BEYOND THE THEME PARKS

Downtown
Disney
News and Basic Info
Basic Services
Recreation
Restaurants at a
   Glance
Tips & Notes

Marketplace
--Bibbidi Bobbidi
   Boutique
--Disney Tails
--Goofy's Candy Co.
--Lego Imagination
    Center
--Mickey's Mart
    (under $10)

Pleasure Island
--Adventurers Club
--Raglan Road

West Side
-- Cirque du Soleil
-- DisneyQuest

Annual Events
-- Festival of the
       Masters
-- Halloween
-- JazzFest
-- Latin Rhythm Nights
-- Mardi Gras
-- VIBE Live!

Water Parks
Blizzard Beach FAQ
Typhoon Lagoon FAQ

Disney's Boardwalk and the Epcot Resort Area
Introduction
Dining
Entertainment
Shopping

Tours
Descriptions and
  Reviews

Sports-Related Activities
Fishing Excursions
Miniature Golf
--Fantasia Gardens
--Winter Summerland
Parasailing
Richard Petty Driving
   Experience
Running/Jogging Trails
Surfing Class at
   Typhoon Lagoon
Wide World of Sports
   (WWoS)

MouseFest

Disney Vacation Club

Disney Cruise Line

Other Fun Things
Audience
   Participation
Birthday Ideas: Adults
Birthday Ideas: Kids
Carriage Rides
Collecting Character
   Autographs
Grand Floridian
   Adventures for
   Kids
Hidden Mickeys
Overlooked
   Attractions
Photography
--Film Tips
--Digital Tips
--Videotaping Tips
Pin Trading Guide
Pixies at WDW!
Pressed Penny &
   Quarter Guide
Scrapbook Ideas
Specialty Cruises
--IllumiNations
     Breathless/Pontoon
--Resort Park Cruises

Writers' Corner
Behind the Ears
Meet the Authors

AllEars.Net
   Feature Writers
-- Anita Answer
-- Debra Martin Koma
-- Brian Martsolf
-- Josh Olive
-- Amy Warren Stoll
-- Zamgwar

Orlando Area Information
Character Warehouse
   Outlet
Directions from
   Airport
Grocery Stores
Ground  Transportation
Orlando Area Outlets
Radio/TV Stations
Religious Services
Telephone Numbers

The best time to enjoy the shops at Downtown Disney is first thing in the morning during the week.  You will feel like you have the whole place to yourself.  On weekends and as evening approaches, the crowds will grow.   

Parking can be difficult at Downtown Disney, especially on the weekend evenings.  Seriously consider Valet Parking or Disney Transportation.  Pleasure Island Annual Passholders qualify for free valet parking.

If you plan to have dinner, especially in the West Side, be sure to time your arrival BEFORE the Cirque du Soliel show lets out.  Crowds from the show often walk into the Westside looking for a place to eat.  Wait times can triple immediately following a show.

Looking for walk around Disney characters?  You won't find any walking around at Downtown Disney.

Lots of photo ops at the Lego Play area!  Don't miss the man snoring on the bench.

Don't miss the World's Largest PeriKaleidoscope in the Marketplace Area.

Visit the Rainforest Cafe Website - Subscribe to the Jungle Vine, an email list.  Occasionally they will send coupons.  Also, check out the Safari Club for additional discounts.

The World of Disney store is HUGE!  It is very easy to get separated and/or lost in the store.  Keep close watch of your children.  When you enter, pick out a landmark so you can more easily find your way out.

Downtown Disney Tonight Information Line - Put this one on your Disney phone list! 407-939-2648 (or an easy way to remember it is 407-WDW-2NITE ).

Press 1 for Special Events and Concerts

Press 2 for Downtown Disney General Merchandise (World of Disney, EuroSpain, etc.) (Your next selection will connect you with the store you choose)

Press 3 Dining Options (Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, etc.) (your next selection will connect you with the restaurant you choose)

Press 4 Entertainment Options (Pleasure Island, Disney Quest, etc.) (your next selection will connect you to the area you choose)

Press # anytime for the main menu.

Touring Highlights:

Marketplace - Rainforest Cafe, The Art of Disney, Eurospain, Lego Center, World of Disney, the Carousel.

Pleasure Island - The Adventurer's Club, Comedy Club, PI 2000 Fireworks Celebration,  Superstar Studios and 8-Trax traditional Y.M.C.A. at 12:30 AM.

West Side - Be sure to stop in the Candy Couldron to take a look at the awesome themeing!   Cigar smokers don't miss the Sosa Family Cigar store - they carry Opus X.  Magic Masters will dazzle your imagination, stop by for magic demonstrations.

Discounts may be available at several Downtown Disney locations for Disney Vacation Club, and Annual Passholders.