Welcome back, fellow adventurers and magic seekers! Today, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten Disney Springs restaurants, our favorite dining experiences in this enchanting area of Orlando. These restaurants offer unique experiences, tantalizing dishes, and unforgettable memories, perfect for families of all sizes and ages. Let’s get right into it!
Disney Springs Restaurants
- The Boathouse: This maritime-themed restaurant offers both stunning views of the waterfront and an array of fresh seafood options. Try the award-winning Gibsons “Sandwich King” Burger or a lobster roll for a scrumptious treat. For the little sailors, the kid’s menu offers mini burgers, grilled cheese, and more. Prices are in the mid to high range, but the incredible ambience makes it worth every penny.
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Experience the best of Southern cuisine here. Favorites include fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and the heavenly Hummingbird Cake. The kid’s menu is just as enticing, with fried chicken tenders and church lady deviled eggs. Price ranges from mid to high, but for home-style cooking, it’s a worthwhile splurge.
- Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant: This lively spot offers fantastic live music and Irish dancing alongside delicious Irish-American fare. Try the braised be beef or Shepherd’s pie, and for the kids, the “Cheeky wee crispy chicken” is a hit. Prices range from moderate to high.
- Morimoto Asia: Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto presents Pan-Asian cuisine in an incredible, architectural wonder of a restaurant. Savor Peking Duck, Morimoto Spare Ribs, or the spicy king crab. For kids, chicken bao and lo mein are popular picks. Prices are on the higher side but offer a unique dining experience.
- Frontera Cocina: Experience Chef Rick Bayless’s gourmet Mexican flavors at Frontera Cocina. Their Carne Asada and Shrimp Mojo de Ajo are must-tries. The kids will love the Queso Fundido and Tacos. Prices range from moderate to high.
- Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Ideal for quick, affordable, yet delicious meals. They serve made-to-order artisanal pizzas that are ready in 180 seconds! The kids can create their own pizza or pick a simple cheese pizza. Prices are quite reasonable, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option.
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill: World-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck presents a menu filled with modern interpretations of traditional comfort foods. Try the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf or Margherita Pizza. Kids will love their mini corn dogs and spaghetti. Prices are moderate to high.
- Polite Pig: A haven for barbeque lovers, this restaurant is a sister concern to the famed local BBQ joint, The Ravenous Pig. Their brisket and mac & cheese are divine. The kids’ menu has a delightful grilled cheese and chicken tenders. Prices are moderate, giving you great value.
- T-Rex Cafe: This prehistoric themed restaurant is a wonder for children. The menu includes Paleo Shrimp, Boneyard Buffet, and Mastodon Stuffed Chicken. The kids will love their Prehistoric Popcorn Shrimp or Dino-Size Chicken Tenders. Prices range from moderate to high, but the exciting dining experience is worth it.
- Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop: Last but not least, for dessert, don’t miss this heavenly place. The sundaes, like the Earthquake or the Nob Hill Chill, are sinfully delightful. The kids (and adults!) will also love creating their own sundaes. Prices are moderate, and the memories made will be priceless!
Remember, part of the magic of Disney Springs is exploring and finding your own favorite spot, so be sure to explore! Until next time, keep the magic alive and your appetites ready for adventure!
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5 Free Things to Do at Disney Springs
Disney Springs isn’t just about shopping and dining, there’s also plenty of fun to be had that doesn’t cost a dime! Here are my top 5 picks for free activities:
- Live Entertainment: Almost every night, Disney Springs becomes a hotspot for live music, street performances, and even dance parties. Whether it’s jazz, pop, rock or Latin music, you’ll be able to tap your toes to some wonderful performances scattered across the area. These impromptu shows are sure to delight both adults and kids.
- The LEGO Store: Even if you’re not in the market for new LEGO sets, the LEGO Store is a must-visit. You can check out the life-size Disney characters built entirely of LEGO bricks, which are sure to wow the kids. Plus, there’s a free interactive play area where kids can build to their heart’s content.
- Splash Pads: A fantastic way for kids to cool off on those hot Florida days, the splash pads in Disney Springs are completely free. There are two located in the Marketplace and they are a huge hit with the little ones.
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop: While not an activity per se, who can say no to a free chocolate sample? When you walk into the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop, you’ll be greeted with a small square of their delicious chocolate.
- Window Shopping and Scenery: Take your time strolling through the beautiful outdoor setting of Disney Springs. Enjoy the palm trees, the waterfront, and the various themed stores. It’s a great place for photos too, with plenty of Instagrammable spots.
Remember, sometimes the best memories are made simply enjoying each other’s company and taking in the atmosphere. Have fun exploring!
Disney Springs Parking Tips
Navigating parking at Disney Springs can seem daunting, but with a few tips, it can be as easy as a mouse-click. Here are some key points to remember:
- It’s Free: Unlike the Disney theme parks, parking at Disney Springs is completely free of charge. This applies to both self-parking lots and the parking garages.
- Garages and Surface Lots: Disney Springs has three multi-level parking garages: the Orange, Lime, and Grapefruit garages. Each garage features smart technology that indicates available parking spaces. In addition to the garages, there are two surface parking lots: the Strawberry and Watermelon lots.
- Arrive Early: If you want to get a good spot, especially in the Lime or Orange garages which are closer to the main areas, try to arrive earlier in the day, particularly during peak season or on weekends. Spaces can fill up quickly!
- Remember Your Spot: It’s easy to forget where you’ve parked after a long day of fun. Make sure to note the level, row, or section number. Many people take a photo on their phone of the nearest location sign.
- Valet Parking: If you prefer not to self-park, valet service is available for a fee of $20 (as of my last update in September 2021, subject to change). It’s located near the entrance to the Orange Garage and operates from 10:00 AM until 2:00 AM.
- Ride Shares & Taxis: If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, consider using the complimentary bus transportation to Disney Springs. For those using rideshares or taxis, there are specific drop-off points conveniently located on both the West Side and the Marketplace.
Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience!
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