Things to Do in Downtown Disney Orlando for Families

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Before our first visit to Downtown Disney Orlando (now officially known as Disney Springs), I thought it would just be a few shops and restaurants. I couldn’t have been more wrong. We ended up spending an entire day there—and honestly could’ve used even more time! There are so many fun things for kids (and parents), from dinosaur-themed restaurants to real aerial stunts, live music, and even giant LEGO sculptures.

If you're heading to Walt Disney World but want a break from the theme parks, or you're looking for something free and fun to do in Central Florida, here’s our family’s guide to the best things to do in Downtown Disney Orlando (Disney Springs)—with kids in tow.

1. Build and Play at the LEGO Store

One of the first places we always stop in Downtown Disney Orlando—now called Disney Springs—is the iconic LEGO Store. If your kids love LEGO even half as much as ours do, they’ll be wide-eyed before they even walk through the doors. Located in the Marketplace area, the LEGO Imagination Center is more than just a store—it's a playground of creativity.

Outside, you're greeted by massive LEGO sculptures that are practically art installations. There’s a giant fire-breathing dragon that looks like it’s leaping from the water, and Disney characters like Buzz Lightyear and Woody built entirely from bricks. These photo ops alone are worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids without spending anything (yet!).

Inside, the experience only gets better. The store features a pick-a-brick wall where kids can choose individual LEGO pieces to customize their creations. There are themed sets lining the shelves, from Star Wars and Harry Potter to Disney princesses and Marvel superheroes. But what our kids love most is the hands-on building area. They spent nearly an hour building, demolishing, and rebuilding cars to race down the test ramp. If your kids need more LEGO during your time in Orlando, make sure to read about our recommendations for LEGO Land Florida!

The best part? It’s a place you can return to every trip and have a different experience. There are sometimes limited-time mini-builds or seasonal displays (our kids once built Halloween monsters from scratch!). You could easily lose track of time here, so if you’re on a schedule, set an alarm. It’s one of those spots that truly captures the spirit of imagination and play—without needing a theme park ticket.

2. Eat Your Way Through the Springs

I didn’t fully appreciate just how incredible the food scene is at Disney Springs until we tried to walk more than 20 steps without seeing something we wanted to eat. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet snacks, over-the-top desserts, or unique full meals, this place delivers. It’s a good idea to come hungry—or better yet, plan multiple visits.

We like to start with something quick and satisfying. Earl of Sandwich is one of those reliable spots that’s both affordable and delicious. The sandwiches are stacked high, the bread is always perfectly toasted, and the holiday turkey sandwich is legendary. You get the feel of a quick service restaurant, but with the flavor of something much more upscale. It’s one of the best values in Disney Springs, hands down.

Then there’s Gideon’s Bakehouse. This spot has developed a cult following—and for good reason. The cookies are as big as your hand and so dense they feel like cookie dough in the best way. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak times, but you can join a virtual queue and wander while you wait. Trust me: it's worth it.

For dessert (or let's be honest, second dessert), Salt & Straw is an experience all its own. The ice cream flavors are wildly creative—think Roasted Strawberry and Toasted White Chocolate or Honey Lavender. Even if you’re not adventurous, their classic flavors are rich and creamy. Our kids always go for a triple scoop, because, you know, vacation rules.

We also love the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain. You can smell the chocolate before you even get there, and watching sundaes being made through the glass is a treat in itself. It’s a great place to cool off and recharge—just be sure to grab extra napkins!

For dinner, if you’re looking for something with flair, head to Raglan Road Irish Pub. It offers live entertainment with traditional Irish dancers and musicians. The kids loved the energy, and the fish and chips were delicious.

Rainforest Café and T-Rex Café both deserve a shout-out as well. They’re immersive dining experiences that feel more like attractions. T-Rex Café, in particular, was a hit with our dinosaur-loving crew. With animatronic dinos, a meteor shower every 20 minutes, and themed food, it’s a jaw-dropping moment for kids and totally worth the reservation.

If you're looking for more refined fare, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill has a modern, cozy atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle of the shopping center outside. It's a great place for parents to enjoy a glass of wine while the kids snack on flatbreads.

And if you’re celebrating something special—like a birthday—some restaurants offer birthday freebies or treats, so it never hurts to ask!

3. Catch a Show (or Just the Street Performers!)

Entertainment is around every corner at Disney Springs, and sometimes the best shows are the ones you stumble into. We’ve seen live music on the outdoor stages in the West Side, a jazz trio in the Town Center, and even a solo guitarist outside a quick-service restaurant. The vibe is constantly changing, and that's part of the fun.

We happened upon a band performing outside House of Blues, and it turned into an impromptu dance party. You don’t need to buy tickets to enjoy music here—just follow your ears.

Kids are often mesmerized by the street performers who juggle, dance, and create balloon art. On one visit, we saw an acrobat doing aerial stunts with incredible precision, suspended from silks in the middle of the plaza. It felt like something you’d pay to see at a big theater show, but it was totally free.

During the holiday season, Disney Springs transforms with festive decor, twinkling lights, and seasonal performances that let the magic of the holidays shine. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Stroll or the Disney Days of Christmas store, which is open all year but feels extra magical in December. You can even find special ornaments personalized with your child’s name or favorite Disney characters.

4. Shop (Even If You Don’t Buy Everything)

We’re not usually big shoppers on vacation, but Disney Springs made us reconsider. The World of Disney store is the largest Disney store in the world—and yes, it feels that big. It has everything from plush toys and apparel to home decor and limited-edition items. Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing is half the fun.

We made our way to Goofy’s Candy Company where the kids filled bags of sour worms and candy corn. It’s like Willy Wonka meets Disney. There are create-your-own treats, character-themed snacks, and even custom Mickey Rice Krispie treats.

The Harley Davidson store is a cool stop even if you’re not a biker. They’ve got exclusive Disney-themed merchandise you won’t find anywhere else, and there’s usually a motorcycle parked inside that makes for a fun photo opp.

Planet Hollywood is another unique destination—part store, part restaurant, part museum. You can dine surrounded by memorabilia from classic movies (yes, including the film Forrest Gump). It’s a nostalgic experience for parents and cool for kids who love movies.

If you’re hunting for good deals, look for rotating promotions in gift shops throughout the area. We’ve found big savings on Disney pins, T-shirts, and clearance items tucked in the back corners of stores.

5. Take a Boat Ride or Just Wander

One of the most underrated parts of visiting Disney Springs is the complimentary boat transportation from nearby resorts. We took a peaceful boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside and were treated to views of the Sassagoula River and scenic bridges. It’s a relaxing journey that sets the tone for the fun ahead.

Boats also run from Saratoga Springs Resort and Lake Buena Vista area hotels. If you’re staying nearby, using the boats is a great way to avoid parking garages and enjoy the ride. Plus, kids love the novelty of arriving by boat—way more exciting than a shuttle bus!

Even if you’re not arriving by boat, just wandering around is a great way to explore. There are winding paths, fountains, live musicians, and surprise encounters waiting around every corner. Grab a snack, pop into a gift shop, and let your kids lead the way.

6. Late-Night Fun for the Whole Family

If your kids are night owls (or if you’re trying to stretch out bedtime while on vacation), Disney Springs is a great option. The atmosphere shifts after sunset—the lights come on, the music gets louder, and everything feels a little more magical.

Back in the day, Pleasure Island was known as the adults-only nightlife district, but today the area has evolved into a family-friendly zone packed with entertainment venues that welcome everyone. You’ll still find late-night dining, live DJs, and even karaoke in some spots, but now it’s all wrapped in a Disney-approved vibe.

Whether you're grabbing dinner at Raglan Road or watching a performer in the square, there's something festive about being there at night. We once caught a fire juggler performing in front of a brick wall with an audience of kids sitting cross-legged in awe.

Late night also tends to mean slightly smaller crowds—another reason it’s a great idea if you’ve got the energy. Take the time to discuss which Disney Park is the best.

Bonus: What’s the Deal with the Downtown Disney District?

If you're searching for Downtown Disney, you might also see results for the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California, or similar spots in Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland. They all offer shopping, dining, and fun outside the parks—so think of it like Disney Springs' siblings around the world.

We’re also big fans of the Disney Cruise Line, and Disney Springs is often where we spend our last night before sailing out of Port Canaveral!

Final Thoughts: Is Downtown Disney Orlando Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re squeezing it in between park days or looking for something fun to do on a travel day, Downtown Disney Orlando (Disney Springs) is a great option for families. There’s no admission fee, tons to eat and do, and enough entertainment to keep even tired little legs going. If you’re headed to the Disney Parks, make sure to plan at least a single time here—you won’t regret it!