Disney Springs is cheaper to visit than Disney World and equally fun. Here's what it's like during the holidays.
I spent a weekend at Disney Springs in December 2021 to celebrate the holidays.
The destination was a fun place to celebrate Christmas, and it was less expensive than Disney World.
There are tons of decorations, free activities, festive foods to try, and holiday shopping.
Disney World is often crowded and expensive to visit during the holiday season.
Disney Springs, on the other hand, is free and just as fun to visit. The shopping center is located on Disney World property, and is typically open between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.
I spent a weekend there in December 2021, and found it to be the perfect place to get a taste of Disney during the holidays without the high cost of a park ticket.
My favorite annual activity at Disney Springs during the holidays is the Christmas Tree Stroll.
You can pick up a free map at various stores in Disney Springs, and then place corresponding stickers on it as you find trees throughout the center. Once you've spotted them all, you're rewarded with a celebratory button.
Some of the trees are decorated with Disney movie decor, while others are inspired by theme-park rides like the Haunted Mansion.
Along the way, you'll also find sparkling lights, Christmas decorations, and festive window displays.
Additionally, many of Disney Springs' iconic restaurants are often decked out for the holidays. Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is one of them.
You can also knock out some of your Christmas shopping at Disney Springs. Places like the M&M store have both candy and Disney-themed gifts.
That's not to mention stores like World of Disney, where you can pick up everything from festive Mickey Mouse ears to Christmas sweaters.
There's also Disney's Days of Christmas store if you need some last-minute decorations like ornaments and stockings.
As for holiday snacks, Gideon's Bakehouse has a variety of Christmas cookies and cakes that are worth waiting in line for.
You can read my review of Gideon's Christmas cookies and cakes here.
You can also find Christmas cupcakes, candy apples, and other snacks straight from Disney theme parks at Goofy's Candy Company and Disney's Candy Cauldron.
Overall, I love the atmosphere Disney Springs provides with its decorations, Christmas music, and shopping, and would highly recommend visiting. It lets you experience Disney World's holiday magic for a fraction of the price of a full vacation.
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