Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is not just for tourists; many locals enjoy shopping and getting out to this area mix of stores and restaurants. With numerous shows, shops and restaurants, it is a great place for a day or evening out. It is not uncommon for visitors to wrap up their day at a theme park and linger in one of Downtown Disney’s 3 sections – West Side, Marketplace & Pleasure Island.

Downtown Disney West Side
Downtown Disney West Side showcases top-notch restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck Café, House of Blues Restaurant, and Bongos Cuban Café, which was created by Gloria Estefan herself.  Entertainment options include a 24-screen AMC Pleasure Island movie theater, which features the latest movies with comfortable stadium seating, and state-of-the-art theaters.   The live music club House of Blues is located here as well.  You won’t want to miss the one-of-a-kind gaming experience at DisneyQuest, the 5-story Indoor Interactive theme park.  A must-see attraction here is the Cirque du Soleil- La Nouba live entertainment show.  La Nouba translates to mean ‘to party, to live it up’ and this show certainly lives up to its name. This futuristic circus spectacle features stunning aero-gymnastic performances, high wire and flying trapeze acts, along with dazzling sets, lighting, music, and brilliant choreography.

Downtown Disney Marketplace
Downtown Disney Marketplace provides an appealing place to take a break from Disney Theme Parks and Water Parks—especially if you’re in search of Disney merchandise.  There are many places to shop here, but a couple of the highlights are Disney’s Design-A-Tee shop, where you can create your very own souvenir shirt – YOUR favorite color, character art YOU pick out, and you can even add a text, pre-written or something in YOUR own words.  The marketplace also includes the 50,000 square foot World of Disney Store, the biggest Disney character store on Earth!  12 rooms contain everything you need, from collectibles and trading pins to watches, apparel, and baby needs.  And, inside the World of Disney Store, you will find the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where girls can get a ‘princess’ make-over and boys can get the ‘Cool Dudes Package’ make-over (children must be 3 or older).  And, when you need a break from shopping, relax at one of the lakeside restaurants like Portobello or Fulton’s Crab House.

Pleasure Island
Enjoy a brand new mix of shopping and dining experiences at Pleasure Island as it is transformed through 2011. Raglan Road Irish Pub & Bar, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Paradiso 37, Curl by Sammy Duval, Orlando Harley-Davidson, and outdoor food and beverage locations remain open during the transition. As other shops and venues open, we’ll keep you posted.

Whether your looking for that perfect Disney souvenir, great entertainment, or a quick bite to eat, check out Downtown Disney!