Did you know today on March, 22, 1975 Lake Buena Vista Village opened? What is that? Well, that was the first name given to what we now call Downtown Disney! This shopping district has undergone several name changes: Walt Disney World Village, Disney Village Marketplace, and Downtown Disney Marketplace.
If you have never been to Downtown Disney before, the property is divided into 3 sections—Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island.
Downtown Disney West Side has restaurants, shopping, and the 24-screen AMC Downtown Disney 24 movie theater. You will also find Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba (which is an amazing show if you ever get the chance to see it!). Here you will also find Characters in Flight. This giant tethered balloon flies 400 feet above Downtown Disney Area giving you a 360–degree view of Walt Disney World Resort. DisneyQuest is also found on the West Side. This Indoor Interactive theme park is a one-of-a-kind gaming experience captured on 5 huge floors. Fan favorites include Pirates of the Caribbean, Virtual Jungle Cruise, CyberSpace Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Animation Academy.
Downtown Disney Marketplace you’ll find great Disney themed shopping and the largest Disney Store on the planet is located there (with a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique located right inside!) ! Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant is a family favorite here, located right on the water front. Disney’s Pin Traders will also be found here as well.
Pleasure Island is where you will find more adult friendly places like Curl by Sammy Duval, Apricot Lane Boutique, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Bar, and Fuego by Sosa Cigars.
Festival of the Masters is an open-air art festival held each fall in the Downtown Disney area, this year November 9-11th. This lively festival offers fun for the entire family, including:
•Dazzling displays of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more
•Hands-on activities for Guests of all ages and interests
•Live musical performances
•Unique shopping opportunities—from fine art to Disney collectibles
