How to Take Cute Candid Disney Pics: Disney Springs Edition

Today's post comes to you as I sit at Starbucks, in Disney Springs, taking in the view of the lake and hot air balloon on this beautiful 80 degree afternoon.

Current View:

Disney Springs, once named Downtown Disney, has undergone a massive renovation in the last few years. They have basically doubled the size of the area, adding a huge non-Disney shopping center, even more restaurants and putting a new spin on classics that have been around for years. The name switch came from a theme redesign that accompanied the renovations a year and a half ago in order to make Disney Springs more connected with a purpose than just an area to shop and eat. The name is supposed to represent a community where residents once lived near a natural spring years ago, since then the residents have cleared out and it is now a thriving recreation area. If you find yourself in the area visiting, notice the faux abandoned and dilapidated train tracks across from the AMC movie theater that is supposed to tell the story of  the transportation systems residents used to utilize or the natural springs well that was once used by residents to access fresh clean water from the earth, right in the heart of the new outdoor shopping plaza. Now I wont give away all the brilliance that Disney put into the new theme that in my opinion goes unnoticed by the masses, but if you want to know all that I know, get a job at Disney Springs and endure an eight hour orientation class where you learn the entire back story and walk around the full length of Disney Springs during the middle of the hot Florida sun. Sounds like fun right?! Not your thing? Allow me to take you on an abbreviated tour...

Broken into four areas, Disney Springs starts with Marketplace, located closest to Saratoga Springs Resort:

The first stop is not quite the hundred acre woods but the gangs all here for this one! Right next to the Marketplace Carousel is an opportunity to snap a pic with the bear that is stuffed with fluff.

On the wall of the 24/7 Christmas store just around the corner from Pooh, is a mural set for a Queen, her unconditionally loving sister and the rest of the gang. Make sure you bring some carrots for Sven!

Edna Mode is more than happy to give you advice while you shop your way through the Disney Marketplace Co-op (no capes darling).

If you are in Disney Springs during the fall, make sure you stop and check out the giant Mickey pumpkin right in front of Earl of Sandwich. Unlike the Frozen mural, this guy is seasonal and only hangs out until the Christmas decorations go up.

Worked up an appetite from all the shopping but its not quite dinner time yet? Stop by my wonderful employers at the Marketplace Wetzel's Pretzels for a pizza pretzel! No this isn't a promotional ad.. I just love pizza pretzels okay? 

The second area at Disney Springs where all the "outlet" shopping takes place is Town Center:

This picture was taken in front of the Polite Pig restaurant before it was completed. The wall may no longer be there but Disney is not finished renovating Disney Springs yet. Also, if you like BBQ I hear the Polite Pig has some pretty good food!

The Disney Corner is a pop up store currently right across from the Polite Pig. It is being utilized as such until World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, is done with its construction. Thank you to my unknowing aunt for the picture ops!

The third area is The Landing:

As Disney Springs makes more of a diamond shape rather than a straight line, The Landing is on the side closest to the lake, whereas Town Center is located on the side closest to the parking garages and bus drop off.

This picture was taken outside of the Morimoto Asia restaurant that, according to Disney's new theme, used to be a bottling factory for the fresh spring water and is now an Asian cuisine inspired restaurant.

The final area is West Side:

This hidden gem was revealed to me the other day when hanging around the newly opened Edison and Maria and Enzo's restaurants. While the Edison is a 1920's themed restaurant reminiscent of the Gatsby days, Maria and Enzo's is a 1930's airline terminal turned Italian restaurant. Enzo has his own hideaway just below the restaurant properly named Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant. The food place/bar is supposed to resemble a speak-easy vibe and has quickly captured my heart with its charm.

The newly opened Coca-Cola store at West Side is a great place to check out if you are a strong supporter of Coke in the Coke vs. Pepsi debate. Since I live for my Diet Cokes, this wall of shattered glass made for a perfect place to stop and pose.

Lastly, these pictures were taken a few years ago but I thought that Characters in Flight deserved an honorable mention. This balloon takes you 400 feet in the air and offers views of Orlando and the Disney property in 360 view before bringing you safely back to the ground. The balloon is not for those scared of heights, but I highly recommend a trip for those who love the skies. Unfortunately, this is a charged flight at around 20 dollars per person (15 for kids 3-8) but if you go before 10 in the morning the price is only 10 dollars per person.

These pictures have barely scratched the surface as to what Disney Springs has to offer. Including but not limited to Cirque Du Soleil which is debuting with a new show shortly, The House of Blues restaurant and events area, an AMC movie theater, Splitsville bowling alley, Raglan Road Irish Pub, Rain Forest Cafe, T-REX restaurant, the BOATHOUSE restaurant with amphibious cars that you can pay to ride in the lake and SO much more. I spend way more time here than anywhere else in Disney simply because it is free to enter and the entertainment opportunities are endless. Do not miss a chance to visit here on your trip, especially if you are on a budget!

To anyone reading this, all positive and constructive opinions are welcome! Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional at writing or vacation planning so if you read my blogs or take my advice do so with a grain of salt.