Downtown
Disney
Downtown Disney is now called Disney Springs and Disney expanded it...but no matter the name, it's a place with a lively environment and plenty to see and do. Head there after the parks close like we did!
Here's a comprehensive review of Disney Springs and its 4 areas:
One of the highlights of Disney Springs is the variety of stores it offers. From world-renowned brands to charming boutiques, you can find something for everyone. Whether you're looking for unique Disney merchandise or high-end fashion, you won't be disappointed. I spent hours exploring the different shops, indulging in some retail therapy.
Hot Air Balloon Ride "Characters in Flight"
One of the most thrilling experiences at Disney Springs is the hot air balloon ride. Taking a trip to the skies, you can admire the stunning views of the surrounding area while feeling a sense of adventure. It's not as thrilling as REAL hot air ballooning but you'll see some great sights.
Live Music
Each night, talented musicians take the stage, providing a captivating performance that adds to the already vibrant atmosphere of Disney Springs. It's the perfect way to end a day filled with fun and excitement.
Cirque Du Soleil
We saw the old Cirque Du Soleil and it was PHENOMENAL! The acrobats are amazing. Any Cirque Du Soleil show is worth every penny of the admission price.
The Marketplace Carousel and Train
Affordable rides to captivate your little ones. Located in the Disney Downtown area of the marketplace, not too far from the above-mentioned shopping must-visits, you will find an adorable carousel and marketplace mini-train rides that will be an absolute delight for children of younger age groups. While admission is not free, it will not empty your wallet as much as the previously mentioned shopping sprees.
Smaller children are not allowed to board unsupervised by a guardian, but only the adult will be paying the ticket fare so you will save a bit of money. The carousel is not as grand as the ones in the theme parks, but this delightful little jewel would nonetheless be very entertaining for the kids, especially if your children are a bit too young for the more adventurous rides.
The mini-train would probably be the biggest attraction for children. This trike-sized train ride promises to be a fun adventure for little ones. Admission is not free, but adults with too small children should ride along for safety and are allowed free entry.
Disney Springs Dining
Disney Springs has a whole lot of dining options to choose from.
There are also plenty of truck stalls, where dishes include a wide variety from traditional American, Mexican, Asian, and Irish cuisines. There are also plenty of ice cream parlors and candy shops. Some of the favorites are D-Luxe Burgers located in the Towncentre, the Rainforest Cafe in the marketplace, and on the westside, you can look for the Splitsville Dining Room.
We ate most of our dinners here as I had restaurant.com dining coupons which allowed us to basically eat for $10 per meal or the cost of the coupon that was worth $40.
Also check dealdrop.com for discount codes.
House of Blues
Feast on American cuisine with a New Orleans twist at this lively, folk art-filled House of Blues eatery and watering hole.
We weren't all that hungry so ordered their BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers. Scrumptious!
House of Blues also has live music most nights, right next door to the restaurant.
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Indulge in world-famous hot fudge sundaes, hot cocoas, premium chocolate gifts and more!
Ghiarardelli's makes the best chocolate so this was a must stop for me!
Planet Hollywood
We ate at Planet Hollywood before seeing Cirque du Soleil. I think we spent more time browsing all the fantastic Hollywood exhibits than we did eating. Definitely an interesting place and the food wasn't half bad either.
With the re-introduction of Cirque du Soleil it appears Planet Hollywood is offering a Cirque du Soleil Dining Package Prix Fixe Menu ($45 per person). That's a pretty reasonable deal!
Appetizer - Choose One To Share
Five Cheese Dip (A flavorful, gooey Dip made of Swiss, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan & Asiago Cheeses with Spinach & Artichoke Hearts, served with Corn Tortilla Chips & Grilled Pita Bread) • Texas Tostados (Crispy Gyoza Skins topped with BBQ Chicken, Sautéed Onions, blend of Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheeses & drizzled with Sour Cream and BBQ Sauce, served with Pico de Gallo) • World Famous Chicken Crunch (All-natural Chicken Tenders hand-breaded with a crunchy sweet coating, served with our Signature Creole Mustard Sauce)
Salad - Choose One
Caesar • House
Entrée - Choose One
BBQ Ribs (Slow-cooked in-house St. Louis-style Pork Ribs smothered with BBQ Sauce, served with Triple Fries) • Slow-roasted Chicken (Tender, juicy, slow-cooked all-natural half Chicken Breast & Pan Gravy with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Green Bean blend) • Sesame Ginger Salmon* (Fresh Salmon grilled with Soy-Ginger Glaze, served with house-made Cilantro Rice & Green Bean blend) • Shrimp Florentine (Six large Shrimp, Roma Tomato & Baby Spinach with Spaghetti tossed in Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce) • Bistro Sirloin Steak* (10 oz. USDA Choice Sirloin Steak served with Hand-cut Steak Fries & Green Bean blend)
Dessert - Choose One
Banana Pudding Star Jar (Single serving of layers of fresh Bananas, Vanilla Wafers & creamy Banana Pudding topped with Whipped Cream) • Brownie Cheesecake Star Jar (Single serving of Double Chocolate Brownie layered with Chocolate Pudding & Cheesecake, topped with Vanilla Ice Cream plus a drizzle of Caramel & Chocolate Sauce) • OREO® Cookie Bash (A Pie slice of OREO® Cookie universe of White 'n Milk Chocolate Cream, starry OREO® Chunks, and showed with Dark Chocolate drizzle
Even if you don't take advantage of the Cirque du Soleil Dining Package Prix Fixe Menu, Planet Hollywood is worth a visit, just for the Hollywood memorabilia alone.
That concludes my trip to Walt Disney World & EPCOT. The only really bad part of the trip was that I came home with a whopping case of C dif that landed me in the hospital. I advise you bring some hand sanitizer along and use it liberally.