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Photo courtesy of Brian Wilson
If you want the Disney “experience” but don’t want to pay Disney prices consider stopping by Downtown Disney. This area, located on Disney property does not charge admission and is filled with fun shops, restaurants, a movie theatre (not free), and entertainment.
There is a Lego Imagination store, which is sure to keep your kids busy for hours, as well as the largest Disney character store on earth. This store is fun to just walk through and look at all the merchandise, even if you don’t spend a cent. There is also Design-A-Tee shop, which allows you to design custom apparel. Other stores include Art of Disney, Virgin Records, a Kitchen Store, and a Christmas shop.
If you are hungry, consider dining at T-Rex, a dinosaur-themed family eatery serving lunch and dinner amid prehistoric creatures, fun displays and merchandise. This restaurant includes a Paleo Zone, where you can go on an archaeological Discovery Dig, pan for treasures in Discovery Creek and get schooled in prehistory on the Paleo Screens. There is also a Build-a-Dino workshop, similar to Build-a-Bear.
You can also take a boat from Downtown Disney to Old Key West or Saratoga Springs and dine at one of the many restaurants. The boat ride is free and the restaurants are usually not crowded.
If you want to spend the big bucks, enjoy a performance at Cirque du Soleil. It is truly an incredible experience. They occasionally run Florida resident discounts of around 20%. Performances are held from Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Downtown Disney is accessible by bus, if you are staying at one of the Disney resorts. Or by car, and parking is free.
Hours for Downtown Disney are:
Shops open 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday
Shops open 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday
Restaurants open daily 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
You can easily spend the entire day at Downtown Disney and enjoy all the shops and architecture without spending a dime.
Photos courtesy of Twinkie420, indigoskye, Joe Chang.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Downtown Disney is so fun! We went to the T-Rex the last time we went. The storms scared my little one, but we still had fun. That Lego store is trouble! My son took forever deciding what to buy in there. He wants to go back just so he can buy more legos, lol!
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That’s interesting! Don’t know if we’ll ever make it down there but if so will keep in mind. They have whole guides written on how to “do” Disney with autistic kids.
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We live approx. 15 minutes from Disney and we always suggest going here if they want to do Disney fast and inexpensively. It is very festive during the Christmas Holidays with all the extra lights and decorations. Our grandchildren enjoyed the free boat ride just looking at the birds and the night lights. The characters appear at various places throughout Downtown Disney. I don’t think all little children need the “full” Disney experience… but maybe the parents need it??? Disney Westside and Disney Market Place gives a taste of Disney…
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Thanks so much for this info! We are taking a vacation, of sorts, since we live in the Tampa Bay area, to Orlando. I am not sure my son is ready for Disney and we would rather go later in the year so this is the ideal solution and I really don’t think he will know the difference. We will definitely do the T Rex restaurant. Appreciate the tip!
Regina
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The Virgin Megastore is closed permanently. There is nothing in the storefront at this time.
Don’t forget to stop in the the Ghirardelli store for free samples of chocolate!!
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I love Downtown Disney
I could spend the rest of my life shopping there.
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