MICKEY-SPEAK
Pin trading at Walt Disney World is a big deal. Pin-trading clubs have popped up throughout the country, and rare ones have started to fetch some real bucks. The small pins are often given as a perk for select vacation packages and are also sold in many locations. Cast members have gotten into the fun. They’re encouraged to trade with guests, so if you see a pin you like on a cast member, make an offer. Just make it a fair one, okay?
Team Mickey Athletic Club
Golf, football, baseball, NASCAR, ESPN clothing—you name it, they’ve got it. This store offers some great clothing options, particularly for adults who didn’t find that just-right item at the World of Disney store.
DID YOU KNOW?
Located between the Summer Sands, Team Mickey, and Arribas Brothers stores is a customized T-shirt shop. The automated airbrush system can personalize a shirt for you and has tons of Disney art already programmed in that you can add.
World of Disney
This is easily the centerpiece store of Downtown Disney. The multiroomed store is packed to the rafters with Disney clothing, toys, jewelry, and knick-knacks. There are several departments, organized by age, for everyone from Mom and Dad down to the little tikes. There’s also a jewelry and watch room with more expensive baubles, but also a nice array of earrings that might be a great gift for a young princess.
Speaking of princesses, an entire room is dedicated to Princess paraphernalia, with the great new addition of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. While the second one placed in the castle at the Magic Kingdom may seem like a more magical setting, this original location can give the rest of your group a shopping outlet while your princess is getting her makeover.
This store has almost anything with a Disney imprint on it that you might be looking for, unless they’ve moved it to one of the nearby stores, like The Art of Disney, Disney’s Days of Christmas, Once Upon a Toy, or Team Mickey Athletic Club.
HIDDEN MAGIC!
Here are my favorite stops in Downtown Disney:
• Nightlife Destination: Raglan Road Irish Pub The bar brings an authentic pub experience that barely edges out the boisterous bar fun of House of Blues and the Miami Vice–like vibe at Bongos.
• Full-Service Restaurant: Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant The entertainment, cuisine, and atmosphere are all top notch and are ideal for both a family and an all-adult group.
• Fast Food: Earl of Sandwich Real sandwiches, with piles of meat and fresh breads, make this a cut above traditional fast foods.
• Shopping: World of Disney Everything Disney for everyone. If they don’t have it or can’t tell you where to get it, it probably doesn’t exist.
• Honorable Mention: Shopping at The Art of Disney/Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories The store has some great books, drawing tools, and other creative purchases, even for the artistically untalented!
• Uniquely Memorable Experience: Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues Powerful singing and great food—enough said!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
This child-focused salon is a wonderful new addition to the World of Disney store. This area in the back of the store is a beauty shop designed just for young girls. Complete with bright red salon chairs built to their size and other decor touches that make it a very magical experience, this store helps little princesses-in-training feel extra special. The menu of services starts with a simpler makeover that includes hair styling and makeup for around $50. You can add on other services until you end up with the over $200 Castle Makeover that also includes a princess costume, accessories, and a photo shoot. While the costs are certainly high, the experience is really a wonderful way to make a princess feel special. If you have it within your means, you might consider it. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).
LEGO Imagination Center
The inside of this LEGO store is actually a bit stark and boring, and the selection is not all that great, but the outdoor playing area is fantastic. They’ve made for a fun children’s playground, complete with buckets of LEGO parts that kids can play with to their heart’s content.
As part of a recent rehab of the area, they’ve also added a number of giant LEGO sculptures. A vacationing family, a shark, and a few others have been added to the older ones, which include a dragon that’s actually in the nearby lake. You’ll find a lot of good photo opportunities, and this is a good place to let the kids loose to play.
Look also for even more evolution of this area as it expands with the Hyperion Wharf expansion, and as LEGO opens a nearby theme park.
Shopping at Hyperion Wharf
Many of the stores in Pleasure Island were closed during the reconstruction here, but one that is sure to remain a popular stop is the Harley store. Other apparel and trinket stores will come and go, especially as this area evolves. In addition to the ones listed here, there are plans for a design-your-own-T-shirt store by Hanes.
Orlando Harley-Davidson
The popularity of the orange-and-black motorcycle gear is not just an American thing; the store is a popular stop for international guests as well. The real draw here is the clothing line, as the quality and selection are quite good.
Fuego Cigars by Sosa
This is an extension of the original cigar shop, but converted into a clubby bar atmosphere for the smoking crowd. Serving drinks and smokes, this may seem like a more logical destination as the area fills in.
Curl by Sammy Duvall
This surf shop focuses on apparel that certainly might be ideal when you are visiting during the scorching Orlando summer months.
Shopping at the West Side
Shopping at the West Side takes a less Mickey Mouse approach to things, with high-end art all the way down to penny candy.
D Street
The collection craze of pins is, to a smaller degree, being replaced by Vinylmation. These small vinyl statues of Mickey Mouse are painted in an ever-increasing variety of fashions. Other trendy Disney-themed clothes and products are available here as well.
Starabilias
The array of movie, television, and other autographed memorabilia is pretty impressive. The collection of actual costumes, vintage photographs, movie posters, sports gear, and more, usually autographed, would give any collector a great distraction for at least 15 minutes. And, of course, it’s all for sale—at a price.
Pop Gallery
This newer store is on a side alley of the West End but is worth a quick stroll over, even if you just look through the window. The art sold inside is vividly colorful, and although the prices are above most travel budgets, this is a nice gallery.
General BoardWalk Information
What do you need to know before taking a stroll along the BoardWalk? Let’s take a look at some of the basic information about this seaside treat!
BoardWalk Layout
As mentioned, the BoardWalk is a crescent-shaped promenade that lines the lagoon. As you face the center of the BoardWalk from the lagoon (facing south), walkways to the left lead to Epcot and the Yacht and Beach Clubs. To the right, walkways lead to Hollywood Studios, as well as the Swan and Dolphin resorts.
Boats also run from a dock in the center of the BoardWalk to Epcot’s International Gateway, the Yacht and Beach Clubs, the Dolphin and Swan resorts, and Hollywood Studios.
BoardWalk map.
Open Hours
The BoardWalk does not technically open or close, as it is just an open promenade with stands, stores, nightclubs, and restaurants. Most of these open in the early evening, around 4 or 5 P.M., with select restaurants opening for breakfast and lunch.
The BoardWalk Promenade.
Photo © Disney.
Transportation to/from the BoardWalk
If you’re staying at a Disney resort hotel, you can take a boat or bus to get to the BoardWalk, with select resorts located within walking distance.
By foot or boat:
• BoardWalk Inn and Villas
&n
bsp; • Yacht and Beach Club resorts
• Swan and Dolphin resorts
• Epcot
• Hollywood Studios
If you’re staying at another Disney resort hotel, you can take a bus to get to the BoardWalk, but via a connection at Downtown Disney. Or you can just take a bus to the BoardWalk Inn from a theme park.
Dining Summary
Dining here has a surprising range of options within only a few restaurants. Starting on the higher end of the scale, you can get top-notch seafood at the Flying Fish. The middle-range cost options include family dining at Kouzzina, as well as family friendly pub foods at both the ESPN Club and the Big River Grille & Brewing Works.
Finally, you can go really simple with a pizza from the Spoodles Pizza Window or a small snack from the BoardWalk Bakery.
But the real dining treat here is dessert. Ice cream, candy, elephant ears, and more sweets are available throughout the area. Many guests eat elsewhere in Walt Disney World and then come here for dessert and entertainment. Good decision on their part.
DISNEY DON’T
If you’re in the BoardWalk area around mealtime and have a Park Hopper ticket, don’t forget about the proximity of Epcot for meal options. A short five-minute boat ride away is the International Gateway, which will plunk you down right in the middle of an 11-nation feast. Even if you just want a fast-food meal to carry around with you, you can come here for fish and chips, crepes, gyros, and so much more.
Entertainment at the BoardWalk
There’s a nice mix of entertainment at the BoardWalk, with something for every age group. The options of the BoardWalk are listed here in order as you walk from the Atlantic Dance Hall at the west end to the ESPN Club at the east end.
Atlantic Dance Hall
Anchoring one end of the BoardWalk, this large dance hall is hard to miss, especially with the story-high lettering along the roof. The hall has a main room with tiered seating surrounding a large dance floor and a bar along the lagoon-side wall. An upper floor offers more seating and a good view of the dance floor as well. Building-long outdoor porches run alongside the lagoon side of both floors, giving you a great view of the lagoon, as well as Epcot fireworks. They also provide a quick escape from the music inside, or perhaps to have a more private romantic moment.
The music spans generations, but it’s always lively and energetic. They quite seamlessly mix big-band hits with disco and other genres.
The hall can often be reserved for private functions, so don’t count on its availability. It has occasional cover charges, but only for special events.
Jellyrolls
Do you like your music from a live person, not a CD player? Jellyrolls is the liveliest joint on the BoardWalk. This dueling piano bar gets jumping with a duo of piano players going at it, with you singing along. If you want a lively time, this is the BoardWalk place to go.
The social bar atmosphere can get noisy, understandably. There’s usually a cover charge, and you have to be 21 to get in, so don’t plan on visiting with the kids.
Surrey Rental
A great diversion for a group visiting the BoardWalk is to rent a surrey bike. These four- or six-seat bikes can be picked up at the rental stand located in the courtyard at the center of the BoardWalk. They have awnings for that rare evening Orlando sprinkle and a bell for clearing out the crowd in your way. There are plenty of places to ride them, so don’t worry about running out of real estate. Families with smaller children may just go up and down the BoardWalk, while those with teens may take the path all the way around the lagoon or back by the Swan and Dolphin resorts.
If you’re here with a group of four or more, this is a must. Every fun moment together doesn’t have to be on a roller coaster. This is a pleasant way to enjoy some time together, recap the day’s events, and get into the spirit of the BoardWalk.
ESPN the Yard
This video game arcade keeps all the fun sports themed, as you might expect. Connected to the ESPN Club via the ESPN Club Store, this is a great place to play while you wait for a table at the Club.
Stands and Entertainment Along the BoardWalk
To really build on the atmosphere, the BoardWalk is lined with food and drink stands, carnival attractions, fortune tellers, and caricaturists. This is part of the fun, although you do have to pay to play for a few of the activities, so check the prices first. The entertainers are usually free and are especially fun, particularly the jugglers and magicians.
HIDDEN MAGIC!
The activity level may be high throughout Walt Disney World, but the BoardWalk is a throwback to a quieter, slower time. That makes it a perfect place to relax a little. What can you do to take a break? Here are some great relaxing distractions:
• Rent a surrey bike and ride around the lagoon to see the sights.
• Join one of the crowds enjoying a street magician, musician, or juggler.
• Sit outside and enjoy a craft-brewed beer at the Big River Grille & Brewing Works.
• Visit the fortune teller, carnival games, or caricaturist on the BoardWalk.
• Grab something sweet from Seashore Sweets or the BoardWalk Bakery, and have a seat outside and watch the crowd pass by.
Shopping Summary
Shopping at the BoardWalk is pretty anemic, but there are a few highlights. The shopping on the west side of the BoardWalk is little more than traditional Disney resort hotel convenience shopping. But in the center courtyard is a Wyland Gallery, and to the west is the store in the ESPN Club that provides for some great ESPN and sports-themed merchandise.
Screen Door General Store
Basically, you have three stores in this area, all connected inside and matching three different sets of shopping needs.
The first of these is the Thimbles and Threads Clothing and Swimwear store. It has a range of clothes that includes mostly Disney-imprinted merchandise. It also sells swimwear and related clothing.
The second part of the store is the BoardWalk Character Carnival. Here you’ll find more character attire and toys, with little of note that you can’t find elsewhere. Drawings of the BoardWalk done in a style reminiscent of that earlier era can be a great keepsake from your vacation, especially if you’re staying at one of the area resorts.
The final store is the actual Screen Door General Store. This is a basic amenities store for hotel guests, including some pricey foodstuffs. But if you’re in one of the suites with a kitchenette in the BoardWalk or Beach Club Villas, this worthwhile convenience store could be a lifesaver, especially if you forgot to pack your toothpaste or shampoo.
Wyland Galleries
The gallery displays sculptures and paintings with a nautical theme by renowned artist Robert Wyland.
ESPN Club Store
This small store has a variety of ESPN-themed merchandise, which is found only in a few other stores throughout Walt Disney World. This is yet another good place to idle away any time you may have waiting for a table or if you’re minding kids playing in the Yard.
DID YOU KNOW?
A small outdoor pavilion is perched on the path that surrounds the lagoon. Located past the ESPN Club on the walk toward Epcot and the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, this picturesque spot can be a nice place to snap a picture of the BoardWalk or to just share a private moment. It’s frequently used for smaller weddings and other important events.
Summary
So there it is in a nutshell. Downtown Disney is a large complex, complete with shopping, dining, and entertainment. The BoardWalk is a wonderfully lower-key evening diversion. Whether you’re traveling in an adult-only pack or taking your family, there’s plenty to do to keep you busy. Good food, some wonderful atmospheres, and some fun clubs make for a unique environment that should occupy at least one of your nights at Walt Disney World.
Chapter 23
Other Activities at Walt Disney World
In This Chapter
• Discover how to get some outdoor fun
• Learn how to pla
n a wedding at the number one U.S. honeymoon destination
• Consider the fun of adding a cruise to your vacation
After all the excitement of the four theme parks, two water parks, and two nightlife districts Disney has thrown your way, what else could you possibly want to do at Walt Disney World? Well, if you’re not yet filled up with fun, there are still a few more options at your fingertips. Disney wants to make sure that if you want to do it, they can provide it. Let’s look at some of the other activities on property.
Sporting Activities
Just as you enter the Walt Disney World property, you might see the gigantic sports facility that is the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the different sporting and outdoor activities that they have cooked up for you. Whether you want to sit back and watch a Major League Baseball game, watch preseason NFL practices, drive a race car, or play on a PGA golf course, they probably have you covered.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
This multi-venued sports facility brings together well-maintained sports fields and other facilities to support a variety of sporting events. They play hosts to a wide array of youth sport contests, both on court (volleyball, cheerleading, and basketball) as well as on field (softball, baseball, soccer), including the annual Pop Warner youth football championships. They also serve as the home base for a growing roster of endurance races, including 5K, 10K, and half- and full-marathons as well. Perhaps the best-known use of these impressive sports facilities is as the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. Call 407-839-3900 or Ticketmaster for Braves tickets, or check the Disney site for other complex events.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, 2012 Edition Page 30