Downtown Disney (Orlando)

[Sandman]

I've only been to Downtown Disney once to go to a concert at House of Blues and I'm going back Tuesday (for another concert). I plan on going early to walk around and maybe eat dinner at one of the restaurants there....anyone got any suggestions of things to do or places to eat?

[shunoshi]

I've only been to Downtown Disney once to go to a concert at House of Blues and I'm going back Tuesday (for another concert). I plan on going early to walk around and maybe eat dinner at one of the restaurants there....anyone got any suggestions of things to do or places to eat?

I have a single suggestion. Disney Quest. The last time I was there they had a retro arcade. It was frickin' awesome. Gauntlet, old sit-down Star Wars, Tron, Dig-Dug, etc. Trust me, awesome.

[hunterx280]

In terms of just downtown Disney there isn't a whole lot to do. It's mostly just shopping. There are clubs there but I'm not really into that scene. If you are, I hear it's pretty good. The only thing I can recommend is Fulton's Crab Shack. It is delicious. Expensive, but delicious.

[Sandman]

Yeah it seems to be just like Universal's Citywalk which I have spent time in and is fun to at least walk through. Just different shops for Disney.

[Commissar Rob]

The Lego Store is worth a visit...if you're into that sort of thing. I'd absolutely second shunoshi's idea - Disney Quest was a blast.

[n3rdXcore]

The House of Blues restaurant is pretty damn good, as is the Wolfgang Puck restaurant. I think I prefer the HoB style food more though.

[Durka-Dan]

I grew up 20 minutes away from Disney and Downton Disney was like my second hangout spot. I've eaten in every restaurant there and been in every shop. If you tell me what kinds of food you're interested in or shops I can help you better. Otherwise I recommend Wolfgang Puck and Bongos. As for shops I recommend the cigar shop there and a candy shop that makes their own candy right there. Definitely do yourself a favor and grab a make your own bag of jelly beans. The theaters are designed in a way where movie hopping is super easy. Stay away from the other shops as they are lame and expensive. Something free to do is take the boats around to all the "ports" and see some really nice scenery. If you're going before dark than pleasure island, across the bridge, it will be pretty much dead though there are some interesting stores there to see. That's generally where all the clubs are. If you continue on past the giant boat restaurant (don't recommend, pricey) you'll come to West side where there is a McDonalds, the before mentioned lego store, etc. All great stuff to see if you're going with family. A GREAT restaurant that I almost forgot is the Rain Forest. GO THERE! at least walk through it if you have never been to one. Here's a map if you need it (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/maps/mappopup?id=DowntownDisneyMapPage). Ask me about anything.

Edit: Almost forgot to let you in on the best parking spots. :D I use to go there for a lot of concerts myself and the very best parking is on the north west. Just go into the first entrance on the left from the main road if you're heading east (last entrance if going west) and go straight past the bus loops and that parking lot on the right goes all the way to pretty much the back of the HoB and Cirque du Soleil. It's not very well known about. Only the locals and event people really.

[Durka-Dan]

Here's the parking spot in red circle and HoB is the blue dot:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2948187810_97cc40860e.jpg?v=0

[KingGorilla]

If you want all of the appearance of Vegas or Bourbon street, without the fun of debauchery, then year. My Impression was that Downtown Disney is a great place to take your teens and tweens.

Speaking of Vegas, where is that sack of shit Pseudopseudo with the meet up down there?

[Typical Michael]

I can never remember which is which, Downtown Disney or Citywalk. Both have venues which I have been to, and look the same inside, so I get them mixed up. But yeah, Lego store is neat.

[Zabyx]

Durka... Pleasure Island closed last week.

EDIT: Well, to be less vague, just the nightclubs, but I think that's what you were talking about.

[Johan]

I know a really, really good retirement community there. You could go check out what happens when we get old and closer to death! :D

[Commissar Rob]

I know a really, really good retirement community there. You could go check out what happens when we get old and closer to death! :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2948519125_9e228f52c3.jpg?v=0

[carnage11]

All the restaurants there are ridiculously over priced. Wolfgang Puck's is good but it's expensive as hell. Don't go to Downtown Disney, just hang out on the strip between PI and HoB. Disney Quest is cool, but you need to make a day out of it. The lines can get pretty long, but the make your own roller coaster thing is fucking awesome. I could do that over and over again.

I would suggest just hanging out in Virgin Megastore and maybe checking out the magic shop. I always go to Virgin when I'm waiting for a movie to start. They have a good book store up stairs and they also have a pretty good stock of movies. I've found stuff in there that I had trouble finding anywhere else.

[fitbabits]

Say hello to Phil if you happen to see him there.

[Typical Michael]

Say hello to Phil if you happen to see him there.

Ohh....snap.

[cp#]

Downtown Disney blows.

[Purple Santa]

Downtown Disney blows.

It's Disney...of course it blows...