Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a college student who wanted to go play for a semester. That college student was very fortunate to get to go play at Disney World for an entire semester as she participated in Disney's College Program. It was a chance to get paid a WHOPPING $5.35 per hour while paying $65 per week for rent at a Disney-owned condo and if you haven't figured it out by now, I do believe I'm still paying on the credit card debt from that little excursion.
It was worth it, though.
I got to attend classes at Disney University as I worked at Disney's highest volume store--Mickey's Character Shop. Now that same store exists in the wondrous place called Downtown Disney and is called World of Disney.
Which is all to say, I love Downtown Disney. It feels like home to me.
In short, Downtown Disney is a bunch of stores and restaurants and entertainment attractions located together, outside of the parks. It's free to go there (even the parking is free) and it's a great place to spend a few hours if you're doing the Disney vacation thing.
Here's some things worth knowing:
DD Tip #1: Parking tends to be much tighter at one end than the other. Look for the giant white tent (Cirque du Soleil) and park near-ish it for your best chance at a decent spot.
DD Tip #2: There is a (free) water taxi that stops along three points of Downtown Disney. In other words, no, you don't HAVE to walk the entire length of the place.
DD Tip #3: There isn't a single bad restaurant in the place. Not. A. One.
WAIT. I take that back. I love the Rainforest Cafe for everything except food. The food there blows.
Anyway, if you're trying to eat at Downtown Disney, make sure to get your reservation or seat before Cirque du Soleil lets out. Wait times can triple once that show is finished.
DD Tip #4: It is far less crowded in the morning than it is the evening.
DD Tip #5: If you can buy it in a Disney park, there's a good chance you can buy it at Downtown Disney. The exception is that you won't find things that are very specific to an attraction there (e.g. an Indiana Jones hat, a Splash Mountain t-shirt, etc.). You will find hard-to-find things there, though. Team Mickey Athletic Club, for example, has lots of Disney-themed sports items that I don't often see anywhere else.
DD Tip #6: The World of Disney is the most ginormous Disney store in all the land. It's so ginormous that it's pretty much overwhelming, but you can find every little souvenir your heart desires there. It's a good idea to pick out a meet-up location in case your group gets separated. Under the spitting Stitch is my favorite.
DD Tip #7: Disney's Days of Christmas was built for me. Don't try to tell me it wasn't. It's where you can buy pretty much every Disney Christmas ornament under the sun. Personalization is also available, but be aware that sometimes items aren't ready until the next day. Plan accordingly.
DD Tip #8: There are plenty of entertainment options at Downtown Disney. Each will cost you some cash, though. There's Cirque du Soleil (we haven't seen it), Disney Quest (we've never done it), a movie theater (LOVE it, but we don't really go to Orlando to watch movies), and this thing:
The weather and various mood finally came together this year so I could ride Characters in Flight. It was less expensive than a typical hot air balloon ride because it didn't go anywhere. Just straight up and back down again. Still, I thought it was pretty fun and worth it for the view.
DD Tip #9: The Ghiradelli shop hands out free samples. You're welcome.
DD Tip #10: There is a fun little magical fountain next to Once Upon a Toy that can keep a hot kid busy for a long time. Extra clothes are a must. When you're done there, go into the Lego store and you won't see your kid for quite a while, even without spending a penny.
If there is anything you want to add, y'all know what to do!