Down Town Disney Marketplace Much More Than Shopping

The Marketplace has a prime lakefront location and is a mix of restaurants and shops around 20 in all. It is a great place to visit on days when you wish to take a break from touring the parks. And with its varied dining choices and unusual stores, it also makes a great choice for a night out.

Entertainment is limited to a small train that provides rides for very young children, a hand crafted Italian carousel for the young, and young at heart, and boats of varying types and sizes that can be rented from the Marketplace marina.

There is also a waterfront stage which features entertainment on an occasional basis, mostly around holidays. Both the train and carousel have a charge of around $2 to ride and very young children must be accompanied by an adult when riding the carousel. Charges for boat rentals are dependent on the length of time of the rental and the type of boat rented.

Also, for the children, the marketplace has interactive fountains which send spurts of water into the air at different intervals. They can run through them trying to dodge the water spouts and usually end up getting very wet!

For those seeking more adult entertainment Pleasure Island and The West Side are close by the Marketplace and add nightclubs, movie theaters and more to the entertainment mix.

Cap'n Jacks Restaurant

Located on the Marketplace lakefront overlooking the marina, Cap'n Jacks is a great place to eat seafood, drink a cool refreshing beverage(or two), and watch the sun reflect off the water and Cap'n Jack's gleaming copper bar. Crab Cakes, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktails, and Clam Chowder are specialties of the house. Cap'n Jacks is the only remaining Disney run restaurant in the Marketplace.

Fulton's Crab House

Located on a full size paddle steamer replica ( the stern paddle wheel has been removed) of a type that once graced the Mississippi and other rivers in the opulent days of Mark Twain and the old south.

Fulton's Crab House is a multi-decked restaurant containing five dining rooms and a lounge. The decor is all dark wood and nautical pictures in keeping with the river boat theme. Many of the tables have a water view, other are located in intimate alcoves and there is also outdoor seating available.

The food as the name suggests is focused on seafood which is flown in daily to ensure that it is as fresh as possible. There were, at last count, over 50 different selections to choose from. This does not mean that those who are not fond of seafood have been forgotten. Beef, chicken, and occasionally pork and lamb can be found on Fulton's menu.

While not exactly cheap, a visit to Fulton's Crab House is a one of a kind experience and will be remembered long after the meal has been finished and enjoyed. If you visit the marketplace and want to enjoy a memorable seafood lunch or dinner Fulton's is the place to go.

The Portobello Yacht Club

Located across from Fulton's Crab House and marking the border between the Marketplace and Pleasure Island is the Portobello Yacht Club. This very pleasant and popular Marketplace spot specializes in upscale regional Italian cuisine.

It's large varied menu features everything from pizzas baked in a wood burning oven, to a sumptuous lobster and shrimp ravioli, other menu items include dishes made from chicken, pork, beef, and seafood, along with fresh pastas, and my personal favorite rack of lamb. Don't forget to save room for dessert. The Portabello's white chocolate custard is out of this world.

The Portabello also boasts a very extensive wine list from which you can make your selection either by the bottle or by the glass. The Portabello's decor has a bright and airy contemporary Italian feel and the tables are covered with crisp white tablecloths. For those who like to dine alfresco, outdoor seating overlooking the lake is also available.

The Rain Forest Café

When visiting the Marketplace, it is hard to miss The Rainforest Café. The exterior is designed to look like a volcano and it looms over the Marketplace skyline.

The main attraction here is not the food ( although the standard of the food is in my experience consistently good, if a little predictable ) but the surroundings in which you eat. Imagine eating in the middle of the Amazon Jungle and you will have some idea of what is in store!

There are two main rooms, the Elephant and the Gorilla. In the Elephant room, a herd of animatronic elephants take center stage surrounded by other jungle animals. Periodically they come to life trumpeting and tossing their heads to the delight of all the children in attendance. Every 10 minuets or so a tropical rainstorm breaks out complete with thunder and lightning but don't worry no rain falls on you or your dinner.

The Gorilla room is a variation on the same theme but with a tribe of gorillas taking the place of the elephants. There are fish tanks full of live exotic tropical fish scattered around the café so no matter where you are seated there is always something to see.

Menu items include ribs (mojo bones), Chicken, Pasta dishes, sandwiches (my favorite is the plant sandwich which consists of portabello mushrooms and roasted peppers served on a bun), steaks, seafood, and some very tasty desserts.

My wife Carolyn and I often share the awesome appetizer adventure ( a selection of appetizers for two) in place of an entree, combined with a dessert and coffee it makes a a very satisfying meal.

The Earl Of Sandwich

If you are hungry but don't want to waste the time or money that a table service meal requires, give the Earl a try. A large counter service restaurant specializing in hot and cold made to order sandwiches (think up market Subway), as well as an assortment of grab and go salads, desserts, and pastries.

The Earl Of Sandwich is an inexpensive but high quality sandwich shop in a setting that, in part, resembles the library of an old manor house. My family were very pleasantly surprised by the comfortable seating. It certainly doesn't have the cafeteria like feel of a typical fast food restaurant. We also found the food to be very tasty. ( Dad's favorite sandwich is the Full Montagu YUM!)

All in all, we found this to be a very pleasant spot to enjoy a casual meal. There is both indoor and outdoor seating and so as long as you avoid peak evening dining hours it is usually not a problem finding somewhere to sit.

The Earl also serves excellent Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, Beer and Wine. There is also an attached gift shop with themed merchandise for sale.

Ghirardelli

The rich aroma of chocolate wafts through the marketplace air as you approach Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain and chocolate shop and begs you to step inside and sample the delicious array of Chocolate products on offer.

If the chocolate scented air isn't enough to entice you inside, the free samples that are usually available certainly will. To anyone who loves the rich velvety taste of really good chocolate, a visit to Ghirardelli is a must.

The store is split in two with one side given over to a retail store selling all manner of Ghirardelli chocolates. The other half of the store is devoted to an old fashioned soda shop where you can enjoy ice cream in a variety of forms and flavors, milkshakes, malts, coffees, hot chocolate(of course), cocoa, cappuccino, and my personal favorite white chocolate mocha.

As in the other Marketplace eating establishments, both indoor and outdoor seating is provided. My children absolutely love Ghirardelli's and no visit to Downtown Disney is complete until they have had a Ghiradelli ice cream.

Wolfgang Pucks Express

This Marketplace counter service restaurant with mostly outdoor seating may be quick service but the food is a cut above most other counter service establishment on Disney property or any other place I can think of for that matter.

The name Wolfgang Puck leads you to expect quality and the express does not disappoint. The only negative I can think of is the lack of indoor seating. The outdoor covered seating is fine when the weather is on the cool side but like most Floridians, in the heat of the summer, I like to enjoy my food in air conditioned comfort.

That having been said, the overall quality of the food more than makes up for this deficiency. Menu items include gourmet pizzas with various toppings, meatloaf with a delicious port wine and bbq sauce, four cheese macaroni, Rosemary rotisserie chicken, a variety of different sandwiches, and much more.

Food of this quality would normally cost way more than is being charged here, but at Wolfgang Pucks Express you are only paying for the food not fancy surroundings.

If you are looking for a quick meal that doesn't taste like fast food I would definitely recommend that you try Wolfgang Pucks Express.

McDonald's

What can I say about McDonald's that hasn't been said a hundred times before. Fast food at reasonable prices. The only thing that changes are some minor variations in the menu offerings and the size and style of the building.

The prices at the Marketplace McDonald's are a little higher than those to be found off property but for families looking for familiar food at a reasonable price they simply can't be beat.

Food And Drink Carts And Kiosks

There are a number of food carts and kiosks scattered throughout the Marketplace serving food of a type found on carnival midways and at state fairs across the country. The following are just a few examples of what you can expect to find: hot dogs, popcorn, funnel cakes, coffee, margaritas, speciality drinks, and more.

The Art Of Disney

This Marketplace shop is an absolute joy and is one of my favorites to browse around. Although many of the one of a kind paintings, animation cells, figurines, etc are out of my price range I can still stroll around and appreciate the fine artwork on display and dream a little.

Not everything is out of reach, however. There are many posters for around $20 and small ornaments and snow globes that are very affordable.

For anyone who is a collector or just has an interest in Disney memorabilia this shop is not to be missed.

Wonderful World Of Memories

Attatched to the Art Of Disney this is the place for the scrap booking enthusiast. Albums, stickers, glue pens, scissors, tape, are available in abundance here. The wonderful world of memories also sells Disney books, cookbooks, stationary, postcards etc.

EuroSpain

This is another store that you should definitely visit. It is without a doubt my favorite Marketplace store. This is not a Disney owned store but it has many interesting things to see.

This is one of the very few places where you can watch craftsmen practicing the ancient art of glass blowing. It is fascinating to see how they shape molten glass by blowing down a tube and pulling the still soft glass into intricate shapes and then after they harden custom engraving and decorate the finished items.

EuroSpain carries all kinds of crystal and glass including a full line of Swarovski crystal, many with Disney motiffs and themes.

The part of the store that my son and I enjoy the most is the wonderful collection of armor and swords that you don't want to miss. These are one of a kind and of a quality that you would usually only find in a museum.

Lego Imagination Center

For Lego enthusiasts young and old this hugely popular Marketplace store stocks Lego sets and blocks in all shapes and sizes. If Lego makes it, you will probably find it here.

To entice you to buy there are fully assembled sets all around the store depicting everything from Harry Potter's Hogwarts Castle to the Death Star from Star Wars and Viking Long Ships.There are also a few very elaborate one of a kind creations to show what is possible if you use your imagination and have a lot of patience.

Lego imagination Center also features a very large play area where children of all ages can build whatever strikes their fancy.

The fun doesn't stop at the door, however. Outside in the lake is a 30 foot sea serpent made entirely from Lego blocks and around the building you will find sculptures of an alien family complete with flying saucer, construction workers who appear to be building the store, and a sleeping man sitting on a bench who even snores. All are made from Lego blocks by master builders and make for great photo opportunities.

In short, the Lego Imagination Center has something for everyone young and old.

Basin

I was sure that I would not like this store when my wife and daughter dragged me in. "What's the attraction of soap?", I thought. But once inside, I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed looking around. The soap is not neatly packaged but instead is in large blocks that the staff can cut to order.

There are also bars cut in different shapes and sizes. There are soaps that repel insects and others for use in place of shampoo. Until I visited Basin, I thought that all soap was the same. Turns out I was wrong.

This is always going to be a store that will appeal to women more than men but for all the men out there, if the wife drags you in its not that bad.

Once Upon A Toy

For the young and young at heart, this very large Marketplace toy store contains all manner of toys, board games, video games, and DVDs. There are also many unique Disney themed toys and games unavailable outside Disneyworld.

The store front looks as though it is made from Lincoln logs with oversized models of Mr Potato head and Buzz Lightyear standing on either side of the main entrance. There is also a giant blue Genie who appears to be climbing from the chimney on the roof.

Inside there are displays all around the store. A train runs around above your head, there is a working model of the monorail system, Princess castles, and much more.

This is a really fun store for everyone. Children love it, as do many of us Moms and Dads.

Goofy's Candy Co

You may have heard the expression "like a kid in a candy store". Well that's just how you feel on entering this light, bright, and cheerfully colorful celebration of all things sweet and gooey.

There are bins of pick and mix candies priced by the 1/4lb as well as prepackaged goodies. But what sets Goofy's apart from other candy stores is the build your own snack concept where you pick up an order slip from the counter, make your choice of base, toppings and coating, return the slip to the counter, wait a few minutes and wallah! Your very own one of a kind candy will be made and presented to you.

Goofy's also makes slushies in very unique goofy mugs. This is another Marketplace store my children adore.

Mickey's Mart

This small store is a parents delight! Everything inside is under $10, a positive bargain by Disney standards.

When the kids want souvenirs steer them here first .There are lots of interesting Disney keepsakes and nicknacks, even some that are 4 for $10. They also sell mysterious goody bags where the contents are kept secret until after the purchase.

This fun store is worth making a special trip to the Marketplace as it allows parents and children to buy small souvenirs and gifts without breaking the bank.

Disney's Days Of Christmas

Its Christmas everyday at this popular store, every type of Christmas ornament and decoration you can think of is represented here. Figurines, tree decorations, Christmas stockings, snow globes, and much more.

Every Disney Character and theme is represented in one form or another. It is also possible to have many of your purchases personalized. For anyone who loves the Christmas season this store is a must see.

World Of Disney Kids

This shop which used to house Pooh's Corner carries a nice selection of clothing, plush toys and other Disney merchandise.

Disney Tails

If you would like a souvenir with a Disney touch for the family pet you can find it here. You'll find everything from leashes and toys to bowls, baked treats, and personalized items such as collars and id tags.

Summer Sands

High end casual wear and swim suits for men and women from well known designer labels like Tommy Hilfiger, Quicksilver, Calvin Kline and others.

Disney Pin Traders

Pin Trading has become an attraction in its own right at Disney World .For those who have never experienced this phenomena, it works like this. You buy a pin or pins, (all of which feature a Disney character or theme) and a lanyard to attach your pins to, from one of the many pin trading locations at Disney parks, hotels, and shopping locations. You can then approach any Disney employee or guest who is displaying a pin you would like, and ask if they will trade with you.

The pin traders store at the Marketplace is a large open air facility offering a huge variety of pins grouped by characters, and themes. They also carry special limited edition pins and the lanyards to attach your pins to.

Team Mickey

If you love Disney and sports this is the store for you. Within the walls of this very large sports shop you will find clothing and all manner of sports equipment ,baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, hockey pucks, basketballs, team shirts, sneakers ,and much more, both with and without Disney character logos.

Just about every sport is represented from Baseball and football to Nascar and golf. Team Mickey's even carries a line of authentic ESPN merchandise. Many items available here will be very hard if not impossible to find elsewhere.

For the sports fan who has everything but is looking for that one very unique souvenir Team Mickey's is a must see. It's a great store to browse around and you are sure to find something interesting.

World Of Disney

For Disney enthusiasts this giant of a store is like an Aladdin's cave. A 50,000 square foot treasure trove of interconnecting rooms stocked from floor to ceiling with just about every piece of available Disney merchandise known to mankind.

If you can't find it here, it probably doesn't exist. The only exceptions to this rule would be merchandise that is unique to a specific Disney Hotel or theme park. that can only be purchased at the locations they represent.

As I previously mentioned, the World Of Disney is split up into different rooms each with its own theme. They are:

The Magic Room

Sleep wear and bath items

The Princess Room

The newest addition to the Marketplace World Of Disney store, this room is sure to delight any little girl who dreams of Fairy Tale Castles, Princes, Kings and Queens, and all the story book trappings that go along with being a Disney Princess.

My 10 year old daughter who adores the Princess Aurora loves this room, especially the audio animatronic princess figure who sings and talks. All manner of princess accessories are for sale: wands, tiaras, dresses, make up kits, play jewelry, jewelry boxes and much more.

This is also the home of The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon where fairy godmothers in training work their magic, styling hair and applying make up to transform little girls into full blown Disney Princesses.

Note: Boys are now welcome at the Bibbidi Bobbdi Boutique. There is now a package called "Cool Dude" where young boys who want to compete with their sisters can have there hair styled and colored gels applied.

Enchanted Dining Room

Kitchen Items, Candy, Gourmet Food.

The Adventure Room

This is the boys answer to the Princess Room. The Adventure Room has a bold pirate theme, the center piece of which is an audio animatronic pirate Rusty Blade and his sidekick talking parrot Pollyanna. The whole room is littered with treasure chests, skulls, toy swords, and just about everything a young self respecting pirate could ask for.

The Villains Room

Jewelry, watches, clocks, snow globes, collectibles etc.

The Map Room

Stationary, general Disney souvenirs etc.

The Carnival Room

Disney girls costumes Mulan, Ariel, Pocohantas, etc, Dolls, children's bath items.

The Bird Room

Womens Clothing

The Snow White Room

Infant and Toddler, baby books, baby clothes, bedding, baby plush toys etc.

The Great Hall

Backpacks, baseball caps, luggage, sunglasses, and more.





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