Whether you’re a local who’s “done” Disney Springs a hundred times or a visitor looking for one night that isn’t inside the “bubble” there’s more going on in the surrounding area than most guides mention. Here are nine worth knowing about.
1. Axe Throwing
A few minutes from Disney Springs, Bananas’ Axe Cabana gives you something theme parks don’t: an activity where you’re actually doing something the whole time, not standing in line for two minutes of ride time. Sixteen lanes, more than 20 built-in games beyond standard bullseye throwing, and a tiki bar on site make it an easy 60-90 minute stop for couples, friend groups, or families with older kids.
2. Trivia Night
If your group is more “know-it-all” than “adrenaline seeker,” Wednesday trivia nights are a low-key way to spend an evening without the theme-park price tag or crowds.
3. Shopping at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
If Disney Springs’ shops feel more like a curated mall than an actual outlet run, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is a short trip away and covers the discount/outlet side of shopping that Disney Springs doesn’t.
4. Dinner Without Setting Foot in Disney Springs
Skip the lines and markup at Disney Springs’ restaurants — some of the best food in the area is a few minutes away in the same plaza as Bananas’ Axe Cabana. Susuru covers Japanese gastropub small plates, KungFu Kitchen is a solid pick for Chinese, Kitty O’Shea’s Irish Pub and Buffalo Bar has the wings covered, and V Pizza rounds it out if the group wants something simpler. All four are walkable from each other.
5. A Fast-Food Detour Worth Taking
The same O-Town West plaza also has three out-of-state chains that a lot of visitors specifically go out of their way for: White Castle, Portillo’s (Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef), and Raising Cane’s. If your group has out-of-towners who don’t have these back home, it’s an easy stop before or after axe throwing.
6. A Round of Mini Golf
Fantasia Gardens & Fairways is a short drive from Disney Springs — a solid option for families looking for something lower-key than axe throwing but still active.
7. Escape Rooms
For groups that like a puzzle over a physical activity, The Escape Company is right around the corner — it’s actually on the same street as our Orlando location. Doldrick’s Escape Room in Kissimmee is a bit further out but worth the drive if you want a second option. Either makes for a good rainy-day alternative to the parks.
8. A Sunset Walk Along Lake Buena Vista
It costs nothing and takes twenty minutes, but stepping away from the crowds for a quiet walk near the water is an underrated way to reset in the middle of a busy trip.
9. Happy Hour Somewhere with Games Built In
Not every night out needs a formal plan. Venues that combine drinks with something to actually do — like axe throwing, darts, or trivia — tend to work better for mixed groups than a standard bar, since there’s always something to focus on besides conversation.
Making It a Full Night – Things to do near Disney Springs
A lot of visitors end up combining a few of these — dinner, then axe throwing, then walking back toward Disney Springs for dessert or shopping before heading out. If axe throwing is on your list, check current deals before you go, and book your lane online to avoid a wait once you arrive. Bananas’ Axe Cabana is located at 8462 Palm Parkway, Orlando — about five minutes from Disney Springs. Learn more about the venue here.