Fun Times Around Disney Springs

Usually the day we get to Orlando, we start our fun with a walk around Disney Springs (formally called Downtown Disney). If you haven't had the opportunity to see the complete makeover, it is amazing! Disney Springs has everything you'll love from gourmet restaurants like Morimoto and The Boathouse to designer shopping from Coach and Vince Camuto. If you're not in the mood to have a full on sit down dinner, you can try a few of the many tasty treats located around Disney Springs. Here are just a few my family enjoyed, during our most recent visit.

After our long drive, we rested up a bit and then decided to venture out for some fun. We stopped by one of our favorite (and biggest) Disney Stores, World of Disney. It's a great place to find the perfect Disney souvenir to remember your vacation. If you can't find what you're looking for anywhere else, I'm sure you'll find it there. 

The Daily Poutine caught our attention because we kept seeing people walking around with these Poutine bowls of French Fries and goodness! The Latin Poutine sounded amazing with Fried Yucca, Black Beans, Pulled Pork, and Queso Fresco. It was pretty much dinner in a bowl. So Tasty! If you've never had yucca, this is a great way to explore the flavor. 

Now for a little desert! Stop by Vivoli Il Gelato for the yummiest, creamiest gelato ever! There's tons of flavors to chose from and don't worry you'll be able to taste as many as you need to find the perfect one. Even better, you can add different flavors together. I decided on two fall favorites: Salted Caramel and Apple Pie while Darius went for Strawberry. 

If you're looking for something a little more adult, two places to think about are Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's and Jock Linsday's Hanger Bar. During the cooler, fall Orlando nights, temperatures can be in the 50's or 60's, so those 21 and up can warm up with a Tea Toddy, one of the many hot spirited beverages from Tea Traders! Hubby choose one of the cooler drinks seen below. You can make it a single or a double and enjoy it as you walk around the shops.

Another good spot is Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. What I love about this place is that it has the spirit of a real, local bar. No reservations, no waiting for anyone to finish their dinner, just drinks and small plates. It's the idea spot to grab a cocktail and something to nosh on with family and friends. If you're not familiar with the name, it's from the classic, Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark. In the movie, Jock Linsday is Indiana Jones' sidekick and daredevil pilot and his character is greatly reflected in the decor and menu.

I ordered Reggie's Revenge a green bubbling concoction I spotted next to the bar. It was very good BTW. One of my sisters ordered another type of cocktail, while the other ordered a whiskey flight.

Disney Springs has so much to see and do to enhance your Disney experience. There's just a few more finishing touches that have to be added like the newly designed Planet Hollywood (set to open very soon), The Edison, a “Industrial Gothic”-style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination, and Paddlefish, formally Fulton's Crab House.

I know I can't wait until our next visit, to see what's new and add more favorites to my list. Have you been to the new Disney Springs? What spot is on your must-see list?