Disney Springs with kids

Cash and I love visiting Disney Springs. People often get confused what it actually is, so let's start there. It's the area that used to be called "Downtown Disney" and is not a theme park. It's free to get in, and always free to park. You have access to it from the resorts, using a bus, water taxi, or one even has a bridge.

We live in the area, so we simply drive. My favorite part about the parking garage, by the way: They will tell you how many empty spots are on each floor/row. Empty spots are lit up, so you can see exactly where it is. It is the coolest thing I've ever seen and cuts parking garage frustration down to practically zero, which is saying a lot. 

Because we are locals, and visit fairly often, we've learned lots of free stuff to do. We're not on a "vacation" budget here, I cannot drop hundreds of dollars on a day out. I want to share those tips with you. Save up your money for souvenirs or margaritas. You know, the important stuff.

Lego Store

The lego store is a must. It's a circular store with different sections all the way around for all different types of legos. You can buy sets here, make your own mini-figures, or grab a cup and fill it up with a customized set that you choose from buckets of different types of legos on the wall. 

There is a play area outside where kids (and adults) can build their own race cars and race them against each other. 

The best part, in my opinion are all the awesome bigger-than-life sets. They are so much fun! 

T-Rex Cafe

Okay, so full disclosure: We have never eaten at the restaurant. We still visit this place every time we go to Disney Springs. At the entrance, you can walk in and go to the restaurant on the left, or you can go into their gift shop area on the right. The gift shop area is super fun to explore. They have a "Build A Dinosaur" (same people as Build A Bear), and lots of fun science gifts. Last time we went, Cash got a geode that he had the chance to use a machine and break apart himself. It's such a neat souvenir of our day! 

There is a giant life size replica of a dinosaur when you walk in that moves and roars at different times, and you can see in the restaurant that a lot of the decor in there is also animated (similar to Rainforest Cafe). We never ever miss their waiting area, though. It's designed like a dinosaur dig, and I'm pretty sure it's for people waiting to get into the restaurant, but we don't really let that stop us. They have a big pit of rocks, and shovels and paintbrushes that kids can play in and find their own dinosaur bones. It's one of Cash's favorite things to do, and is completely free. 

The Splash Pads

There aren't really any open playground areas for kids, but there are two splash pads at the end of the shopping area (or beginning, if you 're coming from the buses) that Cash always has fun playing in. They are especially great in the summer, of course. I usually keep this area in mind and let him wear shoes that can get wet before we come, because this is a fun treat for him. Or, you know, I just let him take them off like in the picture below. Hey, don't look at me, some lady let her kid strip naked last time we were there, and didn't even notice, so I still feel like this is a win.

Rainforest Cafe

They have a really great gift shop area, and you can see all the aquariums. It's a little difficult to see the animated figures unless you're actually in the restaurant, but it's still fun. And of course, our favorite is the giant crocodile (alligator? I'm not native Floridian, sorry) outside that snaps and growls when you walk by. Bonus: There is a really cool bar next door that feels kind of private (and quieter!) and is fun too.

Amorette's Patisserie

This place has the coolest little tarts and cakes that they sell in batches or individually. Since Cash has a current macaroon obsession, we like to pop in and treat him to one or two on our visits. I love to window shop, especially during Christmas. They had the coolest gingerbread village. 

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

Speaking of food...if you want to grab a quick bite our absolute favorite quick place is this little kiosk that sells sausages and hot dogs. Cash loves the 3 little pigs trio, which is an assortment of various hot dogs with a side of pickles. They are delicious!! 

Amphicars

This one is a little pricey, so we haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but it's definitely on our to do list. They have an area where you can pay for a ride in these super awesome cars that are also boats, and take a trip around. We love watching them, it always looks like so much fun! 

Search for Mickey Ears

This is a fun game we like to play inside the parks, but you can do it at Disney Springs as well! They love to "hide" Mickey ears in all kinds of random places on Disney property. If you look carefully, you can spot them in park benches, on buildings, even on man hole covers, like you can see below. We like to make it a contest to see who can spot the most. 

Shopping

Even if you aren't planning to buy anything, Disney Springs is FULL of fun shops to pop in and take a look around. I love all the designer clothing stores and Anthropologie. Cash loves the toy and candy stores. Even the hat shop is super fun. There are also countless places to grab a treat.

Pro tip: If you do plan on buying *one* toy as a souvenir, our favorite by far has been the build your own light saber section at Once Upon a Toy. You can fashion it after one of the characters, or go wild and make your own creation. The reason why I love it is that they LAST. We have bought two, and they lasted through at least two years of (very fierce) battles. When one finally broke, we took it in to see if we could buy a replacement part, and they replaced the part for FREE. I can't believe the amazing customer service, and can't recommend it enough.

AMC Dine In Theater

There are lots of places to go in Disney Springs to keep everyone entertained. There is a really cool bowling alley, the House of Blues has great concerts showing year 'round...our personal favorite is the AMC Dine In Theater. You have to be careful to select a movie that has table service. They have a really giant AMC normal theater that is great, but our favorite is the dine in. There is a table in front of you that surprisingly does not interfere with the movie watching experience at all. The chairs are comfy and they have a full menu (with alcoholic drinks), and you have an actual server that brings your food. There is a little button next that allows you to CALL THEM AND THEY WILL REFILL YOUR DRINK!! This is one of Cash and I's favorite "treats" and we love the whole experience. Bonus: The food was really delicious (I got a burger) and I did not spend any more than if we would have picked up something at one of the food trucks.

That’s it for now! Be sure to check out our tips on how to explore the theme parks without spending a dime!