There is more to do at the Walt Disney World Resorts in Florida than just spending your time at one of the theme parks. The Downtown Disney area offers guests a chance to enjoy everything from shopping to dining, topped off with some entertainment venues. There are three main sections to Downtown Disney: the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side; plus a strip of hotels in the Downtown Disney Resort area. Dining options at Downtown Disney and the hotels include quick-service, casual and formal dining choices.
Marketplace
The Downtown Disney Marketplace is where you can go to shop at the World of Disney, rent a boat from the marina or spend the day strolling around the lagoon. Located on the lagoon is a replica paddle boat that is home to Fulton's Crab House, where you can select from more than 50 fresh seafood menu items. Located next to Fulton's is Portobello, which serves a range of Italian pizzas and pasta dishes with a large wine selection. For a quick meal or snack, stop by Earl of Sandwich for one of 12 gourmet sandwiches or Pollo Campero for chicken with Latin flare. Other table service venues at the Marketplace include the Rainforest Caf Downtown Disney, T-REX: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, and Cap'n Jacks Restaurant. Additional quick-service venues include Forty Thirst Street, Fresh A-Peel, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, and Wolfgang Puck Express.
Pleasure Island
The party may no longer be happening at Pleasure Island, but the spirit lives on through new shops and restaurants. This small section between the West Side and the Marketplace offers places to enjoy a table-service meal, including Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. This restaurant has a full menu of Irish food and beer, with nightly entertainment by Irish dancers and performers. Another new restaurant is Paradiso, which offers a menu full of selections of traditional cuisine from North, Central and South America. Since the clubs have closed down at Pleasure Island, this area is also commonly included with West Side venues.
West Side
Downtown Disney's West Side is the place to be for shopping, entertainment and dining when visiting Walt Disney World. You can enjoy dinner at one of the table-service restaurants before taking in a show at Cirque du Soleil or the House of Blues or spending the day playing at DisneyQuest. The House of Blues is more than just a place for concerts. You can enjoy traditional southern cuisine for lunch and dinner or stop by for a Gospel brunch on Sunday. Enjoy dinner in a recreation of a 1950s nightclub from Havana at Gloria Estefan's Bongos Cuban Caf , or surround yourself with movie memorabilia at Planet Hollywood. Other dining venues at West Side include Wolfgang Puck Caf , FoodQuest at DisneyQuest, Forty Thirst Street and Wetzels Prestzels.
Downtown Disney Hotels
Located in the Downtown Disney Resort area are different non-Disney resorts where you can stop in a grab a bite to eat. Dine in a casual tropical setting at Traders Restaurant at the Lake Buena Vista Hotel or head to the Australian outback at the Outback Restaurant at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa. Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other Disney characters will be at the Lake View Restaurant at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista for breakfast on select mornings. Other resort restaurants include Andiamo Italian Bistro and Grill at the Hilton, the Evergreen Caf at the Doubletree Guest Suites, the Palm Breezes Restaurant and Bar at the Holiday Inn, and the Giraffe Caf at the Royal Plaza Hotel.
Tags: Downtown Disney, West Side, Pleasure Island, Buena Vista, Disney Marketplace