Avoiding Crowds in Disney Springs is Easier Than You Think!

If you’re looking for a reprieve from the crowds at Disney World, it’s not just the parks that you have to get away from!

Crowds at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is Disney’s shopping and dining district and it’s totally FREE for guests visiting, meaning that sometimes it can be even more crowded than the parks. And, between a newer ice cream shop, a super popular cookie and cake shop, and more coming soon, it’s likely only going to get harder to navigate around all the people. BUT, we’ve got a secret way to avoid the crowds — and we’re letting you in on it!

Usually, when we visit Disney Springs, we’re weaving in and out of guests heading to shops and waiting in long lines to grab a bite from restaurants. But, it doesn’t always have to be that way.

Sometimes there are even lines for STORES!

On one trip, we changed up our plans and headed to Disney Springs EARLY — around 9:30AM. Do this and you might just get a glimpse at a very empty Disney World location. Look at all of the space we had to ourselves on one early trip.

Look how empty!

Even over by the LEGO Store, things were super empty!

We had all of Disney Springs to ourselves!

This would be the perfect time to take pictures of the amazing LEGO sculptures that are around the store.

No crowds at the LEGO Store!

Pretty relaxing, huh? Here’s the catch though — if you decide to go to Disney Springs very early, keep in mind that not everything is going to be open yet. For example, World of Disney doesn’t open until 10AM. But, you can get a head start on the day and be ready to head into the shops right when they open and avoid the crowds. Plus, you can still get your Starbucks and have a nice walk!

Another thing to keep in mind is that the parking garages at Disney Springs may not all open that early. On one trip in 2023, we found that the Orange Garage was open around 9AM but a Cast Member would not allow us to park in the Lime Garage until 10AM. Your experience may be different but it’s just something to keep in mind!

Starbucks in Disney Springs

Avoiding crowds in Disney World can be pretty difficult in the summer months, so keep this trick in the back of your pocket if you’re thinking about visiting Disney Springs! A lot of guests will plan their visit here in the afternoon after hitting the parks in the morning, but if you switch up your day you can end up facing fewer crowds AND getting on popular rides without a long wait in the parks — you just need to know the tricks!

Of course, we’ll be on the lookout for other crowd trends and bring you the latest tips on how to tackle Disney World like a pro, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars!