What exactly is Downtown Disney- Orlando

[Pilotbaby]

We are planning a summer trip to Disney with our 12 month old. What exactly is Downtown Disney? Any recommendations on what to do there or what restaurants to go to? I'm assuming we need to make reservations now for our July trip so trying to find the best options.

[WatchingThemGrow]

It's basically an outdoor shopping mall with restaurants. Restaurants are somewhat pricey, toys are plentiful.

[Jupiter]

If you are doing the Disney dining plan you can use it in downtown Disney. Ragland road is one of our favorites. But they have the biggest Disney store with the bippity boppity boutique. There is a few themed restaurants, planet Hollywood, rainforest cafe etc. a balloon ride. Everything is extra.

It is fun to walk around though and there is a stage with cute little performances.

You do need reservations, remember if you have a special reason to visit ie first time, personal victory, birthday. Put it on all your reservations and you often get free desserts.

[Pilotbaby]

If you are doing the Disney dining plan you can use it in downtown Disney. Ragland road is one of our favorites. But they have the biggest Disney store with the bippity boppity boutique. There is a few themed restaurants, planet Hollywood, rainforest cafe etc. a balloon ride. Everything is extra.

It is fun to walk around though and there is a stage with cute little performances.

You do need reservations, remember if you have a special reason to visit ie first time, personal victory, birthday. Put it on all your reservations and you often get free desserts.

Thank you for the tip! Do you know of any good websites to view restaurants etc? The Disney one is not very user friendly IMO.

[TwinFoxes]

Thank you for the tip! Do you know of any good websites to view restaurants etc? The Disney one is not very user friendly IMO.

Allears.net has menus for all WDW restaurants. You can also check out the Disney Dining App.

[Wondermom]

There is also a permanent Cirque du Soleil show at one end of Downtown Disney. If you've never caught a live Cirque performance, it's a great experience.

[Gracemom]

We love the LEGO store and the Earl of Sandwich for a casual dinner. Yum!

[Pilotbaby]

We love the LEGO store and the Earl of Sandwich for a casual dinner. Yum!

Thanks. Earl of Sandwich sounds interesting. Will have to see if I can find their menu online.

[LKMang]

We eat at earl of sandwhich multiple times every trip. Inexpensive and yummy (and no reservation required!) We love downtown disney!

[Still-in-Shock]

Just checked out Allears.net What a great find! Lots of Downtown Disney info there, btw, as well as lots of planning info for WDW, DL and even the cruise line. Having lots of fun planning our first trip - but I should be emptying out the room where we put the baby! Warning: lots of distractions there.