Weekend Trip to Disney Downtown

"Disney ... Let the memories Begin!

Disney ... Where the dreams come true!"

(Lines of Walt Disney Company )


A weekend trip to Disney Downtown proved to be fun and relaxing! There is a lot to see and to keep you busy and rocking for a weekend. Especially, if you happen to stay in FL, this could be a nice weekend drive + trip.



•Transportation

Located at Orlando, you could get great deals on Flights. This would be a great drive if you happen to be living around/near Orlando. Best time to visit would be all around the year.



•Accommodation

Websites like Kayak.com has sales and deals for hotel resorts on Lake BuenaVista located with in the Disney Area with free transportation to theme parks and the Disney town.Wyndham resort, Hilton are some that are just across the street from Disney Downtown.


•Highlights

Disney Downtown is a great place to spend time through out the day and night. Open from 9:30 AM till 11:30 in the night, it accomodates fun activities like Characters in flight(Hot Air balloon ride) on the pleasure Island, Disney 3D simulation rides at Disney Quest , Cirque du Soleil on the westside, and Shopping centers like Lego, Once upon at Toy that features all the Disney characters toys, World of Disney store, Pin Traders Store at the market place. It also features a mini train ride for kids.


There are special Christmas events like Santa Claus at the Market place, Christmas Decorations & lighting during the Christmas time.



•Hot spots


1.The Air balloon ride called "Characters in Flight" to 400 feet high at the pleasure island is pleasant. Just make sure to get it the line as early as possible. The line could get longer and the waiting time longer if there are heavy winds. It is a 10 minute ride with 2-3 minutes at the top and the rest of the time to ascend/descend.


2.A stroll on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Planet Hollywood at WestSide that showcases real stuff being used by different Actors & Actress during a film shooting and it houses a restuarant too.



3.West side - Cirque du Soleil with show times in the evenings.The tickets range from $90 and above based on the seating.House of blues located on the west side is a live musical club that features regional musicians.There is also the Disney Quest spread on 3 floors with a $45 admission fee and shops like WetSeal,SunGlasshut,Harley Davidson shop, & AMC-Dine-In theaters.


4.Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the Disney Downtown's market place turns your young ones to pretty princesses.


•Food

Disney Downtown had some of the courteous,homely and best tasting food stalls. We had been to Fresh A Peel shop where we could request for custom wraps. T-Rex and RainForest Cafe are amazingly decorated restuarants that kids would definitely love to visit. The food was really tasty at the RainForest cafe and features thunders once in 30 minutes driving off the elephants to trumpet.AMC Dine-in theaters where you could eat as you watch the movie wouldn't be boring.


•Map


The Disney Downtown consists of the Market place Swarmed with shops and restuarants, The Pleasure Island, and the Westside.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/maps/




•Coupons


There should be great coupons online for Lego and most of the restuarants. The Hotels too would be having some discount coupon books for the Disney Downtown.


Favorites /Fun/TidBits


1.The fountain at the entrance from the marketPlace is exciting located at the entrance and in front of one of the Once upon a Toy store entrances. kids would love to play in the waters. Carry a spare set of clothes for kids and they are sure to love to play in that water fountain.


2.Try to locate the theme parks while up at 400 feet in the hot air balloon.


3.Take a free ferry ride from the dock located near the RainForest Cafe of Market place to the WestSide. you can walk down from WestSide back to market Place later or vice-versa. A ride from the pleasureIsland dock to market place(RainForest Cafe dock) would give a nice view from the water side of the Lego Lochness monster.

4.Some of the restuarants could get pretty busy during lunch times with waiting time of 20-30 minutes. Prepare ahead.Ask for an isolated spot at Restuarants like RainCafe Forest and T-Rex. you might end up with being seated next to the Aquarium or an exibhited display :)


5.Stop, Listen to the music as you watch the Lake view and the Balloon on the bridge connecting the Market place and Pleasure island.


•Things to Pack


Go Light. There would be lot of walking hence, Wear light convenient foot wear. There are not many water fountains but plenty of stalls that sell water bottles and coffee hence, you might want to keep some change handy. caps/hats are must if visiting during summer and not really necessary if visiting during Christmas time. Pack your swimsuit - The resort hotels might have a Pool/Jacuzzi.

•Keywords


Disney Downtown, Westside, Market place, Pleasure Island, Disney, Balloon