Down Town Disney...yeah or nay?

[First Mate Kate]

My last trip to WDW was sooo busy that we did not get a chance to go to Down town Disney. Did I miss much? Is it just shopping? I am totally clueless? Any info would be awesome. Thanks!

[celebrationasheley]

Yes mainly shopping and food, but it is very fun to walk around. A lot to see. But I would never go to dd over a park.

[Ray C.]

Yeah! Downtown Disney is pretty much shopping, but the atmosphere is great. The little shops are great to browse even if you don't buy anything. At the Marketplace there is a small train, a carousel, and you can even rent boats down at the marina. There is also the Lego Imagination Center at the Marketplace, and your kids can build anything they desire outside on little work tables (thats if you have boys that are into legos). Pleasure Island is nightclubs, and the West Side is more shopping, but has a city feel to it. Again, the shops at the West Side are very cool and interesting, especially Starabilias. They have some great movie-related memorabilia. Then there is also Disney Quest, which is an indoor interactive theme park (read: video games). The admission is a little steep at 30+ per person, but great for a rainy day! You also have quite a few table service eateries to choose from such as the Rainforest Cafe and Planet Hollywood.

[LoriMistress]

Yes, there are a lot of shops. But they also have several great restraunts, Disney Quest, the Cirque Du Soleil® La NouBa, Paradise Island, etc. It wouldn't be bad to check out maybe when you first arrive at WDW or maybe later on during the evening after a visit at one the parks.

[DizneyRox]

Pretty much just shopping. WIth all the merchandise being offered in every store on property the usefulness of shopping at DTD has greatly dimished.

We used to go so we could ship everything from the same store, but the benefits of that no longer exist. We spent all of 4 hours there on our last trip, probably less next time.

[SBETigg]

It's a shopping and entertainment area. We skipped it last trip, too, but we have been there and will go back next trip. If time is short, better to spend it at the parks.

[Caroleh]

We went there last year after we had eaten at Boma. We were staying at GF and had to go to AKL, so changed buses at DTD. We enjoyed just strolling though the shops and people watching. My DD(20) headed back to the resort, so it was just the DH and I enjoying ourselves. I don't know if I'd do it with kids though, it might cost too much!!!

[Christine]

Personally I love DTD Marketplace.

When I am in the parks, I am too busy doing rides, shows, etc. to really shop. I use DTD as my "after hours" shopping time. When the parks close, I head straight down there. I like the "one stop shopping" of World of Disney. Plus the 10% AP discount helps too!

[kakn7294]

I actually don't like DTD because it's usually much too crowded for my liking. I can put up with crowds in the parks but not at DTD. I don't even plan time to go there anymore - I can't see wasting time to go shopping when I could be in the parks.

[dolphinmickey9170]

Pretty much just shopping. WIth all the merchandise being offered in every store on property the usefulness of shopping at DTD has greatly dimished.

Personally I love DTD Marketplace.When I am in the parks, I am too busy doing rides, shows, etc. to really shop. I use DTD as my "after hours" shopping time. When the parks close, I head straight down there. I like the "one stop shopping" of World of Disney. Plus the 10% AP discount helps too!

This is so true....because you cannot get the discount at the park....

[Kristi Kay]

DTD is fantastic, but do it after the parks have closed....it's really relaxing down there and a lot of neat shops to explore.

[SgtTigger]

I say Yea to Downtown Disney.............

Why you ask.......

I like the market place.....
I can go through the Christmas store and look around at the great stuff... A lot they don't have in the parks.....

Out back you can take pictures with Snow Goofy and Mickey.......

I like to walk through the Art Of Disney.....

And I like to eat at Earl Of sandwich.... Very cheep sandwiches.......

[disney323]

You must go at some point. We go once almost every trip. It is amazing just to walk through the stores and look at all the details (Hint look up), they have so many stores and places to eat. We just enjoy walking around and taking in the sights, watching the kids play in the water, looking at the large lego sculptures, Disney Art work in the gallery, etc... There is also the west side and the stores over there and the movie theater.

[TIdoubleGR]

Yay!

I love DTD particularly for the atmosphere and great places to people watch. Lots of great Kodak moments, some unique shops, and there's something about Cirque that makes me feel giddy too...it's a lively place and a lot of fun to walk around and soak it all in, especially through Ghirardelli's window, soaking up a chocolate soda as well.

[BellewanaB]

There is SO MUCH TO DO in Downtown Disney!

When I lived down there I'd always go to Giradelli's for ice cream and sit outside and people watch.

Now, the Earl of Sandwich is the place to be- BEST sandwiches EVER (and I'm a Panerea Bread and Fresh City girl!)

Downtown Disney is great for if you rean out of passes or didn't get a hopper, it's a nice back-up. Also, if the weather is crummy, you have a ton of shops to hide in, you can head over to the West Side and sometimes sneak into Disney Quest on a discount (suring the off seasons) or learn a magic trick at the magic store, or even catch a movie at AMC.

DON'T recommend Bongos, though. They had multiple healt code violations when I lived down there. May have cleaned up their act since then but I still envision the rats from the Muppets Take Manhattan making my food.

[GenieOfPA]

its primarily shopping but there are also restaurants too. if you get a chance to go to DTD for lunch, stop by Earl of Sandwich. they have the best sandwiches EVER!

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

Love DTD!!

[Goofy Pluto]

I concur. DTD is a must for us. It's a really neat atmosphere, lots of great shops, and Ghiradelli's!

[mrsgaribaldi]

We go there just for the Earl of Sandwich sometimes. Delicious

[dumbo ears]

i say yeah. it has shopping but also has lots of restaurants, shows and the virgin record show which is a must for me. another good place you should visit is the boardwalk. i love the boardwalk more than DTD because it is homier to me and not as crowded. hope this helps