Disney Springs: It’s like a Disney theme park without an admission fee

With new Star Wars attractions and a sprinkle of pixie dust, Disney Springs is like a Disney theme park without an admission fee.

The dining and shopping destination Disney Springs in Orlando is a popular locale for tourists and locals. But could it also be like a Disney theme park? With each new celebrity chef restaurant and well-known brand store, this Disney property constantly grows in popularity. The carefully planned area totally transformed the former Downtown Disney. Today, guests can eat, drink, shop, and relax throughout the vast waterfront area. But it’s more than just a place to spend money.

As Disney adds more and more entertainment options, Disney Springs is almost like the sixth Disney Florida theme park. Coming this holiday season, Disney Springs will welcome the “Wars: Secrets of the Empire.” This Star Wars experience is expected to be a “hyper-reality experience.” For Star Wars fans, it becomes a great option while they wait for the Star Wars Lands to open at Hollywood Studios.

Secrets of the Empire, photo from BusinessWire

According to reports, a collaboration between Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB and The VOID, this Star Wars experience seems like it will have fans asking Santa for an early Christmas present. The VOID tells guests that they will “step into Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire [and] won’t just see this world, they’ll know that they are part of this amazing story.” While the price to attend this Star Wars experience has not be published, Star Wars fans will likely want to check it out no matter what.

Adding this type of experience to Disney Springs is a very smart choice for Disney. After the recent closing of Disney Quest, Disney needed a new entertainment activity in the area. While there is bowling, movies, and live music, the Star Wars experience brings some of that Disney magic to Disney Springs.

With Hollywood Studios still building the official Star Wars Land, some people may not want to spend the admission price for limited Star Wars experiences. Launch Bay is basically an area to take pictures. The current Star Wars ride isn’t overly exciting. Jedi Training is only for kids. Older fans may prefer this new, virtual reality Star Wars experience, especially when it doesn’t come with a $100 admission fee. Plus, if someone in the family isn’t interested in this experience, the cost saving can be even more. Grandma can enjoy a wine and appetizer at the Boathouse while the grandkids experience The Force. The situation benefits everyone.

Adding another Star Wars area to Disney Springs is smart business. Disney and Star Wars fans have a strong loyalty to the brand. Just recently, Disney Spring replaced the market place with a Star Wars Trading Post. Being able to supporting two Star Wars stores in a small area is quite telling. Fans are buying items and tourists are buying vacation mementos.

Disney Springs works so well because it isn’t a big mall or restaurant area. It is a Disney property with all the Disney pixie dust that people come to expect. Star Wars aside, the area offers live entertainment, some of it free. Kids can become Disney princesses and parade around the area. Disney character statutes are all around.

Granted, a visit to Disney Springs isn’t exactly the same as the theme parks. But it can be a good break or alternative to another park visit. Theme park tickets can become expensive. Skipping a park day to visit Disney Springs is a great cost-saver.

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If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, remember Disney Springs. Consider it a Disney theme park without an admission fee.