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Cyndi writes: "Just wanted to say "thanks" for the link to best deals on Downtown Disney. I booked three nights at the Doubletree Guest Suites for 12/26-12/29 (I know this is probably NOT the time to visit WDW but the only time we could go) for less than $550 including tax. I've looked on every website I could find for a better deal. The next best deal I could find was through Sam's Club for $695. We can certainly spend the $145 in savings on other things. Thanks again." That's great, Cyndi! For more insider tips, see our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."
Princess Diana's dresses to be displayed at Downtown Disney - in the
old Virgin Records store. Tickets: $14.50; $5 for kids 3-9.
Revamped Holiday Inn Slated for Walt Disney World
Downtown Disney's new balloon ride offers the high life - with videoDisney's
new balloon ride offers the high life - with video
Gonna fly now: Balloon nearly ready for guests at Downtown Disney Anyone Up for Bird’s-Eye View of Downtown Disney Area is in for a Treat as Characters In Flight Ascends in April LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The fun soars to new heights at Downtown Disney West Side with an iconic new tethered balloon that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront. Characters In Flight operated by Aerophile is a 72-foot-diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s "flying characters" - such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. The vibrantly colored balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles. Guests board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights seven days a week. Hours Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while ascents Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on site. Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis. For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com. (Source: Press Release, 04/08/09)
New Waterfront Eatery Opens at Downtown Disney Early May 2009 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort. The lakeside eatery will offer a delectable variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas. The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States. The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night. (Source: Press Release, 04/08/09)
Tren-D, New Downtown Disney Retail Offering, Blends Retro Style and Current Trends with a Touch of Disney LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - A stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace with the March opening of Tren-D. The urban-inspired Walt Disney World specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories. "This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, new silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters," said Mark Perrotta, director of Product Development and Design. "Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home. Tren-D speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences." Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among stylish art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings. Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry - blending it with Disney-inspired creations. "With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think Tren-D will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney," said Perrotta. Tren-D is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy. The space previously was used by Summer Sands. (Source: Press Release, 03/13/09)
Debut of Downtown Disney balloon rides pushed back
Cirque du Soleil and today's economy
Fashion boutique TrenD to open March 19 at Downtown Disney
Virgin Megastores, including Disney location, will shut down this
summer
Four stores close in Downtown Disney
A Harley-Davidson restaurant at the former Mannequins at Pleasure
Island?
Disney building new practice stage for youth groups at Downtown
Disney
Cirque du Soleil La Nouba at Downtown Disney photos
Downtown Disney and Hanes team up on T's
Club Libby Lu at Downtown Disney to close
Disney's new dinosaur-themed restaurant opens
Pleasure Island's grand finale
"The final night for all six [Pleasure Island] clubs -- Motion,
Mannequins, 8Trax, BET Soundstage Club, Comedy Warehouse and the Adventurers
Club -- will be next Saturday."
Downtown Disney's Portobello Yacht Club will close September 27 and
reopen October 13 as an Italian trattoria with a shorter name: "Portobello."
"The menu will shift from traditional Italian fare to food inspired by regional
Italian destinations such as Milan, Tuscany and Rome." |
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T-Rex at Downtown Disney Takes Guests on a Dining Adventure to a Prehistoric Time as Restaurant Debuts in October LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Walt Disney World guests can go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs as T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover® opens it doors at Downtown Disney in mid October. T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc. and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat, family-friendly interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice: Guests are greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more. Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Cafe and the T-Rex restaurant, depicts the experience as "edutainment," noting that this "treat for all five senses" includes artifacts such as fossils – all carefully labeled – that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina. A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. The prehistoric theme extends to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!). Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts. Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and "Chocolate Extinction." Guests can make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE. (Source: Press Release, 10/07/08)
Diana writes about the closings at Pleasure Island:
They will close all the clubs at Pleasure Island September 27, 2008. They plan to open more restaurants. Adult entertainment will be limited to lounges, like RIX at Coronado Springs.
Rumor has it that Disney was not happy that Pleasure Island didn't fit in with the family-friendly Marketplace and Westside on either side of it. Disney says that people wanted more restaurants and shops.
Beth, our travel agent, writes: Adult evening entertainment... "Don't forget about the Boardwalk area. There are several things going on over there in the evening that are a lot of fun and very much geared towards the adult crowd. The only down side is that there isn't any way to get back to your hotel late at night if you're not staying right in that area. You'd have to call a cab if you don't have a car with you. (It would be a cheap taxi ride, though.) And as John suggests, the deluxe resorts as well as Coronado Springs have lounges that get fun in the evenings. (Actually, all the moderate resorts have lounges, but Coronado's is a lot more interesting thanks to recent renovations as well as the fact that they have a convention center there that draws more of an adult crowd to that resort.)" (I think that might be a fun way to spend several evenings - visiting a different lounge every night! I just might have to write the "Walt Disney World Lounge Tour!")
"Walt Disney World is shutting down the six nightclubs at Pleasure
Island [September 27] to make its party district at Downtown Disney more
family friendly." Disney is also updating MarketPlace and Westside and plans
to add a tethered balloon that will take visitors 300 feet in to the air!
Beth, our travel agent, recently visited Walt Disney World: "June is the month for my 10-year-old daughter's annual solo trip to Grandma's house. Unfortunately, there are currently no airlines flying nonstop to Raleigh or Greensboro so we had to choose another departure point. For Disney lovers, the choice between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando is an easy one. We drove to Orlando the day prior to her flight. Despite a short 'leg stretch' break, we still made it to Downtown Disney in an uneventful 3.5 hours and arrived at the Earl of Sandwich just in time for lunch. We were pleased to see that the line was short and seating was still ample - which was not the case a very short time later. The line, however, does move really fast even during peak meal time. Two thumbs up on both the food and the pricing. In fact, the yummy sandwiches are large enough that we could have shared one. Along with our shared dessert and beverage it would have been plenty and we could have come in under $10. As it was, with two drinks, a giant cupcake, and two sandwiches, we were just under $18 and we each had half a sandwich left for later. They were promptly tossed in my thermal lunch bag in the trunk of the car before we headed to Disney Quest on the other side of Downtown Disney. I'll readily admit this was our first time to Disney Quest. It's true! We've been to Disney World more times than we can count and have just never made it over there. Honestly, I was having a hard time imagining that it was going to be worth $40 a person admission so I always seemed to come up with about 300 other things that had higher priority. This time, though, we were just at WDW for one night and I thought it was a good time to try it out. The fact that I had one admission usable from an old ticket helped, too. As you enter the lobby and pass through the turnstiles you're asked if you've ever been there before. If not, you're given a brief explanation of the elevators and told that the Genie will appear on the wall during your short trip up. I'm a tad claustrophobic and I didn't like being shut in that elevator at all... even in the dark when it's easier to pretend the thing is huge. Fortunately, there was no one else in there with us so I could move about a little and it really was a pretty short presentation. Out we popped on the third floor. A cast member greeted us and asked if we had any questions. I requested a map, but was told that there were none available to hand out. We were, however, led to a wall map and that helped. We quickly realized we needed to be on the ground level, but aside from the fact that the elevators were slow I wasn't anxious to get back in one so we took the stairs down. Amazingly, there was no line at all for the Jungle Cruise attraction so we had a very short wait. We were led to a four-man raft where my daughter seated herself in the front and I climbed in the back. We were each given a paddle, and then the raft lifted up as a giant air pillow inflated below us and the screen ahead came alive with animation. The idea is that you 'control' your raft with the sensor-embedded paddles, maneuvering your way through caverns and down white-water rapids in the quest for... well, I'm not exactly sure what - but it was fun! We even got splashed (just a little) each time we went over a drop. This attraction is entertaining and probably won't bother you even if you have a tendency towards motion sickness. It's fine even for the younger set. Then we checked out Pirates of the Caribbean. Long line, long wait. Was it worth it? Well, maybe once. After placing a 3-D apparatus over your head you're led onto the deck of your 'ship.' It really does feel like you're on a boat! One person is the designated captain and takes the wheel while the others man the canons. The captain 'steers' towards virtual pirate ships so that the gunners can fire at them, sink the ships, and take all the gold. It was amusing, I'll give it that. Our next stop was upstairs where we entered a song booth and created our own country western ditty. It was a fun thing to do together, good for all ages, and it's sort of cool to hear how the same lyrics can sound so different when the style of music is changed. We had the option of purchasing a CD of our masterpiece, but we declined and moved on. The animation drawing lessons start periodically and we didn't want to wait for the next class so we passed that one up. The line for the Astroblaster bumper cars was a long one so we just watched. It looked sort of fun, but as soon as my daughter discovered that the video games along the wall didn't require money to play she lost all interest in the bumper cars. I admit that I, too, got sucked into the idea that I could try to get high score on Galaga without digging for quarters. We played for a good 20 minutes or so before setting out to find Aladdin and check out those flying carpets. Sadly, an ill-fitting 3-D helmet made that experience rather uncomfortable for me. If you wear glasses, you might want to take them off (if you can still see well enough) or wear contacts. The attraction doesn't take too long, but I got an amazingly strong case of motion sickness from it and needed a break (and some aspirin) after that one. I think it was a combination of my glasses being smashed against my face, having to hold the front of the viewing thing up with one hand, and then the apparent motion of the virtual reality experience. No more flying carpets for me! Our next stop was the one my daughter had been waiting for: Virtual Space Mountain. There was no line at all for the creation part of the ride. We were shown to a control panel where you are able to design your own coaster. You can make it as scary or tame as you want to. At the end, your coaster is rated for intensity and you are given an idea of what the ride would be like. Then you take your credit card-like ID and head to part 2 of the attraction - and there was a rather lengthy line for this part. Eventually, it was our turn and we were led up a short flight of stairs and down to pod #8 where a cast member swiped my daughter's card and verified the name of her coaster. She was told to empty her pockets into a locker and was given the key on a wrist band. Then she was led into the pod itself and was harnessed in just like a real coaster. (I sat this one out. My tummy was still upset over the flying carpet adventure.) I stood outside the pod and watched my daughter's face on camera as she "rode" her coaster. I could also see what she was seeing on the screen ahead of her, so it was fun. Hers was a tame ride indeed, but I saw a few kids emerging with a distinctive green hue to their faces - no doubt a result of several high-speed drops and inversions. This is a fabulous attraction for serious coaster lovers, and you can purchase a DVD or tape of your ride afterwards if you care to. It can be intense, though, if you design it that way. We didn't get around to Ride the Comix, Alien Encounter, or Pinball Slam, but they all sounded equally fun. We both agreed that this is a really cool and entertaining thing to do on a hot afternoon - or a rainy one, although I hear the placed is packed when it rains. Allow at least 3-4 hours to play. (Yes, you can come back later the same day as long as you have your ticket with you.) The drive up from Naples was long and the virtual flying carpet experience took a lot out of me, so we decided to head to the hotel, Caribbean Beach Resort. Again, this was a first. I've visited, but never stayed there. We parked at the Custom House and found that the line at 4:00 was non-existent so it took mere minutes to check in and get back to the car. NOTE that if you don't have a car you are not allowed to take luggage on the internal bus (or any Disney bus, for that matter) so you'd have to give your baggage to the handlers to take to your room. It's probably going to be too far away for you to lug it by foot. We were in the Aruba section which is one of the closer ones to the check-in building and I was thankful to be driving rather than walking. All buildings are 2-story and there are no elevators. We trudged up the steps with our overnight bag and small cooler of bottled water and leftover lunch sandwiches, quickly found the room, and settled in. As I've said a million times before, the rooms are pretty much the same as in all the moderate resorts. I've heard they are technically slightly larger, but it's surely not enough to be noticeable. The water was tossed into the frig and we plopped down at the table to polish off the lunch leftovers. Yum. We then discussed our options and ultimately decided to drive over to the Winter Summerland miniature golf course. Those that buy a vacation package will find that they receive one pass per person to miniature golf when they arrive at their hotel and it's a nice savings. My daughter chose the winter course and it seemed odd to hear Christmas carols as we played our way through 18 fun holes in the 90 degree heat. Most of the course is shaded, though, and the sun had dropped a bit in the sky so it was really pretty pleasant. On the way out, we were each given a collectable golf ball, a tiny candy cane, and a small Sharpie marker. I have no idea what that was about, but it's always nice to get unexpected presents! Then off we went to Coronado Springs, just a short drive down the street. We started with the gift shop. My daughter was nearly desperate for one of those lollipops in the shape of Winnie the Pooh's head, but it seems Pooh pops are scarce these days so we gave up the search and headed for the Pepper Market, one of our favorite quick service locations on Disney property. After being seated by the hostess we were greeted by our server who quickly took our drink order, but was very slow to return with the drinks. My daughter waited at the table while I wandered over to the food stations to get our dinner. This time, we wised up and shared. We went with the bourbon chicken which is served with a mountain of stir-fried veggies and a great big bowl of rice (or noodles). That and two iced teas filled us both up. Total tab with tax and gratuity: $20 and change. (The food is great here, but pricey - which is what makes it such a good deal if you have the Disney dining plan.) Two changes I noted at Coronado since my last visit: a new (and VERY cool looking) cocktail lounge (Cafe Rix) which is adults only at night, but kids are permitted earlier; and Cafe Rix Cafe which replaced the grab-n-go spot near the Pepper Market entry. It's still grab-n-go, but with a much-expanded menu that includes some made-to-order hot items. Then back to the hotel we went. We changed into our bathing suits and walked to the closest pool. The main pool (with the water slide) continues to be closed while being completely replaced with what will probably end up being the best moderate resort pool area when done. We were fine with the regular pool, though. I'm pretty much always cold so even though the pool is heated it was too chilly for me to be comfortable. My daughter and the 10 or so other people in the large pool looked happy enough, though. After getting our exercise and drying off adequately, we donned our cover-ups and strolled across the bridge to Old Port Royale for the gift shop and food court. We started with dessert - a cupcake each and some iced tea to share (about $6 total) and then a bit of shopping. Still no Pooh pop, so we settled on a different lolly and grabbed some Mickey pretzels to take to Grandma (a real pretzel fan). At under $3 for a good sized bag, those pretzels are a bargain! Warning to parents with Webkinz addicted children: seemingly all the Disney gift shops now carry them so beware! Back to the room for showers and a good night's sleep before pulling out bright and early for the airport. We left at 7:35, and still no express check-out bill under the door. (That's the first time that's happened.) The drive to the airport is an easy one - as long as you have a big pocket of change for all the tolls. The line to check in an unaccompanied minor with Southwest held us up for about 30 minutes, but the lines at security weren't bad at all (which isn't always the case). We had an airport-quality breakfast near the gate (meaning over priced and not real tasty), but the flight was off right on time and I trudged back to the car to shell out my parking fee ($1 per 20 minutes) and start home. Many more tolls and about 4 hours later I was back home in front of my computer, another trip to WDW complete - albeit a brief one. Next scheduled trip: December '08 - but knowing us there will be another visit squeezed in before then."
"A man accused of helping supply makers of a pipe bomb that exploded
in a trash can near Downtown Disney last summer was arrested Wednesday by
federal firearms agents."
New restaurant to debut at Downtown Disney: "The 5,000-square-foot,
two-story facility will have a tequila bar and outdoor seating along Village
Lake."
"The Cheesecake Factory is closing its restaurant at DisneyQuest in
Downtown Disney [in May]... The restaurant will be replaced with FoodQuest,
a counter-service eatery owned and operated by Disney."
Hannah Montana-Inspired Makeover to be Offered at Downtown Disney Location of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique A Hannah Montana-inspired makeover that transforms youngsters into "Secret Stars" will be offered exclusively at the Downtown Disney location of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique beginning Feb. 24. Spurred by the popularity of the Disney Channel show and concert tour, Disney's Secret Star Makeover decks out young Walt Disney World guests to look "just like Hannah" -- right down to a blond wig and microphone headset. Then, holding a guitar that looks just like Hannah's, they begin posing for the camera. When the shoot is complete, guests receive a commemorative photo and also take home the Hannah Montana wig, microphone headset, Hannah Montana guitar purse, their choice of T-shirt and a backstage pass/make-up kit. The cost is $109.95 plus tax. For parents who want to be able to complete the look at home, the full Hannah Montana costume including jacket and pants is available. Additional photos also may be purchased. Reservations are available by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (939-7895). (Press Release, 02/20/08)
"Disney announced today that starting Feb. 24 Hannah Montana makeovers
will be offered at the Downtown Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney's
high-end fantasy spa for kids." Prices start at $110 + tax.
Pleasure Island, Raglan Road Irish Pub Plan St. Patrick's Day Fun The St. Patrick's Day fun will last longer than a weekend at Downtown Disney as Walt Disney World guests are treated to a variety of special entertainment at Pleasure Island beginning March 14 and at Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub beginning March 16. # Pleasure Island's Sham-Rock 'n' Roll features street-party fun for the whole family March 14, 15 and 17. The island will "turn green" with live music featuring Seven Nations, videos by Irish artists, leprechauns and stilt walkers. Club admission is not required to experience the fun beginning at 7 p.m. each day. For additional information, guests can call 407/WDW-2NITE (option 4, option 1) or visit www.downtowndisney.com. # For everyone interested in celebrating St. Patrick's Day "the Irish way," the Irish owners of Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub have lined up a program of Irish music, song and dance for March 16 and 17. Featured will be U2 Elevation, the world's most popular U2 tribute band, playing a mix of the band's songs. In addition, Tuskar Rock, Raglan Road's imported house band, will present their unique mix of traditional and contemporary Irish music accompanied by award-winning Irish dancer Danielle Fitzpatrick. The fun begins at 11 a.m. on March 16. On March 17, there is a $15 cover charge. For more information, call 407/938-0300 or visit www.raglanroadirishpub.com. (Source: Press Release, 02/08/08)
Disney is making changes at Pleasure Island to make it more appealing
to those who don't want to visit the nightclubs:
"A couple walking along the waterfront in Downtown Disney Thursday morning
said a gun-totting clown and another man, whose face was hidden behind a
dark hoodie, stole their cash."
Heavy Metal at Downtown Disney's House of Blues: "As local headbangers
might have noticed, metal shows (at least some of them) are getting the cold
shoulder at HOB lately."
"Two life-size dinosaurs will grace the outside and dozens more robotic dinosaurs
will decorate the interior of the T-Rex restaurant and store under
construction at Downtown Disney."
"Work has begun on Walt Disney World's latest full-service, themed restaurant,
the T-Rex, to be opened at Downtown Disney in a partnership with Landry's
Restaurants out of Houston... T-Rex is to become a full-menu, full-service
family-oriented restaurant, a genre that's oddly scarce at Downtown Disney."
Fuego by Sosa Cigars opens at Pleasure Island: "Walt Disney World now has its very own cigar bar... Sosa Cigars is part of the Arturo Fuente Cigar Family, and the Sosas have run a cigar shop in Disney for the past decade called Sosa Family Cigars, which stocks 80 cigar brands, humidors and cigarettes." (Source: cigaraficionado.com, 07/13/07)
Disney has initiated security procedures at Downtown Disney to control teens who loiter or are suspected of being gang members:
Note: You can appeal. If you feel that you have not been treated fairly, call the Disney switchboard at 407-824-2222 and they will connect you to the party who can discuss your case.
"A 'bang' and a ball of white smoke in an empty Walt Disney World parking lot early Monday briefly became international news... 'Our investigators found end caps, which usually indicate a pipe-bomblike device... not designed to cause significant property damage or injuries.'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/03/07) "'Gangsta rappers' took over the House of Blues, but Friday night across the rest of Downtown Disney unfolded without a repeat of the security crackdown on young males that had prompted accusations of racial profiling." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/07) "The four Florida State University football prospects who were kicked out of Downtown Disney for loitering last week and banned for life from Walt Disney World can now come back." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/29/07)
Wolfgang Puck "plans to switch to only organic and humanely raised meats and fish by the end of the year -- a change that will include the Central Florida locations (at Downtown Disney), now owned by Levy Restaurants." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/02/07)
"Walt Disney World is stepping up efforts to roust unwanted teens and young adults from its Downtown Disney complex. The company's security guards and off-duty Orange County deputy sheriffs boosted their presence last weekend at the popular shopping and entertainment area, issuing as many trespass warnings in two days as they had the previous 51/2 months." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/22/07)
"A man who was rescued from a lake at Downtown Disney on Wednesday morning will face charges because of the story he told police." (Source: wesh.com, 06/20/07)
Cirque du Soleil "came up with the idea of selling tickets to the rehearsal performance to raise money for the Cirque du Soleil Foundation USA... The funds will be used for local cultural programs and donated to community organizations that work with at-risk youth." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/18/07)
"Thursday night's Pleasure Island jaunt was my first time seeing the 'new bridge' without the construction walls up. Wow. It's seamless... the new bridge integrates so seemlessly into the old design, you would never know there had been a change." (Source: blogs.olandosentinel.com, 05/01/07)
"A performer in Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba show at Walt Disney World fell from an elevated platform during a Friday night show and was hospitalized in what a company spokeswoman said was the circus's first serious injury since it opened in Central Florida eight years ago. The performer, who plays the character Green Bird, is recuperating and is expected to return to the show, Cirque du Soleil spokeswoman Aurelie Grand said." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/30/07)
5 Pleasure Island Clubs Raise Age Limit to 21: "The new guidelines, allowing entry only to people ages 21 or older, go into effect for the BET SoundStage Club, 8TRAX, Mannequins Dance Palace, Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club and Motion. Younger people still will be welcome at two clubs that have broader entertainment, the Adventurers Club and the Comedy Warehouse, though an adult must accompany anyone under age 18. All ages still are welcome at the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/01/07)
Pirates and Princesses at the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney: "For the boys, there's the Adventure Room, which features a pirate theme. Girls reign over the Princess Room, complete with a spa-like salon, called the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique." (Source: citizen-times.com, 07/02/06)
"No matter what Walt Disney does with its bar scene, shopping is driving most of the changes at Downtown Disney... To enliven the shopping experience, Pleasure Island has been opened up to shorten the walk between the main shopping districts -- Marketplace and West Side -- on either end of Downtown Disney. Disney also will add more water taxis and a dock at Pleasure Island, so people can travel by ferry." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/10/06)
"The Procaccianti Group, one of the nation's top ten hotel owner operators, announced today they have recapitalized the 626 room Grosvenor Hotel located in Downtown Disney, Orlando Florida... 'We are planning an extensive renovation and we're committed to returning the Grosvenor to first class status.'" (Source: Hospitakity Net, 07/07/06)
Disney Closing DisneyQuest "What was once supposed to have been the flagship of an entire chain of 30 indoor theme parks, one that would have eventually encircled the globe, DisneyQuest will be closing in 18 months. Then this 5-story tall, 100,000 square foot structure -- which towers over the West Side section of Downtown Disney -- will be gutted & turned into a brand-new ESPN Zone." (Source: Jim Hill Media, 04/25/06)
"Once a haven for grown-ups looking to dance the night away, Disney's Pleasure Island is morphing into a place where Mom, Dad and the little ones can feel comfortable -- but the wild uncle is still welcome... Disney is tearing out bridges, building a bigger, more prominent new bridge, knocking down two outdoor music stages, cutting a building in half, leveling a hill, opening up vistas of the lake and getting away from the back-alley warehouse-district look." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/10/06)
The Royal Plaza, a Downtown Disney hotel, is open following an extensive rehab. DisneyQuest consists of a 100,000 square-foot building divided into 4 zones, featuring games, rides and restaurants. CyberSpace Mountain, a virtual reality roller coaster, is a great simulator ride! Friends of ours tried out DisneyQuest and loved it. They especially liked creating their own different versions of a virtual roller coaster with 10,000 feet of virtual track. Once completed, the program is downloaded onto a card. The card programs a vehicle that spins on an x-y-z axis -- it will do whatever you program it to do -- even roll like a barrel and flip back over itself!
The Canadian circus, Cirque du Soleil, debuted December 1998 at Downtown Disney West Side (next to Pleasure Island). Over 70 performers entertain 1650 guests in a 70,000 square-foot theater, the exterior of which looks like a circus tent. Order tickets through WDW Central Reservations at 407/934-7639.
Here's the phone number for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique which opens in April in the Princess Room at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. To arrange a royal makeover for your little princess, call 407/WDW-STYLE (939-78953).
Gina writes: "The Downtown Disney properties - are the buses the disney buses or are they the hotels'? Do they run every 30 mins? and where do they drop you off? I would be willing to stay in Downtown if it is same level of difficulty as the All-Stars to get around." The Downtown Disney hotels have their own buses which run every half hour. They take you to the park's parking lot, usually a little farther away than Disney's buses. I wouldn't let the buses stop you from staying at the Downtown Disney hotels.
"Irish hospitality and a bit of blarney [can be found at] Downtown Disney
at Walt Disney World Resort in the form of Raglan Road, an authentic
Irish pub and restaurant... Raglan Road [features] the very best of Irish
food, flair, heritage and entertainment." The Pub will feature:
(Source: WDW Press Release)
"The LEGO Imagination Center retail store at Downtown Disney has been redesigned. Outside the store, a 12-foot T-Rex occasionally lets out a ferocious roar while a larger-than- life robot chatters electronically. Even Brickley, the famous LEGO sea serpent that stands in the lake, has gotten a facelift. Another surprise outside the store includes a statue of a family taking their life-size dogs for a walk. Inside the store, Guests will find the world's largest LEGO Pick-A-Brick wall as well as many other surprises." (Source: Walt Disney World Resort)
Toni writes: "What is downtown disney? Is it a shopping area or a hotel?" It is a shopping area. Several hotels (not owned or operated by Disney) are located on Disney property next to the shopping area. So people refer to the shopping area with adjoining hotels as Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney's World of Disney Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary "the huge store will soon be opening a kiddie salon. The 50,000-square-foot outlet of all things Mousy is adding a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique -- named for the song that Cinderella's fairy godmother sings -- for girls who want to get their hair, nails and makeup done like a princess...
Details:
Visitors will also find more princess merchandise and pirate/superhero related items for boys. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 01/04/06)
Changes Coming to Pleasure Island "Among the things under consideration, I'm told, is opening a bowling alley and dropping the every-night-is-New-Year's-Eve theme, which has been around since 1990. And, for certain, the West End stage on the Island, where a deejay is often found, is going away to make entering the island easier." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/21/05)
"Downtown Disney Pleasure Island clubs have begun testing new single-club ticket options at specific clubs. This single-club ticket offers Guests the option to choose a selected individual dance club to enjoy for the evening. The price of the single club ticket during this test period is $9.95." A multi-club ticket is still available that grants admission to all the clubs. Cost: $20.95. There is no admission to walk the streets of Pleasure Island.
A Harley-Davidson store is now located in the location of the former Mouse House. The store showcases custom Harleys, T-shirts and collectibles.
Guests at Pleasure Island's nightclub, Motion, must now be 18 years of age or older. The former policy of allowing guests under 18 with a chaperone to enter has been eliminated.
Disney Tails is a new store for pets at Downtown Disney Marketplace next to Pooh Corner. Disney Tails features pet care products with a Disney flair including toys, animal treats and personalized items.
Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney is drawing crowds. "People are lining up to sample Sandwich's sandwiches, and it's not just the tourists, who'd probably eat anything. A lot of the folks in line are Disney workers who remove name tags and other identifying paraphernalia to wait in line for some meat between bread. Why? Well, one reason is the cost. At $4.95 per sandwich, it's one of the best deals on Disney property. And it doesn't hurt that the sandwiches are really pretty good." (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
Beth, our travel agent, continues her article about venues Disney is thinking about adding to Pleasure Island: "Club South Beach -- From New York to Miami, this is the hottest craze in city nightlife. Current, catchy, and full of alternative sound, this is the place to be if you want what's new. Bar Vegas -- In true "over-the-top" Las Vegas style, waterfall walls and rum volcanoes fill this indoor jungle during dinner. But after hours, the scene transforms into a dazzling nightclub pulsing with Latin, African, and techno beats. Cabaret Restaurant -- Flash back in time to the Chicago speakeasy where cabaret acts mingle with smooth jazz, first-rate food, and a snifter of brandy. Eat, drink, and dance...any hour of the evening. Tapas Bar -- Before you hit the dance floor, hit the Tapas Bar where lively Latin festivities abound. Flamenco music plays as stylish waiters serve an exotic array of bite-sized delicacies. But don't forget, appetizers are best when shared with friends and family. Club Chameleon -- Slip down the alley to enter this ultra-hip dance club hidden in an industrial warehouse. Dress it up or dress it down, this cosmopolitan club is painted flat black and can swing the mood from well-known DJs to the latest band craze from L.A. Sports Bar -- Don't miss the big game! For a night on the town that includes your favorite sport played on a wall of big-screen TVs (complete with a pitcher of beer and a big plate of food), come on down to the best sports bar in town. Martini & Wine Bar -- Classic martinis, wines from around the world, and trendy sofa groupings make this the home of inspiring conversation. Come here to meet old friends or make new ones. Retro Dine and Bowl -- For rockin' around the clock, hit this 24-hour retro diner and bowl a few games with your gang. Nothing's better than black-light bowling or feasting on good old American fare like cheeseburgers and a soda or crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes, served up 1950s style. Brewery -- Classic rock, American cuisine, and over 200 unique varieties of beer on tap make this Brewery the trendiest spot for adventurous beer drinkers. Sidle up to the steel bar in the center of the room for an Australian ale or a new Japanese brew. Tween Club -- Your tweens will beg you to strap a wristband on them and give them an evening at the most fantastic spot on the island--for kids 5 to 13, that is. Age appropriate rooms full of games, music, and more will have them safely rockin' and rollin' with kids their own age, while you are just a beeper away enjoying a night on the town.
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I got a postcard in the mail [February 28] stating that I was one of a "small, but significant sampling" of former Disney resort guests chosen to take a survey online. There was a website and a password given, so of course I ran to the computer to check it out. There were several questions about what Orlando area entertainment and shopping districts I was aware of and which I'd visited personally, then it moved on to asking questions about Pleasure Island specifically. Although some general questions were asked about all the clubs, there seemed to be an emphasis on the House of Blues... what I knew about it, if I'd been there, and how much it interested me. Then there was a section that said that they wanted me to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10, my interest in several new concepts for clubs that *might* one day be incorporated into the Downtown Disney experience. I thought maybe you would all like to see the ideas they're tossing around, so here they are. "The Tower Sky Bar -- After a long day, ride a sleek elevator up a dozen stories to The Tower. Sip the latest cocktails at chic tables in the bar-in-the-sky, while enjoying a spectacular view of the evening fireworks through a panorama of plate glass. Irish Pub -- Luck-o-the-Irish has it that this pub will have you drinking and singing with old friends before the night is out...even if you just met. Authentic Irish bands and a bit of storytelling set the mood for crispy fish and chips and a pint of Guinness."
Melissa writes: "I have a question for you. My family and I (myself, husband and two children) will be visiting WDW and Universal Studios in May of next year (for 7 days). We plan to purchase the Disney Park hopper 4-day plus tickets for all of us. We plan to visit all 4 theme parks and then visit Pleasure Island with the Plus pass. Does admission to Pleasure Island include DisneyQuest or does DisneyQuest have its own separate admission? I hope you and Donna enjoyed your recent trip! I have to admit I was a little upset when I didn't get my Disney newsletter on the 11th this month, but after I found out that you were vacationing there I got over it real quick :-)" DisneyQuest is included in the Water Park Fun & More Option. You can buy DQ separately. Yes, we had a lot of fun! I already want to go back!
Chuck writes: "I'm looking to take my niece to Disney World next summer for a graduation present. It will be my first trip east and to Disney World. Can you recommend any other interesting things to do in Orlando, beside the big things like Disney World and Universal Studios, for an eighteen old?" Try Disney's Pleasure Island - except Mannequins and BET SoundStage Club where you have to be 21 to enter and Motion where you must be 18 or older - and Hard Rock and City Jazz at Universal's CityWalk.
Disney is no longer running buses from the Transportation and Ticket Center or the parks to Downtown Disney. Beth, our travel agent, writes: "There is no transportation of any sort between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island, nor is there apparently any transportation from Downtown Disney to any of the parks: too many people parking at Downtown Disney to get out of paying the parking fees. There IS, however, still transportation between Downtown Disney and all the resorts."
Except for the Hilton, the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels are no longer participating in or early entry. However, guests are guaranteed admission to the four Disney Theme Parks with a ticket or pass, even when the parks are full.
Zen Zone at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island "Offering a soothing mix of relaxation and retail, Zen Zone is a new oasis of tranquility amid the high-energy atmosphere at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island. Now open adjacent to Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club, the shop offers Walt Disney World guests a variety of relaxation options, including aqua massages, chair massages, hot and cold herbal packs, and a selection of massage-related retail products." (Source: Walt Disney World Press Release)
Once Upon A Toy "Inside, the store’s spacious interior will be filled with colorful, kinetic displays dreamed up by Disney Imagineers and Hasbro designers, and exclusive new toys, games and collectibles combining the magic of Disney and the fun of Hasbro, including: A special MR. POTATO HEAD with Disney-themed parts such as Mickey Mouse ears, a character autograph book, a Mickey balloon, a sorcerer’s hat and a teacup vehicle from Disney’s Mad Tea Party attraction. A new version of the sleuthing board game CLUE based on Disney’s popular Haunted Mansion attraction. A Disney theme park edition of MONOPOLY, the world’s most popular board game. Star Tours action figures from the "Star Wars"-inspired attraction developed by Disney and George Lucas. A PLAY-DOH play set based on Disney’s beloved It’s a Small World attraction. A miniature version of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge resort hotel made of LINCOLN LOGS... Outside, an interactive play area will offer still more fun... including TINKERTOYS, PLAY-DOH, LINCOLN LOGS and a towering construction station where guests can assemble a custom MR. POTATO HEAD from thousands of playful parts. Guests also will find a wide selection of popular Disney playthings such as character stuffed toys, the new My Disney Girl doll and accessories, and toys inspired by the magic of Walt Disney World Resort, including miniature versions of Disney’s popular monorail system and Cinderella Castle." (Source: Walt Disney World Press Release)
Dorothy writes: "Will be visiting Magic Kingdom Xmas day. Am aware of crowds. Any hints or good advice? We are staying at Doubletree Guest Suites. Any advice on this either?" If crowds get too heavy on Xmas day, Disney will close the park. If the park is packed, do NOT leave. Stay there until closing. Follow our tours, but be flexible. We don't wait longer than 30 minutes for any attraction. Keep moving until you find a shorter line - usually at the back of the park. Remember - most people start forming lines near the entrance and work their way to the rear of the park. Instead, you should go to the rear of the park and work your way to the entrance against the crowd. Use FASTPASS when you can and visit the attractions around the FASTPASS attraction. DoubleTree is a nice resort with space for large families. Budget Rental Car is located in the hotel if you need to rent a car. Goodings grocery is within walking distance.
Discount for DisneyQuest: Guests have reported that occasionally there is someone at the kiosk across the street from the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop at Downtown Disney Marketplace who hands out 20% off coupons. Worth a look.
The AMC Theaters at Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island provide a state of the art movie-going experience. To buy AMC movie tickets online, see their movie schedule, view previews, and read reviews of current films, click here.
Discounts at Pleasure Island: the best deals are available at the ticket window. When you arrive, ask about current specials - guests have reported getting additional nights for just $5 more. You can save 20% by showing a receipt for a meal you had the same day at a restaurant at Downtown Disney. Annual Pass holders, American Express credit card holders, and AAA members can save 10-20%. Students (with ID), military personnel (reserve and active, but no dependents), WDW annual passholders, Pleasure Island annual passholders, and seniors 55 or older are eligible for discounts at Downtown Disney's AMC Theaters. Look for a seating chart and other information on the Cirque du Soleil at their web site.
The Rainforest Cafe Safari Club offers discounts and priority seating. They have two locations at WDW (Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney) and their food is excellent. You can apply for a membership at any Rainforest Cafe. Membership costs $10. To apply, stop by the restaurant the day before you plan to dine since the benefits are not available immediately. Other benefits include a $10 discount on your next meal (that makes the membership free) and 10% off merchandise at the gift shop. They will also send you discount offers on your anniversary and birthday. It's worth joining for priority seating as lines at WDW can be pretty long. You can't join the club at their web site, but they have lots of other information there. Click here.
Ludo writes: Admission to the clubs is restricted to those 18 and older (21 and older at Mannequins and Bet Soundstage) unless accompanied by a parent.
Yolanda writes: "I receive your newsletter at my home computer and just love it! We went to Disney World at the end of February which was a perfect time. The weather was great and the crowds were not bad at all. We drove from Tennessee and stayed in Kissimmee. I wanted to mention the great time we had at downtown Disney at the DisneyQuest. I had seen the video and the brochures before but we had never gone there in any of our previous 5 trips. The kids loved it as did my two nephews and niece (who live in Tampa) who also had never been there before. The cost was minimal and before we realized it we had been there for five hours. I can't believe that we had never been there - but we certainly will visit there again during our next trip scheduled for the fall. Thanks for the great work that you do to keep us all informed!" Thank you, Yolanda, for your feedback and kind comments.
Lisa writes: "Is there any advantage to staying at a WDW property as opposed to a good neighbor hotel such as the Hilton LBV. Can you take advantage of the free offerings at the WDW properties if you are not staying onsite?" Guests at the Downtown Disney Hotels enjoy some of the same perks as those staying at the Disney owned resorts -- free shuttle to the parks and onsite Disney ticket sales. They sell tickets to other Florida attractions as well. Guests must use the hotel buses unless they purchase a multi-day pass which gives them the right to use all of WDW transportation.
Jessica writes: "1. I am travelling to WDW over Memorial day weekend, with full days Fri thru Mon. Do the same "rules" apply on holiday weekends for which park is busiest which day? Do you have suggestions for an order to see the parks ( MK, Epcot, and MGM- we're goin' fishin' one of the days). 2. DisneyQuest - my 12 year old son and his friend are dying to go, and I am hoping NOT to. Do you think this is a safe place for preteens to be without parents for a few hours? Also, how do I find out in advance which of the attractions cost extra money, so I'll know how much to bring or send my son with? The only way for DQ to be "affordable" is to plan ahead in my opinion. Thanks if you can answer these questions. Your book has been really valuable in planning an affordable trip. I got a great rate at a suite hotel with your discount hotel links." On a holiday like Memorial Day, all parks will probably be packed. It probably won't matter in which order you visit the parks, but the Animal Kingdom seems to be the least crowded any day. Disney says only kids 10 and under visiting DisneyQuest need a parent with them, so I assume it is monitored by Disney security. I would give your son $20. Kids will spend whatever you give them! And give him two to three hours to explore the attraction. That's plenty of time. Glad you like the book!
Jean writes: "we are 3 families staying at Ft. Wilderness for a week. Because our large party contains 3 small children (strollers etc.) would we be better to drive ourselves to the parks since the Disney transportation takes so long from Ft. Wilderness or just use theirs. It's been frustrating before. Enjoy reading your info. Thanks." Disney has improved the time it takes to get from Fort Wilderness to the parks. Allow an extra 20 minutes to get from the local FW bus depot to the park bus depot and you'll be fine. You can even drive directly from the FW depot in your golf cart if you have rented one for the week to get around.
Scott writes: "When I travel with my family we usually stay at hiltons and marriotts. I was thinking about booking the double tree in disney world for a week, what are your thoughts on the property? Is it updated and clean? How does it compare to the hilton? Do you sell the theme park discount tickets? I would need a bunch of 5 day passes." The Hilton has been recently renovated. Ask for a room on the upper floor for a view of WDW. They cater to the business traveler, so it is a better choice for families who have been to WDW before. You can walk to Downtown Disney from here. The Doubletree is the only hotel on Disney property with all suites. Ample in size, they have been recently renovated. A rental car makes it easier to get to WDW from here. We can show you where to buy those 5-day passes at a discount. For details, see our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."
David writes: "I am staying in November at the Wyndham Palace Resort in the Disney World Resort - is this actually considered a Disney Resort, for the purposes of the unlimited passes and such? Is it best to buy Universal studios tickets in conjunction with disney passes, or is it best to get them from a separate source. Thanks a lot for your book!"
The Wyndham is an official Disney hotel that is independently owned
and sells WDW passes. Guests must use the hotel buses unless they purchase
a multi-day pass which gives them the right to use all of WDW transportation.
You can buy Universal tickets at the same time. See our
book for places to buy the
Universal tickets at a discount. All seven independently owned Downtown Disney Resort Hotels also participate in E-ride nights. You must have a muti-day pass to qualify. Purchase E-tickets at your onsite gift shop. E-tickets are limited. They only allow 5,000 in the Magic Kingdom. We advise visitors to call the resort and check on ticket availability before going. Here are the phone numbers for the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels:
Wyndham Palace Resort
& Spa: 407/827-2727, Fax:
407/827-6034
WDW with teens! "We are going to WDW with two teenagers (14, 15 - boy and girl). Can you tell me the best kept secrets for keeping teenagers excited. Are there any discos for teens in the area. Help!" Send them to Downtown Disney. Your teens can take in a movie at the AMC theaters and they'll really enjoy the video and virtual reality games at DisneyQuest. For music and dancing, take them to Pleasure Island. Children are allowed in all the Clubs except BET SoundStage and Mannequins (where you have to be 21) and Motion (where you must be 18 or older) as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Consider also Cirque du Soleil. The West End Stage (Pleasure Island) and the Waterfront area near Pleasure Island's main gate also provide live entertainment. Check your schedule when you get there.
Phil writes: "I am staying at the Royal Plaza in Downtown Disney and I got the length of stay passes and had everything set up through Disney. I was wondering if I could still get the fastpass feature and also participate in the E-ride nights at the Magic Kingdom."
FastPass is available to any visitor in the theme park and is free to use.
E-ticket nights are for resort guests only. Since you are staying in one
of the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels, you qualify. Buy your E-Ride passes
at the on-site Disney store.
Guests dining at one of the restaurants at the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels (Best Western Lake Buena Vista, Courtyard by Marriott, DoubleTree Guest Suites, Grosvenor, Hilton, Royal Plaza and Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa) receive a 20% discount that same evening at Pleasure Island when they show their dinner receipt.
All guests at the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels who dine at
Planet Hollywood before 5 PM are entitled
to preferred seating.
Simon asks: The most convenient store near Walt Disney World is Goodings Supermarket (sells almost everything) at the Crossroads shopping center, just across from the Downtown Disney Resort Hotels. It's open 24 hours a day. Call 407/827-1200. ALL moderate and deluxe hotel rooms on Disney property now have dorm-sized refrigerators at no extra charge in them. Guests at the Value Resorts continue to pay $10 + tax to rent a small refrigerator. Disney doesn't charge for a refrigerator if the guest can demonstrate a medical need for one: to keep medicine cold, for example.
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