Whether you are headed to Walt’s original parks in California or his grand Florida Project, shopping and dining abound at Downtown Disney and Disney Springs. Parts 4 and 5 of this series tackles the wonderful world of Disney Dining, so let’s focus on the shopping opportunities on both coasts.
Downtown Disney, located conveniently between the park entrance plaza and the main parking lots in Anaheim, provides Disney-themed shopping at a wide variety of store fronts. The World of Disney main store offers all the shirts, socks, pins, gifts, art, toys, and everything Disney. Seasonal shopping abounds in the center of the store. Need a gift for Christmas? A Halloween costume? Graduation ears? It’s all available. Outside the “big store,” a variety of smaller Disney-themed shops will help you part with your vacation dollars as you buy everything from a cute Disney dress to kitchen wear to Star Wars artwork to candy.
Downtown Disney also offers a small variety of carefully curated shops that highlight the California Culture. Teenagers can find some cute California fashions, bathing suits, and footwear. Rounding out the shopping is a darling shop selling household goods and a large Lego store.
Downtown Disney in California is undergoing a slow transformation, so shops continue to change, bringing new opportunities to find that “must have” memento of your visit.
Downtown Disney’s east coast counterpart, Disney Springs, is much larger and offers a wider variety of non-Disney themed shopping opportunities. Levi’s, Super Dry, and Ron Jon Surf Shop are just a select sample of the fun stores to wander through while shopping “The Springs.” Then there’s the Lego Store. Oh yeah…many dollars have been dropped in that place over the years. We still have a Saturn V rocket, a Lunar LEM, and a couple other Legos. I honestly think adults like that store more than the kids!
Beyond Disney souvenirs, surf shirts, and Legos, The Springs offers a wide variety of stores more geared to adult guests. From jewelry to hats and sandals to chocolate and wine, The Springs will keep you and your credit card busy for hours.
For entertainment that goes beyond shopping and dining, both complexes house Splitsville bowling alleys. Reserve a lane, grab some shoes, and bowl a couple games. As a bonus, the food is actually quite good at both places.
If you are in desperate need of an extended walking break, AMC theatres hosts 24 screens at The Springs in Florida. Some of their theatres are Dine In while some are traditional theatres. The dine in theatres are a nice change to noisy park dining. You can sip on an adult beverage and enjoy a surprising variety of food choices all while indulging in the latest Marvel adventure, this year’s Oscar Winners, or just some escapist fun.
California’s Downtown Disney complex used to house a theatre as well. However, it was closed in anticipation of a hotel expansion. I sincerely hope the theatres return someday. They made for a much-needed reprieve.
Whether you visit California or Florida, be sure to plan your visit carefully. Both shopping districts are insanely popular. They can be crowded places. Parking can be crazy. If you are visiting Florida, I highly recommend using Disney’s bus transportation if you are heading to the Springs for an evening of shopping and dining. The parking structures are often full by 6pm. Whichever coast you are visiting, Downtown Disney and Disney Springs expand the Disney experience through a wonderful world of products to take home, food to indulge in, and activitie