Downtown Disney Offers Terrific Dining And Entertainment Options For The Entire Family
It's very easy to get to Downtown Disney in Lake Buena Vista, thanks to the transportation offered by any of the Walt Disney World resorts. You can eat, shop, or even take a boat ride in the Marketplace in Downtown Disney. You can avoid the crowds by simply reading on.
Great Food
Let's say the first thing you want to do is eat so that you have plenty of energy for shopping and nobody gets irritable.
Are you into seafood? You can dine in Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar anytime between 11:30AM and 10:30PM. Sit at a table by the waterfront and look out over the lake. The clam chowder is a must-try, as well as the crab cakes and seafood pasta.
Perhaps you're in the mood for Latin chicken with yucca fries and fried plantains. The chicken is famous at Pollo Campero. Located in an old McDonald's, the restaurant also offers organic, vegetarian, low-sodium, sugar-free, and gluten-free meals for the health-conscious.
Not in the mood for healthy food? You want rich, creamy and sweet. How does an ice-cream sundae sound? Not just any sundae, mind you. This is sundae made from the best chocolate, only at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. There's a soda fountain, too! You remember those, right? The best part is it's not even unhealthy. There are also fat-free and sugar-free ice cream varieties at Ghirardelli's. It's best to go early. This way, you can beat the nighttime crowd.
Does eating in a rainforest sound appealing to you? You can enjoy pasta, sandwiches, salads, steaks, and seafood at the Rainforest Cafv©. The kids can have their hotdogs and burgers, too. You can eat amidst banyan trees, waterfalls, and animatronic wild animals. Expect a "thunderstorm" now and then. And the colorful tropical fish in the saltwater aquarium is pure eye-candy. You can also visit the bar under the giant Magic Mushroom and ask for a special drink.
If you fancy gourmet food quickly, try the fast-food version of the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant in Downtown Disney's West Side, aptly called the Wolfgang Puck Express. The price is moderate and the place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can have muffins, omelets, waffles and French toast, and fruits in the morning, as well as soups, salads, wood-fired pizza, and rotisserie chicken during the rest of the day with cookies and ice cream for dessert.
If you're really in a hurry, the Earl of Sandwich is the place to be. With their special spreads and sauces, the Earl makes fresh sandwiches while you wait. Their ice-cream sandwiches and pastries are also famous. Very reasonably priced.
Really on the go? The Marketplace has numerous kiosks offering smoothies, coffee drinks, and even Margaritas, as well as snacks.
Ready to shop?
Disney stuff are a must for Disney fans. If you're a cook, a visit to Mickey's Pantry is highly recommended. There you can find waffle irons, dinner plates, and coffee mugs with a Mickey theme. Don't forget to visit the "Spice & Tea Exchange" section where you can get flavored sugars, sea salt, spices and tea.
Of course, a visit to Disney world is nothing without toys. Once Upon a Toy Store has more Disney-themed toys than you ever dream of. It even looks like it was constructed out of Lincoln Logs. There are even Disney DVDs available.
More toys? How does a shop exclusively devoted to LEGOs sound? The LEGO Imagination Center is LEGO heaven, and here you can find kits, games, clothing, and, of course, every kind of LEGO imaginable. Kids will enjoy the gigantic outdoor play zone. And watch out for the LEGO sea serpent in the lake.
Do you collect Disney memorabilia? At The Art of Disney, you'll find all sorts of Disney-themed artwork as well as Walt Disney Classic Collection figurines, crystal and china. The price range varies, too, so everyone can pick up a piece or two.
At Disney Design-A-Tee, you can design your own t-shirt with your own art. To help you through the creative process, there are easy-to-use computers that can help you. Choose a character like Tinker Bell and write your own text.
Of course, Disney holiday decorations should not be forgotten. At Disney's Days of Christmas, you'll find ornaments, hats, stockings all in Disney character, including Disney holiday movies and decorations for Hanukkah.
Personal Princess Care
At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the World Of Disney Store, you can be transformed into a princess. Little girls from age 3 onwards can choose from a variety of hairstyles, including Pop Princess, Disney Diva, and Fairytale Princess. Advance reservation at the salon is advised. To have your hair, makeup and even your nails done Disney princess style, call (407) WDW-STYLE or (407) 939-7895.
Also in World Of Disney Store - a world of natural bath and facial products at Basin, including scented candles, bath crystals, and special soaps.
Within the fifty-thousand square-foot World of Disney Store mall, you can find every Disney-themed item you could possibly want from computer software to fridge magnets to watches.
In the mood for sports?
The sports enthusiast will find all kinds of sports memorabilia and apparel, and even ESPN merchandise, at the Team Mickey Athletic Club. Even Disney-themed bowling balls to give you that magic edge.
Or maybe you feel like getting dressed up for that romantic boat ride you're going to take later. Tren-D features stylish and hip stuff. There are Disney Couture designer jewelry and clothing, as well as eco-friendly purses made out of recycled candy wrappers.
The Village Lake Boat Ride
At this point, you're probably all glammed up now. You can rent pontoon boats for a large group of 10, canopy boats for up to 8 people, or the more romantic Sea Raycer for two people at Cap'n Jack's Marina. You can also sign up for bass fishing expeditions, as well as cruises at Cap'n Jack's.
Great Food
Let's say the first thing you want to do is eat so that you have plenty of energy for shopping and nobody gets irritable.
Are you into seafood? You can dine in Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar anytime between 11:30AM and 10:30PM. Sit at a table by the waterfront and look out over the lake. The clam chowder is a must-try, as well as the crab cakes and seafood pasta.
Perhaps you're in the mood for Latin chicken with yucca fries and fried plantains. The chicken is famous at Pollo Campero. Located in an old McDonald's, the restaurant also offers organic, vegetarian, low-sodium, sugar-free, and gluten-free meals for the health-conscious.
Not in the mood for healthy food? You want rich, creamy and sweet. How does an ice-cream sundae sound? Not just any sundae, mind you. This is sundae made from the best chocolate, only at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. There's a soda fountain, too! You remember those, right? The best part is it's not even unhealthy. There are also fat-free and sugar-free ice cream varieties at Ghirardelli's. It's best to go early. This way, you can beat the nighttime crowd.
Does eating in a rainforest sound appealing to you? You can enjoy pasta, sandwiches, salads, steaks, and seafood at the Rainforest Cafv©. The kids can have their hotdogs and burgers, too. You can eat amidst banyan trees, waterfalls, and animatronic wild animals. Expect a "thunderstorm" now and then. And the colorful tropical fish in the saltwater aquarium is pure eye-candy. You can also visit the bar under the giant Magic Mushroom and ask for a special drink.
If you fancy gourmet food quickly, try the fast-food version of the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant in Downtown Disney's West Side, aptly called the Wolfgang Puck Express. The price is moderate and the place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can have muffins, omelets, waffles and French toast, and fruits in the morning, as well as soups, salads, wood-fired pizza, and rotisserie chicken during the rest of the day with cookies and ice cream for dessert.
If you're really in a hurry, the Earl of Sandwich is the place to be. With their special spreads and sauces, the Earl makes fresh sandwiches while you wait. Their ice-cream sandwiches and pastries are also famous. Very reasonably priced.
Really on the go? The Marketplace has numerous kiosks offering smoothies, coffee drinks, and even Margaritas, as well as snacks.
Ready to shop?
Disney stuff are a must for Disney fans. If you're a cook, a visit to Mickey's Pantry is highly recommended. There you can find waffle irons, dinner plates, and coffee mugs with a Mickey theme. Don't forget to visit the "Spice & Tea Exchange" section where you can get flavored sugars, sea salt, spices and tea.
Of course, a visit to Disney world is nothing without toys. Once Upon a Toy Store has more Disney-themed toys than you ever dream of. It even looks like it was constructed out of Lincoln Logs. There are even Disney DVDs available.
More toys? How does a shop exclusively devoted to LEGOs sound? The LEGO Imagination Center is LEGO heaven, and here you can find kits, games, clothing, and, of course, every kind of LEGO imaginable. Kids will enjoy the gigantic outdoor play zone. And watch out for the LEGO sea serpent in the lake.
Do you collect Disney memorabilia? At The Art of Disney, you'll find all sorts of Disney-themed artwork as well as Walt Disney Classic Collection figurines, crystal and china. The price range varies, too, so everyone can pick up a piece or two.
At Disney Design-A-Tee, you can design your own t-shirt with your own art. To help you through the creative process, there are easy-to-use computers that can help you. Choose a character like Tinker Bell and write your own text.
Of course, Disney holiday decorations should not be forgotten. At Disney's Days of Christmas, you'll find ornaments, hats, stockings all in Disney character, including Disney holiday movies and decorations for Hanukkah.
Personal Princess Care
At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the World Of Disney Store, you can be transformed into a princess. Little girls from age 3 onwards can choose from a variety of hairstyles, including Pop Princess, Disney Diva, and Fairytale Princess. Advance reservation at the salon is advised. To have your hair, makeup and even your nails done Disney princess style, call (407) WDW-STYLE or (407) 939-7895.
Also in World Of Disney Store - a world of natural bath and facial products at Basin, including scented candles, bath crystals, and special soaps.
Within the fifty-thousand square-foot World of Disney Store mall, you can find every Disney-themed item you could possibly want from computer software to fridge magnets to watches.
In the mood for sports?
The sports enthusiast will find all kinds of sports memorabilia and apparel, and even ESPN merchandise, at the Team Mickey Athletic Club. Even Disney-themed bowling balls to give you that magic edge.
Or maybe you feel like getting dressed up for that romantic boat ride you're going to take later. Tren-D features stylish and hip stuff. There are Disney Couture designer jewelry and clothing, as well as eco-friendly purses made out of recycled candy wrappers.
The Village Lake Boat Ride
At this point, you're probably all glammed up now. You can rent pontoon boats for a large group of 10, canopy boats for up to 8 people, or the more romantic Sea Raycer for two people at Cap'n Jack's Marina. You can also sign up for bass fishing expeditions, as well as cruises at Cap'n Jack's.
