While we generally love Disney Springs, there are things about the shopping district — and things people do there — that make us CRINGE.
Disney Springs
Disney World’s shopping district has one of the resort’s most interesting histories, which has led to a sprawling development full of restaurants, retail, and architectural flourishes where Disney says guests are “sure to discover Happily Whatever You’re After.” And while we love almost everything the area offers, there are definitely some things and behaviors that give us the ick.
Remember Pleasure Island
There was a time when part of Disney Springs, specifically the area currently known as The Landing, was the adult playground Pleasure Island.
Pleasure Island
While we miss the nightlife area as well, we can’t help but cringe and feel bad when we see a guest who hasn’t been to Disney World in years searching fruitlessly for the nightclubs and revelry they remember.
Looking for the Monorail
At least Pleasure Island actually existed at one point. The same can’t be said for a Disney Springs Monorail line.
Monorail
There was a time during the development of the Buena Vista Shopping Village (the earliest use of the land) when a Monorail extension was planned; however, it was never built due to cost and logistical concerns. During the area’s subsequent transformations — into Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney, and eventually Disney Springs — no Monorail extension ever came
Parking Dodgers
So, believe it or not, parking at Disney Springs is free (Yeah, it always surprises us too). However, some guests try and take advantage of this by parking for free at Springs, then making their way to the theme parks — thus avoiding paying for theme park parking.
Orange Garage parking sign
NOTE: There is NO direct bus transportation from Disney Springs to any of Walt Disney World theme parks, so these “parking dodgers” will hop on a bus (or a boat if applicable) to a Walt Disney World hotel, then, in turn, take a bus to one of the parks. Seems like an awful lot of work…
Disney Bus
Packed Weekends
Given the fact that Disney Springs is full of shopping and dining options and doesn’t charge for entry, the are draws in a lot of local visitors along with guests staying at Walt Disney World. While this is obviously a good thing for both locals who enjoy the area and Disney Springs’ businesses, it can lead to MASSIVE crowds on weekends, especially during busy seasons like summer, spring break, and around the Holidays.
Disney Springs can get pretty busy!
Next time you’re at Disney Springs, make sure to keep your eyes out for some of these CRINGE elements. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Walt Disney World.
9 Cringey Things That Make Me Rethink Walking Into EPCOT Ever Again
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The resorts actually encourage you to park at the springs. Every time we try to eat at a resort that does not have reservations we are told to go park at the springs and take a bus back. We tell them it’s too much time and wind up eating off property. People also park at the water parks to avoid parking fees as well
Prices make me cringe
Parking in the towers is so convenient and well organized that I can understand why some would rather park there and take a bus to a hotel, then the parks as your car is always in the shade and when you come back it’s nice and cool. However I’m too lazy to do it but it’s feasible if you have lots of time.
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Wow as someone who loved Pleasure Island yeah going keep remembering the good times and still loving the new things we CAN do both. That’s what makes us TRUE Disney lovers so great.
Never a fan of pleasure island, but it maybe due to having kids with us. We left kids with grandparents a couple of times but getting hammered at Disney is not the same for me as lets say bourbon street…
ow I’m curious, what did Norma say 😆. Either, love those parking garages. So clean, well organized and a pleasure to use. Even security is a breeze to use and I’m so happy that they are there.