Downtown Disney???

[essmom]

We will be in DD for Cirque De Soleil show -6 pm show. what else is there that's fun for a 9 and 11 year old to do . I don't know a thing about this area. We may go early to eat an early dinner or just go back to HRH for a swim and dinner. Just wanted to see if there was anything not to miss in Downtown Disney.

 

[Kaycee]

My guys were those agee (9 and 11) the first time we went to DTD. They're Lego fans, so they loved the Lego Store. Even if your kids aren't huge Lego fans, they'd still probably get a kick out of the huge Lego models sitting around outside the store. Parents enjoy these as much as the kids do!

If they like movies, there a a couple of shops that have memorabilia from blockbuster movies, lots of sci fi in particular. My guys really liked seeing this stuff.

There are lots of speciality shops that cater to particular interests they may have. Check out Deb Will's site, www.wdwig.com for descriptions of what's available.

 

[Mickey76]

As was mentioned before, the Lego store is amusing, and there is the World of Disney, which is a huge Disney store with something for everyone. There is also, Disney Quest, which is basically a huge arcade but with a lot of cool games to play. However, i believe you need to buy a ticket to get in or use your park hopper. I'm not too sure, I've never gone inside. If you're looking to get a bit to eat, go to the Rainforrest Cafe. Almost every kid I've seen eat there loves it. Have fun.

Mickey76

 

[essmom]

Thanks so much!! How far is it to walk to the Marketplace area from the west side where CDS is?

 

[kaygela]

From what I remember, it's a bit of a walk. We always just moved our car. The Lego area is in the Marketplace and it really is something to see. Disney Quest is right near CDS and the kids would love it. There is a separate admission (if it's not on your park hopper) and I believe it's about $25/pp. There are usually discounts if you use AAA. Also, I think the BIrnbaum's book has a coupon in the back for 10% off. It's an indoor arcade but there are also many virtual reality rides and you can design a roller coaster and then ride it (virtual reality). There's a human pinball game and bumper cars and many interactive exhibits. Your kids are the perfect ages.

The memorabilia store mentioned earlier is called Starabilias and that is also on the West Side. It's a cool store to look around in with many things of interest for the kids (lots of things from Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc.)

I don't remember Rainforest Cafe being there, but there is a Planet Hollywood which is pretty central. House of Blues is also there as well as other good choices for all of you in eat in.

We love the DD area and always spend quite a bit of time there. Have fun.

 

[peanutzmom]

If you're thinking of eating there, I HIGHLY recommend Rainforest Cafe. The theme is great,and I think they would get a kick out of it at that age. My kids love it -- we usually kick off our stay by going there for dinner the first night. It's pretty close to some of the shops mentioned (including the Lego one), but I think it's on the opposite end as Cirque. I didn't think the walk was too bad from one end to the other,but you can always catch the bus at one end (really close to Rainforest), and ride it to the other.

 

[eeyore0062]

There is Disney Quest which is the Interactive Theme Park right next to Cirque de Soleil, which I know that they would love! They could easily spend quite a few hours in there and never get bored!

Down at the Marketplace, if the weather is nice, take a bathing suit for them and a towel, and let them romp in the fountain outside of Once Upon A Toy.

They may also enjoy going into Once Upon A Toy and building Mr and Mrs Potato Head. I have seen kids of all ages doing this and having a blast. The Lego Store is also fascinating for them!

Hope that you have a wonderful time!

 

[jcemom]

Maybe this will help:
http://allearsnet.com/btp/downtown.htm

Disney Quest:
http://allearsnet.com/btp/dqfaq.htm

Disney Quest discounted tickets:
http://www.mousesavers.com/entertainment.html#dq

Downtown Disney Map:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/media/wdw/media/reservations/maps/ritrmapddimg1.pdf