In our last piece on “What Makes Up Walt Disney World” (Part 1) we covered the 4 major theme parks in the Disney World area in Orlando, Florida. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcott, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are the most popular and visited places in Disney World. But there is a lot more than just these 4 theme parks, from sports to shopping, Disney World has something to please everyone. In this 2nd installation of looking at Walt Disney World, we’re going to take a look at shopping, entertainment and even some ways to cool off from the Florida heat.
Disney World Water Parks:
If you’re looking to escape the heat and enjoy the fun of cooling off in the water, that’s not at your hotel, Disney has not one but two water parks for the entire family to enjoy. Water slides, wave pools, lazy innertube rides or white water rafting type adventures can all be found at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach:
The theme around Blizzard Beach is snow, winter, and well, more snow! Winter in the middle of Florida? Well not exactly, but it sure makes visitors feel like they are in the middle of a wintry snowland all while enjoying the warm water filled rides. From Runoff Rapids to Tobaggan Racers, and checking out Melt-Away Bay, visitors are treated to a theme of winter fun, complete with ski lifts to take you to the top of the slides.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon:
Close to the size of Blizzard Beach, Disney’s other water park is a theme of “Typhoon”, in fact guests to the park are greeted by entering the park through a misty rain forest! Like it’s counter part, Typhoon Lagoon offers water slides, wave pools and adventures on innertubes. From speed slides (Humunga Kowabunga), to cork screws (Storm Slides) and even water rafting (Keelhaul & Gangplank Falls), there’s something to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
Downtown Disney:
Downtown Disney is 120 acres of shopping paradise! From shops to lounges, spas and even entrainment, even Dad can tolerate a shopping adventure with Mom at Downtown Disney. Of the areas of Disneyworld that aren’t a theme park, Downtown Disney is one of the more popular places to head too. It’s comprised of 3 distinct neighborhoods, West Side, Market Place and Pleasure Island. Pleasure Island however, is due to shut down sometime in the near future.
Market Place:
The Market Place at Downtown Disney is primarily a dining and shopping area. However, you can still find a lot to be entertained here, too. A lakeside amphitheater features music artists, there are a few playgrounds for the kids, and even some funky interactive water fountains. Shopping wise, Market Place is home to the world’s largest World of Disney store, over 50,000 square feet of retail space dedicated to the largest stock of Disney trademark items. Lastly, but by no means, least on the list of things to check out at Market Place is the LEGO Imagination Center, which features amazing sculptures made up entirely of LEGO bricks.
West Side:
West Side is the newest add on to the Downtown Disney area, and includes the House of Blues. Visitors to the west side can also check out Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Planet Hollywood. If you’ve had your fill on food and you’re looking to be entertained you won’t be disappointed. The West side of Downtown Disney also includes a 24 screen AMC Movie Theater, and is home to Cirque du Soliel’s La Nouba. There’s even entertainment for the kids, DisneyQuest is an interactive theme parked housed in a building, something to keep the kids interested for hours.
Pleasure Island:
Pleasure Island is Downtown Disney’s night-time entertainment spot. During the day, shops and restaurants are open with no admission charge, but that changes when the sun goes down. Some of the more well known and trendy spots in Pleasure Island are Fulton’s Crab House, Portobello Yacht Club and the famous Raglan Road with features Irish food and live Celtic music. One note to keep in mind, Pleasure Island is slated for closing sometime towards the end of 2008.
Disney’s Boardwalk:
Step back into the 1930′s east coast beach boardwalk days at Disney’s Boardwalk. Not far from Epcot, Disney’s Boardwalk allows visitors to escape back in time with this waterfront theme resort. During the day, there’s no admission to its shops or restaurants, but returning at night you will be introduced to some cover charges to come of the clubs. The Boardwalk features Disney’s only brewpub, the Atlantic Dancehall and an ESPN Sports bar for your nightly entertainment.
