Downtown Disney with 3.5 year old?

[QueenGoblin]

I've never been to Downtown Disney. We are going to WDW in Sept. with our 3 year old and I am wondering if there is anything there to make the trip over worthwhile for her. It sounds like it is mostly stores and resteraunts, but it seems like some of the stores might be interesting for her (she likes to shop!) So those of you with little ones, is it worth spending a couple of hours there? Or would she be better off just sticking to the parks?

 

[Dizneydaz]

There are few things for small ones to do (IMHO). Of course there is the shopping and the World of Disney is worth the trip alone (try to go when parks are open-it'll be less crowded) My DD(now 6) enjoys playing with the Legos at the Lego store. There is also a McDonalds (no play area).Other than that (and eating) there's not much else to keep the little ones entertained. We rarely spend more than and hour or so there.

There is the new Bibidi Bobbity Boop (sp) but probably not something a 3 yr. old would enjoy (or sit still for).

Hope this helps.

 

[mommiepoppins]

I was wondering the same thing?

 

[DJT]

There's a water thingie (not sure what it's called - maybe someone else can help me here) that sprays water up from the sidewalk that little ones love to play in. My DGS played in it when he was 2 1/2. Just bring a change of clothes because she will get soaked. It will still be hot in September so it would be fun for her.

Donna

 

[abca]

When DS was 3 he loved the "water thingie". It is a fountain that shoots gentle streams of water out of the ground. It is located at the the entrance for the 1st DTD bus stop. He also liked Rainforest Cafe. Sometimes they have live parrots outside and do little shows. He also loved the Lego store and spent at least an hour playing with the legos outside.

 

[Jennifer Hemric]

We went in 2001. My husband was 27 and loved playing in the water thingie.

 

[HalfDozen]

We took our kids shopping there a couple evenings. We'd grab dinner and then promise them a trip to Ghirardelli's for ice cream at the end of the evening. Worked like a charm

We had a great time at the Christmas shop - getting personalized ornaments painted for our family. We also had a great time looking in the World of Disney store for souvenirs for family back home - and they did the My Little Pony "all you can cram in a box" set. That was their incentive for being good half the way home - and they played with it the rest of the trip.

 

[jessica52877]

My son is a bit over 3 and we just got home today. We drove by DTD and he freaked out because we weren't going right then. He LOVES the stores, he sits in his stroller and just looks around. He does play at the lego store, with the pony and potato parts but more so loves to see the big train set up or one that goes around the ceiling. He also liked the new pirate room at World of Disney. He loves the fountains if we let him play which is seldom. There is the merry go round and train they can ride (I think $2 each) also. Plenty for an evening or afternoon of fun.

As the other poster said, it is great during the day when most are at the parks. It gets crowded!

 

[emma'smom]

There is an interactive fountain...Also, there are some really fun stores. My dd3.5 (when we took her) loved Goofy's Candy Shop where she ordered up a rice crispy treat of her own choosing (with all kinds of wild sprinkles on it). She also liked the princess room at World of Disney and the toy store. She actually had a lot of fun at the pin trading store too...but you can find those stores in every park! Where are you staying? The boat ride from POR was fun in and of itself!

 

[KimWDW]

My son was 3.5 when we went last October. He looooooved the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. They also have some little rides like a carosel and little train ride that goes round and round. And I let him pick out one toy from the big Disney store. He had a great time. It's nice and relaxing. Bring the stroller and kick back, maybe grab an ice cream. It's a nice break from the hustle and bustle.

 

[rparmfamily]

Both my children love DTD, and have since they were younger too.
Here's what we do:
Lego store (lots of legos out to play with, huge pre-made lego displays)
World of Disney, stuffed animal section. You can get lost in here!
Once upon a Toy--big Buzz outside it, take pics, make your own My little pony or potato head
the sprinker/sprayers fountains
Rainforest cafe'-parrots are usually outside, neat shop inside, huge aquarium
Goofy candy store--pick out a few pieces
Sundae at the Ghiradelli (?) ice cream shop or popcorn from a vender

We usually hit DTD twice, for a few hours each time. First time, to check it out and second to run back and pick up a few things. We always eat at Rainforest at least once, usually just for appetizers. They serve HUGE portions!

 

[hawkeyesparks]

We went to Downtown Disney for the first time as well, and we were not sure at the time what DS(18 months at the time) would do. But we went out of curiosity.

We get off of the buses and as others have already mentioned DS walked right into the water fountain playground and DS stayed there the whole time.

He played I watched and DW shopped. It was worth it, and DS had a great time.

 

[MJMcBride]

My son loved the guitar store and to some extent the magnet store. Of course, the World of Disney has plenty of toys. As for restaurants, Rainforest Cafe and House of Blues are good.

 

[QueenGoblin]

Wow...sounds like we should check it out. Thanks for the tips!

 

[trennr]

QG,

My kids (now 11 and 6...but have been much younger) have always loved the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

They love the World of Disney store...Once Upon a Toy Store...Pooh's Corner...the Lego Store...Rain Forest Cafe every Kid (any age) needs to eat there once.

The LEGO Store has a nice little play area...and Just outside of Once Upon a Toy there's a nice Water Spout play area...(water Spouts are in the shape of Mickey Ears.) You can even rent a Boat...and I think I remember a small Train for kids to ride.

Definately worth the trip.
Hope that helps.

PS
I/we didn't care too much for DTD Westside...never been to Pleasure Island...The Club scene is just not my cup-o-tea.