Tips for Parents: Taking Kids to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World

Tips for Parents: Taking Kids to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World

Disney Springs Tips for Parents: Taking the Kids

Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World for a week-long stay or passing through Orlando on a jaunt to the Space Coast, Disney Springs deserves a spot in your itinerary! Yes, even with little kids in tow. Let’s look at some Disney Springs tips for parents…

Fun for Kids

For starters, you’ll want to visit at a less busy time and since those little ones are known to be early risers, I would suggest getting to Disney Springs by the 10am opening time. Visit some of our suggested stops, then choose a place to dine for lunch.

What’s the attraction? Well, there are LEGOS to build, boats to transport tired feet, a carousel to ride, splash fountains for cooling off, and Mr. Potato Head figures to create! And you’ve barely opened your wallet for those activities.

Tips for Parents Taking Kids to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World / If you want to take the kids to Disney Springs, but you’re not sure what to do there, then this post will help you! It includes tips for parents to survive a trip to Disney Springs, even on a strict budget – yay! Click through to check out all the activities and tips.

Ride the Marketplace Carousel

Strict budget? Spell out the spending limits before you set foot in Disney Springs. Click To Tweet

Tip: If you know your child won’t be satisfied playing with the LEGOS without buying a new set that isn’t in your budget this time, then skip it and continue to a less stressful activity. You know your little one best!

Amphicar

I always want to write amphibicar for this attraction. But no, it’s an amphicar. Everyone loves to stop and watch these totally adorable vehicles make their way from dry land to splashdown in Lake Buena Vista.

Actual rides are pricey but it’s free fun to watch. Boat tours run 10am to 10pm, weather permitting. For $150, you’ll get a 20-minute voyage. Sorry, a captain drives the boat; you’re just along for the ride. Ask about the $25 off special for those lunching between 11am and 3pm. Lunch and launch!

AmphiCar: Tips for Parents Taking Kids to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World / If you want to take the kids to Disney Springs, but you’re not sure what to do there, then this post will help you! It includes tips for parents to survive a trip to Disney Springs, even on a strict budget – yay! Click through to check out all the activities and tips.

Don’t you want an amphicar? I do!

Grab a nearby Gelato at Vivoli il Gelato and enjoy the view!

Gelato at Vivoli il Gelato

Why choose only one flavor of gelato?

Disney’s Pin Traders

If you have a freshly-minted pin collector, a die-hard trader, or a little one that likes browsing shiny things, Disney’s Pin Traders is a stop the whole family can enjoy.

Disney's Pin Traders

Mecca of shiny pins

Pin collecting can be fun for the whole family.

Disney pins

Find your favorite pins

Build Your Own Lightsaber

Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Once Upon A Toy offer a fun diversion for padawans.

lightsaber station

Stop by and build your own lightsaber

Both locations boast create your own lightsabers at kid-friendly stations.

Build Your Own lightsaber

Play time for padawans

Most of the time, I see kids playing here for a bit and then leaving. I’m not sure real little ones even know they are available for purchase. This could be a budget-friendly stop if the “this is just a play station approach” works for your family.

Characters in Flight

I’m not fond of heights but if you are a-okay at 400 feet up in the air, this ride on a tethered helium balloon affords tremendous views of the area (or so I’ve been told).

Characters in Flight

Ascend 400 feet

Current prices are $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Kids under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over.

Coca-Cola Store

You can ride the elevator if you have small kids in strollers, otherwise I recommend taking the ramp walkway to the top. Tire out those kids; that’s what I’m thinking. Up top, you’ll have a fantastic view of Disney Springs.

Coca-Cola store

View from the rooftop at Coca-Cola store

Water Taxi

It’s free. And it’ll save you some steps from one end of Disney Springs to the other. Three docks are available: Marketplace, The Landing, and West Side. Plus, a soothing boat ride could result in a pleasantly sleepy child. 😉

Sassagoula River Boats WDW

Sassagoula River Boats

Tip: For a longer voyage, take the Sassagoula River Cruise over to Port Orleans French Quarter. We recommend stopping by the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory for a shareable treat of beignets.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Make an appointment 180 days in advance for the very popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your royal offspring ages 3-12. Girls love the glittery princess makeovers and boys enjoy showing off their knight or pirate transformations.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Magical transformations take place inside

When I see a little princess shimmering, I can’t help but tell her how beautiful she looks. Say “Hi Princess” and enjoy the smile you’ll get in return.

Save a bundle by packing a princess-like dress or other costume from home. Packages begin at $59.95 for princesses and rise to $199.95 if you purchase one of their gowns. Knights run $19.95.

Music Concerts and Dance Parties

Look to the Fountain Stage for musical entertainment.

Marketplace Stage

Musical groups perform at Disney Springs

Grab a nearby snack and take in some music by school-age performers. I’ve seen many little ones dancing at the Marketplace and Fountain stages; it’s a great place to burn off some wiggles before heading back to your resort for a mid-day rest.

DJ Dance Party

Get up and dance

LEGO Store

For YEARS, this store was a must stop for our family.

LEGO Store

Playing at LEGO table

From life-size LEGO figures to build your own creations, this store is pure eye candy for LEGO lovers.

Lego Store

Indoor and outdoor fun at the Lego Store

Stop by for great photo ops.

World of Disney Store

Toys, stuffed animals, character crayons, and more pull the weariest of shoppers into the World of Disney store. And that’s just the merchandise. The décor is also amazing in this world’s largest Disney character shop! Go early; it gets insanely crowded.

Shopping at Disney Springs

Fun with birthday funds

Once Upon A Toy Store

Yes, this toy store is fun to explore.

Once Upon A Toy Store: Tips for Parents Taking Kids to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World / If you want to take the kids to Disney Springs, but you’re not sure what to do there, then this post will help you! It includes tips for parents to survive a trip to Disney Springs, even on a strict budget – yay! Click through to check out all the activities and tips.

It’s fun exploring Once Upon A Toy

Plus, you’ll find hands-on activities (build your own lightsabers, droids, and Mr. Potato Heads); purchasing these creations is optional.

Mr. Potato Head

Build your own Mr. Potato Head

Don’t forget to pose with Buzz Lightyear in front of the store.

Once Upon A Toy Buzz Lightyear

Buzz is so cool

Food is Fun

You’ll want to have a pretty good idea before you arrive Disney Springs as to what you want to spend for snacks and dining.

Mickey dome Cake

Mickey Dome Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie

Once there, you’ll be inundated with tasty temptations.

Disney Springs Food trucks

Food trucks are fun

One of our favorite hang-outs is Goofy’s Candy Co.

Treats

Look for fun and tasty treats at Goofy’s Candy Co.

Here, the bakery case is filled with delightful treats. Wander in a bit further and you’ll find some make your own creations available.

Movies

If it’s a rainy day, we recommend catching a movie at AMC Disney Springs 24. For extra points with the kids, choose one of the Dine-In Theatres.

AMC Disney Springs 24 with Dine-In Theatres

See a movie on a rainy day

Bowling

Whether you venture inside to rent a lane or find an outdoor seat to sip beverages out of a souvenir bowling pin, Splitsville is an entertaining venue.

Splitsville offers indoor and outdoor entertainment

Plus… there’s so much more at Disney Springs! Keep an eye out for the T-Rex Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, Sprinkles Cupcakes, a small train ride, splash fountains, a Marvel Super Hero Headquarters store, gorgeous lake vistas, and the list goes on.

Note: All prices are subject to change. Tax is usually additional.

What does your family enjoy at Disney Springs? Share in the comments below.

 

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