Suggestions for DTD

[jacksonsmom]

I would like some suggestions on where to eat at Downtown Disney.

We will be meeting a friend of mine in the Downtown Disney area. My friend is from Texas & she just so happens to be driving through Orlando when we wll be down there!

They are NOT going to Disney World but we would like to meet up in DTD since we are dependent on Disney transportation.

First question, DTD is free, right? I mean she doesn't need a pass or anything to get in there does she?
Also how would she get directions to DTD?

Second question, where is a good place to eat & meet up? It will be myself, my friend, my hubby, maybe my mom & her hubby (they might stay back at the resort) & then my son (3.5) & my friend's kids (3.5 & 7 yrs old).
We want somewhere kid friendly. I am almost thinking of the McDonald's. Is that in Downtown Disney? Or is there some other fun kids place we can go instead?

I heard this McDonald's services pizza, is that correct?
Or maybe is there a pizza place in DTD we could go to instead?

Thank you in advance for all your help

 

[caitycaity]

on our last trip we spent a lot of time at dtd, and ended up eating at house of blues 3 times! we really liked it. it's probably not very kid friendly though. there is a mcdonalds at dtd. there's also a rainforest cafe which is more kid friendly if you don't want to eat at mcdonalds.

yup, dtd is free.

 

[TwinMom7]

Our kids loved House of Blues - but they were 10 and 14 last summer.

Great meal and fun atmosphere!

Didn't find it "un-kid" friendly at all.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

You'll find the advantage of McDonalds is, for the kids, you've got under ten year old nirvana staring you in the face. Lots' for kids to do, from the stuff McDonalds provides to the Lego kingdom next door. So that's a good choice. My suggestion for a kid AND adult friendly, reasonably-priced time? Get a couple pizzas to go from Wolfgang Pucks Express (about nine bucks each, they feed two people reasonably), get the kids McDonald's, let them eat, then find a central spot and watch the kids cut loose while you catch up with your friends. I'm a pizza lover and have been bowled over by Disney pizza, but Wolfgang knows how to cook a pie!

FYI, I wouldn't call DTD FREE (wait until you get the food bill!) but there is no admission, and all the kids stuff at Disney and the Lego store is totally free. You don't really spend unless you want to, for food and suvies.

Good luck!

Pat

 

[jacksonsmom]

Originally posted by Pat_Elliott
Lots' for kids to do, from the stuff McDonalds provides to the Lego kingdom next door. So that's a good choice.

I did not realize the Lego Kingdom was next to McDonald's. Is the lego kingdom a place where the kids can play?

I love your idea of grabbing some pizzas from Wolfgangs (is that near McDonald's too) & grabbing the kids some McDonald's & going over to Lego Kingdom.

That really sounds like a possible plan.
I think I will have to run it by my friend.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by jacksonsmom
I did not realize the Lego Kingdom was next to McDonald's. Is the lego kingdom a place where the kids can play? /B]

FYI, the Lego "Kingdom" is my own little embelishment. It's actually called "the Lego Imagination Center," and there's a store there for the purpose of vacuuming your wallet. But they've got mounds of Lego-based entertainment, a sort of Lego playground, outside the store. There's basically statues made of lego all around, then interactive stuff, like opportunities to make things with lego, and so forth. We took our nephews, and after watching them play for an hour and a half, my brothers asked me "tell me again why we're paying thirty bucks to get them into MK tomorrow?" I think you'll find it a good deal. And Pucks pizza is really, really good. There's also plenty of cart-style food around. And yeah, although I've never really paid attention before, I belive the Lego and Mickey D's sit side to side. Wolfgang Pucks is about a three minute walk, max. I'd have half the adults get the kids playing while the other half go get the pizzas. If it's not crowded, we normally can get in the store, order, and be outside eating in ten minutes.

I suggest checking out this link. It will tell you tons. I love DTD. I've grown almost as fond of it as the parks themselves. Enjoy!

http://wdwig.com/dd_market.htm

Pat

 

[jacksonsmom]

Originally posted by Pat_Elliott
FYI, the Lego "Kingdom" is my own little embelishment. It's actually called "the Lego Imagination Center," and there's a store there for the purpose of vacuuming your wallet. But they've got mounds of Lego-based entertainment, a sort of Lego playground, outside the store. There's basically statues made of lego all around, then interactive stuff, like opportunities to make things with lego, and so forth.

I believe I know what you are talking about. I live in Minnesota & at the Mall of America we have a place caled Lego Land & it sounds exactly what you are describing. Except the DTD might be a little bigger.

I think I have a winner on where to go & what to do.

Thank you for the link too. I will check it out.

 

[jhd11]

We ate at Bongos (Cuban Food) in DTD. Good food, Great music and my DD (then 6 y.o.) enjoyed it also. I think you will find almost all rest. are "kid friendly".

BC '93
AS Music '97
PO (FQ) '00

 

[Terk-1]

I would have to strongly recommend the House of Blues. The food & the atmosphere are fantastic!

 

[jacksonsmom]

Thank you for all your responses and opinions.

I am going to go over with my Texas friend the recommendations & see what she thinks.

I know whatever we choose we will have a good time

Thanks again

 

[Minniespal]

How about Planet Hollywood or Fulton's Crab House.

 

[princesstommi]

DTD is such a good idea to meet your friend!

With the little ones, I think Rainforest Cafe would be a good idea. If you don't want to do that big ($$$) of a meal, the McDonald's is a great idea. I love that McDonald's! The Wolfgang Puck Express sounds like a great idea too. You can have the kids play at the Lego store, you can go shopping at the World of Disney and the Toy store, and you can stop and get yummy desserts at Ghirardelli.

Have a great time!

 

[Safari Steve]

If you're looking for a good, quick deli-style lunch, check out Gourmet Pantry, between Once Upon a Toy and Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketplace. They have a wide assortment of salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and drinks, plus candies and a large bakery/dessert selection (it's kind of like having the MK bakery, Plaza restaurant, and Confectionary all in one building)

I also agree with previous posters who have mentioned Wolfgang Puck Express (two locations at DTD, so it's very convenient whether you're at DisneyQuest or visiting the Marketplace shops). They have more than just pizza, so check them out even if you're not in the mood for a flatbread (which might not be possible if you've ever eaten there before)

Also, save room for ice cream at Ghirrardelli Chocolate and Soda Fountain (Strawberry Delight sundae is awesome, as well as the one with bluberries and strawberries!)

 

[eeyore0062]

Safari Steve has some wonderful suggestions. We always eat at Wolfgang Puck Express. The one at the Marketplace is near the fountains, in which the kids can run and play. Just bring the bathing suits and let them go for it, while you relax with a cold drink. This is one of our favorite things to do when taking a break from the parks!

Have a great time!

 

[sha_lyn]

I think rainforest cafe would be the best bet of the places in DTD. I certainly wouldn't want to grab food and eat it outside, the sea gulls around WDW are horrible.

 

[Safari Steve]

Seagulls are a seasonal pest at WDW, and seem to be worse in the cooler months (I cannot recall seeing any recently) During the summer, they like to spend their time closer to the sea. Birds that generally cause problems during the day are almost always absent in the evenings. Both Wolfgang Puck Express locations have outdoor covered seating, and there are tables covered with umbrellas near the Gourmet Pantry as well.