Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is where we like to spend our evenings if we’re not at the parks late and on our days off from the park. Not only are there great places to eat, plenty of entertainment, and shops galour but, this is a great place to slow down and relax while still being surrounded by everything Disney. So, what I am going to do here is point out all of my favorite spots along with links to the Disney World site so you can learn more about everything there.

Let’s start with Entertainment. If you like to go to the movies then the Pleasure Island Theater Complex is the place to go. This theater complex features loveseat-style stadium seating and awesome THX Surround Sound and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound in all 24 of its theaters.

A popular nightspot for adults was Pleasure Island. My wife and I went here one evening a few years ago and had a wonderful time but it seems the area is losing its luster so Disney has opted to close it on September 28th, 2008. However, Disney never closes something without replacing it with something bigger and better. Disney is in the process of building the T-Rex Café which will open in late 2008. I can’t wait to see what this is going to be like! We saw the construction beginning the last time we were at the World and it appears to cover a fairly large area.

If you like arcades then you’re going to love DisneyQuest! DisneyQuest is an An indoor Interactive Theme Park. A HUGE Interactive Theme Park! Every arcade feature you have ever dreamed of is inside this building. Some of my favorites are:

• CyberSpace Mountain – Design your own roller coaster on a computer, with special assistance from Bill Nye the Science Guy. Make it as scary as you want. When you’re done, jump in a simulator and ride your creation in full 360° motion& if you dare!
• Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for Buccaneer Gold Inhabit a world where blade meets blade, booming with swashbuckling action. Steer your pirate’s ship, fire cannons at marauding buccaneers and race for the gold!
• Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters – Pilot your own futuristic bumper car. The only problem is you’re in a battle and always under attack! So you must fight back by scooping up “cannonballs,” loading them into your blaster and firing away at the other cars. It’s an asteroid-blasting game unlike any other.

Music is everywhere in Disney World and Downtown Disney is no exception. If you’re in the mood for some live music you can head over to The House of Blues where there’s always something going on. My recommendation to you would be NOT to miss the Sunday Gospel Brunch. Great gospel music and awesome food! Be sure and call ahead for reservations though as the brunch fills up very quickly. As for supper or lunch, my favorite dish there would be the Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich.

Last but certaianly not least, a must-see is Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba. I can’t even begin to describe this show. Just a circus? No Way! Solid fast-paced exciting entertainment that you will never forget? YES! This is something you just have to do. The entire family will enjoy it.

Ok, that takes care of entertainment. What about dining? In Downtown Disney there’s no way you could ever go hungry. There are so many choices it’s hard to figure out where to eat at times. To make it a little easier for you, here are my choices and the reasons I go there:

• House of Blues for supper – the Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich
• Bongos Cuban Cafe – for a Cuban coffee after dinner
• Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – for authentic Irish cuisine
• Wolfgang Puck – for Sushi
• Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop – for a free sample of chocolate and to buy some!
• Earl of Sandwich – a great place for breakfast

There are plenty more choices but as I said, the ones listed above are our favorites.

Alright, we have taken in some choice entertainment, eaten some fantastic food, and now it’s time to do some shopping. There are SO many shops in Downtown Disney. I’m not going to list them all but you can click here to see the entire list. Here are my favorites and what I go there for:

• World Of Disney – For all my souveniers. Yes, you can get them in the parks but this is the place to get a HUGE variety of gifts.
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – If you have a little girl, this is a must! Every little girl wants to be a princess so why not give your little one the chance. They will transform your little one into a magical princess complete with the outfit and hairstyle here.
• Virgin Records Megastore – More music and movies than you have ever seen in your life! This is a cultural experience too. They carry music from all over the world that you can listen to.
• Disney’s Days Of Christmas -  What can I say? You have to go here to get Christmas decorations to remember your trip.
• Disney’s Pin Traders -  We collect pins so stopping here is a must to pick up a new pin. They also have brief cases and things here too.
• Magnetron Magnetz -  This is a really fun store. If you know someone who collects magnets, or if you do, this is a cool place to go. If you can imagine it, they put it on a magnet. Cool gag gifts here too.
• Sosa Family Cigars – I’m not a smoker but from time to time I enjoy a good cigar. In fact, the only time I really have a cigar is when we’re here.

So there’s my rundown on Downtown Disney. Like I said, this is a great place to unwind and relax after a long day at the parks and on your days off from the parks. I know you will enjoy it as much as we do. Have a magical day!