What to Do at Downtown Disney?

[pumpkinpatchquilter]

Is there much to do at Downtown Disney outside of shopping? We ran out of time on our last trip which was our first visit to DW - this time we are staying an extra day and my kiddos wanted to eat lunch at T-Rex so we thought we'd see what is there...staying at Port Orleans Riverside so we are hoping to take the ferry if the weather is good for the experience. I'd like to do the hot air balloon, visit World of Disney, and go to the Lego store...other than that is there anything else we must see/do while there? We have a family of 5 so Disney Quest just seemed a bit too pricey when we've already spent a good hunk of money on the parks. Anything else we shouldn't miss?

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

If you booked a package through Disney, you should get two vouchers for DisneyQuest included. Then you'd only be paying for three admissions, if that makes a difference. We're trying that for our first time this year.

We always stop in the Christmas store to pick out Disney ornaments for our tree. And the Lego store has an area out back where you can build Lego race cars and send them down the ramps. My boys could spend HOURS there when they were a bit younger--and still like stopping by to play for a bit. Just nice to relax. Be sure to stop in the Ghiardelli store and get your free chocolates! Everyone gets one of their squares for free!

There's a cute little splash pad area down near the beginning of the shopping area. Great to cool off for a few minutes on a hot day! There's a carousel. Some of this depends on the ages of your children, of course! Sometimes there's entertainment--school bands and such.

For us, it's not a whole day thing, but we definitely end up spending a few hours there. Love to poke in some of the specialty shops too!

 

[Wendybird55]

Outside of shopping, dining and just strolling around (though the last few times we went it was hard to stroll as it was crowded) you can do the following all at extra costs:

Wonders in Flight (big hot air balloon)
AMC Theaters (see a movie they also have the fork & screen dine-in theaters)
Splitsville (bowling)
DisneyQuest (as PP mentioned - arcade with lots of video gaming)
La Nouba (Cirque Du Soleil show)


Note: If you have kids who like Legos the Lego store is neat to visit..they have some interactive stuff there plus some great Lego models. However, if you have a Lego store near where you live, product wise there's nothing there that you probably can't get at your local Lego store.

 

[Mcbruns]

Is there much to do at Downtown Disney outside of shopping? We ran out of time on our last trip which was our first visit to DW - this time we are staying an extra day and my kiddos wanted to eat lunch at T-Rex so we thought we'd see what is there...staying at Port Orleans Riverside so we are hoping to take the ferry if the weather is good for the experience. I'd like to do the hot air balloon, visit World of Disney, and go to the Lego store...other than that is there anything else we must see/do while there? We have a family of 5 so Disney Quest just seemed a bit too pricey when we've already spent a good hunk of money on the parks. Anything else we shouldn't miss?

Making a stop at Goofy's candy has become a tradition for us. There are a number of yummy treats you can custom create.


Extra bonus if they aren't crazy crowded.
Have fun!

 

[maryj11]

If you have the extra money get tickets for Cirque Du Soleil show. We went last week and it was pretty awesome.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Definitely recommend splitsville for bowling and dinner. And the eat and dine movie. Fun to watch a movie and eat lunch or dinner at the same time. You can sit outside at raglan road, have a drink or some food and listen to Irish music, there is also outside music at a couple of other places there. I enjoy the few stores there are, for window shopping although I did buy some new gum shoes there last year. And there is a balloon ride you can go up in. It is tethered so not as much as the real thing but it looks like it would be a good view.

 

[shocker]

A little hidden gem at DTD is the Christmas scene that is set up year round for family pics that you can then use to create your Christmas cards with. It's tucked behind one of the shops near the entrance to DTD from the Marketplace bus stop area, near the sidewalk fountain and has a snow scene, character statues and a Christmas banner.

 

[anniemae]

We always get ice cream at Ghiradelli's.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

We always get ice cream at Ghiradelli's.

x2

We go for sundaes, maybe a little shopping, I also like the Christmas store, occasionally get some fudge at Goofy's, they've had some performers there a couple of times and we have sat and listened to the music. The boat ride from POFQ to DTD and back is fun in and of itself.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Generally the time spent in DTD is not cheap, you may be better off with a pay one price Disney Quest.

 

[Mouse3Dad]

There is also something similar to Build a Bear...Build a Dino.

I second the Goofy Candy. If your doing the Dining plan, snack credits can be used on some of the custom treats.

Also Bippity Boppity Boutique is near the Lego store.

 

[shocker]

...near the Lego store.

Ahh the Lego Store, this alone is a photo op dream. You could spend a good 30 minutes just admiring and photographing all the Lego displays.

 

[ThereAndBackAgain]

A trip to Goofy's Candy is mandatory. I can't go and not have a mickey shaped rice krispy.

 

[jcvalenti]

When I am forced to do DTD, I generally sit myself at Sosa's for a nice cigar, or at Raglan Road for a couple pints while the wife goes shopping with the kids. My understanding right now is that most of your time would be spent looking for parking at the place, or avoiding construction obstacles.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I really enjoy both the hot air balloon and disneyquest! Especially the drawing classes disneyquest offers.

 

[pumpkinpatchquilter]

A little hidden gem at DTD is the Christmas scene that is set up year round for family pics that you can then use to create your Christmas cards with. It's tucked behind one of the shops near the entrance to DTD from the Marketplace bus stop area, near the sidewalk fountain and has a snow scene, character statues and a Christmas banner.

Oh yay!! Thank you!! My daughters are dressing up as Elsa and Anna (I am making the costumes) so this could be a great idea for our Christmas cards! Thanks for sharing!!

There is also something similar to Build a Bear...Build a Dino.

I second the Goofy Candy. If your doing the Dining plan, snack credits can be used on some of the custom treats.

Also Bippity Boppity Boutique is near the Lego store.

Build a Dino - is this in the T-Rex gift shop? Or nearby? My middle daughter really wants to do this! Thank you!

Ahh the Lego Store, this alone is a photo op dream. You could spend a good 30 minutes just admiring and photographing all the Lego displays.

Looking forward to this! We do not have any lego stores nearby and have never been to one so we are really looking forward to visiting!

A trip to Goofy's Candy is mandatory. I can't go and not have a mickey shapped rice krispy.

Will do it!

When I am forced to do DTD, I generally sit myself at Sosa's for a nice cigar, or at Raglan Road for a couple pints while the wife goes shopping with the kids. My understanding right now is that most of your time would be spent looking for parking at the place, or avoiding construction obstacles.

We are taking Disney Transportation so no worries for parking, thank you though!!

 

[ktmt]

A PP mentioned there are vouchers for disneyquest if you're staying at a disney resort. We often don't pay attention to all those coupon things in the room since we have limited time at the parks, but this year, we are also planning a DD day.

Are the vouchers in the room upon check-in? Does it matter if you're staying at a value resort? Thanks to anyone who might know!

 

[lizzyb]

We usually shop and get treats at Ghiradelli and Goofy's

 

[ConnieB]

If you do decide to go, definitely use the boat to get there.....there is a lot of construction going on and the parking is absolutely insane to find (unless you go get your parking spot early....like before the stores open, lol).

Be sure to get at ADR for T-Rex so you don't waste an hour or more waiting for a table.

As others have posted there is a lot of things to see and do.....definitely worth going and experiencing.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

A PP mentioned there are vouchers for disneyquest if you're staying at a disney resort. We often don't pay attention to all those coupon things in the room since we have limited time at the parks, but this year, we are also planning a DD day.

Are the vouchers in the room upon check-in? Does it matter if you're staying at a value resort? Thanks to anyone who might know!

As least in the past....

When you book a package through Disney, you get your "Mickey Mail" a few weeks before your trip. Included in that packet are a bunch of vouchers. We've gotten 2 free DQ passes, 2 free mini golf, a % off at Planet Hollywood, discount on golf/racing experience. And I forget what else! But we've used the mini golf on our last two trips and hoping is the same for our trip this August so we can try DQ for the first time!

Our last trip was August 2013 so maybe some who's been more recently can confirm if this is still the case.