More Than Mickey: Exploring Accessible Dining and Shopping at Disney Springs

When most people think of Disney, they picture theme parks, rides, and character meet-and-greets—but Disney Springs offers a completely different experience that still captures that Disney magic. During a recent trip to Orlando for my brother’s birthday, we had the chance to explore the shopping and dining options at Disney Springs, and while most of the experience was great, there were a few accessibility hiccups worth noting.

My brother, who's currently part of the Disney College Program, decided to use his day off to spend time with us before our park day. He suggested we head to Disney Springs for the day to explore the shops, try some unique treats, and just take in the atmosphere—and I’m glad he did.

Easy Arrival, Fun Exploration

Getting to Disney Springs was surprisingly smooth. We found an ADA parking spot quickly, and getting from the garage to the entrance was just as easy. The walk to the elevators was straightforward, and security was quick and efficient.

Our first stop was the Coca-Cola Store, where we participated in their version of “Drinking Around the World.” We tried Coca-Cola beverages from different countries—some delicious, some very strange—but all part of the fun. This was such a unique, wheelchair-accessible experience and a great way to kick off the day.

Shopping with Some Tight Turns

From there, we explored a variety of stores, including Disney Style, World of Disney, The Star Wars Store, The Marvel Store, and Pelé Soccer. Stores like Disney Style and World of Disney were fantastic in terms of accessibility—spacious layouts and easy navigation made it a breeze to roll through and browse.

However, the other stores weren’t quite as accessible. The aisles were noticeably tighter, making it a challenge to navigate with my wheelchair. While I could get through most areas with some effort, it wasn’t easy or comfortable, and I found myself having to backtrack or avoid certain sections altogether.

A Birthday Dinner to Remember

After a full day of shopping and exploring, we grabbed some ice cream and made our way back to the hotel to freshen up for my brother’s birthday dinner. We dined at Toledo inside Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and the experience was excellent. The restaurant was accessible, elegant, and the staff went above and beyond to make our celebration special. From the flavorful dishes to the custom Mickey cake they brought out, it was a perfect end to a magical day.

Final Thoughts

Disney Springs delivered on fun, food, and that signature Disney charm. While most of the area was easy to navigate, some of the smaller stores still present challenges for wheelchair users due to cramped layouts. That said, the overall experience—from parking to shopping to celebrating—was definitely a memorable one.

🟢 4 out of 5 rating.

 Disney Springs offers magic for all, but some tighter store spaces could use a little pixie dust of improvement.