This is a very cool area. Tons of shops and cool restaurants! There is a Sephora and Free People to…read morename two of the many shops they have. We dined at Summer House and it was fantastic. You're right by water so you can sit out on a patio and chill. Teen heaven. I was told it's pretty much downtown Disney? Parking is interesting and packed but there are free parks and paid parking you choose.

Welcome to The Landing, the part of Disney Springs that looks like Imagineering dropped an entire…read morecoastal town into Orlando and said, "Here, drink more, shop more, and pretend this lagoon is the ocean." Built on the bones of the late, great Pleasure Island (RIP Adventurers Club, you glorious fever dream), The Landing is Disney's upscale answer to "what if Downtown Disney grew up, bought a blazer, and started ordering craft cocktails instead of yard-long margaritas?" The architecture here is stunning -- faux-seaside warehouses, retro boat docks, and a marina vibe that feels like a stage set designed for your Instagram. Disney says it's themed to "a fictional waterfront town with a rich history." Translation: it's so polished and curated that if you sneezed too hard, the paint might chip off and reveal 1990s Pleasure Island neon underneath. The good stuff? This is where the heavy hitters live: * Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar -- Imagine Indiana Jones had a drinking buddy who hoarded props, then opened a bar. Over-the-top theming, cheeky cocktails, and a guarantee you'll leave saying, "One more round won't hurt." * The Boathouse -- Fancy seafood, retro boats, and those iconic Amphicars that let rich people drive into the water like they're James Bond on vacation. * Wine Bar George -- Proof that wine isn't just for EPCOT festivals. George Miliotes runs a temple of vino here, and yes, you can order a $10 taste or a $300 bottle. Your choice, peasant. * Raglan Road spillover effect -- Sure, technically it's in the "Village" section, but at night the Irish energy oozes over here like Guinness-fueled pixie dust. "Oh, The Landing? You mean the place where Disney charges $18 for a cocktail and you pretend you're classy because the coaster has a backstory?" And he's not wrong. But you know what? It's still one of the most atmospheric, fun, and adult-friendly corners of Disney World. At night, The Landing comes alive with lights reflecting off the water, music in the air, and just enough Disney magic to make you forget you're basically in a mall. It's free to wander, beautiful to look at, and loaded with spots to eat and drink yourself silly. So yes, I miss Pleasure Island. I miss the chaos. But The Landing proves Disney can reinvent without totally killing the vibe. It's polished, it's pricey, and it's perfect.

Say it without saying it is a mural by artist Chad Mize that is a part of the creative infusion…read moreDisney Springs Art Walk. The pieces area spread through the popular Disney springs outlet shopping and entertainment district. This particular piece features several cartoon like figures and drawings and uses a variety of great colors to make It pop. Overall a really good piece that is part of a cool art initiative in an area that will attract a lot of viewers.

Yep, 5 stars. Duh... It's Disney!…read more You ask some people where Walt Disney World is and they'll tell you Orlando. Wrong. You ask others and they'll tell you Lake Buena Vista. Partially correct. Downtown Disney is in Lake Buena Vista. Some of the Disney Resorts are in Lake Buena Vista. Where are all 4 of the Disney Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) and the 2 Disney Water Parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach)? Bay Lake, FL. Also, the majority of the Disney Resorts are located in Bay Lake, FL. The Walt Disney Company actually has full control over Bay Lake, FL. Bay Lake is located inside RCID (Reedy Creek Improvement District). They have their own fire departments and yes, there's even a mayor. As of the 2010 census, there were 47 residents in Bay Lake. They are all senior employees of Disney (and their families, of course). One more fun fact. The Walt Disney Company also has full control over Lake Buena Vista, FL too. Disney definitely has a leg up over other theme parks/amusement parks because they actually control the cities. Why am I writing this review? Because I love Disney, I know there are others who love Disney, and I think these are pretty interesting/fun facts that many people do not know. Walt Disney World truly is in a whole other realm!

I have mixed feelings about ICE! The hard work that the…read moreartists put into carving and decorating is truly mind blowing. I really appreciate everything that they do and the time that it takes. I'm not a fan of waiting in long lines, and this always seems to have a lot of lines and in multiple places. It's really hard to get good photos of your group or the ice because of how many people are walking around. No one seems to be cognizant of others' and it gets frustrating. Not the fault of the ICE! group, but just a comment. I've only done this experience twice in ten years and am fine to keep it that way. Really great idea and beautiful crafting, but a lot of work (parking, lines, people, it's freezing).

ICE! at the Gaylord in Orlando is proof that Florida can, in fact, experience winter if it really…read morecommits to it. Nine degrees inside. Actual nine degrees. I walked in confident and walked out with a new respect for scarves. This year's theme is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and the ice art is genuinely stunning. Massive, colorful, masterfully carved scenes that make you forget you are standing in what feels like a very festive freezer. The craftsmanship is impressive enough that even while your nose is going numb, you still stop and say wow out loud. The line moved smoothly, which is no small miracle when you are dressed like a penguin and questioning your circulation. Once inside, everything was well run and easy to enjoy. It is a great afternoon experience for all ages. Kids love it. Adults love it. Even Jack Frost would probably nod in approval. Do not skip the hot cocoa afterward. It is not optional. It is survival. That first warm sip feels like your body rebooting. Overall, a solid four stars. If Yelp allowed 4 and a half, this would absolutely earn it. Beautiful, well organized, and cold enough to make you grateful for the Florida sun waiting outside.

Create your dreams is a mural by a local artist that is a part of the creative infusion Disney…read moreSprings Art Walk. The pieces area spread through the popular Disney springs outlet shopping and entertainment district. This particular piece sits on the exterior wall of some restrooms and features 3 parts. One featuring Rafiki from the lion king and the center piece with the words of "create your dreams". Overall a really good piece that is part of a cool art initiative in an area that will attract a lot of viewers.

HeartandSoul is a mural by a local artist that is a part of the creative infusion Disney Springs…read moreArt Walk. The pieces area spread through the popular Disney springs outlet shopping and entertainment district. This particular piece features a very brightly colored flower on a blue background. It is kinda hard to make out what it is. But is very lovely to look At. Overall a really good piece that is part of a cool art initiative in an area that will attract a lot of viewers.

shrimp scampi and risotto very nice!! great service and cute place!!! highly recommendread more

The food here was so good. I'm glad we picked this spot and made a reservation, because it was…read morepretty busy. (I love that you can make your reservation through the My Disney Experience app.) It was expensive, but filling. We ordered the mozzarella rice balls, which were so good. We ordered some other appetizer too but honestly I can't remember what it was, just that it wasn't as good as the mozzarella balls. Perhaps it was the meatballs? They were good, but outshined by their co-appetizer. I ordered the artichoke chicken which was a great choice for me. It was a nice dish and I love artichoke, though I don't ever cook it myself, so I was pleased with my choice. My friend ordered the lasagna in part because it's one of the more time consuming items so she doesn't make it herself. It was excellent. With all the food we had, we didn't quite finish it all, and since we were in a hotel (and planned to walk around Disney Springs more) we didn't take much to go. Our server was attentive and we really weren't ever left waiting for drinks or anything. I enjoyed our visit here a lot and would eat here again next time we visit Disney Springs.

Not sure how I found out about this, but happy I did none the less. The website describes it this…read moreway: The Sports Enthusiasts program gives community members a chance to be involved in their community, be a part of their favorite sporting events and support various charities while having a great time with friends and family. How I describe it? A fun way to earn free Disney park tickets! I've been able to assist with several marathons, including the Iron Man triathlon, and the Disney Princess marathon, while being inspired by all those participating. Some of the volunteer jobs might include helping at the finish line, water stations, medals, registration, and you can even register to be a screaming fan. I love this role most of all because it gives me a reason to scream and use my air horns and cow bell. I am super impressed with how Disney organizes sporting events--it's quite unbelievable how this company organizes so many people together all at once. Along with incentive park tickets, Disney usually gives out tee shirts, and a meal or snack when you volunteer. I love to see the kids out volunteering as well--it's a great experience. Each event has an age requirement. I believe it's around 15 for most. Now, I should mention, a lot of times, volunteering means showing up at 5:30 am in preparation, in addition to picking up credential packages days prior to the event. I think it's worth it, however. Volunteers are needed for many events, and some fill up fast, so it's important to register as soon as notices go out if you would like to participate.