Downtown Disney - Orlando

Downtown Disney is a waterfront shopping, eating, and strolling place located on Lake Buena Vista Blvd just off I-4 on Disney property.  I first started going there when I was a kid and I've always enjoyed taking my family there.  It's a great stroll winter or summer and of the restaurants I've patronized I've enjoyed every one.  The area encompasses a lakefront that winds back toward the Disney Resort. There are several golf courses and hotels you can access via boat rentals or boat ferry if you like the water.  

At night there are always street musicians and stage shows on the edge of the lagoon.  You can browse the shops and visit Ghiradelli's for great desserts but watch the prices.  When we stop there the four of us get a dessert that averages $6 - $12 dollars so don't look for bargains but it's a great treat.

At one end of the complex you can start at the Rain Forest Cafe and work your way around the T-Rex Restaurant.  The kids love both of these.  Wolfgang Puck has a sandwich shop but at the far end there is another Wolfgang Puck Restaurant which is a little more involved dining.  I haven't eaten at either one of these so I can't comment.  If you really want fine dining there is Fulton's Crab House located in a four story full-size riverboat on the water.   Never dined there either because dinner can cost upwards of $35 or $40 dollars.  The reviews are always excellent about this place and it's been in business for many years.  I want to try it someday but either you have money or you go there for an occasion.   We've also dined at Bongo's Cuban Cafe numerous times and are always pleased.  See my article in September for more about it. The one place I don't recommend is Haagen-Daas ice cream parlor.  While the brand is excellent the place was filthy,  the service was hostile and unfriendly, and not enough places to sit.  We'll never go there again.

At the far end of the place is the famed Cirque De Soleil, a highly acclaimed circus showcase that is permanently located at Disney Village.  This show is primarily acrobatic and is supposed to be one of the best in the world.  No animals at this circus and the tickets are expensive so check it out on line before you decide if you really want to go.  Those I've spoken to say the show is great but would probably not go again.


At that end of the park is the highly acclaimed House of Blues.   The concert tour people will like this one as there is always good talent there but don't look for the Rolling Stones.  Look for Cinderella or Toad the Wet Sprocket.  Not the biggest names in the business but great talent just the same.  For the experienced concert-goer understand it's a standing room venue so wear your good boots!

Stores are mostly Disney stores like World of Disney or 25 Days of Christmas.  There is a Lego store which was recently renovated and that looks great.  The west end has a cigar store, clothing stores, a 24-plex theater, and in 2012 they are going to open up a bowling alley in the old Virgin Records.  There is a lot to do between visiting theme parks and it's a relaxing but fun-filled place to go in the evening.  Hope you like and thanks for reading.