Disney’s shopping, dining, and entertainment destination is all spruced up to receive holiday shoppers with plenty of merriment. With more than 100 retail locations, there are myriad opportunities to find the perfect gift at Disney Springs.
DISNEY SPRINGS CHRISTMAS TREE STROLL
Pick up a complimentary map at the following locations: City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, the LEGO store, and Planet Hollywood, and off you go to discover the individually themed decorated trees.
Kids will love this fun scavenger hunt! The map includes stickers to match each tree. Once you have matched each sticker on your map, bring it to one of the redemption locations to receive a festive Disney Springs holiday button. The redemption locations are the same as those where you picked up the map. You can also download the map prior to your visit. On the back of the map, you’ll find discounts for various restaurants and retail locations at Disney Springs. The offers are all valid through December 30th. But we’ll talk more about food, drinks, and shopping later.
The Christmas trees are on display throughout the four neighborhoods of Disney Springs.
Along the stroll, discover Christmas trees celebrating some Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Super Hero favorites.
Even Annual Passholders and the Disney Vacation Club have their own Christmas tree.
Not quite a tree, but a special display celebrates Treasure, the upcoming ship of the Disney Cruise Line.
If you own a MagicBand+, you can interact with select Christmas trees, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas tree. Make a circular gesture near the tree to experience the magic.
Colorful surprises await at the following Christmas trees: Frozen, Encanto, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Wish, and the giant tree at Town Center. In the evenings, a magical snowfall adds an extra touch of wonder to your visit.
MEETING SANTA AND OTHER LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT DISNEY SPRINGS
Santa is holding court at the Once Upon a Toy store through December 24, 2023. There is no standby queue. Instead, you can use the My Disney Experience app to enter a virtual queue. There are multiple opportunities to enter a virtual queue throughout the day, including at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. You must be at Disney Springs in order to enter the virtual queue. One person in your party can request to join the virtual queue for your entire group. You will receive a push notification when your party is ready to return. This push notification will open to a link to a digital entry code. If you are unable to find your digital entry code, select the three-line “hamburger” icon in the app and select “Virtual Queues.” There is a maximum party size of 10 people.
Live musical performances take place throughout Disney Springs, and a live DJ spins tunes during the day and at night in front of World of Disney at the Waterside Stage. Be on the lookout for Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers and Snowflake Skaters.
If you want to experience the Cirque du Soleil show Drawn to Life, we have good news. During this season of savings, take advantage of a limited-time Black Friday offer to share the joy of a magical, moving, and breathtaking performance. An ideal family gift for the holiday season, tickets are up to 25% off—now through November 28th—for performances through December 2024. Book tickets here. We have seen the show twice, and it is totally amazing. You can order your tickets here.
FOOD, DRINKS, AND SEASONAL TREATS
There are plenty of dining options at Disney Springs, and every restaurant is decked out in holiday cheer. Here are some of our favorites.
Discover the Emerald Isle cuisine, accompanied by live Irish music and dance, at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. Southern homestyle cuisine is dished up at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, and authentic dishes that celebrate the spirit of Spain are served at Jaleo by José Andrés.
In addition to food and drinks, you can find over-the-top decorations at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.
If you don’t want to have a sit-down meal, check out the Mexican-inspired entrées prepared by the 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck located on the Westside. For the best artisanal pizzas, visit Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza at Town Center. And you cannot go wrong with Earl Of Sandwich (Market Place) serving its seasonal Holiday Turkey sandwich.
At Amorette’s Patisserie, indulge your sweet tooth with a Petit Cake and Mickey & Minnie Gingerbread Cookies. Or go big with the Mickey Winter Hat Dome Cake, made with layers of Vanilla Chiffon, Chai Tea Mousse, Cranberry-Cherry Pâte de Fruit, Almond Crunch, and Brown Butter Ganache.
What would Christmas be without hot chocolate? Visit The Ganachery (The Landing) and treat yourself to a milk chocolate shell filled with Ganachery hot cocoa mix and house-made marshmallows.
SHOPPING AT DISNEY SPRINGS
World of Disney has the most extensive collection of Disney merchandise; here you will find everything from toys, apparel, accessories, housewares, and so much more. At Disney’s Days of Christmas, you can get into the holiday spirit all year-round, and it is a must-stop if you are looking for Disney-themed ornaments.
Stores all over Disney Springs have merchandise sure to delight someone special on your gift list. One of our favorite stores is Basin. The holiday soaps and bath bombs make great stuffing stockers and are very affordable.
For all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
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