With packed agendas, meeting and convention attendees are always looking to make the most of their free time while visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. New additions to Disney Springs have basically transformed the property into a one-stop-shop for those who want to see and experience a lot in a short amount of time. These new offerings are filled with so much to discover, from exquisite new dining options and distinctive shopping to dazzling nightlife. 

Here are just a few reasons why visiting Disney Springs is a must-do for attendees in their free time:

World-Class Dining by Award-Winning, Celebrity Chefs

Attendees won’t find a more impressive collection of dining anywhere in Central Florida. Featuring restaurants helmed by five James Beard Award-Winning Chefs, Disney Springs is the place to satisfy your palate with venues by Rick Bayless (Frontera Cocina), Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto Asia), Art Smith (Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming), and Wolfgang Puck (Wolfgang Puck Grande Café), to name just a few. Many venues even offer private dining rooms and event spaces to host a group meal, or event planners can work with their Disney event services manager to create the ultimate group dine-around or progressive dinner experience.

Incredible Entertainment

Disney Springs comes alive at night with more than 25 nightly entertainment options. Classic live music, DJ dance parties, acoustic performances, freestyle rap, living statues and a wandering mentalist ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Attendees can also enjoy other entertainment experiences, including Splitsville Luxury Lanes and AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres. Want more? Travel to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Secret of the Empire, a new hyper-reality experience in Disney Springs.

Spectacular Shopping

If shopping is on attendees’ must-do list, they can explore a curated collection of hard-to-find specialty shops including Trophy Room, Sugarboo & Co, Shore and American Threads – all new to the Central Florida region – as well as some of the hottest brands such as ZARA, UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE, Anthropologie and UNIQLO (the first in the Southeastern U.S.), alongside boutique retailers such as Johnston & Murphy, Tommy Bahama, Kate Spade New York, and Alex and Ani. And of course, attendees can’t return from Orlando without a little something for their loved ones, so World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney merchandise store, is a “must-visit” destination!

After-Hours Nightlife

Where to begin? There’s the rooftop lounge at STK Orlando featuring an in-the-moment cocktail menu; the on-the-water Dockside Bar at The BOATHOUSE with gorgeous sunset views; the highly-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, based off one of the characters in the “Indiana Jones” films; and the upstairs hideaway, the Forbidden Lounge, at Morimoto Asia with an unparalleled sake menu. These are but a sample of the late-night hot spots at Disney Springs, and even more are set to open in 2018! Learn more about the newest additions to Disney Springs, The Edison and Maria & Enzo's.

Getting There Conveniently

Whether traveling with a group or arriving solo, getting to Disney Springs has never been easier. In addition to ample complimentary parking available at new covered parking garages and surface lots, attendees can take complimentary bus transportation from their Disney convention resort to Disney Springs. And, through a collaboration with Lyft, attendees can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney Cast Members can drive attendees anywhere around Walt Disney World Resort. This service accommodates up to six guests.

What new aspects of Disney Springs do you think meeting and convention attendees will find most appealing? Tell us on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn using #DisneyMeetingsBlog!

We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii, or at our international destinations, please Contact Us or Submit a Request for Proposal. Or, Sign Up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.