Downtown Disney


Legos

Downtown Disney, the 120-acre entertainment, dining, and shopping complex at Walt Disney World resort, is made up of three distinct sections: The Marketplace, Pleasure Island and the West Side. It is currently undergoing numerous changes, and will be transformed into an entirely new area called Disney Springs.

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. In addition, Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to benefit from the expansion with more jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities. Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront.

In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the destination will feature:

-- The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.

-- A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.

-- The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.

-- A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.

Disney will share more details on specific experiences coming to Disney Springs in the future. Construction is slated to begin Spring 2013 with new areas opening in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.

In the meantime, Downtown Disney continues to feature such diverse shops as World of Disney, Lego Imagination Center, and the Art of Disney. Unique entertainment is also available at Cirque du Soleil and Disney Quest.

There is no admission fee to Downtown Disney.

Resort Guests can get to the Downtown Disney by taking Disney Transportation:  

Disney World Bus: From any Disney resort, take the bus marked Downtown Disney. From Fort Wilderness, the Downtown Disney bus operates from the Outpost Depot. There is no direct bus transportation serving Downtown Disney from any theme park or from the Transportation and Ticket Center. Check at your resort to see what time the bus for Downtown Disney operates!

There are two bus stops once you arrive at Downtown Disney; one in Pleasure Island, and the Marketplace.  During the afternoon, don't be surprised if your bus stops at other locations also, such as Typhoon Lagoon.

The last bus time is advertised as 2 a.m., but the buses will run until one hour after Pleasure Island closes to accommodate everyone leaving.

  • By Boat: If you're staying at Old Key West or Saratoga Springs, you have the option of taking the DVC Ferry to the Pleasure Island/Marketplace area. (Be sure to check times of the last boat back to your hotel, sometimes these end early.) There is also boat service to Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter.
  • On Foot: Only the resorts in the Disney Hotel Plaza area and Saratoga Springs are close enough for a reasonable walk.

  • By Cab: Valet or Bell Services at any Disney hotel will be glad to call a cab for you. At the Swan and Dolphin, Valet Services will have a Mears car take you to Downtown Disney for about $16 + gratuity.

  • By Car: Pleasure Island is located on Buena Vista Drive, not far from I-4. From the Magic Kingdom Resorts: Follow World Drive south to Epcot Center Dr. Heading east on Epcot Center drive, follow it to Buena Vista Drive and head east. You'll pass Typhoon Lagoon and the Pleasure Island will be on the left. From the Epcot Resorts: Exit your resort onto Buena Vista Drive and head east.

HOURS OF OPERATION


(As of March 2013)
(Individual shop and restaurant operating hours may vary.)

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace:

Shops open 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
Shops open 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday - Saturday
Restaurants open daily 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Guest Relations: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday - Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to midnight Friday - Saturday

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island

Shops open 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
Shops open 10:30 a.m. to midnight Friday - Saturday

House of Blues TowerDOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side

Shops open 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. - Sunday - Thursday
Shops open 10:30 a.m. - Midnight - Friday - Saturday
Restaurants open daily from 11 a.m. - Midnight

Guest Relations is open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday - Thursday; 9 a.m. to midnight Friday - Saturday. Open daily at DisneyQuest, also.

DisneyQuest

Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Cirque Du Soleil Theater

Shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday

Call 407-WDW-2NITE for Downtown Disney Information