Build Dad The Ride of His Dreams
Let’s face it, what Dad wouldn’t want a Chevrolet Corvette C6.R, a Viper, MINI Cooper S or Scion xB for Father’s Day? If your Dad is into Retro hot rods, race cars or firetrucks, no problem, you can still give him, or even better, build him the ride of his dreams at RIDEMAKERZ in Walt Disney World’s, Downtown Disney Area (map) and at Disneyland’s, Downtown Disney District (map)
RIDEMAKERZ is the first-ever car customizing experience. The ultimate car customizing...
June 18th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Downtown-Disney, Shopping
Disney Adventure Without a Theme Park Ticket
When traveling to Walt Disney World (map) with a family, so often your arrival day is a puzzle of what exactly to do. If you arrive early enough at your resort, you can head to one of the four theme parks and hit the ground running. But, if you arrived later in the day, is it too late to use one of your admission tickets?
If everyone is cranky from the travel, do you really want to start your Disney adventure on the wrong foot? But, if you allow everyone to unwind and stretch, ...
June 3rd, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney-World, Downtown-Disney, family, featuredarticle
Hip and Trendy at Downtown Disney’s Tren-D
Shopping with a teen can be quite a challenge. Was it overnight that her taste and mine grew so far apart?
Getting past the mere challenge of even being seen shopping with your mother, the task often remains to find age appropriate yet stylish clothing. Thank heavens for Tren-D, a new shop located in Downtown Disney Marketplace (map).
This new Walt Disney World (map) unique boutique, Tren-D offers hip, urban merchandise in a wide range of prices. On the upper end are the designer styles...
May 22nd, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: children, Downtown-Disney, featuredarticle, kids, Shopping, Walt Disney World
Downtown Disney Areas Offer Build It Yourself Experiences
Shopping usually isn’t high on a child’s list of fun things to do, unless that shopping somehow involves them. Downtown Disney areas of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World have several interactive options that couldn’t involve young shoppers more.
A growing trend in the shopping experiences is the make-it, customize-it, build-it, design-it yourself option. Not only is it popular, it is a lot of fun for kids and puts them squarely in the driver’s seat of shopping.
At...
March 24th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disneyland, Downtown-Disney, family fun, Shopping, Walt Disney World
Downtown Disney Diners Deserve a Break From McDonald’s?
McDonald’s Corp. and Walt Disney Co., a match made in heaven. Well, at least that was the case until 2004 when an exclusive sponsorship between the two ended. Now, Ronald McDonald is packing his things and leaving Downtown Disney Marketplace.
As of April 30, diners will have to head elsewhere for their Big Mac Attacks as the McDonald’s at Downtown Disney (map) will be closing. The closure makes way for the new restaurant, Pollo Campero, part of a Latin chicken quick serve chain.
The...
March 12th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney-Dining, Downtown-Disney, featuredarticle
Charm of the Emerald Isle at Downtown Disney
It appears to me that this time of year, everyone becomes a little friendlier, a little happier, maybe even getting a little lighter in their step. Perhaps it is the beginning of longer, brighter days. Perhaps it is the small tell-tale signs of spring. For me it is a day on the calendar — March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day!
Any day can be St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant located at Downtown Disney (map). Owned and operated by an Irish company, this establishment...
February 27th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney-Dining, Downtown-Disney, Family Friendly, Walt Disney World Resort
Grab the Salt and Limes, It’s Margarita Day
According to NPR and numerous other news sources, today marks a national holiday. While it is George Washington’s Birthday, the holiday I am referring to is National Margarita Day.
Margaritas have an uncertain origin with many stories touting the “first” cocktail made from Tequila and lime juice. The stories all have several elements in common, all were created by a bartender in Mexico for a woman named Margarita.
The Mexico Pavilion at Epcot (map) would serve as an excellent...
February 22nd, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Downtown-Disney, Epcot, Mexico Pavilion, Walt Disney World Resort
Best Chocolate Indulgences Disney Style
Memories of visits to my grandmother’s house swirl around a certain candy dish that sat atop a large oak buffet and was always filled with Chocolate Stars or Sno-Caps. As a young child that buffet seemed as tall as Mt. Everest and sneaking a morsel from that dish without getting caught was almost as challenging.
I must confess, in any shape or form, I LOVE CHOCOLATE!! I crave it after almost every meal, and while I don’t consider myself a chocolate snob, I have learned that if...
January 27th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney-Dining, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Downtown-Disney, featuredarticle, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain, Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery, Smores
A Disney Souvenir You Will Cherish, Hands Down!
Do these souvenirs sound familiar? A t-shirt that commemorates the vacation destination and is worn a few times, until it shrinks?! Or the light-up spinny-thing that is so cool in the dark, until it gets caught in sister’s hair?! Take heart, as I have uncovered a souvenir that will withstand the test of time.
A new “hand art” vendor has recently opened a kiosk at Downtown Disney, creating framable souvenirs you will actually cherish. Customers place their...
December 27th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 2Filed under: Downtown-Disney, family fun, souvenir, Walt Disney World Resort
Have Fun While You Exercise At A Disney Resort
We all dread it, those few extra pounds that we pack on during the holidays. With the new year comes a renewed vow to lose that extra weight and exercise a little more. Why get stuck in that boring exercise routine when you can have fun while you exercise at a Disney Resort.
Many of the resort hotels offer state-of-the-art fitness centers to help stay in your familiar exercise routine while traveling. Throw in a little swimming at one of the many resort pools for a refreshing change of pace.
If...
December 6th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney Resort hotels, Disney's Grand Californian, Disneyland & California Adventure, Downtown-Disney, Walt Disney World
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World Resort
At Walt Disney World Resort the decorations are up, the music is playing, the gingerbread is baked and the snow is flying — that’s right, snow! So let the holiday celebrations begin, because with special events scheduled at all of the Disney theme parks, you will not want to miss a thing.
Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom offers:
Castle Dreamlights! Cinderella and friends dress in their holiday finest and take to the stage for a special light show as 200,000 sparkling,...
November 18th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Candlelight Processional, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Downtown-Disney, featuredarticle, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Walt Disney World Resort
Chalk Artists Featured at Downtown Disney Festival of the Masters
The 34th Annual Festival of the Masters will be held this weekend at Downtown Disney. More than 145 of the nations top artists, folk artists and live entertainers will be participating at this highly acclaimed event.
As part of a special feature, members of the Florida Chalk Artist Association, will be drawing or chalking, on select 7 feet x 7 feet square sections of pavement throughout the area. The association members will be sharing the spots with High School groups for a total of 65 works of...
November 13th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: art festivals, Downtown-Disney, featuredarticle, Festival of the Masters, Mary Poppins, sidewalk chalk art
Disneyland Resort’s Downtown District Store is MissMatched
How many times have you been told “You can’t wear that, it doesn’t match!”? A new flagship store in the heart of Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, LittleMissMatched, begs to differ. In an innovative concept, LittleMissMatched offers a unique line of clothing for the young and young at heart set to instill creativity and individuality.
Downtown Disney District Disneyland
Beginning in 2004, with their signature colorful socks that don’t match and are...
November 6th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney-Dining, Disneyland Resort and California Adventures, Downtown-Disney, shopping at Disney
10 Things To Experience at Walt Disney World in Fall
I have said it before and I will say it again— I love Walt Disney World in the fall !!! While anytime is a great time to visit, trips in the fall are especially delightful because of the smaller crowds and beautiful weather.
But rest assured, these are not the only reasons to love Disney World in the fall, and to prove it here are 10 more:
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – this after hours additional ticketed party held on select nights at Magic Kingdom is a big hit with...
September 17th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Arts and Entertainment, Disney's live entertainment, Disneyland & California Adventure, Disneys-Hollywood-Studios, Downtown-Disney, Eat to the Beat concerts, Epcot, Epcot events, Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Festival of Masters, golf, Haunted carriage rides, Hints & Tips, Hotels & Places to Stay, Liberty Belle Riverboat, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom events, Mickeys-Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, Princess Tiana, Recreation & Sports, Restaurants & Bars, Tiana's Showboat Jubilee, Walt Disney World, When to visit Disney World
Festivals Splash Downtown Disney in Art
I am am art collector. My little Disney traveler’s masterpieces line the front of my refrigerator where they receive daily oohs and aahs. If your taste is a little more refined than mine, then might I suggest you attend the 34th Annual Festival of the Masters Art Festival at Downtown Disney on November 13-15, 2009.
Regarded as one of the Southeast’s finest juried art festivals, the Festival of the Masters features more than 150 award-winning artists who work in a variety of media...
September 13th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: Art Festival, Arts and Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, Design-A-Tee, Disney juried art Festival, Disney Quest, Downtown-Disney, drawing Disney characters, Festival of the Masters, Folk Art Festival, Hotels & Places to Stay, House of Blues, open-air festival, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, sidewalk chalk art, Walt Disney World
Who Says There is No More Partying at Disney Pleasure Island?
Do you have a special milestone to celebrate during a visit to Walt Disney World Resort? Then head straight to Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and join the high-energy street party, Celebrate Tonight.
DJs spin the latest hits and the greatest party tunes as they host the interactive street dance. From sing-alongs, group dances led by the party crew, even stilt walkers it is the perfect atmosphere to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, family gathering, engagement, girlfriends weekend– or...
August 19th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Celebrate Tonight, celebration, Downtown-Disney, nightly street party at Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, street party, Walt Disney World, West End Downtown Disney
“DIANA- The People’s Princess” Exhibit at Downtown Disney
A unique walk through experience awaits Walt Disney World Resort guests at Downtown Disney West Side as The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation presents a major new exhibit of British royal artifacts in “DIANA – The People’s Princess”.
Showcasing the story of Princess Diana, one of recent history’s most iconic figures and leading philanthropist, the exhibit includes a sampling of royal dresses Diana auctioned off for charity, and roughly 900 authentic artifacts...
August 2nd, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Arts and Entertainment, DIANA - The People's Princess, Diana exhibit, Disney Quest, Downtown-Disney, exhibit, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, Princess Diana, royal gowns, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Resort
“What?! No Clubs at Pleasure Island? Now What Do We Do?!”
Renee, a reader at The Disney Traveler, along with four adult friends have planned a well deserved, “girls only” trip to Walt Disney World. Upon reading several posts, she has discovered that the clubs at Pleasure Island have been closed to make room for additional restaurants and shopping experiences. “Now what are 5 women supposed to do?” she asks.
Well, Renee, here are a few suggestions:
Listen to all the mothers negotiating with their “unhappy” children,...
July 28th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Downtown-Disney, Epcot, girls weekend, House of Blues, Pleasure Islalnd, Pleasure Island & Downtown Disney, Spas at Disney, Walt Disney World
It’s Still Raining and Pouring and We’re Still Enjoying, Part 2
In a previous post , I listed many of the fun, drier activities to occupy a rainy day at the theme parks of Walt Disney World, but, what if you decide to throw in the towel, so to speak. What else can you do at Disney on a rainy day?
If you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, take advantage of the Transportation System and visit one of the other hotels:
Check out the unique decor of each hotel, you’ll be thoroughly impressed with Wilderness Lodge’s fireplace!
Do a little shopping,...
July 16th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney Transportation System, Downtown-Disney, Hotels & Places to Stay, Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge
Grand Opening Holiday Inn Downtown Disney Resort Area
I have heard when a new restaurant opens they often have a few nights where the prices are drastically reduced while they work all the kinks out — I believe they call it a “bug out”. When a hotel has a new opening and they try something similar — I call it “HUGE SAVINGS” !!
The Holiday Inn Downtown Disney Resort is set for a Grand Re-opening on November 15, 2009. Fresh from a $25 million, top to bottom makeover with new King rooms with pull out sofa and...
July 10th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney theme parks, Downtown-Disney, Hints & Tips, Holiday Inn Downtown Disney, Hotels & Places to Stay, Magic Kingdom, Money saving deals at Disney World, Restaurants & Bars, Walt Disney World
Recent Top Features
-
The United Nations Headquarters in NYC
The New York City Traveler—March 1, 2011
-
5 Great Los Angeles Hikes
The Los Angeles Guide—February 28, 2011
-
A Memorable Visit to the Saguaro National Park
The Phoenix Traveler—February 28, 2011
-
Five Reasons to Get Up and Go With Go City Cards
Rest of the World—February 28, 2011
-
What’s Stonehenge Like in Person?
The London Traveler—February 27, 2011
-
Visit Haunted London
The London Traveler—February 26, 2011
-
A Trip to Limelight Marketplace in NYC
The New York City Traveler—February 25, 2011
-
Family Fun At British Columbia’s Sun Peaks Resort
The Ski & Snowboard Guide—February 25, 2011
-
Where to Eat: Venice, Florida
The Culinary Travel Guide—February 24, 2011
-
The Beatles & More in Liverpool
The London Traveler—February 23, 2011