TIPS FOR DISNEY SPRINGS

Disney Spring’s multi-year remodel is mostly done, with just a few more places left to open (such as The Edison restuarant at The Landing). The updated area features more shopping, dining and entertainment options, now with more than 150 establishments. The Marketplace and the West Side kept their names and many of their existing businesses, with the Marketplace getting a new footbridge to Saratoga Springs and an expanded World of Disney! The former Pleasure Island became The Landing with restaurants and shops. The Town Center is an all new shopping area near The Landing, with a slew of trendy shops.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon, in a new location in The Marketplace near Once Upon a Toy, offers hair styling and makeover services for both young girls ($59.95–$199.95) and boys ($19.95), ages 3–12. Appointments recommended (407-WDW-STYLE). Tip: Another location is inside Cinderella Castle—see page 134.

Kids can play for free at the Lego Imagination Center and in the water play fountain near the Marketplace bus stop entrance.

Christmas brings fun activities. There’s also a year-round toy train ride (for a fee). Don’t forget Disney’s Days of Christmas shop, too. In 2016, there was a new drone-based light show called "Starbright Holidays"—it doesn't appear to be returning for 2017. However, the popular Christmas Tree Trail features 25 uniquely-themed Disney holiday trees. Based on the popularity of this event, hours have been extended an additional hour every Friday and Saturday and also on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Tree Trail will run through January 7, 2018. The updated operating hours are as follows:Monday – Thursday: 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday –; Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 10 pm; Christmas Eve, 12/24: 10 am to 11 pm; and Christmas Day, 12/25: 10 am to 11 pm.

NOTES FOR DISNEY SPRINGS

Note that there is now only one main bus stop for Disney transportation vehicles, located near The Landing/West Side (noted on map, page 206). The old Marketplace bus stop is still active, but only for non-Disney buses, such as those from Shades of Green and the nearby Good Neighbor Hotels.

Disney Springs has free parking and free entry. If only everything else there was free!

Prefer to park closer? You can pay $10 for Preferred Parking—that's the Lemon garage (near the Marketplace) or the Grapefruit garage (near the West Side).

Disney Springs opens at 10:00 am. Closing is at midnight, with seasonal variations.

For more details, call Disney Springs at 407-828-3058.

GETTING TO DISNEY SPRINGS

By Bus—Buses are available from every Disney resort. From the parks, bus or monorail to a nearby resort and transfer.
By Car—From I-4, take exit 67, then take the first exit and turn right on Buena Vista Drive. Self-parking is free in the parking garages and lots. Valet parking is $20 (available near the entrance to the Orange Garage, on the West Side in front of Cirque du Soleil, and in the Lemon Lot near the World of Disney shop).
By Boat—Boats ferry guests between the Marketplace, The Landing, and the West Side. Resort guests at Port Orleans, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs can take a boat to the Marketplace, too.
By Foot—You can walk from Saratoga Springs (there is a footbridge over the canal) and the Disney Springs (Hotel Plaza) Area hotels (there are elevated walkways over Buena Vista Drive).