disney springs after a cruise
We just arrived at Disney Springs in Orlando, ready to explore everything this lively spot has to offer. From checking out the shops to sampling some tasty snacks and grabbing lunch, we’ve got a fun few hours ahead before our bus picks us up near Cirque du Soleil.
The area is quiet this morning, with most stores still closed but about to open soon. The weather is clear and cool, making it a perfect day to wander through the winding paths, bridges, and charming spots around Disney Springs. We’re excited to discover some unique shops and delicious dining options along the way.
Getting There and Making Plans
We arrived at Disney Springs in Orlando around 9:54 a.m., just before stores opened at 10:00 a.m. Our bus back to the airport was scheduled for 1:45 p.m. at the far west end near Cirque du Soleil, so we planned to explore the area with that timing in mind.
The weather was cool but clear—perfect for walking around without rain. We strolled through the shops and checked out spots like Gideon’s Bakehouse, known for huge freshly baked cookies, and Paddlefish, where we planned to have lunch.
We also scoped out the surroundings: the Amphicars area, decorated bars like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar, and iconic restaurants such as T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe. We took note of a LEGO store with big dragon displays and enjoyed some Ghirardelli coffee and snacks while watching the setup for an upcoming outdoor concert.
For lunch, we settled on Paddlefish, finding a corner table on the third floor with great views of the area, including the balloon rising again and landmarks like the Cirque du Soleil building and House of Blues. We browsed the menu and looked forward to trying drinks like the mezcal margarita and dishes like the shrimp po’boy.
Weather and Sky Conditions
When we arrived, the sky was clear with no clouds in sight. It felt chilly but not cold, and luckily, the rain from earlier had stopped.
As the morning progressed, the temperature gradually warmed up. The sunshine made the day pleasant for exploring Disney Springs.
Quick Weather Snapshot:
| Time | Condition | Temperature Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Rain stopped | Chilly but not cold |
| Mid-morning | Clear sky | Warmer, sunny |
No rain during our visit, and the overall atmosphere was calm and inviting.
Discovering Notable Attractions
Floating Balloon Ride
We watched the balloon slowly descending and considered giving it a try. It costs $30 for adults, $25 for kids 3 to 9, and is free for toddlers under 2. Though Christina decided not to go, it looked like a neat experience.
Amphibious Car Adventure
Nearby, we spotted some Amphicars lined up close to the water. There’s a launch area that made us wonder if they actually take the cars out on the water or if they’re just for show. From the seaweed and wet surface, it seems like a real ride, although the space is tight.
Water and River Features
Disney Springs has charming rivers, cobblestone paths, and bridges that add to the atmosphere. The water elements create a calm vibe as we explore shops and restaurants, including sights like the boat-themed Paddlefish and the colorful balloon overhead.
Top Dining Highlights
Midday Meal at Paddlefish
We had lunch at Paddlefish, sitting on the third floor with a great corner table overlooking Disney Springs. The restaurant is lively and seat-yourself, with a menu featuring creative drinks like a mezcal and jalapeño margarita. I leaned toward the shrimp po’boy, possibly with a wedge salad as a starter.
Exploring the T-Rex Dining Experience
T-Rex offers a unique dinosaur-themed atmosphere, similar to Rainforest Cafe but with more whimsical touches. We enjoyed the theming and found the food to be a bit better than expected. It was a fun and engaging spot to dine, especially if you like playful environments.
Coffee and Treats at Ghirardelli
For a break, we stopped at Ghirardelli for coffee and tasty cookies. Christina went all out sweetening her coffee. It’s a nice place to recharge with some quality snacks while exploring.
One-of-a-Kind Stores and Boutique Discoveries
The Cookie Spot: Gideon’s Bakehouse
We couldn’t help but notice the long line at Gideon’s Bakehouse. People come early because these massive cookies bake fresh daily and sell out fast. If you’re craving a sweet treat, this is definitely a place to visit before the crowds get too big.
The Honey Haven: Savannah Bee Stand
Right nearby, the Savannah Bee Company offers a lovely selection of honey and bee-related goodies. It’s a charming stop if you want to bring home something natural and unique, with tastes and products you won’t find everywhere.
Disney Treasure Trove: World of Disney
The World of Disney store is huge and packed with all things Disney. Whether you’re into collectibles, Magic Bands, or Disney pins, this place has something for everyone. It’s also fun to spot the themed displays and enjoy the lively atmosphere as you shop.
Entertainment for the Whole Family
Fun at the LEGO Store
We explored the big LEGO store filled with awesome displays like a giant dragon floating in the water. It’s packed with cool sets from Star Wars characters such as Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and Rey. Kids and adults can enjoy watching Stitch occasionally “spit” on visitors, adding a playful surprise to the visit.
Shows and Performances Live
We noticed an amphitheater setting up for a concert nearby, perfect for enjoying some live entertainment while grabbing breakfast or snacks. This spot offers a cozy atmosphere to relax and catch a fun show during our visit to the area.
Whimsical Details and Fun Surprises
Hands-On Adventures
We loved the interactive elements sprinkled throughout the area. From animated figures that surprise you—like Stitch playfully spitting on guests—to LEGO stations where you can build and admire giant dragons. These moments made exploring feel like a playful discovery.
Some highlights include:
- Stitch’s playful water spray
- LEGO building zones with themed characters
- Live entertainment setups in small amphitheaters
These features keep us engaged and add a layer of fun beyond just shopping and eating.
Unique Themed Spots
The themed dining and shopping areas are full of personality. Restaurants like Paddlefish offer scenic waterside views and creative menus featuring specialties like boozy marshmallows. Meanwhile, T-Rex delivers a dinosaur-themed atmosphere with whimsical decor.
Noteworthy includes:
| Location | Theme | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paddlefish | Nautical, upscale seafood | Seat-yourself, casual vibe |
| T-Rex Restaurant | Dinosaur-themed | Fun décor, better food than Rainforest Cafe |
| Rainforest Cafe | Jungle/Aquatic animals | Aquariums and animal-themed bar stools |
These spots turn a meal or a visit into an immersive, memorable experience.
Getting Around and Facilities
Bus Stops and Boarding Points
We caught our bus back to the airport at the far west end of Disney Springs, near the Cirque du Soleil venue. The pick-up spot is easy to find if you head to that end. It’s best to be on time since the bus schedule is strict—we had to be back by 1:45 PM.
Parking and Area Layout Tips
We arrived close to the Lime Parking Garage, although it wasn’t clearly marked on the map. A bridge near there leads to the Disney Springs Resort Hotels. The bus drop-off spot where we started is toward the opposite side, near other hotel bus stops. Navigating Disney Springs is easier if you keep track of these landmarks.
Parting Reflections and Heading Out
We had a great time wandering around Disney Springs, taking in the sights and smells. From giant cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse to the quirky Amphicars and colorful LEGO displays, there was a lot to enjoy.
Lunch at Paddlefish gave us a wonderful spot to relax with a view of the balloon and surrounding restaurants. The margarita with mezcal and jalapeños was definitely worth trying, and the shrimp po’ boy looked tempting.
Before hopping on the bus back, we soaked up the lively atmosphere. It’s a place full of fun surprises and tasty treats, perfect for a chill day of exploration.
If your flight home leaves in the afternoon, don’t go straight to the airport — a few hours at Disney Springs is a far better way to land after a cruise. Arrive right at 10 a.m. when the stores open, hit Gideon’s Bakehouse before the line grows, and grab a table upstairs at Paddlefish for lunch with a view of the balloon. The LEGO store, World of Disney, and the quirky Amphicars fill the gaps between bites without costing anything. Just know where your bus picks up — ours left from the far west end near Cirque du Soleil at 1:45 sharp — and build your wandering around that time.
