Disney Springs Orlando: Your Complete Travel Guide from Newark
Free Entertainment Complex with 150+ Shops, World-Class Dining & No Admission Fee
Disney Springs is Walt Disney World's premier entertainment, shopping, and dining district located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida—just a 3-hour flight from Newark Liberty International Airport. Unlike the theme parks, Disney Springs offers FREE admission and FREE parking, making it the perfect destination for Essex County families looking to experience Disney magic without the park ticket prices. Spread across four distinct neighborhoods (Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side), this 120-acre complex features over 150 shops, 60+ restaurants, live entertainment, and attractions like Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life and the Aerophile balloon ride. Newark travelers particularly love Disney Springs as a pre-cruise stop before Port Canaveral sailings or as a relaxing day during a Disney World vacation when everyone needs a break from the parks. With waterfront views along the springs, unique boutiques you won't find anywhere else, and dining options from quick bites to Michelin-star chef experiences, Disney Springs has transformed into a must-visit Orlando destination. Whether you're arriving early for a Disney vacation, spending a layover day in Orlando, or making it your primary destination, Disney Springs offers world-class experiences accessible to everyone. Best of all, it's completely free to explore, with dining and shopping at every price point from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Destination Highlights
Travel Information from Newark
- Flight Time:
- 3 hours direct
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time (same as Newark)
- Best Time to Visit:
- Year-round (September-November for lower hotel rates, December for holiday magic)
- Average Temperature:
- 72-92°F (warm year-round, humid summers)
- Currency:
- US Dollar
- Airlines from Newark:
- United Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier
Top Attractions
- World of Disney - Largest Disney Store (50,000 sq ft)
- Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil
- AMC Disney Springs 24 Theaters
- Aerophile - The World Leader in Balloon Flight
- Amphicar Tours on Lake Buena Vista
- Live Music at House of Blues
- The LEGO Store with play area
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes - Bowling alley
- Planet Hollywood Observatory
- NBA Experience (interactive basketball)
- Coca-Cola Store rooftop bar
- Paddlefish - Rooftop dining on "boat"
- Raglan Road Irish Pub - Live music nightly
- Gideon's Bakehouse - Famous cookies (lines form early)
- Art of Disney - Fine art and collectibles
Insider Tips for Essex County Travelers
- 1.Newark to Orlando: Book early morning United flight (UA1040) to arrive by lunch
- 2.FREE parking in Orange Garage (closest to Marketplace neighborhood)
- 3.Use Disney Springs as pre-cruise day stop (1 hour to Port Canaveral)
- 4.Gideon's Bakehouse: Join virtual queue via app at 10 AM (sells out daily)
- 5.Avoid Friday-Sunday evenings for smaller crowds (peak local date night)
- 6.Best Newark flight deals: Tuesday/Wednesday departures, avoid school breaks
- 7.Dining reservations recommended for Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia
- 8.Essex County families: Stay at Disney Springs Resort Area hotels for 40% savings vs Disney resorts
- 9.AMC theater offers online check-in - skip box office lines
- 10.Download My Disney Experience app for parking info and wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disney Springs really free?
Yes! Disney Springs has FREE admission and FREE parking (covered garages and surface lots). You only pay for what you buy - dining, shopping, or attractions like Cirque du Soleil. Unlike Magic Kingdom or Epcot which require $100+ tickets, you can explore Disney Springs, enjoy the atmosphere, and window shop without spending a dollar.
Do I need a Disney World park ticket to visit Disney Springs?
No park ticket needed! Disney Springs is outside the theme parks and open to everyone. It's perfect for non-park days, arrival/departure days, or if you're not visiting the parks at all. Many Newark travelers use it as a free Orlando activity.
How do I get to Disney Springs from Orlando Airport (MCO)?
Disney Springs is 25 minutes (18 miles) from Orlando Airport. Options: Uber/Lyft ($35-45), rental car, Mears Connect shuttle ($16/person), or book airport transfer through Next Trip Anywhere. Many Disney Springs Resort Area hotels offer free airport shuttles.
What are the best restaurants at Disney Springs?
Top picks: Morimoto Asia (celebrity chef sushi), The Boathouse (waterfront steaks/seafood), Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' (Southern comfort food), Wine Bar George (largest wine list in Florida), Jaleo by José Andrés (Spanish tapas). For families: Chicken Guy! (fast casual), Blaze Pizza, Earl of Sandwich. Budget: $15-25/person quick service, $40-80/person table service.
Can I visit Disney Springs during a Port Canaveral cruise from Newark?
Absolutely! Many Newark cruisers fly in a day early, stay near Disney Springs, explore for free, then drive 1 hour to Port Canaveral the next morning. It's the perfect pre-cruise stop. We can book Disney Springs hotel + cruise packages from Newark - call 833-874-1019.
How long should I spend at Disney Springs?
Plan 3-6 hours minimum. Casual browse: 2-3 hours. Full dining experience + shopping: 4-6 hours. If seeing Cirque du Soleil or doing Amphicar tour, add 2-3 hours. Many visitors come multiple times during a Disney World trip.
What time does Disney Springs open and close?
Disney Springs typically opens at 10 AM and closes at 11 PM (midnight on weekends). Individual stores and restaurants have varying hours - some open earlier, some close later. Check the official Disney Springs hours before your visit as they change seasonally.
Is Disney Springs good for kids?
Very kid-friendly! The LEGO Store has huge play areas, World of Disney is a wonderland, Amphicar tours thrill children, and many restaurants have kids menus. However, there are no rides (it's shopping/dining, not a theme park). Great for a relaxing day when kids need a break from park crowds.
Can I get Disney Springs packages from Newark?
Yes! Next Trip Anywhere offers Newark → Orlando packages including Disney Springs Resort Area hotels, flights, and Disney World park tickets if desired. We also create pre-cruise packages combining Disney Springs with Port Canaveral cruises. Call 833-874-1019 for Essex County exclusive rates.
Do Disney Springs hotels offer Disney benefits?
Disney Springs Resort Area hotels (Wyndham Garden, B Resort, DoubleTree, Hilton Buena Vista Palace, Holiday Inn) offer some Disney perks: theme park shuttles, Extra Magic Hours, and Disney Springs proximity. They don't include Magical Express or Disney Dining Plan, but cost 40-60% less than Disney-owned hotels.
Ready to Visit Disney Springs Orlando: Complete Travel Guide from Newark?
Get personalized travel planning from our Essex County experts