Early Bird Guide to Disney Springs: Shopping, Dining, and More

For more than 50 years, Disney Springs has been the premiere destination for shopping, dining, and world-class entertainment for millions of guests visiting Walt Disney World. While the district is beloved for all of its exciting shopping, dining, and entertainment, it truly shines and becomes personal during a visit early in the morning! 

Disney Springs is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee, snap a family photo, purchase a Mickey Mouse souvenir, or take in some delicious breakfast or brunch options from more than a dozen restaurants. Here are just a few things we recommend during your next visit.

Joffrey's Coffee at Disney Springs

Coffee, Breakfast, and Brunch at Disney Springs

Take a Coffee And Art Walk Stroll

If you need that morning caffeine boost to start your day, a trip to Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company needs to be on your early bird list. Coffee drinkers will fall in love with their assortment of artisan-roasted coffee blends that are brewing each and every day.

The shop has a list of cold-brews, cappuccinos, and espressos to choose from. Adding a touch of Disney pixie dust to this morning spot, baristas can customize your drink and add some character art to the top of your foam.

For tea lovers, choose from chai, exotic loose leaf, and premium iced teas! After grabbing that cup of joe, take a short walk over to Town Center and check out some of the incredible artwork featuring local and global artists work on display at the Disney Springs Art Walk, a perfect spot for a selfie with family and friends.

A Delicious Start: Breakfast and Brunch Favorites

From sweet and savory to hearty Southern classics, mornings at Disney Springs turn breakfast into a destination all its own. Here are some places you should check out during your next visit.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’serves up aspecial Southern‑style brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., inviting you to slow down and savor comforting flavors like fluffy French toast, savory biscuits topped with fried chicken, and classic chicken and waffles! The restaurant’s full menu is also available beginning at 11:00 a.m. each day.

Summer House on the Lakebrings laid‑back coastal vibes to weekend brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. The menu blends fresh, flavorful starters like jalapeño cornbread, whipped burrata, and truffle fries with brunch specialties including the restaurant’s famous giant cinnamon roll!  If you’re visiting on the weekdays, the restaurant also has grab-and-go options at its Cookie Bar including coffees, espressos and pastries.

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew delivers inventive donut flavors every morning starting at 9:00 a.m., from classic glazed to over-the-top candy‑topped creations.

Earl of Sandwich is a reliable early‑opening option for when you are looking for something hot and satisfying on the go. Open daily at 9:00 a.m. this shop has a lineup of artisan breakfast sandwiches featuring egg, cheddar, bacon, sausage, or ham.

Wine Bar George elevates weekend mornings with its Wine Country Brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10:30 a.m., featuring shareable small plates, brunch boards, indulgent entrées, and family‑friendly offerings in a relaxed setting.

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar brings bold Southern flavors to weekend brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The menu blends comfort classics and creative twists, from chicken biscuits and gravy and chicken ’n’ donuts to breakfast burritos, brisket hash, French toast, pancakes, and more, making it a lively option for when you’re ready to kick off the day with great food and a fun atmosphere.

For something fast and savory, stop by Marketplace Snacks starting at 11:00 a.m.to try the hot honey chicken waffle, packed with spice and flavor.

For a refreshing smoothie or acai bowl, visit the Go Juice food truck, open at 11:00 a.m., to start your day.

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Disney Springs Breakfast Tips:
  • While Disney Springs opens daily at 9:00 a.m., many breakfast and brunch locations begin service closer to 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.
  • Earl of Sandwich opens earlier than most, while House of Blues and Wine Bar George stand out as excellent weekend brunch destinations.
  • Reservations are highly encouraged on weekends for table‑service locations.

Morning Shopping at Disney Springs

Where else in the “world” can you be part of a magical celebration daily for a store opening? Look no further than the World of Disney, the world’s largest selection of Disney merchandise. Early mornings at the massive store let you experience the shop the way it was meant to be – relaxed, immersive, and full of discovery!

Every morning at 10:00 a.m., take part in a magical moment of the store opening, complete with a key, red carpet, and tons of applause as the first guests step inside for the new day.

Once inside, you can find everything from fun clothing, Mickey Mouse plushies, toys, pins, home accessories, and so much more. There is no better feeling making your first Disney purchase of the day while the magic is just beginning.

Aerophile Balloon at Disney Springs

Early Entertainment at Disney Springs

Take Flight in a Soaring Balloon Experience

As the day begins at Disney Springs, a morning ascent aboard the Aerophile balloonoffers a peaceful and unforgettable perspective. Gliding 400-feet high in the soft early light reveals sweeping views of nearby EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.

With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, it’s a refreshing way to send your early bird itinerary soaring. Seeing Disney Springs wake up from above is a reminder that this experience is truly one you can only find here. Note: the balloon will not operate in inclement weather.

Strike Up Some Fun: Bowling or a Movie in the Morning

Who says bowling and movies are only for later in the day? Mornings at Disney Springs offer a surprisingly perfect window for family fun at Splitsville Luxury Lanesor an early matinee at AMC Theatres.

With more lane availability in the morning hours starting at 11:00 a.m., a quieter atmosphere, and plenty of space to play, Splitsville becomes an easygoing, multigenerational stop where kids, parents, and grandparents can all join in on the fun. Pair the bowling withlight bites or a relaxed lunch and keep the day moving at your own pace.

Prefer the big screen without the crowds? Just across from Splitsville Luxury Lanes is AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24. With movies starting as early as 9:30 a.m., the theatre offers discounted matinee tickets before 4 p.m., making morning movies an easy win.

PhotoPass Photographer at Disney Springs

Picture Perfect Moments with PhotoPass

Mornings at Disney Springs set the stage for some beautiful photos, and theDisney PhotoPass Studio is the perfect way to capture it. Opening at 11:00 a.m., the location features seasonal backdrops where families can enjoy stress-free photo sessions without rushing or waiting; no reservation required. It’s the ideal time for candid moments and genuine smiles.

 This is the perfect spot in the morning for snapping shots for an upcoming holiday card, a special celebration, or simply preserving the feeling of the day.

Kids’ Activities and HandsOn Experiences

Mornings at Disney Springs are when kids are most energized, engaged, and ready to explore, and the destination offers no shortage of hands-on fun to match that excitement.

From Saturday morning activations at the Disney Springs Kids Club to interactive retail, morning hours give families the space to slow down and let imaginations run free. One fun option is over at the LEGO store where kids can build their own creations at the LEGO Minifigure Factory.

Another fun experience is over at the Little Words Project where for a discounted price, kids can design their own handcrafted bracelets at the Bead Bar. Reservations are recommended for both experiences.

For adults looking to add something special to their morning, Amorette’s Patisserieoffers cake decorating experiences that blend culinary artistry with hands-on fun in an  incredible setting. Disney’s Days of Christmasshop also allows adults to personalize their own keepsakes. Throughout Cool KIDS’ SUMMER which begins May 26, look for dance parties and more as Disney Springs joins the celebration.

Whether you’re sipping coffee, soaring high above the district, or snapping the perfect family photo, Disney Springs proves the magic doesn’t wait until nightfall. For early birds, it’s the first chapter of a truly memorable day.