Guide to Orlando, Florida Attractions, Activities, and Transportation

Table of Contents

The Disney Downtown

Located within Walt Disney World, Downtown Disney is the area’s best retail and nightlife destination. Many tourists spend their last day in Orlando at Downtown Disney, taking advantage of the free entry to pick up souvenirs and experience Disney magic before heading home. Downtown Disney has three distinct areas: the Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and the West Side.

Merchandise Exchange

Most of the shops in Downtown Disney may be found in the open-air Marketplace. The World of Disney store, at over 50,000 square feet, is the main draw, as it is the largest Disney store in the world. Except for merchandise associated with individual attractions, this shop has just about everything you might want in the way of Walt Disney World memorabilia. Monumental sculptures, colossal displays, and even Audio-Animatronics are used to reflect Disney’s enchantment in various areas. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a makeover parlor fit for a Disney princess, can be found in World of Disney.

Girls may get a complete makeover at this salon, courtesy of a “fairy godmother in training.” Packages cost between $45 to $180, so plan accordingly if you’re strapped for cash. Appointments can only be guaranteed if they are scheduled in advance. You can make a reservation by calling (407) 939-7895. A credit card number is required to secure your appointment time and location. There are plenty of additional Disney stores to check out if World of Disney doesn’t satisfy your Disney store cravings. All year long, Disney’s Days of Christmas sells holiday decorations like ornaments, stockings, stuffed animals, and more. The souvenirs, frames, and books at Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories are perfect for scrapbookers. You may also receive a Disney postmark on your postcards at this site, the only one of its kind. The paintings and sculptures of skilled artists are only some of the high-end Disney products you’ll find at the Art of Disney shop. You don’t have to be a collector to appreciate the great artwork here. The sugary treats of Goofy’s Candy Company are the craziest you’ll ever taste. Oreo cookies with a fudge center and fancy toppings are heaven-sent if you can handle the sugar surge.

Mickey’s Mart is the place to go if you’re trying to save money, as everything in there costs less than ten bucks. Stroller-friendly Pooh Corner sells toys and books featuring Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney characters and classic Winnie-the-Pooh items. Disney Tails is fun for pet owners because it sells Disney-themed pet items, such as costumes. Disney’s Pin Traders has various cloisonné Disney pins to satisfy the growing demand for this collectible item. Mickey-shaped ice cube trays are just one of the many Disney-themed culinary items available at Mickey’s Pantry. Team Mickey is a massive sports store that sells various Disney and non-Disney sporting goods. Toys and games for kids and adults can be found at Once Upon a Toy.

The Marketplace is home to more than Disney shops. Summer Sands is an upscale beachwear and Tommy Bahama Hawaiian shirt retailer focusing on the beach lifestyle. You may treat yourself with self-care at home by picking up some luxurious soaps and scrubs from Basin. There’s a giant Lego store called the Lego Imagination Center, perfect for the budding architect in all of us. The enormous Lego sculptures that decorate the store’s front are a sight to behold. You may find exquisite pieces of crystal artwork at the Arribas Brothers glass shop. An in-house craftsperson will gladly engrave your initials or a special message on your crystal serving pieces. If you feel hungry, there are a few places to eat at the Marketplace. There are animated characters and even a rainstorm in the background at Rainforest Café. Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop is a sweet paradise for ice cream sundae connoisseurs and chocolate lovers. The Earl of Sandwich serves up tasty soups, salads, and sandwiches. Wolfgang Puck Express serves pizza and pasta from the acclaimed chef. A sizable McDonald’s is also there.

Island of Happiness

Although entry to the nightclubs is still restricted and requires a cover charge, the surrounding area is now open. Pleasure Island may get raucous at night, so parents with young children may want to avoid strolling through it and instead take the path around it. The Rock ‘n Roll Beach Club, 8 Trax, Motion, the BET Soundstage Club, and Mannequins Dance Palace are just a few of the five dance clubs available. Two comedy clubs are also available. Comedy Warehouse patrons enjoy interactive improv comedy and have a hand in shaping the show. The Adventurer’s Club is the most exciting nightlife venue on Pleasure Island. Inside, you’ll find a bar decorated to look like a 1930s gentlemen’s club, with costumed actors who put on cabaret-style plays and engage in one-on-one conversations with patrons. The humor and tone aren’t for everyone, but the show is one of a kind and has a fresh take on things. A Harley Davidson store is among the few establishments available on Pleasure Island. Raglan Road is an Irish tavern serving delicious meals and excellent live music. When departing Pleasure Island, reserving a limousine from Orlando Limo Rental is the best way to avoid trouble with the law. You can also look up the GOAA (Greater Orlando Aviation Authority) for a list of licensed Orlando businesses.

The Western Part

There are a lot of fun restaurants and bars on the West Side. The Walt Disney World resort guests can enjoy a first-run film at the AMC 24plex Theater. The Virgin Megastore is two stories high and packed with music, movies, books, and other items relating to popular culture. Live performances by touring bands are available at the House of Blues. The La Nouba show by the world-famous Cirque du Soleil combines breathtaking acrobatic feats with astonishing theatrical talent. The walls of Planet Hollywood are adorned with movie artifacts. Diners can enjoy authentic Cuban dishes at Bongos Cafe. Other stores include Magnetron Magnetz, which sells a wide variety of magnets, Magic Masters, which sells magic tricks and gags, Candy Cauldron, which sells a wide variety of candies; and Starabilias, which sells authentic American collectibles and memorabilia.

DisneyQuest

DisneyQuest is its standalone attraction, showcasing the company’s interactive side. DisneyQuest contains attractions that give guests more agency over their experience than those seen at other Disney parks. With Cyberspace Mountain’s cutting-edge simulator, you may create your own roller coaster and experience it for yourself. Radio Disney Song Maker users can try their hand at writing a top 40 song. The audience is on a thrilling journey with 3-D effects in the Oscar-winning Pirates of the Caribbean. On the Virtual Jungle Cruise, passengers use paddles to steer their virtual boat across a raging river populated with prehistoric creatures. DisneyQuest is home to a wide variety of arcade classics, modern hits, and the park’s namesake attractions. All of DisneyQuest’s attractions are included in the price of admission ($38.34 for adults and $31.95 for children), making it a virtual paradise for gamers.

Downtown Disney is a popular nightlife destination for many inhabitants of Orlando; therefore, if you want to avoid crowds, you should avoid going there on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors may often head to Downtown Disney instead of a theme park on wet days, although there’s no advantage to doing so. Though it caters to visitors of all ages, preteens and above will enjoy Downtown Disney the most.

Please visit http://www.orlandolimorental.com/ or contact 407-957-8978 for details.

linda