Shopping, dining and shows at Walt Disney World with no admission and free parking: what's in each neighborhood, what's new, and what changed for locals in 2026.

Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

Disney Springs is Walt Disney World's shopping, dining and entertainment district at 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, about 18 miles from Lake Nona Town Center. There is no admission charge, no park ticket is needed, and self-parking in its garages and lots is free. It has more than 150 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues across four neighborhoods: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and West Side. It opened in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village and was renamed Disney Springs on September 29, 2015. Level99 opened in June 2026, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill closed on September 13, 2026.

Disney Springs is the part of Walt Disney World Lake Nona residents can use on a weeknight: no ticket, free parking, and more than 150 shops, restaurants and shows. It's where locals take visiting family who want the Disney feel without a park day.

It has changed a lot in 2026, including a new rule on Disney buses that matters for locals. This guide reflects Disney Springs as it stands in September 2026.

How do you get to Disney Springs from Lake Nona?

Disney Springs is about 18 miles from Lake Nona Town Center; take SR 417 southwest to SR 536, or SR 528 west to I-4 and Exit 68.

Both routes use toll roads. Self-parking is free in the Orange, Lime and Grapefruit garages and the surface lots. The Grapefruit garage connects by bridge to the Marketplace and World of Disney; the Orange garage is closest to the West Side, the AMC theater and Cirque du Soleil.

What is in each Disney Springs neighborhood?

Disney Springs has four neighborhoods: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and West Side.

Disney Springs neighborhoods (September 2026)
Marketplace World of Disney, which Disney calls the world's largest Disney character store, plus LEGO and other Disney shops
The Landing Waterfront dining, including The BOATHOUSE, and Six Ravens, new in 2026
Town Center Spanish Revival-style shopping streets with national brands, Amorette's Patisserie and Vans, new in 2026
West Side Entertainment: House of Blues, Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life, AMC Disney Springs 24, the Aerophile balloon and Level99

What entertainment is at Disney Springs?

Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life, House of Blues, a 24-screen AMC, the Aerophile balloon and Level99 are the main draws.

  • Drawn to Life: Cirque du Soleil's Disney-themed show, running since 2021, with tickets on sale through June 2027.
  • House of Blues: a restaurant and a concert hall with a full music schedule.
  • AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres.
  • Aerophile balloon: a tethered balloon that rises up to 400 feet for views across Walt Disney World.
  • Level99: a 46,800-square-foot game venue with 63 interactive challenges, opened in June 2026 in the former DisneyQuest and NBA Experience space.

What has changed at Disney Springs in 2026?

Level99, Vans and Six Ravens opened; Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill and several shops closed; and Disney restricted its buses and boats.

  • Opened: Level99 (June), Vans in Town Center (July) and Six Ravens, a bakery from the Gideon's Bakehouse team, in The Landing (August).
  • Closed: Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill on September 13, 2026, after about 29 years at Disney Springs, plus Sprinkles, Francesca's and Johnston & Murphy.
  • Transportation: since June 28, 2026, Disney buses and boats leaving Disney Springs are for Disney resort guests and people with dining or other reservations. Locals should plan to drive and use the free parking.

How did Disney Springs begin?

Disney Springs opened on March 22, 1975, as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village and has been renamed four times.

It became Walt Disney World Village in 1977, Disney Village Marketplace in 1989 and Downtown Disney in 1997. Disney announced the change to Disney Springs in 2013, the new name took effect on September 29, 2015, and the rebuild was completed with the opening of Town Center in May 2016. Disney says the district, spread over about 120 acres, now draws more visitors each year than Magic Kingdom.

Pros, Cons and Our Take

Pros

  • No admission and free parking.
  • Dining, shows and shopping for an evening out or for visiting family.
  • Constant new openings.

Cons

  • About 18 miles from Lake Nona Town Center, on toll roads.
  • Crowded on weekends and holidays.
  • Disney buses and boats are no longer open to all visitors.

Our Take

Disney Springs is the easiest way for Lake Nona residents to get a Disney evening without buying a park ticket. The free parking still makes it a practical outing; just don't count on the Disney buses anymore. Level99 and the new shops keep it changing, so a trip every few months turns up something new.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona residents use Disney Springs for date nights, visiting relatives and a Cirque show. For shopping and dining closer to home, see Lake Nona Town Center and our Lake Nona shopping guide.

Official Sources

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Disney Springs from Lake Nona?

About 18 miles from Lake Nona Town Center, via SR 417 or SR 528 and I-4.

Is parking free at Disney Springs?

Yes. Self-parking is free in the Orange, Lime and Grapefruit garages and the surface lots.

Do you need a park ticket for Disney Springs?

No. Disney Springs has no admission charge and does not require a park ticket.

Can locals ride Disney buses from Disney Springs?

Not anymore. Since June 28, 2026, Disney buses and boats leaving Disney Springs are for Disney resort guests and people with dining or other reservations.

Is Wolfgang Puck still at Disney Springs?

No. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill closed on September 13, 2026.