Hey there, Julie. I, too, always drive to and from Walt Disney World. It's an easy drive from where I live, plus I love having my own car to zip around the Walt Disney World Resort.
I love your last-day plans. In fact, that's typically what I like to do too. I love visiting Disney Springs. You can actually find me there almost every evening of my vacation. There are so many great dining and shopping options. You are going to have a great time exploring that area before you head home. Your resort privileges actually don't expire until midnight on the day you check-out. You are more than welcome to keep your car parked at your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel and use the complimentary transportation to and from Disney Springs. If you wanted to, you could even use the pool facilities. Typically, on our last day, I'll ask for a late check-out. Sometimes the request is granted and sometimes it's not based on availability. If we can have a late checkout, my family and I like to spend that last morning enjoying Mickey waffles by the pool then head back to the room to clean up and pack before heading to Disney Springs for a few hours. It's a really great way to spend your last day.
If you want to drive to Disney Springs and leave straight from there when you are finished, parking is actually free in the parking garages. I prefer to park in the lime garage as it's easy to access to most of the shops that I enjoy but all of the garages are nice and have plenty of parking. Once you've parked, you'll go through temperature checks and a security screening and then you'll head into Disney Springs. If you are looking for a lunch recommendation, my absolute favorite place to eat right now is
The BOATHOUSE. The restaurant is set right on the water providing the most gorgeous view and the menu really has something for everyone. I've had a lot of the menu offerings there but right now I am stuck on the lobster roll. I ask for no mayo, the lobster to be served warm with butter and then upgrade to the truffle fries. It's delicious. If you are in the mood for pizza, I am also loving
Pizza Ponte right now. They serve up individual rectangle pizza slices with some of the best flavor combinations. They also have salads and sandwiches and I find the prices are really affordable. For shopping, of course, you'll need to visit
World of Disney which is the world's largest Disney Store but I also recommend checking out some of the smaller stores around like
DisneyStyle and the
Marketplace Co-op which have some really unique things as well.
Disney Springs is such a fun place to visit during your Walt Disney World vacation. I am really glad that you've worked into your itinerary. If you have any other questions or need more shopping or dining recommendations,
I'm here to help!
Have fun!