downtown disney

[Gomez Gang]

I am looking for suggestions and opinions.......Out of all the times we have gone to WDW we have NEVER been to Downtown Disney or the Marketplace. I hear the Lego store is a must see and the same goes for the mega all-things-Disney store. What else should not be missed in this area? Where is the best place to eat lunch? We are going this November. "We" includes myself, DH (who is not much of a shopper), DD-8, DS-6, DD-5.
Thanks for your input!

 

[krafty]

Downtown Disney is wonderful, but it can be overwhelming, especially if you try to do it all at once. I'd start at the Marketplace, skip Pleasure Island (not much to see or do until evening), and see if you have the energy to try the West Side.

Your kids will love the new toy store (Once Upon a Toy I think it's called). You can build your own Mr. Potatohead among other things. Don't miss the World of Disney, probably the largest Disney store around. The Christmas shop is neat, no matter what time of year you go.

As far as food goes, there's lots to choose from. If you want something unique, Wolfgang Puck has an express shop in the Marketplace that is yummy, but your kids might not like it. There's Rainforest Cafe, but that can be a bit much for lunch. There's also a McDonald's if your kids are really picky.

As far as your husband goes, there's lots of benches to warm while you shop. Even if he's not much of a shopper, there should be some stuff to interest him.

There's not as much shopping at the West Side, so if you don't get to it, I wouldn't be too concerned. My favorite stores there are the Virgin megastore, the Cirque Du Soleil shop, and House of Blues (which is also a great place to eat if you make it over there). I'm not a fan of Bongos, and the main Wolfgang Puck is too pricey in my eyes for what you get.

 

[Gomez Gang]

thanks for the input Krafty!

I appreciate the note about the west side......I think we will stick to the Marketplace. The build-a-potato-head sounds fun...I am sure the kids will love it!

I have read reviews on Cap'n Jack's Oyster bar and they are all over the board! Some people LOVED it, others hated it! My kids are not picky and I do not want to do McDonald's when there are so many better choices! My kids pretty much eat anything; in fact they kind of like the exotic! (I know, they are probably considered weird! LOL!) I don't want to spend a fortune on lunch either.

Keep the suggestions coming please,,,,I do appreciate them!

 

[mudd]

The lego store and display are great. Also when we went in May there was a sandwich shop that was relatively new and it has great sandwiches there. Split a sandwich more than a couple of times while we were there (we usually split most meals)

 

[REH]

In the once upon a toy shop @ the build a Mr potato head there are screens to design your own and then you can print it off free!

Rainforest cafe is great - either get PS or safari card or go when you first arrive to see when you can get a table.

 

[we3disneygo]

We ate at the Rainforest Cafe on our last day and got right in for lunch and the food was really good and big portions we were happy. and it's fun to walk around and look at the different shops and displays outside. there are plenty of places to take pictures so take your camera. have fun shopping!

 

[flamom]

you will love the marketplace!our kids loved the world of disney and once upon a toy.to me the rainforest cafe is a must especially with kids. the food and atmosphere is wonderful.every thirty minutes it thunders and the animals react.it's alot of fun. save room for ghiradelli's for ice cream.