Reasons Why Disney Springs Rivals Disney Parks for Fun

As fun as the four main Disney parks are, they're not the only way to have a fantastic time on Disney property. If you've never stopped by at Disney Springs before, let us lay down 7 reasons why this place rivals any Disney park experience you can think of.

1. It's Absolutely Free to Enter

You read that correctly: You do not have to pay for a ticketto get into Disney Springs. You don't have to be a guest at a Disney Resort, either. Heck, there's not even a parking fee!
One of the greatest things about Disney Springs is that anyone can visit at any time, without having to worry about paying to get in. The idea seems to be that if they can get people to come in, they can get them to spend money on all the food, drink, entertainment, and merchandise there. But hey, if you just feel like stopping in and having a stroll around the place without dropping a penny, you can totally do that.

If you've ever heard of "monorail hopping" the three resorts near Magic Kingdom—another favorite free activity of ours, especially at Christmas—then you'll appreciate having Disney Springs as another opportunity to immerse yourself in a Disney atmosphere on the cheap.

2. There's Amazing Food Everywhere

Oh yes, my fellow culinary adventurers, Disney Springs is practically overflowingwith excellent food and sweet treats. You can't throw a rock (not that I recommend doing so in a public place, of course) without hitting an amazing eatery here. From celebrity-owned establishments to awesomely themed restaurant experiences, Disney Springs has it all:

• Want to dine in a steampunk-esque environment? Head to The Edison.
• Are your tastebuds craving a pan-Asian tour of cuisines from the likes of China, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia? Stop in at Morimoto Asia.
• How about the experience of eating at a restaurant fictionally "remodeled" in an old airport terminal? Maria & Enzo's Ristoranteis calling your name.
• And how could we forget about some classic southern comfort food? Well my friends, the place you're looking for isChef Art Smith's Homecomin'.

And these are only the tip of the iceberg!

3. Incredible Entertainment Around Every Corner

Food isn't the only thing you'll find a lot of in Disney Springs. There's plenty of live entertainment to go around as well, and you can find it just about everywhere you go. A lot of the bars and restaurants throughout the "town"—such as House of Blues and Paradiso 37—will have performers singing and playing music on stage, which both patrons and passersby can enjoy.

Some specific things we can recommend checking out are the Irish dancers and musicians at Raglan Road, as well as the various burlesque and acrobatic performers you'll find during adult-only hours at The Edison (after 10pm).
If live entertainment isn't what you're after, you could also check out the "Dine-In Theatre" experience at the AMC 24, or you can enjoy an upscale spin on bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes.

4. The Retail Therapy is Strong, Folks

As if the food and entertainment weren't enough, Disney Springs is also home to a sprawling family of world-class shops and boutiques. Here you'll find over 100 places to get your retail therapy on, including UNIQLO, Pandora Jewelry, Oakley, Art of Shaving, Kate Spade New York, the LEGO Store, Edward Beiner Eyewear, the Coca-Cola Store, Anthropologie, and many more.