What is worthwhile in Downtown Disney?

[RooBear]

I'm a fan of DTD at both D-World and D-land. Being a city-kid born and bred, the atmosphere is not really like the parks and the aggravations they inherently propose. I've mentioned prior, I kinda like small cafes and tend to take a meal over at the La Brea Bakery. It's not tops on many lists, but it affords me a chance to people-watch.

Being a movie buff, we usually pop in and catch a flick at any point where the parks close early. We know you can't walk around the parks at night after closing--but there is something to be said about walking back to your hotel on Harbor Blvd at around 12 midnight--through the entrance gates after everyone has gone home. It's not spooky, but it is very interesting---lights are still on in the main park and security is no where to be seen.

Two other stops? The Marceline Confectionary does not see the amount of traffic (is it even still there?) Main Street does so it is easier to browse and get some last minute gifts prior to departure to a plane or otherwise. I also am very big on supporting the independent booksellers in the US--and Compass books has decent coffee and is small and intimate enough to get a break from the dizzying crowds. Who wants to read on their vacation? I do!

In the heat of summer and busier times, the carts come out and that's always a treat--but in the end, it is the same stuff you can find at your local mall.

Lego is also fun. I don't have kids so it gives me an excuse to get in there!

So, yeah, it is worthwhile.

Peace,
Roo

[tomrules1955]

Really? You'd say the food in DTD is much better than say Blue Bayou or Carnation Cafe? Do they take reservations at any of the DTD restaraunts? Are they as busy as the food places are in the park?

All the DTD restaraunts take reservations and you can use the disney reservation line for those places as well, and yes the food is better than the blue bayou or carnation cafe. Dollar for dollar its a better deal. As I've said before, after a long day in the Park we like to take a break and use the monorail to get to the DTD station and have a nice meal and a change of scenery, then walk it off by going back inot the Park for the final push until Park closing. Another bonus in DTD is the Uva Bar. its a nice outside bar that serves small plate food as well.

[OldSchoolMickey]

The restaurants in DTD can be VERY busy at times. We've heard two hour waits quoted at the Rainforest and the ESPN Zone.

But thankfully, you once again can take advantage of the Priority Seating arrangements thru Disney Dining (with the exception of the Rainforest, but the D-D line will give you their number for you to call yourself).

[Small Fry]

Yes, they do check your tickets. Just get your hand stamp and keep your ticket and it shouldn't be a problem getting back in.