Downtown Disney or Boardwalk?

[demarcon]

We are spending Sunday night in Orlando so we can check in early Mon for EE at MK. I want to do something fun that first night, but we won't have park entry yet. This is for me, DH, and DK's (6&8), our first trip. I am looking for a relatively inexpensive dinner as we will start blowing through the $$ the next day. I was thinking of walking around either the Boardwalk or Downtown Disney. What do you thinK? Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[cdntowdw]

Also would like to know about doing Downtown Disney from an off-site hotel. Would like to spend some time there on Sunday morning. Possibly have lunch there. Then head back to hotel to do a homemade dinner and relax by the pool, before hitting the parks early Monday morning. Is parking free at Downtown Disney Marketplace for non-resort visitors?

 

[cshaffer21]

Downtown Disney sounds good for either Sunday morning or evening. Parking is free. We enjoyed lunch at Planet Hwood. Our kids liked looking at and asking the server about all the movie stuff. Food was good and plentiful. We had a gift certificate so didn't worry too much about the price. Have fun whatever you do.

 

[BuzzLightYear3]

If your primary goal is a kid-friendly relatively inexpensive meal, I wouldn't do the Boardwalk. We stay there all the time, but the restaurants are mostly on the upscale end. There is an ESPN Club that might be a hit if you have sports fans, and that's not too expensive, but Spoodles and the Flying Fish are definitely higher priced. There is a place called Beaches and Cream just across from the Boardwalk at the Beach Club (you could take the Boat or walk over there), and they have great hamburgers and ice cream; that's not too expensive.

You could eat elsewhere though and then wander around the Boardwalk. They do have some neat things for kids, but most of it you have to pay for....e.g., hair wraps ($1.50/inch I think); very elaborate face painting (about $8 depending on which you choose); surrey rentals (but kids have to be 60" to pedal), etc. A couple times a night they have some people who come out and do a little show for about 15 minutes which includes some juggling, magic, etc., and the kids like that. (Bonus is that it's free!) They also sometimes set-up a DJ towards one end; the night we were there a bunch of the girls were having a great time trying to hula-hoop along with the music. Finally, the Boardwalk is within walking distance of Fantasia Miniature Golf, so that would be another option.

Downtown Disney has a wider selection of restaurants (including a McDonalds), and a lot of shopping that could appeal to kids (e.g. Disney Store, Lego Store.)

You could also eat at one of the many resort restaurants without theme park admission. When we were there, we had a great dinner at O'Hana's at the Polynesian, and they had coconut races in the middle of dinner for the kids. The Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge was also fun (stick ponys for the kids, and lots of comic relief), but the food wasn't as great there. I wouldn't classify these resort restaurants as inexpensive either though.

We did the Hoop Dee Doo Review our first night just a few weeks ago with an 8, 4, and 1 year old, and the 8 year old laughed hysterically for nearly the entire time. This is about the furthest you can get from inexpensive though (roughly $50/adult and $28/child if I remember right.) It was kind of a special night for us because Grandparents on both sides were with us, so we splurged.

Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[janiejo]

Downtown Disney is a BUSY place at night. You may have to hunt for a parking spot. However, the World of Disney store is a fun experience. Unfortunately for us, however, we can't seem to leave the store without making several purchases. I enjoy going to the different Disney Resorts for dinner and walking in their shops and around the grounds. When my kids were younger, they loved eating at Dixie Landings food court - now called Riverside of Port Orleans. They have pizza by the slice or a whole pie, chicken, burgers. . .anything to please. The theming is neat and of course looking in the gift shop gets the kids thinking about Disney! I would say the kids would love walking around the Boardwalk over to Yacht and Beach and seeing the pool, going in the shops, etc. If you want to eat before getting there, you could. Or, we like the pizza window at Spoodles. Again, it can be purchased by the slice or as a whole pie. The kids will be thrilled just to be at Disney World. Have fun!

 

[DisneyKidds]

Depending on when you arrive you could do both. If you've never been to either you will want to get to both eventually.

Boardwalk is neat and there is some stuff to do there, but two or three hours (not including dinner) is more than enough time to see/do whatever there is. As for a quick, inexpensive meal on the boardwalk the Big River Grill is ok - but may be crowded or noisy at night as it is also a brewery.

Downtown Disney has tons of shopping and lots of restaurants. They have some activities, too. I think you could probably spend more time here. As for cheap food - we had great sandwiches and pizza from the Wolfgang Puck Express that was pretty cheap (for WDW). Rainforrest Cafe isn't overly expensive either.

 

[Yvette Q.O.D.]

The kids would probably like Downtown Disney better. There will be more things to interest all of you there. The Lego Store and Matel also a big sand box area to play in and a little train ($1). There is also a gourmet grocery with a big candy counter. If you have a Disney Club card you can get 10% off at most of the stores here. No discounts at the parks

Have fun!

 

[DISNEYFAMILY#1]

I'd recommend Downtown Disney too! My kids 10 and 12 would much prefer Downtown Disney. There's Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe (kids' favorite) and a McDonalds. Lots of shopping, lego store with legos they can play with (outside area) I think there's even a small playground area if I remember correctly. Last but not least there's Disney Quest. It's a hugh arcade and virtual reality games (3 floors) They have good food there too and great desserts! We have spent a whole day at Disney Quest (have your hands stamped and you can go out and walk around and come back, they're open until midnight, I believe!) Boardwalk is nice too but there is definitely more for the kids at Downtown Disney (free parking at both).