Technically, Downtown Disney is free. There is no entry fee, and you can park free for the first three hours (or five if you dine there or see a movie there). After that, there is a fee of $6 per hour to park.
Still, the reason it's "technically" free is because one would be pretty hard pressed to go there with kids without spending any money. To be clear, you wouldn't want to do Downtown Disney instead of, say, Magic Kingdom to save a few bucks. Your kids will hate your for it. But it is a way to extend the Disney part of your vacation without the expense of an extra day of tickets for a family.
It isn't impossible, however, to do Downtown Disney for free. It is also certainly possible to have a less expensive day than you would buying attraction tickets. You can simply give each child a set dollar amount to spend there.
Quick tip: Allow your children to bring some pocket change. There are fountains at Downtown Disney where they can make a wish. It hardly gets more budget than that.
Shopping at Downtown Disney
The kids in particular will enjoy a visit to the immense World of Disney. There is an entire section devoted to all things princess, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is inside the shop. The $50 cost of a princess or pirate makeover is actually pretty reasonable considering the amazing experience and cool goodies (like Mickey hair jewels for princesses).
There is also quite a bit of other items for almost every interest, including clothes from baby to adult, kitchen gadgets and even household decor. Besides the World of Disney, you will also find a wide variety of cool shops like:
Beyond this Disney-themed shop, there are lots of shopping options that also double as fun places for kids to explore:
- Once Upon a Toy
- Lego Imagination Center
- The Art of Disney
- Mickey's Mart - "Everything Ten Dollars and Under" - a great choice for families who have kids shopping with a set budget.
Dining at Downtown Disney
There is a nice mix of restaurants that appeal to children and adults, as well as various budgets. For a budget choice that is sure to be an indulgent vacation experience, hit the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop for some shakes or hot cocoa.
On the budget side, there are choices like McDonald's and the Earl of Sandwich. You can also find some pricier choices like the Rainforest Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Fulton's Crab House.
Entertainment at Downtown Disney
There are quite a few options when it comes to shows and entertainment, but just know if budget is your goal that you can start spending a decent amount in this category. Here are some of the choices:
- AMC® Pleasure Island 24 Theatres Complex
- DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park
- House of Blues
- Cirque du Soleil
- Pleasure Island
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