Downtown Disney or Boardwalk with kids?

[RRmouse]

Planning a trip with DH, DS8 and DD8 the week after Thanksgiving. My husband and I have not been since we were kids. For a "down" night I am wondering about whether to go to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk area? What exactly is there to do at the Boardwalk and will there be much to do this time of year? Just wondering which is better for my 8 year old twins.

Thanks!!

 

[mx3man123]

If you have 8 year old twins I would probably suggest Downtown Disney. consider going to La Nouba, you will love it, DisneyQuest is great for kids, the marketplace has a great lego store and also the largest Disney store in the world. great food and atmosphere. Boardwalk is great also but if your looking to be entertained for an entire evening Downtown Disney wins hands down.

 

[WAHMto5]

Downtown Disney is decorated nice for the Holidays and there are some things for kids to do, like lego land and the large candy store! Though most of it is just shops unless you go to Disney Quest or other paid attractions.

 

[maciec]

There really isn't much to do at the Boardwalk in my opinion, unless you like to just walk around.

There are so many stores at Downtown Disney. They also have a crousel that anyone can ride.

We love going to Downtown Disney!

 

[Desnik]

I think if you really want a "down" night then BW is the way to go. We love it and have stayed at the BW and will be there this May. There is a ton of things to do. You can visit the resorts around the lake and see there X-mas decorations and shop at there stores. You can eat a nice dinner at any of the restaurants at the BW or other resorts. You can ride a surrey bike which is really fun. Also, your kids can get their faces painted, your DD can get a hair wrap. You all can spend some time in the ESPN zone, have iceream on the BW and visit the shops. Also there are games for the kids to play and strolling entertainment. You can see jugglers, sword swallowers, magicians and musicians. It is so nice and relaxing too! Also, at around 9pm you can see the higher fireworks from Illuminations!

We also love DtD, but it isn't too relaxing! There are alot of shops and places to eat and have snacks. It gets pretty busy at night. I would definately plan a trip to DtD but not to have a relaxing "down" night.

 

[katied]

We had a great time at BW for an evening last April with DNiece (8) and DNephew (7). There were the street performers, both kids got to participate in a magic act. You can rent the surreys for a 4 person bike ride around the lake, and everything else already mentioned. There are some cute carnival games, and overall the kids had a nice time. It was very relaxing for us too.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

If your children like to shop I would go to DTD. Not only shopping, but nice restaurants as well. Who doesn't like ice cream? Ghirardelli's is the best.

 

[KimWDW]

DTD is fun! The lego store has stuff to play with outside and there are a few kiddie rides. We loved the Rainforest Cafe, lots of stuff to look at while waiting for the food (huge fish tanks, animals that make sounds, etc).

 

[Tenluvsdisney]

I would suggest Downtown Disney for a "down" night. The kids will like the Leggo store and the many different shops filled with Disney apparel and also enjoy the Rainforest Cafe.....and don't forget the ice cream at Gihardellis!

 

[Barbie2]

I agree with the poster that said that Boardwalk is good for a more relaxing evening. It is a little less hectic. But if you really like to shop, DTD is definitely better. There are also more casual places there to eat with kids, including McDonalds.

 

[Laurajean1014]

DD is great but very crowded, especially at night. Have fun. My DS10 loves Disney Quest and all the stores at the Marketplace.

 

[OKraysLoveDisney]

Tough question and you have some great answers all ready. We enjoy both places, but if you are really wanting something more low-key I'd have to say Boardwalk as Downtown Disney really does get quite crowded at night.

 

[RRmouse]

Thanks all! This is great feedback. Looks like we can't go wrong either way. Maybe this will actually be the one thing we don't plan and just see what we feel like at the time!

 

[ChristusG]

I would totally do Downtown Disney and the Westside. There's not much to do that the Boardwalk, in my opinion. DTD has plenty of shops. Your kids will love the Lego store and Once Upon a Toy. Plus there's a carousel, a pin trading place, ice cream places, foutains to run through, sometimes live music, the Rainforest Cafe (even if you just want to look in the gift shop without actually eating there), a candy store, a HUGE Virgin music store, and tons of other stuff. Your kids will love it there! Plus, if you want to go into DisneyQuest, they are sure to love that.