Disney Springs does not get enough credit for how much it changes from season to season. The parks get the headlines, and the resort hotels get the renovation coverage, but Disney Springs quietly adds new concepts, rotates entertainment, and drops dining events, giving the district a genuinely different character depending on when you visit. This summer is not a quiet season for the district. Five meaningful changes are coming between now and September, and the combination of new food, a massive entertainment venue, kids programming, retail additions, and dining events makes this one of the more stacked summers Disney Springs has seen in recent memory.
The Food Opening Everyone Is Watching at Disney Springs
Six Ravens is the most anticipated new concept coming to Disney Springs this summer, and the reason for the anticipation is two words. Gideon's Bakehouse. Six Ravens is being brought in by the same team behind one of the most obsessively followed food destinations on Walt Disney World property, and it will be located just a few doors down from its legendary sibling. The difference is the direction. Where Gideon's is built entirely around sweets, Six Ravens will focus on savory hand pies called Coffyns, homemade yeast rolls with fillings developed in partnership with other Central Florida chefs. No opening date has been confirmed, but anyone who has watched what the Gideon's team does when they commit to something has every reason to pay close attention to this one.
The Retail Addition
A new Vans store is on its way to Disney Springs, with signage confirming the location's arrival back in March. An exact opening timeline has not been set, and the store may or may not be ready before peak summer crowds arrive. It is worth monitoring for guests who want to add a Vans stop to their plans.
The Biggest New Experience
LEVEL99 is confirmed to open at Disney Springs this summer, and it is the addition that changes what the shopping district offers most significantly. The concept is a real-world, challenge-based social entertainment experience with more than 60 challenge rooms and duels, combining physical and mental challenges for adults. It sits in a category of entertainment that does not currently exist anywhere else at Disney Springs, and it is the kind of addition that gives adult groups a reason to spend significantly more time at the district than they might have before. No specific opening date has been announced, but it is confirmed for this summer.
Kids Programming at Disney Springs
A Dance Party is coming to Disney Springs Marketplace on select evenings as part of the Cool Kids Summer event running approximately from May 26 through September 8. The programming will feature songs from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3, timed around the upcoming releases of both films on Disney+. For families with younger kids spending summer evenings at Disney Springs, this gives the Marketplace visit a dedicated entertainment anchor beyond shopping and dining.
The Dining Events Worth Planning Around
Two dining events are expected to return to Disney Springs this summer that food-focused guests should be tracking. The Flavors of Florida event brings Florida-inspired seasonal menu additions across restaurants and typically runs through the summer months, with specific dates to be confirmed. Orlando's Magical Dining, the annual prix-fixe event offering strong value at participating Orlando restaurants, including Disney Springs locations, typically returns in August with dates announced closer to the event. For guests who prioritize dining experiences, these two events represent some of the best value and variety available during the summer calendar.
Why This Summer Is Different at Disney Springs
This summer, Disney Springs is more than just a stop between park visits, thanks to the new Six Ravens, LEVEL99, a Vans store, kids' Dance Party programming, and two dining events. Gideon's new concept and LEVEL99's fresh entertainment offering are game-changers that will enhance adult group experiences. These five additions significantly change the area from last summer, making it essential for guests to plan ahead to fully enjoy their visit.
