Downtown Disney

Once you have enjoyed the time at the parks, the charms of Downtown Disney are the next. Downtown Disney is made of 3 parts, each different in its approach to fun and excitement. All the 3 areas are a stone’s throw from each other. Although you can saunter across from one to another, you can also take the Disney transportation, which stops at each of these places. In case you have driven down, free parking is available in each area. For a $7 fee, Valet parking is available after 6 p.m., except on Tuesday and Wednesday. You can also travel down from Downtown Disney Marketplace to Downtown Disney Westside on canopied water taxis from 6 p.m. to midnight on all days.

There are great restaurants and shows in Downtown Disney. You can spend an afternoon shopping in a variety of shops or relax with a movie at AMC 24 Theatres. You can also just relax at the beautiful Disney waterfront.
Downtown Disney Market Place:

Whatever is your culinary taste, Downtown Disney has a place for you. You can have fast food, fine food, or dessert, depending upon your mood at the time whether it is day or night. Visit a club, do your shopping or dine at the fine restaurants and relax at the Disney waterfront.

True to the name, Downtown Disney Market Place has a variety of shops, about 16 in number. The world’s largest Disney store “The World of Disney” is located here, full of Walt Disney World gifts. Along the beautiful Disney waterfront, you can buy all your souvenirs from crayons to clothes.

Basin, Disney’s Days of Christmas, Disney’s Pin Traders, Eurospain, Once upon a Toy, Pooh Corner, Lego Imagination Centre, World of Disney, Team Mickey Athletic Club, Rainforest Cafe Shop are some of the fine shops along the waterfront, offering clothing, toys, collectibles, jewellery and food. Walk amidst the Lego sculptures, food carts, fountains, and outdoor cafes, while you shop non-stop. Children can buy tickets and enjoy the train and carousel rides and if it is Christmas season, Santa Claus will be there for them.

Cap’n Jack’s Oyster Bar, Rainforest Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghiradelli’s Soda Fountain along with McDonalds are some of the best restaurants found in the Marketplace. A parrot or two with a tropical rainforest storm will keep you company at the “Gorilla Room” in the Rainforest Cafe.

You can spend a nice afternoon boat ride at Cap’n Jack’s by renting water sprites, canopy boats, or pontoon boats. You can try your hand at cane pole fishing. You do not need a fishing permit, as all fishing is catch and release. Fishing excursions for up to 5 people lasting 3 or 4 hours are available with all supplies thrown in. By calling 1-407-WDW-PLAY, you can make reservations and get further information.

Pleasure Island

The party begins at Pleasure Island, described as a "New Year’s Eve bash 365 nights a year”. This district of Downtown Disney is perfect place during day for shopping, lunch or early dinner with family. The admission is free from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The “island” has some of the greatest clubs and charges $21 per head after 7 p.m. Naturally, a parent or guardian has to accompany anyone less than 18.

Clubs on Pleasure Island:

The Adventurer’s Club - Done up on 1930’s decor with eccentric stage shows, the four rooms are filled with non-stop entertainment. It is a non-smoking club.

BET SoundStage Club - R&B or hip-hop, take your choice, have your dance, and enjoy Caribbean style finger foods. You should have a valid photo ID proving you are 21, to be allowed in.

Comedy Warehouse - This non-smoking club provides some of the best “improv” on the planet.

8Trax - Disco Fever! this retro let you enjoy the familiar tunes of 70’s. Thursdays are special, being reserved for the hits from the big-haired 80’s.

Mannequins Dance Palace - The only other place requiring a valid photo ID proving you are 21, with a revolving dance floor, it is the ultimate dance club. It has been voted #1 dance club in the Southeast.

The Rock 'n’ Roll Beach Club - Live bands and wacky DJ’s keep dishing out the top hits of yesterday and today.

Motion - It's new. It's a party. It's Motion! Full of the non-stop energy of the youth. Dance through the sleek cobalt blue of space while live DJ's spin the night away.

The Jazz Company - You can enjoy a fabulous array of wines and spirits and relax with the smoothest Jazz east of the Big Easy.

Of course, there are shops and restaurants on Pleasure Island, which are as diverse as the clubs. Changing Attitudes, DTV, and Reel Finds are the variety shops while delicious regional Italian cuisine and an award-winning wine list are available at
Portobello Yacht Club restaurant. The Missing Link Sausage Company features Italian sausage, bratwurst, and kielbasa; the D-Zertz is a chocolate lover's haven.

West Side

The theatre district spot of Downtown Disney is called aptly “West Side”. The wonderful circus tent-like theatre, Cirque du Soleil, is located here. Towering above everything in West Side, Cirque du Soleil offers a wonderful mix of circus art and entertainment.

There are many more wonderful attractions like DisneyQuest, the ultimate interactive adventure. The latest movie releases are at AMC 24 theatre movie complex. Movie information is available by calling 1-407-298-4488. The House of Blue’s frequently hosts some of the great musicians. Information on artist’s appearances is available at telephone number 1-407- 934-2583. Occasionally, an ice skating rink is put up during Christmas season.

There are many unique shops at West Side like Virgin Megastore; Magnetron; Celebrity Eyeworks Studio; Guitar Gallery; Hoypoloi; Starbilia’s and Planet Hollywood on Location.

There are many “fun” food-spots available, from Planet Hollywood, to Bongo’s Cuban Cafe and Wolfgang Puck’s Cafe. Finest Mississippi Delta cuisine is available at the House of Blues and cappuccino at Forty Thirst Street.

The Disney’s Candy Cauldron, is strategically placed to pick up sweets to round off the day.