More Walt Disney World Resort Stories

Take 5 at Downtown Disney

Thomas Smith

by , Editorial Content Director, Disney Experiences

Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney, at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, provides countless dining, shopping and entertainment experiences. Here are our Top 5 posts on dining, shopping and entertainment at Downtown Disney.

What is your favorite thing to do at Downtown Disney? Let us know in the comments.

Top 5: Dining at Downtown Disney

  1. Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Features New ‘N’awlins Brunch Fest’ with Bloody Mary Bar – We introduced a new Sunday brunch in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim – “N’awlins Brunch Fest.”
  2. Crepes & Funnel Cake Sticks Now at the Downtown Disney District – This summer, we told you about a new delicious new offering at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim. Café Renee, located in front of World of Disney, now offers crepes and funnel cake sticks!
  3. St. Patrick’s Day at Walt Disney World – We got our green on and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney in Florida.
  4. Oktoberfest 2009 at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim – For the first time, Downtown Disney District in Anaheim was filled with the German spirit as we celebrated Oktoberfest last Fall.
  5. Holiday Treats at Disney Parks – We found a tasty treat for the holidays at the Candy Cauldron at Downtown Disney in Florida.

Top 5: Shopping at Downtown Disney

  1. A Dooney & Bourke Special Event – We celebrated the launch of our latest Dooney & Bourke co-branded products at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace in March.
  2. Sizzling Summer Appreciation Day Sale – It was a shopping extravaganza on Saturday, July 24, at World of Disney Stores at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts for annual passholders & Disney Vacation Club members.
  3. New Spins on Classic Disney Attractions – Disney Theme Park Merchandise and K’NEX have brought the Space Mountain and Dumbo the Flying Elephant Building Sets to Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.
  4. Taking a Good Look Through the Looking Glass… – Love “Alice in Wonderland”? If so, you must see the window display that was at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District earlier this year, which featured Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” character-inspired banners, three-dimensional mushrooms, flowers and, of course, the newest “Alice in Wonderland” apparel and accessories.
  5. Shopping Has Its Rewards At First-Ever Benefit Sale – Don’t miss the first-ever Benefit Sale at Downtown Disney on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. to help the Heart of Florida United Way in the Orlando area.

Top 5: Entertainment at Downtown Disney

  1. Local Artists Bring Downtown Disney to Life After Dark: Scott Williams – Our series of five posts on the musicians in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim featured artists like Scott Williams.
  2. Art Show at D Street in Anaheim – This summer, Disney Underground artist Steven Daily did a special art demonstration at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort.
  3. World-Renowned Juggler Joins La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Did you hear? World-Renowned juggler Anthony Gatto joined the team of La Nouba artists at Downtown Disney in the Walt Disney World Resort earlier this year.
  4. Festival of the Masters Art at Downtown Disney – We spoke to Yellow Shoes Creative Group’s Joe Kaminski about last year’s Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney in Florida.
  5. Downtown Disney Hosts Splash! Animals This Fall – Splash! Animals performed outside Rainforest Cafe at the Downtown Disney District last Fall.

Comments

  • Thor, thanks for the thorough response.
    As for upscale dining, you’re right; the first things that come to mind here in Florida are the resort hotels and Epcot restaurants, not Downtown. Pleasure Island I believe has a new restaurant or two, I’ll have to check them out next time I’m there.

  • Hmm… In 1995 I would have said Downtown Disney in WDW. I loved the hedonistic revelry of Pleasure Island back when the Electric Slide was the new dance craze!

    But now in 2010, I’d have to go with Downtown Disney Anaheim. The Anaheim setup is more sophisticated and offers better upscale dining and entertainment. I’m a big fan of Catal and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and the WDW version in comparison is looking a bit 1990’s and dated. I just haven’t had a great meal at the WDW version in any of their overly-corporate restaurants, and the stores are a bit too touristy for my tastes.

  • #2 – Thor
    Which Downtown Disney do you like better, and why?

  • Earl of sandwich is the BEST quick service you will ever go to. Even if you don’t have a dinning plan(Which is really the only way to go) The 5.99 sandwich is the best. Looking for a great place to sit down. Get reservations at Fulton’s crab house for lunch great menu and the price can’t be beat for the food you get. If you looking for some cheap fun for the kids put them in there suits and let them play in the jumping fountain. The entertainment is all around in Downtown Disney. Enjoy!

  • Raglan Road

    My family (sister, Mom, and three kiddos) drive to Disney from Austin, TX every year, and stay at the Pop Century. Part of our tradition when we arrive is to get checked into the Pop, and then get on the bus to Downtown Disney to eat at Raglan Road. We’ve considered other opening day traditions over the years, but this is the one that everyone wants to do. The food id delicious, and it’s such a festive atmosphere for our first night at the Resort.

  • This seems like a topic that should have been split into two, one for each coast. The Downtown Disney at Disneyland is totally different from the one at Disney World, and vice versa.

    They both have great things to offer, but they have very, very different vibes and demographics and feels, not to mention the totally different tenant lists and phsyical setups. They are just so totally different, I’m not sure they should be lumped into the same category just because they have the same name.

  • I love the shopping – Tren D is a totally cool store to browse in, my kids love Once Upon a Toy, and I could spend hours (and lots of money!) in the World of Disney!
    I’m excited to go check out the Vinylmation store next year when I go back – I better start saving my pennies 🙂

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