A crowded view of Disney Springs in July 2022.
I took this photo at 6:05 p.m. on a Thursday in July.Amanda Krause/Insider
  • Disney Springs is an outdoor shopping and dining center that is open to the public.

  • Big crowds and hot temperatures can make it hard to visit.

  • Food and souvenirs at Disney Springs can cost a lot.

Disney Springs is one of my favorite places to shop and eat at Disney World, but it isn't always special.

A Mickey Mouse topiary and planters at Disney Springs in August 2021.
This Mickey fountain is located near the World of Disney store at Disney Springs.Amanda Krause/Insider

Disney Springs lacks shade and dark walkways. You feel the heat when it's 90 degrees outdoors.

A view of Disney Springs in August 2021.
Good or bad, Florida weather hits you the moment you enter Disney Springs.Amanda Krause/Insider

There are a few shaded paths near stores.

People gather in the shade at Disney Springs in July 2022.
People gather under shaded walkways at Disney Springs in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

The giant M&M shop is a basic store that sells regular candy for high prices. The cost of a small box of candy can be as high as 20 dollars.

At Disney Springs, there's an M&M store located near an AMC movie theater.Amanda Krause/Insider

The restaurant that isn't set to open until 2023 is one of the sections under construction.

It will likely be months before this new restaurant opens at Disney Springs.Amanda Krause/Insider

Some of the restaurants at Disney Springs are not always open. Food trucks don't open until late in the evening on Mondays and Tuesdays.

This food truck was closed when I visited after 5 p.m. on a Thursday in July.Amanda Krause/Insider

You may have to walk for a while until you find an open cart that sells Mickey pretzels and ice cream. Prepare to spend a lot of money when you do. The price for pretzels is $7.50.

A closed food cart at Disney Springs in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

The shopping center has a lot of photo-ops, but they are often crowded with travelers resting.

Disney fans gather around a Lego sculpture in Disney Springs.Amanda Krause/Insider

Amphicar tours are one of the unique activities that can be participated in. If you want to watch from the sideline, you'll have to go through a lot of people.

Crowds gather to watch the Amphicars leave the Boathouse restaurant.Amanda Krause/Insider

The large crowds will grow even more if you visit after 5 p.m. People go to Disney Springs to escape the heat.

A crowded view of Disney Springs in July 2022.
I took this photo at 6:05 p.m. on a Thursday in July.Amanda Krause/Insider

Disney Springs fills with tourists and lines get long. There is often a wait to get inside at popular restaurants where reservations are not suggested.

A line of people wait to enter The Polite Pig at Disney Springs in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

One of the busiest restaurants I saw was the Rainforest Cafe, with a line that extended past the giant volcano just to make a reservation.

A line of people wait to enter the Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

Dozens of people were waiting to purchase half-pound cookies at the bakehouse.

People wait to buy dessert from Gideon's Bakehouse in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

It was the highlight of my vacation when I tried the $6 cookies at Disney World.

Dole Whip is a quick service snack.

A line of people waiting for Dole Whip at Disney Springs' Swirls on the Water booth.Amanda Krause/Insider

Once you get your ice cream, it may not be as pretty. The Dole Whip was melt in under two minutes. This dessert seemed to be overpriced quickly.

A melted Dole Whip flight at Disney Springs in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

You probably won't beat the crowds if you go shopping instead of eating. I couldn't walk through the aisles at the Disney Springs store.

Evening crowds at Disney Springs often congregate in air-conditioned stores.Amanda Krause/Insider

confused shoppers are to blame for some of the worst lines People didn't know where to stand at the World of Disney. I was at the personalization counter at Disney's Christmas store and waited more than 20 minutes to buy an ornament.

I spent more than 20 minutes in line to make a purchase at Disney's Days of Christmas.Amanda Krause/Insider

The stores are quieter but the merchandise is harder to find. I looked at the price after seeing fans in the store. The price was $695.

A Disney-themed Coach bag at Disney Springs in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

Good fortune when you leave. It's difficult to find a ride-share pick-up spot in the crowds. They are at opposite ends of Disney Springs.

Crowds at Disney Springs on a Friday night in July 2022.Amanda Krause/Insider

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