Disney Springs !

We travelled to Disney Springs with our 11-year-old Kidsetter and met up with some long time USA family friends. We are always excited by anything Disney related as Disney can transport even the most resistant adult back to their childlike wonder and excitement.

Disney Springs is located 0.9 miles from Disney World Theme Park. Disney Springs is an eclectic mix of unique shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants and lively entertainment.

Our Kidsetter was keen to investigate all the well-known brands such as The Lego Store. Admittedly we were surprised that they didn’t stock an extensive range of Lego however their sculptures were phenomenal.

Next, it was time to visit the Star Wars Galactic Outpost store. The ultimate mecca for fans of the Force. A one-stop emporium for a plethora of merchandise—including apparel, accessories, drinkware, headwear, lightsabers, MagicBands, pins, toys, Vinylmation, wall art and other souvenirs.

Next, we visited the Super Hero Headquarters store. Our Kidsetter enjoyed unleashing his alter ego by suiting up in Super Hero themed gear.

Next, as a self-proclaimed choc a holic I had to visit the M&M’s mega store.

The wall of M&M’s in every flavour and colour is awe-inspiring. Needless to say, we walked out with an excessive amount of chocolate.

Lunch time was upon us and I happened to be in the queue at Starbucks and struck up a conversation with a staff member from T-Rex restaurant. I mentioned that I had tried to book a table a few months ago for today calling from Australia and had been on hold for 1.45 hours and unfortunately the prehistoric restaurant was booked for the date we were at Disney Springs. The lady preceded to tell me that they had had many cancellations today so I should be able to walk up and book a table ! I was ecstatic. I couldn’t believe our luck !

T-Rex restaurant is an all-encompassing immersive experience.

In themed rooms depicting diverse primordial landscapes from color-changing ice caverns to a fern forest buzzing with giant wasps.

We witnessed rumbling meteor showers, fiery “explosions,” squawking pterosaurs, wooly mammoths, a massive undulating octopus and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs – including a 15-foot-tall T. Rex !

After lunch it was time to make a splash touring on the waters of Lake Buena Vista while riding in a vintage Amphicar.

Apmhicar is a rare amphibious vehicle that can drive on land and float on water.

Our captain named Dale was the highlight. He cracked jokes the entire time, our mouths were sore from laughing so much by the end of the tour.

We love all things novelty. Our next adventure was to experience receiving (and then eating) a cupcake via an ATM from Sprinkles !

The delightful powder pink cupcake and cookie dispensing machine operates 24/7 and is an attraction in and of itself. Our Kidsetter placed his order and was beyond excited in anticipation of receiving his special cupcake via the ATM. How thrilling.

Never to miss a live performance we attended ‘Drawn to Life’ presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney. What a combination !

A live acrobatic journey where the stage is transformed into a giant animation table. This love letter to the art of Disney Animation celebrates life in all its motions and emotions. The show tells the story of a determined girl who discovers one last gift left by her animator father: a sequence of unfinished drawings.

Guided by a magical pencil and a quirky troupe of imaginative muses, she embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories. She leaps into a whimsical world of animation and discovers new possibilities that animate the story of her future.

Our US friends being locals were well informed as to where would be the best restaurant to eat dinner – Jaleo by Jose Andres.

A contemporary Spanish cuisine with authentic dishes that celebrate the spirit of Espana amidst a bright atmosphere.

We LOVE any live performances and as the night fell upon us Disney Springs become even more vibrant. Show casing incredible talent such as Tanner Johnson. He is a violinist, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Our Kidsetter has recently taken up the violin and loved chatting with Tanner before his performance. Tanner even gave our Kidsetter the opportunity to play his violin for the crowd but alas our Kidsetter was too nervous.

The next performer was Nicholas Marks. A performer for sure ! He holds his guitar high over his head, behind his back and down on his knees all while playing phenomenal music. His sound is a blend of American Pop music with a fiery Spanish Flamenco beat and Gypsy rhythm. Totally infectious !