A great way to spend an evening (or even a day if you prefer), I just think it’s lovely at night all lit up, is Downtown Disney.
Inspired by traditional American downtowns with an infusion of Broadway and Hollywood. The 120 acre Downtown Disney area features Dining, Shopping, Nightlife, and entertainment for all the family. Its three district areas are The West side, Pleasure Island and the market place.
It is open 365 days a year and there truly is something for every age group.
Marketplace is for the shopaholics and is home to the largest Disney character store in the world, and that alone can keep everyone occupied for a long while.
Other shops include Pooh corner, Pin traders, Disney tails which is an assortment of Disney-themed souvenirs for your pet, Goofey’s candy co, the art of Disney and many more.
Once your done shopping you might like to try some of the eateries which include Fulton’s crab house (featuring fresh fish and seafood favorites) which is located in the former Empress Lilly Riverboat, Earl of sandwich for Gourmet sandwiches, for the chocoholics among you there is Ghirardelli soda fountain & chocolate shop, and the extremely popular rainforest café which re-creates a tropical rainforest through a combination of live and animated wildlife and special effects (great for the kid’s).
Pleasure island is more for the grown up’s and is home to plenty of nightclubs, but you do have to be over 18 or 21 depending on the club and must carry ID to prove that you are over 21 to be able to drink alcohol. There are less shops here but they include the new Harley -Davidson where you can see custom Harleys on display and purchase genuine collectables and t-shirts, also new Zen zone for massage bed’s and chair’s.
Next is Westside which is my personal favorite, and features a 24 screen cinema. Then there is Disney quest which is an indoor interactive theme park, Cirque du Soleil a must see for the entire family. Then even more shops including a huge Virgin mega store.
Restaurants include Wolfgang Puck (fabulous pasta), Bongos Cuban café which is co-owned by Gloria Estefan, and The favorite Planet Hollywood, with an extensive all American menu.
Overall it is a very entertaining venue with some great things to do, some fabulous restaurants and the atmosphere is electric.
We always make time to visit here and can certainly recommend you do the same.