Tag Archives: downtown Disney

Downtown Disney to Expand into Disney Springs

A few years after it announced and then scrapped plans to reformat Pleasure Island, the official Disney Parks blog has revealed that Downtown Disney is getting an upgrade.  A years-long project will transform Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, an even larger shopping and entertainment district. Downtown Disney is so popular with Florida residents and Disney World guests alike that it was time to expand.  Don’t worry about suddenly needing a ticket to get into the area: just like before, Disney Springs will be open to the public (though individual entertainment venues still might require tickets for entrance). Tom Staggs, the … Continue reading →

Art Show Coming to Downtown Disney

One thing that never comes to mind when I think of the Disney Parks is art. I know that isn’t entirely fair; I’ve pointed out in the past how members of the Disney Animation team had a hand in designing the parks. But I can’t help it; when I think of “art” and “Disney” my mind immediately goes to the movies and doesn’t stray. I’d only be interested in purchasing Disney-themed art if it was a still from one of the movies (though the movie stills I really want come from films by Hayao Miyazaki, most of which Disney distributes … Continue reading →

What Is DisneyQuest?

Lately many articles I write seem to be giving me other ideas for more, as I learn about new Disney topics I’d like to explore. Today’s inspiration comes from my New Year’s Eve article; one of the settings at Disney World for end-of-the-year celebrations was DisneyQuest. I’d never heard of the attraction before, so I did some research and now I’m bringing what I’ve learned to you. The Disney World website describes DisneyQuest as an “indoor interactive theme park” with a “one-of-a-kind gaming experience.” Think restaurants like Dave & Busters or even just a classic indoor arcade, but with a … Continue reading →

Progressive Cooking Class for Kids

If you’re going to be in the Disney World area the weekend of June 11-13, then there’s a unique event happening for your children that you should know about: progressive cooking classes for kids. Tampabay.com and TheDisneyBlog.com reveal that on Saturday June 12, three restaurants at Downtown Disney will open their doors to children, age limit unspecified, for an afternoon of cooking classes. The executive chefs at Portobello, Wolfgang Puck’s Grand Cafe, and Fulton’s Crab House will lead the classes. Starting at 11 a.m., kids move from one restaurant to another to receive cooking tips from masters in the trade. … Continue reading →

Doubletree Guest Suites

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The Doubletree Guest Suites is one of the hotels in the Downtown Disney Resort Area. These hotels are conveniently located near Walt Disney World. Each of these resorts is considered a Walt Disney World Hotel and within walking distance to Downtown Disney’s shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests at all of these Downtown Disney hotels enjoy complimentary shuttle service to all Disney Parks and water parks as well as Pleasure Island. The Doubletree is an all-suite hotel featuring 229 suites with either one or two bedrooms, a separate living room with queen sofa sleeper, workspaces, wet bars and more. This is … Continue reading →

What is Pleasure Island?

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Ah, Pleasure Island. When I worked at Walt Disney World in the late 1980s, other reservationists and I would often go to Pleasure Island after a swing shift. Some of the names of the clubs have changed but the fun is timeless. If you’re planning a family vacation at Walt Disney World but would like to take an evening just for you and your spouse or significant other, book a babysitter through your Walt Disney World Resort and head to Pleasure Island for the evening. Pleasure Island is an island of nightclubs and restaurants with a few shops mixed in … Continue reading →

Regal Sun Resort (Formerly the Grosvenor Resort)

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The Regal Sun Resort was previously known as the Grosvenor Resort. After a $25 million renovation, little of the Grosvenor is left to be found here. Although the Grosvenor was a lovely resort, the Regan Sun is even better. All 626 guest rooms and suites have beautiful, brand new furnishings, carpeting and artwork as well as the latest technology to make you as comfortable as possible. Each guest room has either two double beds or one king-sized bed and all have a spectacular view of the city, the pool or the courtyard. Accommodations at this newly renovated hotel include: Pillow-topped … Continue reading →

Best Western Lake Buena Vista

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The Best Western Lake Buena Vista hotel is one of the Downtown Disney hotels that are not owned by Walt Disney World but part of an arrangement that considers them Disney World resorts. Reservations for these resorts can be made through the Disney Reservations office at (407) W-Disney like every other Disney resort and guests have the luxury of being able to take advantage of the Disney World transportation system from the doorstep of these hotels. Downtown Disney hotels offer the following to all of their guests: * Free transportation to all Disney World parks * Disney admission tickets available … Continue reading →

Hanna Montana Makeovers at Disney

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Just when you thought that they couldn’t come out with any more Hanna Montana things that your daughter could ask you for… The Downtown Disney Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a high-end fashion spa for kids. As of February 24th, they’ve been offering Hannah Montana makeovers. Until that time they had only specialized in the Disney Princess look – and what parent can really resist that? But now, in addition to Snow White, Cinderella, Jasmine, Disney Diva and the Pop Princess, there will be Hannah Montana. Yes, just when you thought that they couldn’t come out with any more Hanna … Continue reading →

Have Breakfast with Santa on Saturday!

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Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, a Downtown Disney restaurant at Disneyland in California is hosting its very first Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 22, 2007. Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria is a member of the Patina Restaurant Group. The Patina Restaurant Group has a tradition of hosting breakfasts with Santa every year but this year will be the very first time for the Orange County restaurant. Breakfast with Santa at Naples will begin at 9:00am and end at 1:00pm. The cost will be $18 per child (under 12 years) and $35 per adult. The cost includes breakfast, a visit with Santa … Continue reading →