Downtown Disney Advice

[WilsonFlyer]

Deleted by OP

 

[glassslippergirl]

I'm going to give another vote for Goody's Candy Company. Your daughter can custom design a Carmel Apple or other treat with all sorts of toppings.

I honestly wouldn't pay for Quest. It's fun if it's included, but a lot of money for one cool-ish attraction-- Cyber Space Mountain. As pp noted, SoAT at Epcot is better. If you do CSM, choose all red (highest intensity) elements for the best simulator experience. The other stuff at Quest is past its prime-- if it ever had a prime (lots of uncomfortable helmets). We've spent many a rainy afternoon in the arcade, but our most memorable DTD experience was renting a boat and exploring the river. I highly recommend!

We haven't eaten at many DTD places. We liked House of Blues, but liked Earl of Sandwich even better. I recommend it especially if there's not one near your home. The bread oozes buttery goodness.

 

[Chuck S]

See? That's why they make chocolate and vanilla. We happen to love Bongos.

I've eaten there only twice, I just never seem to find the time. I really liked it, though.

 

[Chuck S]

I've been reading that Circ is only playing thru March 2015 & another performing group is taking it's place. Is that not true? We've been so disappointed, was looking 4ward to it.

i was just wondering the same thing! i was planning to go when i'm there 1st week of june. i guess that's why there are no tix available after may??

Looking at the Cirque website, and showing tickets booking in June for La Nouba. Cirque does go dark seasonally, usually the end of May for a couple weeks.

 

[NinaBella]

House of Blues is my favorite DTD restaurant. We eat there with our tweens on amost every visit to DTD. Sidenote: depending on your personal values, you may want to check what events are going on. Last time we ate at House of Blues, when we were leaving there were about a hundred girls in line at HoB and walking through DTD (some had to walk from the bus stop on the opposite side) in lingerie. HoB had a lingerie party where girls got in free if they came in lingerie. It was a chilly night and they were not covered up. LoL. My 12 year old son and 11 year old DD were with us that night. It personally didn't bother us and we just laughed at some of the girls choice of lingerie but I am sure some families at DTD were shocked to see young ladies (assuming all were at least 18+ but some looked quite young) walking down DTD like they just left the Victoria Secret runway.

We ate at Wolfgang once (inside not quick service) with my four kids and every single one of us disliked our food and vowed never to return.

We have been to Disney Quest once with the kids. The kids have been there on school field trips without us. It's okay, but we never felt the need to go back. We never really make plans in DTD except dining reservations. Otherwise we just play it by ear.

There is no need to really schedule your day there unless maybe you want to know the movie schedule as well. I have never been to Splitsville but my older boys have been to the one locally in our town so I have no idea if you need a reservation.

I wouldn't go to Disney to Bowl or see a movie but we also live in Tampa and have the same options locally to us so that would be a waste of a drive.

My DH hates Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex and all those theme places that just overcharge for average food. Check your closest chain to you. If you have one within an hour or two drive of your home, you can always visit then and do something different at Disney.

 

[BuzzyBelle]

My group loves to eat at TRex. I don't think there is another anywhere else to visit so it is a must! As far as boat rides, I know Saratoga Springs resort is a boat ride across from Downtown DIsney and that isn't one that I would make a special trip to. Your plans of Quest, balloon ride, and a meal would be a whole days worth with my family. Quest is phenomenal and you will easily spend 4 hours or more there enjoying it (my gamer of 13 MUST visit each trip to Orlando). I believe it opens at 11am so you have time to walk around the shops and could eat lunch before going in. One more mention: Bibbity Bobbity Boutique is there too - any interest with daughter? My 15 year old daughter is excitedly planning a trip with her 5 yr old cousin - they service customers of all ages. Have fun!

I wasn't sure if your 15 year old planned on getting a makeover, but just so she's not disappointed I think they restrict the ages to 3-12 I believe the pirates league at MK takes all ages though so she could always do a mermaid make over there.

We ate at raglan road two years ago and enjoyed the entertainment there. The food was good, not great, and the kids liked the atmosphere. Also, Disney Springs has a few new restaurants opening this spring like Morimoto's. If you like ice cream I agree with others that Ghiradelli's is amazing