designed around Easter weekend, so expect an uptick in crowds the week before and after April 20th, 2025. There will be some festive Easter happenings at the Walt Disney World resort, which we will discuss more below. 

Like in March, several competitive youth sports championships are occurring in the Orlando area. These athletes (and their parents, siblings, coaches, friends…you get the idea) love to celebrate by bouncing around the Disney parks, resorts, and restaurants. On top of that, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend occurs April 3rd to 6th, adding to the athletic crowd vibes. 

Another event this time of year is EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. With its festive florals, exclusive eats, and springtime topiaries, it certainly brings in the crowds. As with all the EPCOT events, this is a local fan favorite. Expect weekends at EPCOT to be elevated.

Lastly, remember the After Hours events at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT when planning your park days. (More details about these events can be found below under the tips section!) Those nights can spike evening crowds at the aforementioned theme parks as guests begin making their way into the event, overlapping regular park visitors. This can be a surprise for guests that are unaware.

Below are the weekly highlights for Disney World in April:

• March 5 – June 2, 2025: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
• April 3-6, 2025: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
• April 20: Easter 
• April 22: Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Events At Walt Disney World In April

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Dates: March 5th – June 2nd, 2025
“Bee” transported into a springtime wonderland at this floral-themed festival! Guests can enjoy springtime time foods, tunes, topiaries, and more! A personal favorite of ours is the butterfly garden and Spike the Bee scavenger hunt!  

runDisney Springtime Surprise
Dates: April 3rd – 6th, 2025
If you have ever wanted to feel like a Disney World hero, this is your chance to do so! Celebrating heroes from Disney, Marvel, and Pixar stories, runners can partake in a 5K, 10K, 10-Milers, or all three! As with other runDisney events, guests can expect meet-and-greets with unique characters, exclusive medals and merchandise, and an expo at ESPN’s World Wide of Sports.

Easter at Walt Disney World
Dates: week before and after April 20th, 2025
Visitors can celebrate Easter in and out of the parks with seasonal offerings, themed merchandise, and pop-up events. Our favorite activities include perusing the incredibly decorated chocolate eggs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and going on an Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt at EPCOT. Plus, guests can visit Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny at the Liberty Square Gazebo inside Magic Kingdom, as well as see a mini Easter-themed parade before Festival of Fantasy!

Events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports:

• Disney Spring Training (March 10th – April 20th, 2025)
• runDisney Health & Fitness Expo (April 3rd – April 5th, 2025)
• The Cheerleading Worlds (April 25th – April 28th, 2025)
• Junior World & World Cheerleading Championships (April 26th – April 28th, 2025)

Find more details about these events here. 

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April Closures and Refurbishments

The following will be closed during April:

In The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain (returning in 2026)
• Magic Kingdom – Astro Orbiter (returning summer 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents (returning sometime in 2025)
• Magic Kingdom – children’s playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant (returning spring 2025)
• EPCOT – Test Track (returning date TBA; sometime in 2025)
• Animal Kingdom – Work on Dinoland USA continues (retheming to Tropical Americas Pueblo Esperanza, opening 2027)
• Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough To Be a Bug (permanently closed)
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (typically closes for a seasonal refurbishment, alternating with Blizzard Beach in April or May. Check the My Disney Experience or Disney Parks Blog for updates!)

At The Resorts:

• Yacht and Beach Club – Stormalong Bay (returning June 2025)
• BoardWalk – Jellyrolls (Permanently closing April 19th)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (April 28th – June 16th, 2025. FYI: Although reservations cannot be made during this time, one course will remain open so guests can visit via walk-ups.) 

Disney Springs:

• Starbucks: West Side Disney Springs (March 3rd – TBA)

Tips For Visiting Walt Disney World In April

• Night owls rejoice – the specialty event “Disney After Hours” is right up your alley! This separate ticketed event allows guests into the theme parks for three hours after the traditional park closing. (From 10 PM to 1 AM.) Visitors can expect much shorter wait times and crowds, along with select treats and drinks included with admission! Due note that not all attractions will be included in this event and/or can become unavailable without notice. Lastly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not participate per animal safety guidelines.
• Easter isn’t the only holiday happening this month! Be sure to celebrate Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22nd, 2025. (FYI: this is also the park’s birthday! Earth Day, birthday!) Visitors can enjoy celebratory activities, treats, entertainment, photo-ops, and more! Picking a (free!) park map is a fun way to commemorate this day!
• Have you ever heard of Dapper Days at Disney? It is an unofficial Disney event where guests don their best dress and vintage styles while visiting the theme parks. It is in the same realm as Disney bounding. The original idea for this event pays homage to early Disney parks concept art, with visitors wearing 1950s/1960s silhouettes, suits, hats, etc. This month, guests can join in on Dapper Days on April 26th at EPCOT and April 27th at Magic Kingdom. 

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Walt Disney World In April To Pinterest

When I’m at Disney World, I’m in my happy Disney bubble, and you better believe I will eat and drink anything I want. I’m on vacation, after all. However, sometimes you need a break from the indulgence, and healthy eating at Disney World is easier than you think. Most quick-service and counter-service restaurants offer a variety of healthy salads and sides, as well as gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based options. Depending on your dietary restrictions or desires, Disney has your back – and so do we!

On our last Disney trip, I made it my mission to find the best salads on Disney property, and these were at the top of the list. You know a meal is good when you’re not only still thinking about it a year later but can’t wait to have it again. And before you click out of this post because you don’t like salads, please stick around and let me convince you otherwise!

Healthy Eating at Disney World

This is the first in a series of roundups centered around healthy dishes at Disney World. I’m starting with salads because my husband and I love them. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see that I share many salad recipes and ideas. I always say that if you think salads are boring, it’s because you’re eating boring salads. 

I’m also starting this series with the best salads at Disney World because a year later, we are still talking about them and can’t wait to have them again on our next trip in January! Below, I’ll share some additional tips for eating healthy at Disney World.

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Chipotle Cobb Salad $13.00

The Polite Pig

• Location: Disney Springs > Town Center
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Polite Pig Menu

First of all, can we acknowledge that you’re getting this salad served to you and a big silver mixing bowl? Love that! The base of the salad is mixed greens, followed by eggs, bacon, roasted corn, tomato, and cheddar cheese. You can add crispy or smoked chicken, chopped pork, chopped brisket, or salmon for an upcharge. I’m a brisket girl, so I chose brisket, and I appreciate that they served it on the side. The salad has a creamy avocado chipotle dressing, a total flavor bomb. I was worried about the chipotle in the dressing, but it wasn’t overly spicy (and I’m a wimp).

There aren’t enough words to describe how delicious this salad was. It’s the heartiest salad on the list—it’s humongous! I loved the textures of the chewy bacon, lardons, and brisket, as well as the creamy cheese and eggs. The tomatoes added a nice pop of freshness, too. We shared it and could not finish it—it’s very filling and LOADED with protein that matters to you. 

General Tso Chicken Salad $12.49

Connections Eatery

• Location: Epcot > World Celebration
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Connections Eatery Menu

This salad surprised me the most of all the ones on this list. It’s not something you’d expect to find at Connections, a cafeteria-style eatery. While the overall size of the salad isn’t as large as the one at Polite Pig, the chicken tenders alone make it shareable. They’re huge and perfectly fried with a crispy, flavorful breading. Eating healthy at Disney World is easy with salads like this!

The base of the salad is petite kale, romaine, and broccoli slaw, which is fresh and crisp. Then, they add red pepper, mandarin, oranges, edamame, and crispy wontons. The salad is tossed in General Tso’s dressing, which is light and flavorful. I feared it would be too sweet, but it’s balanced well, and the savory chicken helps. I also appreciate that they don’t drown the salad in dressing.

If you’re trying to hit your protein goals, this salad and the salad at the Polite Pig are great choices. Meat will always be the most protein-dense option, and you’re getting plenty of it in these two salads. 

Greek Salad $11.49

Bar Riva

• Location: Riviera Resort > Epcot Resort Area
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Bar Riva Menu

I was dying to try the Greek salad at Bar Riva after seeing so many of my favorite Disney foodies talking about it. It did not disappoint. The flavors in this salad are amazing, and it is a prime example of how healthy eating at Disney does not mean you have to sacrifice flavor!

I am a Greek salad snob, and this is one of the best I ever had. What I appreciate most about this salad is how generous they are with every topping, and I loved the big chunks of feta—no cheap feta crumbles here! The base is mixed greens topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, peppers, feta cheese, chickpeas, and olives. The dressing was a perfectly balanced Greek vinaigrette, adding a bright, zesty flavor. You can add chicken, shrimp, or salmon, and we went with shrimp. Let me tell you, the shrimp was plentiful! As a man who loves his shrimp, he gets very annoyed when he pays extra for it and gets four shrimp lol. 

Oasis Salad with Shrimp $14.99

Oasis Bar & Grill

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? Yes (conflicting information / I’ll confirm when we’re there in January 205)
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Oasis Bar & Grill Menu

This salad was a happy accident. We were doing a monorail bar hop, and the Oasis bar wasn’t on our list. We just happened to be strolling around the resort after having some drinks in the Tambu lounge when we came across it, and I’m so glad we did. 

One of the things I share on Instagram stories all the time is that salads taste better when mixed. It’s not aesthetically pleasing, but it tastes better. I appreciated that the salad was mixed before plating and topping it with the crunchy wontons. There’s no trying to mix it yourself and getting it all over the place. They’re doing it for you, and trust me when I say it tastes so much better that way.

The salad base is a crunchy slaw mixed with edamame and vegetables and tossed with a citrus vinaigrette, which is bright and tangy with the perfect sweetness. You can get the salad plain or with shrimp, and these might be the best shrimp we’ve ever had on Disney property. The shrimp are plump and cooked to perfection before being tossed with the salad. We counted the shrimp in the salad and stopped counting at 12. My husband was very happy!

It’s important to know that you may or may not be able to get into the Oasis Bar and Grill. There are no clear rules, and even cast members seem to do what they want. There is a gate, but it was wide open the day we were there. However, I have good news! If you can’t get into the Oasis, the Barefoot Pool Bar has a similar menu, and the Oasis salad is on it. There is a walk-up window outside the pool area, so you should have no problem walking up to order your food and drinks.

Caesar Salad $9.50

Pizza Ponte

• Location: Disney Springs > The Landing
• Dining Plan? Yes
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Pizza Ponte Menu

Although we didn’t love the pizza at Pizza Ponte, I would go back again for this salad. I’m a Caesar salad girl, and this was simple and perfect. The greens were fresh and crisp, and they topped it with tomatoes, croutons, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.

Pro tip. These come in to-go containers, the perfect vessel for tossing your salad. Pour the dressing over the salad, ensure the container is tightly closed, and shake it well. Salads always taste better this way because the dressing gets perfectly and evenly dispersed.

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Additional Tips For Healthy Eating At Disney World

• Ask about the sides. The cashiers are happy to accommodate you if they can. You can ask for sauces on the side, specific ingredients to be left off, and swap sides like fries and chips for apple slices and grapes.
• Scour the menus. Look over the Disney menus and jot down locations with healthy options that fit your needs. Having a short list of places you can go will keep you prepared, which is less stressful than trying to find a spot on the My Disney Experience app when you’re hungry!
• Stands and kiosks. They offer fresh grab-and-go options like fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks. Some of my favorites are Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom and Epcot in Sunshine Seasons, which has several cases offering fresh fruit and vegetables, hummus packs, parfaits, salads, and more.
• Share food! I always say this, but sharing food saves money and will help you eat healthy at Disney World. Healthy eating isn’t just about calories. No one wants to feel stuffed after eating pizza or burgers on a hot summer day. 
• Pack snacks. If you have specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or plant-based, bringing your snacks ensures you’ll always have a healthy option.
• Order kids’ meals. Kids’ meals have come a long way at Disney World. It’s not just chicken strips and burgers anymore. For example, Columbia Harbor House has a grilled salmon meal for $8.59 with rice and a side of green beans. It’s filling, it’s healthy, and it’s the perfect amount of food!

I highly recommend every salad on this list, whether you love salads or not. Do you have a favorite salad at Disney or healthy eating tips you’d like to share?

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Healthy Eating at Disney World To Pinterest

We talk a lot about saving money at Disney World here and on the site. From the cheapest way to go to Disney World to affordable meals and snacks, we share tips and tricks to help make Disney a little less of a hit on your wallet. But did you know that there are several Disney Springs happy hours? It’s a great way to save money on adult beverages at Disney World!

We used to live in Florida, so I’ve been going to Disney World my entire life. Once my kids were born, we took them nearly every year of their lives. Our whole family is obsessed with Disney World, so much so that my daughter completed a Disney college and professional internship and eventually worked full-time on the conservation team at Animal Kingdom! Disney World has always been a part of our lives, so we know firsthand how expensive it can be. (I sure do miss all of the cast member discounts she shared with us—ha!)

As adults in our 50s, Disney World is one of our favorite places to relax, shut out the world and responsibilities at home, and happily live in our “Disney bubble.” Most people think of crowds, chaos, and hot weather when they think of Disney World, but that is not our vibe. Our goal for every trip is to relax. We don’t do crowds, hot weather, or long lines. You can check out my slowest times to visit Disney World for more information. One of our favorite things is to end our day somewhere cozy and enjoy a cocktail, so we love to take advantage of Disney Springs happy hours.

Disney Springs Happy Hours

Hole in The Wall Bar at Raglan Road

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM
• Highlights: $6 domestic beer, $6 premium well liquors, and $10 select house-made cocktails
• Raglan Road Happy Hour Menu

This is my husband’s favorite bar at Disney Springs. Give him a good Guinness, and he’s a happy man. The Hole In The Wall bar is where you want to go for a properly poured Guinness and the best fried fish on Disney property! There’s live music in the evenings, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun.

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STK Disney Springs

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6:30 PM + Saturday & Sunday, 3 PM to 5:30 PM
• Highlights: $3 – $9 small plates +$9 specialty cocktails + $9 select wines by the glass
• STK Happy Hour Menu

One of the most popular items on the happy hour menu is the Lil’ Shroom Cheeseburger and Truffle Fries—for only $6!! It’s so good and such a great value!

Pro tip. Check the link above for times and locations. Some are restricted to the bar, lounge, and patio areas on certain days.

Jaleo by José Andrés

• Location: West Side
• Hours: Every day, 11:30 AM to 6 PM (bar + patio )
• Highlights: Sangrias for $7 + unique tapas from $4 to $6.50
• Jaleo by José Andrés Happy Hour Menu

This is one of the more popular Disney Springs happy hours because of delicious sangrias, which is why it’s actually called “sangria hour.” The tapas are amazing! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I LOVE the Pan con tomate!

Wolfgang Puck

• Location: Town Center
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 1 PM to 4 PM
• Highlights: $7 glasses of wine + bottomless mimosas
• Wolfgang Puck Happy Hour Menu (no menu posted online)

Very few people know about this happy hour, and I couldn’t find it on any lists. Before writing this post, I called and confirmed that they do still have a happy hour at the bar, and they purposefully don’t advertise it, lol. Sign me up for bottomless mimosas!

eet by Maneet Chauhan

• Location: Marketplace
• Hours: Every day, 2 PM to 5 PM
• Highlights: Half-off wine, beer, and cocktails
• eet by Maneet Chauhan Happy Hour (no menu posted online)

eet is new to the Disney Springs happy hour scene but already getting rave reviews. We can’t wait to try it on our next trip! Have you been?

Paradiso 37 – Disney Springs Happy Hour

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Every day, 11 AM to 4 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Highlights: House margaritas for $8 + domestic draft beers for $7
• Paradiso 37 Happy Hour Menu

While the food at Paradiso 37 has never been our favorite, they serve a solid margarita for eight dollars. This is another location that has two separate happy hour times.

House Of Blues

• Location: West Side
• Hours: Monday – Thursday, open to 5 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Highlights: Live performances + larger food portions that can easily be shared
• House Of Blues Happy Hour Menu

We love the vibe at House of Blues! We grab a table outside, listen to live music and relax. While neither my husband nor I are smokers, my husband does like a good cigar on vacation, and this is one of the few places he can do that at Disney Springs. Also, note the two separate happy hour times here.

Terralina Crafted Italian

• Location: The Landing
• Hours: Every day, 4 PM to 6 PM (outside bar), 9 PM to 11 PM (inside bar)
• Highlights: Half-off wine by the glass + $6.50 beer + specials on bar bites
• Terralina Crafted Italian Happy Hour Menu 

There are two happy hour times and two bars here: one indoors and the other outside to the left of the entrance. This restaurant is often overlooked but is one of our favorites. The happy hour menu has unique options, such as herbed ricotta toast, which I highly recommend!

Stargazers Bar at Planet Hollywood

• Location: Town Center
• Hours: Every day, 4 PM to 7 PM
• Highlights: Beers for $5 + live music Friday and Saturday 7 PM to 11 PM
• Stargazers Bar Happy Hour Menu

It’s easy to miss Stargazers, and for years, we did. It’s a little bar tucked underneath Planet Hollywood serving cocktails, local craft beers, and a small lounge menu. If you’re a karaoke fan, you can sing your heart out on Wednesday nights from 7 PM to 11 PM!

Frontera Cocina

• Location: Town Center
• Hours: Monday – Thursday, 2 PM to 6 PM 
• Highlights: House margaritas $7 + 30% off appetizers + $3 off draft beers
• Frontera Cocina Happy Hour (no menu posted online)

While no menu is posted online, Frontera Cochina recently posted an incredible deal you can get at happy hour. For just $18, you can get a taco tree and a house margarita, and I hear the margaritas are very strong. I think this is perfect for sharing!

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The Happy Hours at Disney Springs as of September 2024 are:

• Hole in The Wall Bar at Raglan Road: Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM
• Jaleo by José Andrés: Every day, 11:30 AM – 6 PM (bar + patio )
• House Of Blues: Monday – Thursday, OPEN to 5 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Terralina Crafted Italian: Every day, 4 PM to 6 PM (outside bar), 9 PM to 11 PM (inside bar)
• eet by Maneet Chauhan: Every day, 2 PM to 5 PM
• Paradiso 37: Every day, 11 AM to 4 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM
• Stargazers Bar at Planet Hollywood: Every day, 4 PM to 7 PM
• Frontera Cocina: Monday – Thursday, 2 PM to 6 PM
• STK: Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6:30 PM + Saturday & Sunday 3 PM to 5:30 PM + Sunday 10 PM to close

Please let me know in the comments if you see any changes, and I will update the post!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

Save Disney Springs Happy Hours To Pinterest

Quick service offers some of the best food on property—without the huge price tag. You’ll find creative flavors, big portions, and great value across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Whether you’re Disney-bound for the first time or a regular visitor, these spots belong on your Disney World food bucket list. 

Grab your appetite and your list—we’re diving into more of the best quick service restaurants at Disney that prove fast and affordable food can still be fantastic!

This is the second in our quick service at Disney World series. In the first post, which you can read here, we shared our favorite meals for less than $10 – so be sure to go back and read that one too. Some of my all-time favorites from that post are the Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich, the Morning Flatbread at Polynesian Village Resort, and the Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich at The Friar’s Nook. In this post, we’re sharing our second round of favorites from our most recent trip in January 2025!

Sharing food can drastically cut food expenses. Instead of two meals, you’re sharing one, and if you need more, order an extra side rather than an additional entrée. There’s no food waste, and you’re saving money. And since you’re not overeating, it leaves room to try more, especially when you’re at Disney World surrounded by delicious Disney snacks. We have a whole series on how to save at Disney World, including the cheapest way to do Disney and more, so be sure to check those posts out!

Quick Service at Disney

• What IS A Disney Quick Service Restaurant? A quick-service restaurant at Disney World is where you order your food at a counter or window, pick it up yourself, and find a seat. It is not a full-service situation. It’s fast and casual. A lovely table service restaurant is a treat, but it comes with a price. Disney table service restaurants are exorbitantly expensive, and it can be very frustrating to pay hundreds of dollars for something that just isn’t that good (looking at you, Ohana).

Quick-service restaurants offer faster and more affordable options, serving fantastic food. Let’s dive in!

Related: Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World

Hand-Dipped Corn Dog $11.49

Sleepy Hollow

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Liberty Square
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Sleepy Hollow Menu

Sleepy Hollow is a hidden gem – and so is this corndog! It’s perfectly fried without being greasy, the batter has a touch of sweetness, and the hot dog itself is plump, juicy, and crisp. It’s also huge. The picture doesn’t do the size justice. For just $11.49, this is an incredible deal, especially since you get a side of chips with it, and I am always here for chips – ha! Highly recommend!

Ronto Morning Wrap $12.79

Ronto Roasters

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Ronto Roasters Menu

Don’t let the simplicity of the Ronto Morning Wrap fool you. It’s delicious! The pita itself is soft and tender. I expected the egg patty to be hard and rubbery, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. As you can see, the cheese is plentiful, and you get a huge piece of grilled pork sausage. Personally, I think the peppercorn sauce makes the dish, so we always ask for more!

There is also a Ronto Wrap available for lunch and dinner, which is equally as delicious. We will get a picture of that on our next trip in January 2025. It comes with roasted pork and grilled pork sausage, tangy slaw, the same peppercorn sauce, and pita bread. It’s so good!

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Croissant Salé $9.50

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: Epcot > France Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

Les Halles is one of the best Disney quick-service restaurants for a few reasons. The food is unique, one of the few places to get breakfast early in the World Showcase at Epcot, and where else can you get an entire authentic French baguette with butter and jam for less than four dollars on Disney property?

It’s also one of the few places to get breakfast early in the World Showcase at Epcot. The Croissant Salé, pictured above, is light, buttery, and flaky. The bacon adds texture, the cheese is melted and gooey, and the eggs add creaminess, making this a glorious combination of textures. We asked to have it toasted, which I highly recommend. This sandwich is simple and delicious every single time.  

Crispy Chicken Tenders $7.99

Chicken Guy!

• Location: Disney Springs > Town Center
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Chicken Guy! Menu

Chicken tenders aren’t typically my first choice, but I know there are a lot of chicken tender lovers out there, and Chicken Guy! at Disney Springs makes some solid dishes. The tenders are crispy, and the breading is flavorful without being greasy. The real draw here is the dipping sauces. There are many choices, and sampling the different sauces is fun for everyone. We paid $7.99 for four chicken tenders, which is a pretty good deal considering the size of the tenders. Since we were sharing, we opted for a side of fries for $3.49. Having said that, I would’ve been satisfied with four tenders. Our meal came with two sauces; each additional sauce was $0.50. The honey mustard was standard but flavorful, and I loved the donkey sauce, which combines mayonnaise, roasted garlic, white mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon.

Related: Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition

Breakfast Totchos $10.99

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Africa
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery Menu

You might mistake Kusafiri for a small bakery or coffee shop, but this little Disney quick-service stand serves up some of the best little bites at Animal Kingdom. The breakfast totchos are an explosion of flavors and textures! Crispy tater tots are topped with creamy eggs, savory cheese sauce, salty bacon, and chewy cheese curds – and it’s delicious! We aren’t huge breakfast eaters, so this is enough for us for $10.99.

If you prefer something sweet, consider the pistachio honey croissant, which was featured in my list of the best $5 cheap Disney snacks. I’m in love with this pastry!

Bavarian Pretzel $10.00

BaseLine Tap House

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Grand Avenue
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• BaseLine Tap House Menu

The pretzel at Baseline Taphouse is one of the best on Disney property. It’s huge and filling and will only cost you $10 plus tax. The beer cheese fondue is absolutely delicious, and you’ll also get a side of spicy mustard. Pro tip. Dip the pretzel in both sauces and thank me later!

Baseline Taphouse is not only a quick-service restaurant but also a small brewery serving a variety of delicious drinks. It’s our favorite place to take a break and people-watch at Hollywood Studios. The vibe is comfortable, we love the seating outside, and the selection of beer and snacks is great. If you’re hungry enough, there’s a California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate for $13.00 that we thoroughly enjoy!

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Breakfast Flatbread $10.79

Contempo Café

• Location: Contemporary Resort
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Contempo Café Menu

After trying the morning flatbread at Captain Cook’s (aka one of the best quick service meals on Disney property!), I was on a quest to try every breakfast flatbread/pizza on Disney property. When I read that the Breakfast Flatbread at Contempo came with sausage gravy, I couldn’t wait to try it, and it did not disappoint. The crust was chewy with crispy edges and held up well to the toppings. Although it wasn’t loaded with toppings like the one at Polynesian, it was the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The gravy was flavorful and added enough moisture to the pizza without making it messy. As for portion and value, you can’t go wrong. For just $10.79 plus tax, it’s easily shareable between two people. Highly recommend!

Stuffed Pancake Sandwich $8.99

Drinkwallah

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Asia
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Drinkwallah Menu

This may look small, but don’t be deceived. It’s dense, hearty, and filling. The Marshall’s Favorite Stuffed Pancake Sandwich is a pancake-like dough stuffed with egg, cheese, sausage, and guava jelly. We had mixed feelings about this, but it was enjoyable enough to make the list. The filling had good flavor, but I would have liked more guava jelly. For $8.99, this is a filling breakfast, and you can find it at Pongo Pongo, Trek Snacks, and Drinkwallah, where we purchased ours.

Drinkwallah is an unassuming little stand in Asia and one of our favorite quick-service spots at Disney, but not necessarily for the food. If you walk behind the building, you’ll find a small, covered seating area right along the water. We love hanging out here and taking a break!

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup $9.99

Boardwalk Deli

• Location: Disney’s BoardWalk
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Boardwalk Deli Menu

Many people are unaware that the Boardwalk even has a quick-service location. The deli is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers some hidden gems, including the Reuben, brownie, and grilled cheese sandwich. Grilled cheese and tomato soup hit the spot on a cool January day. We found a table on the Boardwalk and thoroughly enjoyed this meal for just $9.99. While the grilled cheese was nothing fancy, it didn’t need to be. The bread was buttery and toasty, and the cheese was gooey and plentiful. We happily dipped it into the tomato soup, which was tangy, tomatoey, and delicious. This is simple comfort food.

Related: Disney World Food Prices & Ways To Save

Cuban Sandwich $12.79

Backlot Express

• Location: Hollywood Studios > Echo Lake
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Backlot Express Menu

I consider myself A Cuban sandwich aficionado, and I absolutely loved this! It was a total flavor bomb, and my husband and I both commented on how much pork was on the sandwich. As you can see, there was also no shortage of cheese, which was perfectly melted and flavorful. This sandwich is packed with protein and very filling! The side of plantain chips was a pleasant surprise, and something different from the standard Disney chips served almost everywhere. They had a subtle sweetness that perfectly balanced the savory flavors of the sandwich. There’s no way I could’ve eaten the sandwich myself, so this is definitely one you can split between two people!

That’s a wrap on round two of our favorite affordable quick service at Disney! I do my best to update all these posts with menu changes, but it’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing menus at Disney World. Please let me know if you find something I need to correct. I genuinely appreciate the help!

The food at Disney World has come a long way. I grew up in Florida and have been visiting Disney since I was a little girl, and that’s a lot of years, lol! My daughter also worked at Disney World, and we’ve visited yearly for as long as I can remember. Needless to say, we’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, especially when it comes to food. While there are some amazing table-service restaurants at Disney, I’m all about saving money, and you do not have to wreck your budget to eat amazing food while on property. In fact, some of the best quick service at Disney World is surprisingly affordable.

Having said that, with hundreds of restaurants on Disney property, it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. While there are many ways to save money at Disney World, like sharing meals and bringing in your own food, we are foodies, and taste comes first. It doesn’t matter how cheap it is if it isn’t delicious, right? This is the first in several food reviews from our trip, and I’m starting with some of our favorites.

Best Quick Service At Disney World For $10 Or Less

On this trip, we focused on trying new dishes, not our old favorites. We had some truly fantastic food for $10 or less. A few of the dishes are on the smaller side, and some people may say they aren’t big enough to be meals. I don’t have a huge appetite, and I don’t want to be uncomfortably full. Some dishes, like Marshall’s Stuffed Pancake Sandwich, are very hearty and filling, even though they may not look that way. We also love trying as many dishes as possible and want to leave room to try more.

We graze throughout the park and rarely eat at table-service restaurants. You’ll notice that most of the meals and snacks below are from quick-service restaurants and kiosks. That’s how we like to eat, so keep that in mind as you work your way through this list. Without further ado, I’m so excited to share these with you, and I’m already counting down the days until I can eat them again!

I have videos for most of the dishes below on my Instagram page. If you go to my profile, you will see highlight bubbles with each of our trips!

Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Earl Of Sandwich

Earl Of Sandwich

• Location: Disney Springs > Marketplace
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Earl Of Sandwich Disney Springs Menu

On the first day we arrive at Disney World, it’s a tradition to go to Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs! We’ve tried nearly everything on the menu, but the holiday turkey sandwich is my favorite. It comes with turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise on their famous toasted sandwich bread. This tastes like the sandwich you would make the day after Thanksgiving, but even better! It’s the perfect combination of savory and salty, with just a hint of sweetness from the cranberry. The bread is toasted but not crunchy, which I appreciate.

Coming in at just $8.99, this is a fantastic value. The sandwich is big enough that I can’t finish it myself, and it is easily shareable between two people if you upgrade to a combo for $4.99 more. If you order the combo, you will get your choice of chips, a cookie or brownie, a side salad, a cup of soup, or wedges on the side, along with a regular-size fountain drink. I always go for the tomato soup. It’s so good! 

Chipotle Barbecue Loaded Fries $7.79

Casey’s Corner

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Main Street, U.S.A.
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Casey’s Corner Menu

There’s nothing not to love about this dish. Crispy, salty fries, tender pork, cool and crunchy coleslaw, topped with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. This is the most delicious combination of flavors and textures! As someone who doesn’t usually go for barbecue, I appreciated how these ingredients balanced each other, and there wasn’t too much of any one thing. I was concerned about the chipotle, but the spice level is very mild, and the coleslaw helps to mellow it out. At $7.79, this is a fantastic value, very filling, and the protein from the generous amount of pork will help keep you full.

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Morning Flatbread $10.59

Capt. Cook’s

• Location: Polynesian Village Resort
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Capt. Cook’s Menu

I love this flatbread so much that I wrote an entire post about it. Instead of repeating myself, you can read why I consider this the best breakfast at Disney World. This should definitely be on your list when budgeting for food at Disney. It’s SUCH a great value! While you’re there, make some time to enjoy the grounds of the Polynesian resort. It’s stunning! My husband and I love to walk down by the water and follow the new(ish) walking path that connects to the Grand Floridian. If you like walking, the path goes from the Polynesian to the Magic Kingdom. We went in January when the weather was perfect and enjoyed this walk several times.

Buffalo Chicken Chips $9.79

Trilo-Bites

• Location: Animal Kingdom > DinoLand U.S.A
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Trilo-Bites Menu

My husband and I are not usually fans of buffalo, so we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed this dish. The chips were crunchy without being greasy and held up well to the toppings. The buffalo sauce was moderately spicy, and I appreciated that it was plentiful without being too much. The blue cheese was creamy and tangy, and I loved the celery relish. The combination of flavors and textures was just delicious. My only note is that I wish there was more relish, and I will ask for more the next time we order this. This is a generous portion for just $10.59 and easily shareable.

Kids’ Disney Check Meal – Turkey Sandwich $7.79

Woody’s Lunch Box

• Location: Animal Kingdom > DinoLand U.S.A
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Woody’s Lunch Box Menu

This is easily one of the best values at Disney World! For just $7.79, you get half of a sandwich, two sides, and a drink. The sandwich was delicious, but I found it a little dry. After adding additional mayonnaise and mustard, it was perfect. I appreciated the amount of turkey and the hearty, multigrain bread. The day we went, it was chilly, so I also enjoyed the warm tomato soup and crispy, salty tater tots on the side. The kids’ meals include bottled water, apple juice, or milk, and it’s more than enough for an adult as a lighter meal.

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Lobster Bisque Bread Bowl $6.95

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Location: Epcot > France Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie Menu

As someone who’s not a fan of lobster, I did not expect to love this as much as I did. It was absolutely delicious and hit the spot on a cool January day. The soup is creamy and flavorful, and the lobster flavorful is not overpowering, which I appreciated. At just $6.95, this is a fantastic value! The portion is generous, and the bread bowl makes it very filling. Some of the best quick service at Disney World can be found at Les Halles. They have everything from sandwiches and quiche to croissants and pastries, so be sure to add this to your list!

Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich $9.25

The Friar’s Nook

• Location: Magic Kingdom > Fantasyland
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• The Friar’s Nook Menu

If you love a pretzel, you’ll love this sandwich! The bread was soft and had a classic pretzel flavor. The sausage added fantastic flavor, and there was plenty of it. This is a fantastic value! The sandwich is large and filling, and it comes with tater tots. Two people can easily share this, especially at breakfast. You can order a small side of cheese sauce (shown) or sausage gravy for a dollar more. When we were there, they had just turned over the menu from breakfast to lunch, so I couldn’t get the gravy, but I definitely will next time. This is a unique and delicious twist on a classic sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich!

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork $6.79

Eight Spoon Café

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Discovery Island
• Dining Plan? No
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Eight Spoon Café Menu

The baked mac & cheese with pulled pork at Flame Tree Barbecue gets a lot of hype, but don’t sleep on Eight Spoon Café! This dish is smaller but also half the price, and I appreciate its simplicity. (the Flame Tree version also has coleslaw and onion rings on top) The macaroni and cheese is creamy and flavorful, and I love the baked cheese crust on top. The pork is chewy and smoky, and the barbecue sauce is flavorful without being too sweet. I’m obsessed with scallions, so I also appreciate the generousness here. They add a pop of freshness and crunch to the dish. This is an explosion of flavors and textures and a great value at just $6.79. This is stick-to-your-ribs kind of food – very filling and satisfying!

Kid’s Macaroni & Cheese $6.99

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase > American Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Regal Eagle Smokehouse Menu

Some of the best quick service at Disney World is in the form of a kids’ meal—but for adults—and the kid’s macaroni and cheese at Regal Eagle Smokehouse is hugely popular for a reason. The macaroni and cheese is some of the best on the property. It tastes homemade, and the cheese blend is flavorful and strong in the best way. The crunchy, garlicky breadcrumbs on top are plentiful and add a nice texture.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers the best selection of sides for kids’ meals. Instead of just a Cutie, fries, or apple slices, kids (or adults) can choose from coleslaw, french fries, onion rings, baked beans with burnt ends, watermelon, or pickles. We went with coleslaw and onion rings. This is a LOT of food for a kids’ meal and such a great value for $6.99.

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Ortolana Sicilian Slice $9.00

Pizza Ponte

• Location: Disney Springs > The Landing
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Pizza Ponte Menu

Pizza Ponte is known for its ginormous slices of pizza, but it also has a solid selection of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The choice of pizza rotates, but today, I ordered the Ortolana, which is topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, red onion, bell peppers, spinach, and Kalamata olives. The crust itself is tender and pillowy with crispy, charred edges. I LOVE a good veggie pizza, and this did not disappoint. I would order this again and again. It will cost you nine dollars and is easily shareable between two people. You can see in the picture that it’s hanging off the plate. This Sicilian-style pizza has a thicker, almost focaccia-like crust, making it very filling!

Cheeseburger Steamed Pod $8.59

Satu’li Canteen

• Location: Animal Kingdom > Pandora
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Satu’li Canteen Menu

The cheeseburger steamed pods at Satu’li Canteen have a cult following, and after trying them on our last trip, I totally understand why. They taste exactly like a McDonald’s cheeseburger but better. The filling is a beefy mixture with onions, cheese, and pickles. It’s so flavorful! The dough is soft and fluffy and holds up well to the filling. The kids’ meals’ sides here are very limited, so I chose double chips, which were a combination of sweet potato chips, blue corn tortilla chips, and the standard house-made potato chips served all over Disney. They were fresh, lightly salted, and went well with the steamed pod. I asked for a side of their creamy herb dressing to dip my chips in. It’s so good! I’d put this in my top five favorite kids’ meals at Disney World. This is a delicious and filling meal for just $8.59.

Quick Service At Disney World – Honorable Mentions

In addition to the deliciousness we’ve already discussed, here are a few more of our favorite quick-serve restaurants at Disney. These didn’t make the $10 cut, but you should know about them!

Cookes of Dublin in The Landing at Disney Springs

• Famous Fish’ n Chips $15.99: Premium North Atlantic beer-battered cod and chips served with house-made tartar sauce.

Cookes Of Dublin is such a vibe. Order from the counter and grab a table outside at Hole In The Wall Pub. The fish and chips cost $15.99, but the portion is humongous. It’s one of our favorite meals to share with an ice-cold Guinness!

Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom

• Sea Captain’s Fish Sandwich $13.29: Battered fish, red cabbage slaw, tartar sauce, and french fries.

Columbia Harbour House has always been one of our favorite quick restaurants on Disney property. Grab a table upstairs where it’s quieter, even on busy days. The fish sandwich is huge, and we love any sandwich with slaw!

Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Pulled Pork Nachos $10.29: These are topped with cheese, spicy mayonnaise, pico de gallo, and pineapple salsa.

Captain Cook’s is so underrated. We often go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and then take some time to enjoy the gorgeous grounds of the Polynesian resort. The pork nachos are one of the best dishes on the property. We will have a full review soon!

BoardWalk Deli at Disney’s BoardWalk

• Everything Bagel Sandwich $8.99: Cage-free egg, sausage patty, and cheddar on an everything bagel served with choice of side

One of our favorite times to visit The Boardwalk is in the morning. It’s usually pretty empty, and we enjoy grabbing breakfast at Boardwalk Deli while taking in the sights and sounds. The Everything Bagel sandwich is hearty, savory, filling, and delicious and comes with a side!

Gasparilla Island Grill at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Italian Sandwich $11.79: Ham, salami, capicola, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, Italian dressing, and olive aïoli on a house-made sub roll served with choice of side.

Touring the resorts is the perfect way to spend a day outside of the parks when you’re at Disney while enjoying some of the best food on property. The Italian sandwich at Gasparilla’s has all the classic flavors you want in an Italian sandwich, including the Italian dressing and olive oil that soaks the bread. It’s GIANT and perfect for sharing!

Flame Tree Barbecue in Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom

• Smokehouse Chicken Salad $11.99: Pulled chicken on top of mixed greens salad tossed with smoked cheddar, diced granny smith apples, dried cranberries, cornbread croutons, crispy onions, and barbecue-ranch dressing

Most guests go to Flame Tree Barbecue for the barbecue, but everyone needs to know about the Smokehouse Chicken Salad! If you think salads are boring, then you’re eating boring salads, and this salad is anything but boring. It’s fresh, hearty, savory, and a total flavor bomb. It’s one of my favorite meals at Animal Kingdom!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Hello and welcome to our Disney Baby 101 series, where I, as a first-time mom, discuss the ins and outs of preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation with our baby! Previously, I have shared what to pack and Disney World rides for babies. This article will focus on bringing a Baby to Disney World and what to do each day at Disney World with an infant.

There is a LOT to see and do at Walt Disney World, which can be exciting and overwhelming. Whether it is your first or not-so-first visit, creating a Disney to-do list for the theme parks and other areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort can be helpful. Consider attractions, shows, parades, restaurants, and even shops when composing your list. This streamlines the planning process and ensures you don’t forget something important.

As you prepare your list, consider having two trains of thought: Items you would LIKE to do and items you MUST do. We did this by compiling our to-do list and highlighting the items we wanted to accomplish. We tried to keep our “must-dos” to a minimum so we wouldn’t feel overwhelmed; think two to three items per park.

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Those with little ones know that eating out can be tricky. Luckily, Walt Disney World has many quick dining options, from food trucks and booths to elegant resort lounges. Therefore, we plan to eat mainly at Quick Service locations for our baby’s first time at Disney, and we’re not compromising the foodie in us while having an expedited eating experience. We’ve also included some of our favorite spots to grab a bite!

Bringing a Baby to Disney World

I wanted to share this with those curious and/or stumped about what to do with a baby at Disney World! We first sectioned our list by theme parks/areas, then divided it into attractions, activities, and restaurants. We also considered what is baby-friendly, seasonal items, and family favorites.

Because it was our baby’s first time at Disney World, we also wanted to ensure we didn’t miss out on our most-wanted park activities and attractions. That being said, we fully expected not to accomplish everything on this list – baby boy is in charge of this trip, after all!

Don’t exclude to-do items for adults and big kids! Because Walt Disney World offers the rider switch service, guests can still enjoy those attractions with height requirements while their little one hangs back with another party member. You can check the rides currently offering rider switch on the Disney website.

Regarding rides and wait times, I highly recommend splurging on Genie+ Service when bringing a baby to Disney World. You’ll have shorter wait times, a happier baby, and a happier mom and dad! The baby will be free, so you’ll only have to pay for members of your party who are three years of age and older.

Remember, this was our plan, but I hope it gives you an idea and a starting point when planning your first Disney trip with a baby!

Magic Kingdom With A Baby

• Between the iconic nature of the park and its baby-friendly attractions, Magic Kingdom has the most rides and activities on our list. Be there at the park opening to watch the opening ceremonies!

Rides for babies at Magic Kingdom

• MUST DO: Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• MUST DO: The Haunted Mansion
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant and/or The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• “It’s a small world”
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and/or Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Space Mountain

What to do at Magic Kingdom with a baby

• MUST DO: Baby’s first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop
• MUST DO: Silhouette art at the Silhouette Portraits Cart, which is located on Main Street, U.S.A. (FYI: There is also a Silhouette Portraits Cart at Disney Springs.)
• MUST DO: Take a family picture in front of Cinderella Castle
• Meet Mickey and/or Stitch

Where to eat at Magic Kingdom with a baby

• Columbia Harbour House (Quick Service): Venture upstairs where it’s less crowded and cooler.
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (Quick Service): There are TONS of seating here, so finding a spot away from crowds should be easier.

EPCOT With A Baby

• Many people say Epcot is for adults, but we disagree. Epcot is great for bringing a baby to Disney! This park is huge and very spread out, so you can usually find places to sit and relax with a baby all over the park!

Rides for babies at Epcot

• MUST DO: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Spaceship Earth
• Frozen Ever After
• Living with the Land
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind

What to do at Epcot with a baby

• MUST DO: International Festival of the Holidays
• Take a family picture in front of Spaceship Earth
• Visit SeaBase

Where to eat at Epcot with a baby

• MUST DO: Holiday treats (especially the Holiday Cookie Stroll!) at the International Festival of the Holidays food booths (Quick Service)
• La Cantina de San Angel: There is plenty of shaded outdoor seating by the water, but a little-known secret is that there is also indoor seating at La Cantina de San Angel from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Pro tip: When bringing a baby to Disney World, you’ll want to know where the quiet spots are! Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavilion is known for its shaded outdoor seating amid luscious gardens and bamboo trees. If you need a quiet spot for your baby, you can usually find somewhere to sit outside of prime meal time.

Hollywood Studios With A Baby

• Hollywood Studios is less about rides, but it does have live shows, which most babies love! You may only spend a few hours here, but it’s worth the trip!

Rides for babies at Hollywood Studios

• MUST DO: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Toy Story Mania
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and/or Slinky Dog Dash

What to do at Hollywood Studios with a baby

• MUST DO: Sunset Seasons Greetings nighttime projection show

Where to eat at Hollywood Studios with a baby

• Ronto Roasters or Docking Bay 7 (Quick Service): The Ronto Wrap is absolutely delicious – and filling!
• Baseline Tap House (Quick Service): Nice outdoor seating as well as the best hot pretzel and charcuterie on Disney property!

Animal Kingdom With A Baby

• I may be biased since I worked here, but Animal Kingdom is my favorite park to bring a baby to, especially if the baby is interested in animals at an early age. The lush greenery and ample trails make this a perfect park to stroll the baby around without feeling rushed!

Rides for babies at Animal Kingdom

• MUST DO: Wildlife Express Train
• Affection Section
• Na’vi River Journey
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Mommy/Daddy Rides: Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, and/or Avatar Flight of Passage

What to do at Animal Kingdom with a baby

• MUST DO: Take a family picture in front of the Tree of Life
• MUST DO: Visit the animal trails
• MUST DO: Watch Merry Menagerie

Where to eat at Animal Kingdom with a baby

• Satu’li Canteen (Quick Service) – You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, and there’s a ton of indoor and outdoor seating.

Pro tip: The family bathroom next to the outdoor seating area at Satu’li Canteen is quite large and clean!

Disney Springs With A Baby

Disney Springs isn’t all about entertainment, shopping, and dining. There are many areas geared towards kids!

Rides for babies at Disney Springs

• Marketplace Carousel
• Marketplace Train Express

What to do at Disney Springs with a baby

• MUST DO: Shop at World of Disney
• MUST DO: Explore the Christmas Tree Stroll
• MUST DO: Look for snow!

Where to eat at Disney Springs with a baby

• Earl of Sandwich (Quick Service): Delicious soups, sandwiches, and plenty of seating indoors and out.
• See the holiday overlay at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Table Service): There’s beautiful seating on the deck overlooking the water, making this an excellent spot for mom and dad to unwind and give baby lots to look at!

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Miscellaneous Things To Do With A Baby At Disney World

Other rides for babies at Disney World

• MUST DO: The Skyliner is calm and relaxing. If they try putting you with other guests, ask them if you can ride alone.

Other things to do with babies at Disney World

• MUST DO: Get baby a First Visit Pin
• MUST DO: Meet the characters at meet and greets or Disney character meals!
• Buy a snow/bubble wand (our boy loved it, and it kept him busy for hours!)
• Buy a Christmas ornament (We want to start this as one of our holiday traditions with our little one!)

Miscellaneous places to eat with a baby at Walt Disney World

• The lounges on Disney property are very baby-friendly. The atmosphere is casual, and many have indoor and outdoor seating. Some of our favorites for both delicious food and ambiance are Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Sanaa Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kidani Village, and Barcelona Lounge within Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (there’s a nice outdoor grassy area right outside).

Baby Care Center Locations at Disney World

• Lastly, the Disney baby care centers are fantastic! Go here to read our full review. They provide a quiet, air-conditioned place for babies to feed, rest, or be changed that’s not a public restroom. Disney can be overstimulating, especially with a baby. Providing this for babies and parents is just one of the reasons why Disney is so awesome! They also have a small selection of both free and paid necessities. 

As I have mentioned, this momma is a planner! This prepared list helped our family stay focused and stress-free while playing at the parks. I hope sharing our family’s plan and tips for bringing a baby to Disney World helps you!

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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Disney is constantly changing things, and Disney Springs is no exception. Disney Springs is a themed, 120-acre shopping, dining, and entertainment complex – and home to the largest Disney store, World of Disney.

Visiting is free, and so is parking, although they do offer valet service, which starts at $20. Disney Springs is amazing and home to my favorite bar (Dockside Bar) and my favorite sandwich shop (Earl of Sandwich).

I highly recommend it! When I’m planning our vacation, I schedule at least two visits to Disney Springs. It’s hard to see it all in one trip, and there are SO many amazing things to eat that a second (or third or fourth) visit is almost necessary!

The first time we visited Disney Springs, I was overwhelmed, to say the least. I had a shoe emergency, and finding a shoe store was difficult. We kept getting turned around, it was hot and crowded, and I was incredibly frustrated. Needless to say, I could’ve used a list of stores at Disney Springs that day, and that’s exactly why I’ve put this list together for you! At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a printable version of this list that you can take on your next trip.

List of Stores at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is divided into four sections: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. I’ve listed the type of business (apparel, toys, dining, etc…), and you can click on each listing to learn more about it, check for hours, or make reservations, if necessary.

Additionally, find a comprehensive map of Disney Springs here, and check for current offers and events at Disney Springs before your trip!

Marketplace at Disney Springs

The Marketplace at Disney Springs is the most extensive section with popular Disney stores and experiences like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney’s Pin Traders, and the World of Disney store. The Marketplace is also home to the new Disney PhotoPass Studio and my favorite sandwich shop, Earl of Sandwich. Our two favorite sandwiches are pictured above. The Holiday Sandwich is on the right, and The Original 1762 is on the left – so good! No trip is complete with a giant ice cream sundae like this one from Ghirardelli!

• The closest parking is Lime Garage, which brings you out near The Polite Pig restaurant, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Under Armour Brand House, and UNIQLO
• To get to the Marketplace side of Disney Springs, veer to the right as you come out of the Lime Garage. Pass the LEGO Store and Starbucks, and you’re in the Marketplace.

List of shops at The Marketplace, Disney Springs

The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group (Apparel & Accessories)
The Art of Disney (Arts & Collectibles)
Basin (Health & Beauty)
B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. (Dining – Quick Service)
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Springs (Apparel & Accessories) – Temporarily Unavailable
Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop at T-REX (Toys & Plush)
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers (Arts & Collectibles)
Dino-Store at T-REX (Gifts & Apparel & Toys)
Disney PhotoPass Studio (Gifts & Housewares)
Disney’s Days of Christmas (Gifts & Housewares)
Disney’s Pin Traders (Disney Pins & Trading)
Wonderful World of Memories (Gifts & Housewares& Collectibles)
Dockside Margaritas (Dining – Quick Service)
Earl Of Sandwich (Dining – Quick Service)
Face Painting Kiosk by Enjoy Your Face (Carts & Kiosks)
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (Dining – Quick Service)
Goofy’s Candy Company (Gifts & Housewares)
Initial Rings (Carts & Kiosks)
Joffrey’s Handcrafted Smoothies (Dining – Quick Service)
Just Plumerias (Carts & Kiosks) (Gifts & Housewares)
Lava Lounge at Rainforest Cafe (Dining – Table Service)
Lefty’s – The Left Hand Store (Carts & Kiosks)
The LEGO® Store (Toys & Plush)
Marketplace Co-Op (Apparel & Accessories)

• Bowes Signature Candles (Gifts & Housewares)
• Disney Centerpiece (Gifts & Housewares)
• Disney Tails (Apparel & Accessories)
• D-Tech on Demand (Apparel & Accessories)

Marketplace Snacks (Dining – Quick Service)
Once Upon a Toy (Gifts & Apparel & Toys)
Pearl Factory Kiosk – Disney Springs Marketplace (Carts & Kiosks)
Rainforest Cafe (Dining – Table Service)
Rainforest Cafe Retail Village (Apparel & Accessories)
Silhouette Portraits Cart (Carts & Kiosks) (Arts & Collectibles)
The Spice & Tea Exchange (Gifts & Housewares & Food)
Starbucks – Marketplace (Dining – Quick Service)
Star Wars Trading Post (Gifts & Apparel & Toys)
Sunshine Churros – Marketplace (Dining – Quick Service)
Swings N’ Things – The Hammock Experts Kiosk (Carts & Kiosks)
Swirls on the Water (Dining – Quick Service)
Tren-D (Apparel & Accessories)
T-REX (Dining – Table Service)
Wetzel’s Pretzels Kiosk (Dining – Quick Service)
World of Disney (Gifts & Apparel & Toys)

The Landing at Disney Springs

The Landing at Disney Springs is home to some of the best restaurants, like Boathouse, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, and Gideon’s Bakehouse. You’ll find beautiful waterfront views as well as live music and weekend DJ dance parties at Waterview Park.

• The closest parking is Lime Garage, which brings you out near The Polite Pig restaurant, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Under Armour Brand House, and UNIQLO
• To get to the Landing, go straight as you come out of the Lime Garage. You’ll see Under Armour Brand House in front of you. Keep going straight past Under Armour, UNIQLO, Frontera Cocina, Pandora, and Sprinkles. There will be a bridge just past Sprinkles that will take you over to The Landing. You should see Morimoto and Raglan Road.

List of shops at The Landing, Disney Springs

Art of Shaving (Apparel & Accessories)
The Boathouse Boatique @ The Boathouse Restaurant (Apparel & Accessories)
Chapel Hats (Carts & Kiosks & Hats)
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Dining – Table Service)
Cookes of Dublin (Dining – Quick Service)
Corkcicle (Gifts & Housewares)
Enzo’s Hideaway (Dining – Table Service)
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (Dining – Quick Service)
eyCatchers Cart (Carts & Kiosks)
Gideon’s Bakehouse (Dining – Quick Service)
Happy Hound Kiosk (Carts & Kiosks & Pets)
Havaianas (Apparel & Accessories & Shoes)
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Dining – Table Service)
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company (Dining – Quick Service)
Just Fun Socks (Carts & Kiosks) (Apparel & Accessories & Socks)
Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante (Dining – Table Service)
Morimoto Asia (Dining – Table Service)
Morimoto Asia Street Food (Dining – Quick Service)
Oakley (Apparel & Accessories & Sunglasses)
Paddlefish (Dining – Table Service)
Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas (Dining – Table Service)
Pizza Ponte (Dining – Quick Service)
Pop Gallery (Carts & Kiosks) (Gifts & Housewares)
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (Dining – Table Service)
Sanuk (Apparel & Accessories & Shoes)
Savannah Bee Company (Health & Beauty)
Shop for Ireland @ Raglan Road (Gifts & Housewares)
STK Orlando (Dining – Table Service)
Terralina Crafted Italian (Dining – Table Service)
The Basket at Wine Bar George (Dining – Quick Service)
The Boathouse (Dining – Table Service)
The Edison (Dining – Table Service)
The Ganachery (Food)
Vivoli il Gelato (Dining – Quick Service)
Wine Bar George (Dining – Table Service)
Wondermade (Carts & Kiosks) (Food)

Town Center at Disney Springs

The Town Center at Disney Springs is where you’ll find many non-Disney retail stores like Sephora, Zara, and Anthropologie, just to name a few. This came in handy on our last trip when I realized I had forgotten my favorite moisturizer and was able to grab another jar at Sephora! D-Luxe Burger is also located in Town Center and is home to one of the best burgers at Disney World, in my opinion, anyway!

• The closest parking is Lime Garage, which brings you out near The Polite Pig restaurant, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Under Armour Brand House, and UNIQLO
• When you come out of the Lime Garage, you’ll be in Town Center. Most of the stores will be to the left.

List of shops at Town Center, Disney Springs

Alex and Ani (Apparel & Accessories)
American Threads (Apparel & Accessories)
Amorette’s Patisserie (Dining – Quick Service)
Anthropologie (Apparel & Accessories)
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza (Dining – Quick Service)
Chicken Guy! (Dining – Quick Service)
Coach (Apparel & Accessories)
Coca-Cola Store (Gifts & Housewares)
Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar (Dining – Quick Service)
Columbia Sportswear (Apparel & Accessories)
D-Luxe Burger (Dining – Quick Service)
Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear (Apparel & Accessories & Eyewear)
Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories (Art & Collectibles & Jewelry)
Everything But Water (Apparel & Accessories)
Fabletics (Apparel & Accessories)
Fit2Run, The Runner’s Superstore (Apparel & Accessories)
Francesca’s (Apparel & Accessories)
Free People (Apparel & Accessories)
Frontera Cocina (Dining – Table Service)
Jo Malone London (Gifts & Housewares)
Johnny Was (Apparel & Accessories)
Johnston & Murphy (Apparel & Accessories & Shoes)
Kate Spade New York (Apparel & Accessories)
Kendra Scott – New! (Apparel & Accessories)
Lacoste (Apparel & Accessories)
Levi’s (Apparel & Accessories)
Lilly Pulitzer (Apparel & Accessories)
L’Occitane en Provence (Health & Beauty)
Lovepop (Art & Collectibles)
lululemon (Apparel & Accessories)
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International (Apparel & Accessories & Watches)
MAC Cosmetics (Health & Beauty & Makeup)
Na Hoku – Hawaii’s Finest Jewelers (Art & Collectibles & Jewelry)
Orlando Harley-Davidson (Apparel & Accessories)
Pandora Jewelry (Art & Collectibles & Jewelry)
Planet Hollywood (Dining – Table Service)
Ron Jon Surf Shop (Apparel & Accessories)
Rustic Cuff (Apparel & Accessories)
Sephora (Health & Beauty & Makeup)
Shore (Apparel & Accessories)
Sperry (Apparel & Accessories & Shoes)
Sprinkles (Dining – Quick Service)
Stance (Apparel & Accessories)
Stargazers Bar (Dining – Table Service)
Sugarboo & Co. (Gifts & Housewares)
Superdry (Apparel & Accessories & Shoes)
The Daily Poutine (Dining – Quick Service)
The Polite Pig (Dining – Quick Service)
Tommy Bahama (Apparel & Accessories)
Under Armour Brand House (Apparel & Accessories)
UNIQLO (Apparel & Accessories)
UNOde50 (Art & Collectibles & Jewelry)
Vera Bradley (Apparel & Accessories)
Volcom (Apparel & Accessories)
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Dining – Table Service)
ZARA (Apparel & Accessories)

West Side at Disney Springs

The West Side at Disney Springs is home to several shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including Splitsville Luxury Lanes, AMC Disney Springs, House of Blues, and Cirque du Soleil. If you’re a beer lover, head to City Works Eatery & Pour House, where you’ll find 90 beers on tap and 17 extra-large HDTVs to catch your favorite game!

• The closest parking is Orange Garage, which brings you out near Splitsville, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, and the AMC Theaters.
• When you come out of the Orange Garage, you’ll be on the West Side.
• If they’re open, the Watermelon and Strawberry parking lots are located just outside the West Side.

List of shops on the West Side, Disney Springs

4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck (Dining – Quick Service)
Aerophile – Balloon Flight (Attractions)
AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres (Entertainment)
Cirque du Soleil (Entertainment)
Cirque du Soleil Store (Toys & Plush & Gifts)
City Works Eatery & Pour House (Dining – Table Service)
Disney’s Candy Cauldron (Gifts & Housewares & Food)
DisneyStyle (Apparel & Accessories)
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Dining – Quick Service)
Häagen-Dazs Kiosk (Dining – Quick Service)
House of Blues Restaurant & Bar (Dining – Table Service)
House of Blues Live Music (Entertainment)
Gear Shop @ House of Blues (Apparel & Accessories)
Jaleo by José Andrés (Dining – Table Service)
Local Green Orlando Food Truck (Dining – Quick Service)
MacGUFFINS @ AMC Theatres (Dining – Quick Service)
M&M’S (Gifts & Housewares & Food)
Pelé Soccer (Apparel & Accessories)
Pepe by José Andrés (Dining – Quick Service)
Salt & Straw (Dining – Quick Service)
Splitsville Dining Room (Dining – Table Service)
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Entertainment)
Star Wars Galactic Outpost (Gifts & Apparel & Toys)
Starbucks – West Side (Dining – Quick Service)
Summer House on the Lake – Coming Soon! (Dining – Table Service)
Sunglass Icon (Apparel & Accessories & Sunglasses)
Sunshine Churros – West Side (Dining – Quick Service)
Super Hero Headquarters (Gifts & Apparel & Toys)
The Front Porch @ House of Blues (Dining – Quick Service)
Wetzel’s Pretzels Kiosk – West Side (Dining – Quick Service)
YeSake Kiosk (Dining – Quick Service)

List of Stores at Disney Springs

You can print in PDF form here or in DOC format here.

What’s your favorite thing about Disney Springs? Please leave a comment below and share it with us! We would love to hear from you all!

If you’re planning a trip to the happiest place on Earth, you’ll need to know the latest Walt Disney World parking information. This post will cover everything about Walt Disney World Parking.

Walt Disney World Parking – Theme Parks

Guests staying at Walt Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders receive free standard parking when visiting the theme parks – woohoo! (Additionally, last time I worked at Walt Disney World, Cast Members also received free parking.) If you would like to upgrade to preferred parking (i.e. spots closer to the park’s front entrance), you just have to pay the difference. It usually works out to be around $15-25.

Those not staying on Disney property will have to pay a parking fee. However, once paid, this parking pass is good all day and at all four of the Walt Disney World theme parks. When traveling to the parks via a personal vehicle, the prices are as follows:

• Standard parking for a car or motorcycle – $30 per day
• Preferred parking for a car or motorcycle – $45-$55 per day (rate will vary based on date)
• Oversized Vehicle Parking (shuttle, limo, camper trailer, RV, bus, or tractor trailer) – $35 per day

Please note that parking fees are not refundable. Also, Disney World parking is limited and subject to availability. If you leave the theme park and return later, you are not guaranteed a parking spot. This is a rare occurrence, in our opinion, but it is good to consider on those busy park days. 

Preferred Parking at Disney World

Preferred parking rates vary based on the date of your visit. Currently, you can’t purchase preferred parking in advance or online. To inquire, speak to any Cast Member at a parking booth.

The parking lots for each theme park open approximately 1 hour before that day’s Early Theme Park Entry time. (Magic Kingdom may open a bit earlier at 90 minutes.)

• At Magic Kingdom, the lots are named after classic Disney heroes, princesses, and villains.
• EPCOT lots are identified by various characters in the Disney and Guardians of the Galaxy universe, such as Moana, Rocket, and Crush. 
• At Hollywood Studios, guests can park at the Buzz, Jessie, Mickey, Minnie, or Olaf lots.
• When parking at Animal Kingdom, the lots are both real and mystical animal-themed.

If you plan to park a personal vehicle when visiting the parks, use the Car Locator service via the My Disney Experience app. It stores your location in case you forget or get lost when returning to your vehicle. If you open the app when you’re parked, it will automatically enter pertinent details. If not, you can also enter your vehicle’s location manually.

The Trams Have Returned!

The beloved trams have returned to all four Walt Disney World theme parks! Once parked in a lot at a theme park, you can hop on a courtesy tram that will bring you to the front entrance. They are a time saver and a leg saver! 

• The Magic Kingdom tram runs from the parking lot to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). From there, guests can take the monorail or boat to the main entrance.

FREE Walt Disney World Parking!

Good news! All guests visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, or ESPN Wide World of Sports will receive complimentary standard parking. Disney’s Car Locator service works at water parks and the ESPN Center. 

Walt Disney World Parking – Disney Resorts

During the day, self-parking is complimentary for guests who want to shop, dine, and explore a Walt Disney World hotel. However, some Disney resorts require visitors to have a dining reservation to park their vehicles. In our experience, some resorts are very lenient, while others are extremely strict. *cough* Disney’s Riviera Resort *cough* We have noticed that Deluxe Resorts are sticklers on the dining reservation requirement. To be safe, we suggest grabbing a dining reservation at any restaurant inside your chosen Deluxe resort OR visit via the monorail, train, boat, or Skyliner! 

Self-parking is now free for guests staying overnight at a Disney resort! Valet parking is available at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney’s Coronado Springs. Once you arrive, check with the Security Host for parking options. Valet service is $39 per night. Lastly, visitors to The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort receive complimentary standard parking. Each campsite provides parking space for one vehicle.

Parking at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is different, as there is a fee. Self-parking costs $34 per night, while valet is $44 per night. Those going to the Mandara Spa or dining at select Swan and Dolphin restaurants can have their parking validated. Click here to read more. 

Walt Disney World Parking – Disney Springs

For those heading to Disney Springs, standard self-parking is free for all guests. Three parking garages (Orange Garage, Lime Garage, and Grapefruit Garage) and several surface parking lots exist. Guests can also utilize Disney’s Car Locator service at Disney Springs.

At one time, preferred parking was offered at the Mango surface lot; however, there is no current information on the Disney Springs website. It also seems that valet parking is no longer available. 

Click here to read more about parking at Disney Springs.

Parking For Guests With Disabilities

There are numerous designated parking areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for visitors with disabilities. Disney requires a valid disability parking permit to use these spots, and standard parking rates will apply.

Disney recommends that those visiting the theme parks with mobility disabilities and/or traveling with personal wheelchairs, electric scooters, or other mobility devices park within a disability parking lot. These lots are conveniently located near the main entrances of all four theme parks. Guests can ask about disability parking lots at the Auto Plazas, which are located as you drive through the entrance of each theme park.

Additionally, guests can ask to park near the end of a row, ensuring they will be closer to the courtesy trams’ pick-up/drop-off locations. From there, trams will transport guests to the park’s main entrance. Contact Guest Services at (407) 824-2222, email disability.services@disneyparks.com, or click here for more information.

Electric Vehicles at Walt Disney World

If you have an electric vehicle that needs to be charged, there are several ChargePoint charging stations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. These charging stations are first-come, first-served. The locations are:

• Resorts:
  • 6 spaces at Coronado Springs
  • 2 spaces at Riviera Resort
  • 2 spaces at Wilderness Lodge
• Theme Parks:
  • 5 spaces at Magic Kingdom (1 space at the front of the Medical Parking Lot and 4 spaces at the front of the Zurg Parking Lot)
  • 4 spaces at EPCOT (front of the HeiHei Parking Lot)
  • 4 spaces at Animal Kingdom (in the Medical Parking Lot)
  • 4 spaces at Hollywood Studios (front of the Mickey Parking Lot)
• Disney Springs:
  • 3 spaces on the 5th floor of the Orange Garage
  • 3 spaces on the 5th floor of the Lime Garage
  • 3 spaces on the 3rd floor of the Grapefruit Garage
  • 4 spaces in the Watermelon Lot near the Cirque du Soleil theater

The fee to charge at one of these stations is $0.35 per kilowatt hour, with a minimum service amount of $1.50. Guests must pay with a credit card or a pre-ordered ChargePoint card, which is available at chargepoint.com. When charging, the machine stops and makes a “ping” sound, indicating the vehicle’s battery is fully charged.

Walt Disney World Parking & Driving Tips

You can book rental cars on Disney property! Disney provides three car rental services – Enterprise, National, and Alamo. Click here to learn more.

Driving throughout the Walt Disney World Resort is super simple, with brightly colored signs perched on the roadside. These signs direct you toward theme parks, resorts, and other Disney areas. If you miss your turn, it is usually pretty easy to get redirected or travel an alternative route.

Don’t worry about driving off-site for gas. Currently, there are three Speedway gas stations on Disney property, all of which are open 24 hours and offer competitive gas prices:

1. Across from the Disney Springs area
2. Located between Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk Inn
3. At the Walt Disney World Car Care Center, which is by Magic Kingdom

If you have a car emergency while on vacation, don’t fret! Security guards within/near parking lots can help with issues like a flat tire, towing, dead battery, or no gas. There is also the Walt Disney World Car Care Center that can help. Simply call (407)824-0976 for assistance. (PS: I would save this number in your contact list before your vacation!)

Can I Park At a Disney Resort Without Staying There?

• Answer: Yes! But you may want to book a dining reservation just in case.

Additional Disney World Parkring Tips

Did you know you can book ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft and travel to any Disney location? If you don’t mind the extra cost, this is a great way to travel when vacationing at Walt Disney World quickly. If you want to stay “in the Disney bubble,” so to speak, try booking Disney’s own ride-share service, Minnie Van, available in the Lyft app! You and your family will be picked up in a Minnie Mouse-themed vehicle and dropped off at the main gate of your destination.

Walt Disney World has a wonderful bus system connecting guests to theme parks, water parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. You do not have to stay on the property to take advantage of the buses. It is a great way to travel without using a vehicle throughout the Walt Disney World Resort area. Buses arrive on average every 20 minutes, but they can run later when crowds are high. Also, it’s important to note that the bus routes are not always a straight shot to your destination, so check the map at the bus depot or the Disney app to find the exact route.

The food at Disney has come a long way in the past few years, and one of my favorite things about Disney restaurants is that many have different lunch and dinner menus. Before any Disney vacation, we look at all the menus and decide when and where we will eat, and lunch at Disney World is our favorite meal of the day!

If you’re a visual person like me, head to my Instagram page, where I have highlights of our trips, including photos of the food at Walt Disney World. I share everything there, including meals that don’t make the cut here on the blog!

Lunch At Disney World Is More Affordable

Not only are lunch prices a little more reasonable, but the portion sizes are too – which leaves room to try more! Great food and a fraction of the dinner cost? Yes, please! =)

Trying everything you want in one trip is virtually impossible, but we keep this list updated with our favorites. Disney changes their menus often, so we’ve included links to each restaurant with the most current menu. Please email us if you find one that’s no longer available.  Last update April 2024

Earl Of Sandwich

• Location: Disney Springs
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Earl of Sandwich Menu

It’s a tradition that we go to Earl of Sandwich on the first night of our trip, so I’ll start with that. Earl’s is a sandwich lover’s dream. They’ve got many options, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, and treats. The line can get long, but it moves quickly! This was the special of the day, a gyro sandwich, and it was very good. However, my all-time favorite is the famous Holiday Turkey sandwich, which has turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise. It’s amazing!

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase > UK Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop Menu

No trip to Epcot is complete without Yorkshire County Fish Shop’s famous fish and chips. It’s perfectly fried, crunchy, and served with salty, crispy fries. I’m not usually a fan of fried food, but Disney got this dish right. It’s simply delicious! The Fish Shop is a small building/walk-up window next to Rose & Crown Pub. After you get your food, walk to the right of the fish shop for seating along the water. It’s one of our favorite spots to take a break while at Epcot!

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D-Luxe Burger

• Location: Disney Springs
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• D-Luxe Burger Menu

Simply put, these are some of the best burgers on Disney property. Their signature beef blend combines beef, short rib, chuck, and brisket—and it’s delicious! They’re also known for their artisanal milkshakes, so if that’s your thing, be sure to try one. If you order a side of fries, the full size is a LOT and totally sharable. The outside deck offers gorgeous views of the water and Disney Springs. It’s one of our favorite lunch spots at Disney Springs!

Sommerfest

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase > Germany Pavilion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? Yes
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Sommerfest Menu

Sommerfest has a small but mighty menu. The bratwurst sandwich comes with sauerkraut AND house-made paprika chips for just $10.29, and it’s enough to share. The bratwurst usually comes on a bun with the sauerkraut, but we chose to leave off the bun on this trip. But, if I’m being honest, I’m just here for the paprika chips. They’re my weakness. There is a small walkup “bier” counter outside Sommerfest where you can find my husband’s favorite beer on Disney property, Warsteiner Dunkel. Sometimes, we get a couple of beers, an order of paprika chips, and people watch!

Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie

• Location: Location: Epcot > World Showcase > France Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering? No
• Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie Menu

Don’t let the simplicity of this sandwich fool you. It was one of the best things we ate on our trip. This is ham and cheese with Dijon mustard butter in a freshly baked baguette—and it’s amazing! Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie has something for everyone—soups, sandwiches, Niçoise salads, quiche, and desserts galore. Les Halles is also one of the few places to grab an early breakfast at Epcot.

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Pizza al Taglio

• Location: Epcot > World Showcase > Italy Pavillion
• Dining Plan? Yes – Quick Service
• Mobile Ordering: No
• Open: Lunch and Dinner
• Pizza al Taglio Menu

Pizza al Taglio (aka pizza by the slice) is a small walk-up window just to the left of Via Napoli. Before we talk about how delicious the pizza is, know that this place is hardly ever open, but if you’re lucky enough to see the window up, it’s a must-try. The slices here are Sicilian style, and they’re huge! The menu changes often (and there isn’t one posted online). We ordered the Pizza San Gennaro with Italian sausage, cipollini onions, hot pepper, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and provolone cheese. It was delicious!

Tusker House Restaurant

• Location: Animal Kingdom
• Dining Plan? Yes – Table Service * Character Meal
• Mobile Ordering: No
• Open For: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Tusker House Menu

With a mix of African, Indian, and American fare, the buffet at Tusker House is truly impressive and appeals to kids and adults. It’s a character meal, so it IS pricey – but worth it. Here’s why. The food is unique but in the very best way. Enjoy mojo pork, salmon, chicken curry, falafel, rice, roasted veggies, fresh salads, chutneys, breads, and desserts galore. The characters make their way around constantly, so the kids will be entertained throughout the meal. This has been a sore spot for us at other character meals where there was very little character interaction (looking at you, Chef Mickey’s). The picture above is my first plate from our last visit, and the picture below shows a few of the options on the buffet.

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More Disney Posts You May Enjoy

• Best Breakfast at Walt Disney World
• Complete List of Stores at Disney Springs 
• Babies and Toddlers at Disney World FAQ
• Best Quick Service at Epcot – Savory Edition
• Disney World at Christmas + Questions & Answers

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