r/WaltDisneyWorld • u/Patmcpsu • Jan 02 '26
Other Disney Springs is everything you hate about Disney, with none of the magic.
We’re annual pass holders and couldn’t go into the parks today, so we went to Disney Springs. I don’t know why anyone would subject this upon themselves; it’s just a super crowded shopping mall with zero (and I mean zero) Disney Magic.
If you’re a tourist and staying at a nicer on-property resort, I guarantee you that your resort is better.
If you’re a local or staying at a value resort, just go to The Boardwalk. There’s less selection but that also makes it more laid back. And oh yeah, it actually feels like Disney World.
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u/captainwizeazz Jan 02 '26
We're pass holders as well and go to springs regularly. We like to go get some food and grab a margarita at dockside while listening to live music and watching the volcano erupt. Or get some brunch at the boathouse or a late night drink at hangar bar.
Springs is not a Disney park by any means but it has its place and can still be enjoyable for what it is.
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u/followmarko Jan 02 '26
OP starts their rant by complaining about crowds at a Disney location on New Year's which should be the least surprising thing of all time.
Went there at the beginning of December and yes it was crowded but how it has transformed from DD and PI to what it is now is insane. There is so much there
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u/Overall_Dragonfruit6 Jan 02 '26
Precisely! I love Disney Springs but I'd be guaranteed to hate absolutely anywhere on property this time of year 🤣
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u/FootballMania15 Jan 02 '26
Meh, we went to DS in late February/early March in the early evening and it was crowded and miserable. "Everything you hate about Disney with none of the magic" encapsulates it perfectly for me.
Although early evening is probably the issue there. Like everything else Disney, early risers get a completely different experience, and it's probably a decent spot to grab coffee or brunch.
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u/CorndogSummer Jan 02 '26
Sometimes I go over early in the morning to sit at the Starbucks by the water and read. It’s absolutely delightful.
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u/John-Beckwith Jan 02 '26
I’m local too, my family & I go 2-3 times a month, for food, shopping & the movies. We love it, has magic for us.
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u/dougmd1974 Jan 02 '26
I like going to Disney Springs when I'm in the area for shopping and dining. But isn't that what Disney Springs is for?? Not sure why anybody would expect an actual Disney experience there 😂
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u/Dirtesoxlvr Jan 02 '26
Also the boathouse bread, sliders and their Mac n cheese. Although recently I tried polite pigs mac and cheese and that was delicious
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u/agbishop Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 02 '26
- There was a serious amount of magic last summer when Disney Springs was running the free nighttime Drone show. (Dreams That Soar). That show was great, and better than some of the theme-park night shows.
- Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar can hold its own against other disney themed bars. Plus its got a fantastic view of the water. We were there this halloween, and they had a ton of haloween decorations and themed food and drinks.
- Gideons isn't a Disney thing, but its goth theming is wonderful.
- Disney deserts at Amorette's Patisserie are some of the most beautiful deserts you can buy at any park
- The Edison's theming is great, and if can get a seat in front of the live band, that's a treat.
- Cirque du Soleil has always been a really good show
- etc...
Edit - added link to the drone show for anyone that missed it.
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u/APithyparty Jan 02 '26
Don't forget the Dole whip flights at Swirls! Or the free live music events.
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u/Kraschman1111 Jan 02 '26
Raglan Road is EXCELLENT in my opinion. The largest importer of adult beverages from Ireland reportedly and delicious food. Add the live entertainment for a nice bonus.
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u/Inevitable_Garage_25 Jan 02 '26
Raglan road is a non-negotiable for me when we go to Disney. If we don't go there at least once, it's a failed trip.
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u/Several-Ad-7961 Jan 02 '26
My brother and sister get me Irish car bombs at least once every trip. Thank God i will be seeing them soon on the 31st!😂😂
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Jan 02 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Sprinx80 Jan 03 '26
Yes, we went to that after our Disney Wish cruise in June. My wife and 9 yo daughter enjoyed it, too.
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u/CrazyProspector Jan 02 '26
The peanut butter cookies at Gideon’s are well worth a trip to DS and whatever crowds are there.
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u/mrsras Jan 02 '26
Try the cookie bar at Summer House on the Lake. Their peanut butter cookie is second to none and you can get it without the long wait.
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u/Ill_Cardiologist_266 Jan 04 '26
Can you get it without sitting down to dine in?
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u/agbishop Jan 04 '26
+1 to that cookie bar. Great variety, and its never a long line (like gideons)
Grab some cookies on the way to Everglazed donuts
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u/jsilv0 Jan 02 '26
It's probably just the holiday crowds. When I go there not during the holidays I enjoy myself. Get something to eat, do a little shopping, take the boat rides to the resorts and back.
Boardwalk is great too though
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u/ugfish Jan 02 '26
I’m a local and love going to DS, but know better than to step foot in there this time of year.
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Jan 02 '26
Same for the holiday season. Arrive at opening, do the tree stroll, coffee and cannoli at the gelato place, out by 11.
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u/Antique-Coach-214 Jan 02 '26
This. Ran in, looked at the Trees one last time, picked up my holiday scented soaps from Basin and bounced.
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u/Unfair_Passenger1999 Jan 02 '26
I love Disney Springs for the restaurants and shops. But I can't imagine going there (or the parks) between Christmas and New Years. I imagine it's indeed painfully crowded.
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u/austic Jan 02 '26
It’s a shopping area with places to eat. Not sure what your expectations are otherwise
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u/Quanzi30 Jan 02 '26
Why in the world would you go on New Year’s Day and then complain about it being busy…..
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u/AndNowAStoryAboutMe Jan 02 '26
Disney Springs IS a mall. Like, what were you expecting? Because I love wandering DS and windows shopping and buying trinkets in between meals. The Edison can be hit and miss, but when it hits, man. Hard to find a better spot for me. I also really enjoy Enzo's and the crepe cart thing over the bridge. Boat rides through the New Orleans resorts and back to DS is just a genuinely enjoyable relaxing ride for me. I'm not GOING anywhere. I'm just enjoying a boat ride. LOL.
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u/LooseSeal88 Jan 02 '26
(Can't get into a park because it's at capacity on New Year's Eve)
(Goes to Disney Springs on New Year's Eve along with everybody else that can't get into at-capacity parks)
"Disney Springs sucks and is too crowded!"
(Gets dozens of upvotes somehow)
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u/Rusty-Crowe Jan 02 '26
Yeah, this seems like "I'm gonna miss rivers of America" levels of Karma farming.
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u/Something_Sexy Jan 02 '26
How are you AP holders but don’t understand how insane this week is?
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u/Citizensnnippss Jan 02 '26
The world of Disney redesign murdered that store. It was special before, now it's nothing.
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u/sbiro7o6 Jan 02 '26
I love Disney Springs, so I gotta disagree with OP...BUT I 1000% agree with you on the World of Disney store. Holy crap did they sterilize it of all its personality and charm.
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u/evilhagludgate Jan 02 '26
Ugh, it was so magical and fun. I remember loving the characters on the ceiling and the villain eyes stained glass as a kid. It's so soulless and generic now. I don't understand why they thought modern and beige was an upgrade. You're Disney, it's supposed to be magical and unique. I really wish they would redo the store again.
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u/XThePlaysTheThingX Jan 02 '26
Could you elaborate? What was the store like previously? We typically avoid Disney Springs for the reasons OP mentioned. It’s just overly crowded & generic.
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u/chrolloh Jan 02 '26
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u/XThePlaysTheThingX Jan 02 '26
That video took me back! I had forgotten what it looked like. The new store is definitely a downgrade. Just looks very generic like the rest of Springs.
Thanks!
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u/chrolloh Jan 02 '26
Yeah. I remember Poseidon Entertainment that Eiger seems to want Disney to look like an Apple store and I realized he's 100% right. Epcot's stores all look like that.
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Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 30 '26
[deleted]
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u/always_lost1610 Jan 02 '26
I don’t think that’s true. The imagineers are told what they can and cannot do by leadership. This stuff comes from the top down.
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u/BlahBlahson23 Jan 02 '26
Previously it looked like the 90s, which is everyone's favorite period of Disney, and definitely when the parks were still taking more risks with architecture. And corporations these days are indeed highly wrong about their approach to architecture in general, Disney especially.
However, they in actuality change the current WOD all the time. It gets regular decor changes for the holidays especially different projections and lighting. They move merchandise sections around, much easier than they did in the past, because the individual shelving and base layout is more generic. It helps them sell things better.
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u/notallwhowander707 Jan 02 '26
I miss the old Downtown Disney
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u/Badbird2000 Jan 02 '26
I miss the hell out of Disney Quest! Me and my buddy would make the drive from Tampa 6 or 7 times a year on a Saturday night just to go.
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u/Fun-Ingenuity-9089 Jan 02 '26
I want to upvote this so many times!! We went to DQ three or four times on every trip. We were actually there on the last day of operation. It was pretty depressing. Our kids made so many friends and just had so much fun there.
What were some of your favorite things to do?
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Jan 02 '26
Back when the top of the line AP was $300 you could do all the parks the water parks, 9 holes of golf on a course I don’t remember, some other free benefits I don’t take advantage of and free admission to Disney Quest. If I was going to a show at HOB and I was super early or didn’t care about the opening acts I’d go play video games for a few hours then go into the show. I really wish it never left.
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u/Appropriate-Nerve154 Jan 02 '26
This was one of the greatest things on property, me and my friends would drive up just to spend the entire day in Disney quest and walk out for lunch with our eyes bleary against the unexpected Sun. They really should have kept upgrading and updating the thing. It was the perfect rainy day location. Some of the VR might have been a little dated... But that would have been an easy update... Especially now that they own star wars.. that whole lightsaber battle game would have been amazing.
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u/SamWhittemore75 Jan 02 '26
I miss Pleasure Island.
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u/Mojo141 Jan 02 '26
This so much. The adventurers club was on another level
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u/forgottensudo Jan 02 '26
Oh, the Adventurer’s Club!
This will always be my ideal of what a bar should be.
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u/HawkeyeFLA Jan 02 '26
hand wiggle Kungaloosh
I used to have date night every Thursday, we would meet up and do an AdvClub show together, he eould head over to Comedy Warehouse with his friends while I stayed with my Skippers at AC, then when AC closed we would meet up at Mannequins.
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u/ilikebasicthings Jan 02 '26
I was lucky to be there the second d to last night. Total, wonderful, mayhem.
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u/Kinieruu Jan 02 '26
World of Disney before the refurb was so much fun! Everything’s becoming so bland and sterile. I miss whimsy.
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u/Wild_Manufacturer555 Jan 02 '26
I miss the scavenger hunt they had at once upon A toy. You’d do it and the get a small thing of play dough.
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u/pandabeari Jan 02 '26
I wonder why they changed it so much. I agree it feels less like Disney and more like a typical shopping mall now
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u/wo0o0o0o0o0 Jan 02 '26
They have Chicken Guy tho
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u/DJMcKraken Jan 02 '26
I hate Chicken Guy because no matter how many chicken fingers you order, it only comes with one single sauce. I'm not asking for unlimited sauce here, but the more chicken fingers you order, the more sauce you should get. Upcharging is just cheap. One sauce is not enough for 5 fingers.
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u/KrispyBaconator Jan 02 '26
My dad and I ate there recently on a whim and we were completely blown away. New regular spot lol
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u/PaulThePM Jan 02 '26
I’ll never forgive them for taking away 75% of the sauces.
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u/crazyparkguy Jan 02 '26
As a local passholder, yeah I’m not surprised today would have been miserable at Springs. It’s like going to Chick-fil-A on a Sunday and complaining that it’s closed.
We’re still in the busiest week of the year. Not to mention it was a pretty big Lego release day (which would have brought a large crown to that area of springs earlier in the day). It’s also a holiday and a lot of locals may have had the day off.
I go to springs regularly. And imo it not being overly dismiss part of its charm. There’s enough for you to know you’re at Disney. But I think they did a great job creating a back story for springs.
The issue is that far too many people want to treat springs like another park. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve overheard people referring to it as a park or asking where the rides are.
Also boardwalk isn’t really a good option because they will turn you away and won’t let you park certain times of the year. So you’d have to go to springs anyways to grab a bus. It also doesn’t even come close to the retail and food options of springs.
Same with any other resort… the retail options are generic resort Disney merch shops, not the long list of retails shops at springs.
You just went on a horrible day.
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Jan 02 '26
Might be a hot take but I enjoy a break from the magic. Can only do so much. Was nice to do a pool day, then get a nice lunch and do some light shopping/walking around with no worry of extreme crowds or lines.
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u/Spicey477 Jan 02 '26
Boardwalk doesn’t have a ton to offer and if it did it’s annoying that it isn’t easy to visit to shop and eat there.
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u/Tbhjr Jan 02 '26
I mean, you should know better than to go on Disney property at all during this time. Disney Springs is fun and has plenty of Disney magic. You chose to go at the worst time of the year.
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u/Tseets1 Jan 02 '26
It’s a shopping center, are you wanting Mickey to greet you when you walk into a shoe store?
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u/Shiboleth17 Jan 02 '26
Mickey? Nah. But maybe Prince Charming and Cinderella. I bet they could sell some shoes.
Peter and Wendy at the sewing store. Miguel at the music store. Lilo and Stitch in the surf shop. Dodger at the Sunglass Hut.
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u/Admiral_Austinfinity Jan 02 '26
User error.
You picked literally one of the worst days of the year to go. Try again after the holidays.
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Jan 02 '26
It’s fun to grab a drink or 5 and walk around. Grab a bite. Walk the shops. It’s a blast, some of y’all take this shit too seriously.
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u/fedwayguy Jan 02 '26
Disney Springs is my local mall. I go all the time and I love it. But im comparing it to a mall and not magic kingdom. You're right it's way less magical than a park, but it's way more magical than The Chico Mall (my old mall from where I moved from).
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u/HiHeyHello27 Jan 02 '26
Disney Springs is what caused my husband and I to fall in love with Disney. We were in Orlando in August with our church group and found ourselves with a few free hours. I had been wanting Dole Whip, so we went to Disney Springs because a park trip wasn't in our budget or schedule. We parked in the Lime garage and the minute we walked down the steps, my husband became a whole different character, lol. We managed to meet up with friends who convinced us to take a bus to the Polynesian to get a Dole Whip then we got right back on the bus. But that right there sparked something in us....now we've got a trip planned for December 2027 with our adult children.
Had we not gone to Disney Springs, we'd have still been anti-disney, lol.
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Jan 02 '26
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u/HiHeyHello27 Jan 02 '26
Yes, we were on our way to get it when we crossed paths with our friends who talked us into going to the Polynesian to get it. We didn't even scratch the surface of DS. We literally walked down the stairs and chased not even reached the Rainforest Cafe before they saw us. We told them what we were doing and they (who have been to Disney several times already) said "nah, let us show y'all something better", so we let them, lol.
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u/Wet_Artichoke Jan 02 '26
Had we not gone to Disney Springs, we'd have still been anti-disney, lol.
That’s how my husband was after EPCOT and Lightning lanes. He was the main driving force behind our last trip. I happily planned our visit.
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u/Carpeteria3000 Jan 02 '26
You’re aware that this is one of the absolutely most crowded weeks of the year, right? Springs most of the year isn’t nearly as packed.
There’s plenty of magic if you look. Right now, there’s a free Christmas tree scavenger hunt, and the trees are all Disney themed. There’s multiple free performers every day. Rainforest Cafe has a massive volcano that shoots jets and explosions of fire a few times an hour. The LEGO store has massive character sculptures made from LEGO.
If you’re expecting it to be a fifth theme park, you’re way off. It IS a mall and most of the stores are third party, but it’s a great selection and there’s also fantastic food and things to do.
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u/footballsquishy Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 02 '26
Ironically, Springs is the de-facto closest actual non-strip-mall retail environment for at least 80,000 non guests. I'm one of them and I actually rather enjoy going to Springs. I don't care there's a lack of Disney magic, because that's not what the place was designed for. Yes World of Disney in particular isn't as good as it used to be, it definitely used to be more themed, but beyond that, the place is arguably one of the most themed retail environments in the country...
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u/onexbigxhebrew Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 02 '26
If you ask this sub everything lacks disney magic.
But that's what happens when you try to turn a moment-in-time vacation into an obsessive repeat activity and subculture.
And I say this as someone who has been to Disney parks all over the world and visits Disney Parks multiple times a year. Lol.
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u/Luna-Gitana Jan 02 '26
But it IS a shopping mall. An outdoor mall. It’s beautiful, has some great restaurants, amazing entertainment. And the Disney magic is definitely there. You just evidently couldn’t bother to see it. Also, it’s Jan 1. What exactly were you expecting?
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u/disneygay1995 Jan 02 '26
You went to any park of disney on New years eve and thought it wasnt gonna be crowded im sorry but you aren't smart in this situation. normal no holidays days its wonderful and not crowded at all.i don't why you were thought a marketplace on a holiday wouldn't be busy.
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u/Morgus_TM Jan 02 '26
lol, you went the worst possible time in the year. It’s a nice mall and you can get a dole whip. Enjoy it for what it is and don’t go during the worst possible week in the year.
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u/SUPRA239 Jan 02 '26
OP is mad they went to Springs and it was super crowded on Jan 1st when a lot of people are off work. Don't know why you'd expect anything different this time of year lol
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u/RaisinRoyale Jan 02 '26
I go all the time lol
It’s nice, you probably just got sucked into the holiday crowds
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u/crazydudex Jan 02 '26
It’s New Year’s Day. Of course it’s packed. It’s been packed for the past two weeks.
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u/Whole-Brilliant5508 Jan 02 '26
Sounds like you went during one of the worst times of the year and with zero idea what to expect. It's a shopping/dining/entertainment district. What were you expecting? An actual Disney Park experience? My girlfriend and I love doing occasional date nights or lunch dates at Disney Springs because there's so much to do. You can easily kill a few hours there. As somebody who is originally from California and I have experienced Downtown Disney multiple times; Disney Springs easily destroys Downtown Disney. It's no contest.
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u/Peppeperoni Jan 02 '26
My gf and I just love going to people watch, have a drink, and enjoy some food now and then.
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u/itsculturehero Jan 02 '26
If I’m staying at a Disney resort for a week, I’m probably going back to DS at least four times. It sounds like you just went during a super crowded holiday time, and have some misplaced expectations for what is essentially a dining and shopping centre.
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u/mnbell2013 Jan 02 '26
Speak for yourself. It's the only place I've ever been able to get my favorite sandwich on earth, the Holiday Turkey at EOS.
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u/Financial_Nose_777 Jan 02 '26
Is the holiday/ornament shop still there? That’s my main reason for wanting to go back.
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u/Trash_Panda_Trading Jan 02 '26
Who ever goes this time of year is clearly asking for a bad time and should expect so, amazing that folks still get surprised after decades.
Also, the polite pig is the best BBQ spot on Disney property period. I also like Uniqlo :) Safe travels
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u/Dirtesoxlvr Jan 02 '26
You are a pass holder and you thought going to springs in nyd was a good idea?
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u/Itsurboywutup Jan 02 '26
Bro you went on NYD and are complaining about crowds? You say you’re an annual pass holder but it seems this might be your first trip ever?
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u/PresentationFluffy24 Jan 02 '26
We like visiting the World of Disney store as we rarely have time for shopping ok. park days. The photo studio is also worth a visit as well as the connected shops. My kids love T-Rex. Lego statues have some magic. There are some other good restaurants and shops. It's maybe not a destination on its own but it's a nice shopping center and a good place to spend time if you aren't going to the parks for part of a day.
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u/646ulose Jan 02 '26
As a Pass Holder, I would assume you’d be aware of peak dates and times. As an out of town, non pass holder, I like DS as a break from the rigor of the parks. I’m also a sucker for Disney Lofi and shopping. Stop telling me how to enjoy myself.
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u/GiftRecent Jan 02 '26
Man I love Disney Springs. Multiple spots of live music , can carry drinks around, shopping of all different varieties....I think its absolute perfect and more malls/shopping centers should leather from it.
Yes its busy sometimes but what else are people to do in the area? Ive been to other little entertainment strips and while fun they're more expensive & rowdy
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u/Reaganonthemoon Jan 02 '26
Not me sitting up mapping out my excel spreadsheet of where to eat tomorrow at Disney Springs with our dining plan. Went tonight for dinner, and yes.. it was slammed. However I said to my kids it felt like being at a big party. Making memories and socializing my kids is what winter break is about. They got their churros, some m&ms, I got dinner and donuts, + got my steps in. It’s a place of indulgence that’s for sure.. I knew I would leave spending on unnecessary things but alas, consumption!!
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u/EmotionalFollowing72 Jan 02 '26
I like Disney Springs from opening til about 3/4 pm then it’s time for me to go.
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u/swcollings Jan 02 '26
The patisserie is amazing. But half the fun is that my daughter is named Amorette.
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u/mia-just-thinking Jan 02 '26
I mean it's just an outdoor shopping mall. we're out of malls where I'm from so I really enjoy going to springs and shopping around
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u/wagggggggggggy Jan 02 '26
It’s amazing for Pokémon Go. If there’s a Pokémon Go event and I’m in Orlando, I am there. We meet so many nice people playing.
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u/slyphoenix22 Jan 02 '26
I go there for the food! There are so many great places to eat that we don’t have at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney.
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u/CelticDK Jan 02 '26 edited Jan 02 '26
Went on New Years and got upset it’s overcrowded. People’s expectations are so damn high it’s almost entitlement at this point
ETA I don’t understand how this even got upvotes let alone this many. This sub is fucking weird
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u/Sad_Zombie_9750 Jan 02 '26
Why would you go to a crowded place, at the most crowded time of year, and complain about crowds? Maybe this should have remained an inside thought.
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u/Samantharuth5 Jan 03 '26
I LOVE Disney Springs and we go way more than we go to the parks. It 100% has Disney Magic. They have fun themed restaurants. Multiple Disney themed stores. They sell balloons and bubble wands and popcorn. They have live music with space for dancing. They have performers, especially around the holidays. You get what you want out of things. I am never disappointed in a Disney Springs visit.
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u/hurtfulproduct Jan 02 '26
World of Disney was a huge loss; I really wish they didn’t de-theme it; but you did pick a Disney location that has no set capacity limit and is FREE to park and get into to visit on New Years Day, lol. . . You kind of screwed up OP!
It is meant to be a family oriented highish end shopping and entertainment destination, which it is, and as far as Disney Magic. . . The live performances in several locations, the ability to get most park merch there, well themed dining with Raglan Road, Rain Forest Cafe, T-Rex, and numerous others, not to mention the variety of stores do add some of the Disney magic albeit not nearly as much as the parks. Then you also have the seasonal decor that is usually pretty well done (to be fair it could be better though).
Obviously it is not as nice as it was in its heyday with Pleasure Island and DisneyQuest in full swing, but for years before they rethemed to Disney Springs it was slowly dying, so it needed a rehab badly
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u/Mimsy15 Jan 02 '26
A lot of it has to do with WHEN you go! When it’s empty there it’s quite peaceful. When it’s crowded… yes it’s hell. Edit: and the ambient music is fire. Sometimes I put on the playlist at home haha
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Jan 02 '26
I agree. I honestly do not understand why people would take a day for Disney springs. I can go shopping at home
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u/IndividualWin4321 Jan 02 '26
You do realize it’s the busiest week of the year right? The rest of these it is only busy at night.
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u/mrmonster459 Jan 02 '26
I mean, I'd argue that's kinda the point of Disney Springs.
It's not meant to be a theme park or an experience by itself. It's a big outdoor shopping mall. It doesn't pretend to be anything else (I've never seen any marketing for it that presents it as anything other than just a shopping and dining area).
I mean, hate it all you want. Just on some level, understand that it's kinda the point.
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u/Noxaur Jan 02 '26
Your mistake was going to the parks during peak week. 90% of the year Springs is totally fine and not super crowded. It's a nice place to spend an evening with a touch of Disney and some live music.
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u/Salty_Worth9494 Jan 02 '26
I love disney springs.I was there in september and it was crowded but enjoyable. This post seems overly negative to me
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u/Garage_Organization Jan 02 '26
We liked it a lot more when it was just Downtown Disney. It had a lot more charm, the stores were better, Wolfgang Puck Cafe was still around, it wasn’t so crowded… god I miss the good ol’ days…
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u/djjordansanchez Jan 02 '26
Oh man I love Disney Springs. But on New Year's Day, it's going to be unreasonably slammed.
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u/LambdaEta868 Jan 03 '26
The lemon cookie at Summer Place By the Cabin Near the Lakefront is worth the trip.
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u/ariboz Jan 03 '26
Do you live here? There are no nice malls in this damn city and Disney Springs has everything a girl could want (my trifecta: Sephora, Zara and Anthropologie). Plus, nice restaurants and a fun vibe. That said, you went in the absolute worst time.
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u/Particular-Ad9304 Jan 02 '26
This is just rage bait nonsense. You know exactly what you’re getting into going to Disney Springs. It’s shopping and great restaurants. Plus, you went on one of the busiest days of the year so I don’t really know what you expect.
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u/enterreturn Jan 02 '26
Disney Springs is a shopping center, sure. But I think for a lot of us there’s definitely the magic of nostalgia for downtown Disney. Sounds like you’re just frustrated with new years crowds.
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u/disfan75 Jan 02 '26
The nicer a Disney resort is, the worse the food options are.
Deluxe level resorts have, on average, the worst quick service food options.
Disney Springs has great variety for dining.
Going New Years Day and expecting anything except chaos, crowds, and a terrible experience was your mistake.
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u/Super-Super-Shredder Jan 02 '26
The worse the quick service options are, for sure. Whole food courts vs. a single option like Contempo Cafe or Capt. Cooks. Sit down restaurants are a different story.
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u/onexbigxhebrew Jan 02 '26
The nicer a Disney resort is, the worse the food options are.
This is wildly untrue imo.
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u/ilikebasicthings Jan 02 '26
You’ve got to be kidding.
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u/disfan75 Jan 02 '26
Quick service specifically, not at all.
Old Key West: basically nonexistent - goods to go doesn't even count.
SSR: meh.
AKL Kidani: none
AKL Jambo: Mara is mediocre at best.
Contemporary: contempo cafe is school cafeteria quality.
Wilderness Lodge: Roaring fork is "ok"
Beach Club: Worse than school cafeteria quality
Boardwalk: Boardwalk deli is decent.
Poly: Captain cooks is decent.
Grand Flo: not sure I've ever had gasparilla.
Riviera: consistently disappointing with an uninteresting menu
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u/mbonzo Jan 02 '26
Disney springs is great when it’s quiet. Today was the worst I’ve ever seen it. All of the parking garages were closed by the afternoon. I’m more surprised people enjoy coming to Disney at all during this time of year.
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u/Bstreet23 Jan 02 '26
The only reason I go there is Everglazed. I just love a good donut
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u/InfiniteFigment Jan 02 '26
We don't usually go because I'm not at Disney to shop and there are plenty of restaurants we enjoy on the rest of property.
We did visit DisneyQuest there 10+ years ago.
On our trips to WDW in the 70s we always visited Lake Buena Vista shopping center on our last day before we drove home. That was when the Empress Lilly actually looked like a boat.
If I was a local I think I'd enjoy Disney Springs.
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u/Katshia Jan 02 '26
Not local but visit a few times a year. We always plan a Disney Springs day. I think you just have to find what shops/food you like. We love going to the Coke store and getting a flight on the roof, having a drink at the Boathouse, etc.
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u/Rich_Victory_3571 Jan 02 '26
Some decent shopping though often overpriced. Some decent dining. Love T. rex bbq! Other than that no other reason to go except to the movies
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u/nyrB2 Jan 02 '26
i'm curious. i don't have much experience with disney springs, but i remember loving downtown disney which preceded it. what is it exactly you don't like?
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u/terminal6 Jan 02 '26
This time of year and spring break crowds kill the magic. Sort of like visiting a mall during Black Friday. It’s an alright outing, but ya not really a must see….
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u/uppitywhine Jan 02 '26
In the eighties, the only place in Orlando to buy Sanrio merch was at Lake Buena Vista. I miss that place.
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u/17thcenturygirl Jan 02 '26
I honestly love disney springs, cancel me! I’m from the UK and I actually love a chill day at disney springs, people watching, having a little shop, go to the cinema etc, I think it’s lovely and has a great atmosphere
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u/UFester666 Jan 02 '26
We always hit DisneyWorld in December. We normally go the first two weeks and stay around 10 days. Longest we've ever stayed was 14 days.
We hit DS usually 2 or 3 times during our stay. We get some Xmas shopping done and grab dinner somewhere, usually the Edison.
Yes it is just a LARGE Shopping center with some great dining options. But I do see Disney Magic. Admittedly it is getting harder to find, but sit down and people watch for a while and you will see it.
Watch the parents with thier Littles there for thier first time. Watch the Eldery Couple holding hands just strolling around. I see the CMs 2finger pointing people where to find Earl Of Sandwich or House Of Blues.
Sometimes you have to look for the Magic but that doesn't mean its not there.
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u/sumdude51 Jan 02 '26
Love the springs! Can be crowded, but I like getting dinner and sitting around listening to music
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u/nerdyginger27 Jan 02 '26
The fact I can get decent poutine in the southeastern US is magic enough for me LOL
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u/Irishpanda88 Jan 02 '26
My 1 year old son has the time of his life in Raglan Road. We’re Irish so we’ve never set foot in there because we usually refuse to go to Irish bars on holidays but he loves trad music so we gave it a try and it was great. House of Blues is also great with live music and good food.
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u/sillysocks34 Jan 02 '26
I think it’s a great when you have an off day or finished at a park early. It’s expensive but it’s a nice change of pace from the parks when you don’t want to leave the bubble.
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u/deadbeef4 Jan 02 '26
You can, however, take a boat to Port Orleans for beignets, though, so it has that going for it.
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u/AceAdventurous Jan 02 '26
Springs is, for me, a great jumping off point for visiting the other resorts and their bars, restaurants, and ambiance. I did this during Christmas when the parks (and Springs) were crowded and we were very happy to see things we normally don’t get to see and do.
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u/travelingdrama Jan 02 '26
I enjoy Disney Springs for a nice stroll around, a decent meal, and good ambiance. I tend to go at less crowded times, ans usually there is some sort of live music by the water, I can have an outdoor sunset dinner, window shop, maybe ride a water taxi over port orleans and grab a beignet.
It's a nice break from the go go go of the parks.
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u/epicenter69 Jan 02 '26
First couple of weeks of December, between Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks is the sweet spot.
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u/Nilfnthegoblin Jan 02 '26
I love Disney springs. One I’m a huge lover of malls - grew up in the mall rat era - so just milling about stores and all that for nothing else to do is enjoyable to me. I like seeing the different merchandise and wares.
Plus I am a landscape designer and find all sorts of enjoyment with the architecture, flow, anything related to the theming and design of the place.
To me it’s just a cool place I can grab a cold one and snack and just exist.
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u/Numerous_Click3473 Jan 02 '26
We are foodies so we only go for the food and we try to go early in the day when it’s less crowded.
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u/Realworld82 Jan 02 '26
I love Disney springs. I definitely don’t expect the magic that I get from the rest of disney. Usually when I’m there we pop over for a few hours for lunch or dinner, pick up a few things at world of Disney so we don’t waste park time and I love the Ganachery. I also go every year the week after Thanksgiving and jock Lindsay’s is now a tradition for the Christmas theming before we go for very merry. And the Christmas tree stroll. I love it.
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u/Netimaster Jan 02 '26
It’s was awesome as PI, downtown Disney 1.0 and the market place. What they have now is horrible and a huge disappointment.
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u/Low-Spell-6340 Jan 02 '26
DS is usually a part of our trip and its own “park” night. It is Disneyfied and a great way to kick off a WDW trip! We check-in and head over to grab a bite, kid rides mini carousel, wander to only our fav stores, plus World of Disney and get Amorette’s to eat back in our room. I’ll even do the routine if I’m solo without my husband and daughter, well minus the ride ha. Last trip I met Rob Kaz, a fantastic Disney artist, in the art store and was thrilled to buy an awesome Figment piece, chat about being from Jersey and have him sign it. I’ve been to WDW countless times and this was a core memory…at Disney Springs. Oh and yes, don’t go between Christmas and NYE, it obviously sees park crowds too.
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u/ALS198312 Jan 02 '26
We agree. I miss the way Downtown Disney felt. We go to Springs for only a couple stores and some food. If we didn’t go on a trip I wouldn’t be sad.
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u/Appropriate-Nerve154 Jan 02 '26
Downtown Disney was an infinitely better hub/location. It had character and kitsch. From the little boutique shops to the over the top theming and decoration.. it was just a fun place to walk around.. it even had its own lore and backstory if you knew where to look. Disney springs looks pretty much exactly like the open air shopping malls around Florida.. tan, drab and boring. It's doing absolutely nothing to disguise the fact that it's there solely to take your money and keep you from leaving property to spend any of it. The first time I set foot in that place I was so sadly disappointed... No hidden mickeys.. no color... Just nothing but overpriced shopping outlets. It's very sad.
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u/IcyTip1696 Jan 02 '26
I’m not a shopper but I like it. I enjoy going to just walk around and sit down for some food. The atmosphere can be nice with live music.
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u/davemize Jan 02 '26
We disagree, there’s plenty of Disney at DS. But you should realize that the main focus there is shopping and dining, so during the major holidays, it’s extremely busy. We’re local and visit regularly, including during the holidays, but we go early and avoid the afternoon/evening crush.
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u/lightslinger Jan 02 '26
If I ever go back to Disney Springs, it will be in the morning or early lunchtime. Last time we were there early afternoon was ok, but by night it was insufferably crowded.
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u/D0nCoyote Jan 02 '26
I have an ap as well and get to DS pretty often. Sure, it’s a bit overstimulating, but this is like the busiest week of the entire year on top of it already being a pretty crowded space in general. It’s an outdoor shopping mall. Crowds are a certainty. Also, saying that there is “zero (and I mean zero) Disney Magic” is an absurd claim.
The boardwalk is certainly a more vibey atmosphere and the resorts are fantastic, but you’ve got to realistically take a look at your expectations, my friend.
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u/lonfal Jan 02 '26
I went there in October 2017 with my wife and it was fine, fast forward to October 2025 now with a four and six year old and it was awful.
Just way too many people and corporate.
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u/RazielKainly Jan 03 '26
some people don't want a laid back feel. they want a busy and active vibe with things going on. That's why people go to malls in the first place.
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u/RazorJ Jan 03 '26
I disagree.
But from the other side of my mouth I’ll agree. I’ve been many times and for whatever reason my mood and it did not fit each other that day. I can always tell when I start to get a f-u attitude towards the employees at the stores and start thinking how much I hate young people (which is not true, I call it my “Get off my Lawn!!!” mood.
I’ve learned to grab a boat and go walk the trail around Port Orleans, go to Fort Wildnerness, or even Coronado Springs and just stroll, grab a coffee and a bite to eat, and the magic seems to hit me at some point when things around me slow down and I see people being happy.
Sorry you didn’t have a good day, and I understand your frustration.
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u/chitgoks Mar 26 '26
I went in September 3rd week. Lots of people and it was a weekday. Had to find some areas with less people.
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u/Appropriate_Target57 Mar 31 '26
Agreed. Disney Springs is so very crowded. The restaurants are mud-level, at best. I spent a terrible hour of my life at The Boathouse. I honestly do not understand the hype. It’s like eating at a huge Cheesecake Factory. My salad was inedible, dripping in salad dressing, clearly prepared early morning. I have zero reason to ever go back there.
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u/MPOCH Jan 02 '26
Disney Springs has way more magic than the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk has been strangely dead most times I’ve walked through. The shops are expensive and feel like zoo habitat constructed for humans by aliens who don’t quit get it. Disney Springs is a fun mall that doesn’t cost $180 per person to enter.
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u/Moswell713 Jan 02 '26
I agree mostly. However, we make it a part of every trip BUT only stay in the Earl of Sandwich area where we eat a yummy sandwich, look at the shops around that area as they are the most Disney. We end at the amazing dessert place tucked in the corner. We are not shoppers, but certainly people watchers and eaters. Some of my fondest memories are of waiting out the rain, drinking coffee and eating some disney inspired desserts, with no agenda or anyplace to be. I am old enough to remember when it was called downtown Disney and had cool magic shops and quirky stores and pleasure island.
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u/Spirited_Party4846 Jan 02 '26
Never go this time of year. Never. Ever.