Downtown Disney
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Pleasure Island clubs closed permanently September 28th 2008 although the restaurants, shops, and other entertainment are still open. The area is being considered for future development, but there are no current plans published.
Raglan Road - This pub opened in October 2005 and has become a favorite. Four antique Irish bars were imported from Ireland and great attention was given to the furnishings and trim to give this a classic Irish pub ambiance. Irish musicians (traditional and contemporary) entertain nightly and the music, dance, and storytelling keep things fun and lively. See Raglan Road Official Website for more details.
House of Blues - This restaurant features the largest publicly displayed folk art collection and is themed to honor the history of the Blues. Dining available all evening with regular live music starting about 11:00PM. Special concerts may require special tickets. See the House of Blues official website for a list of scheduled events.
AMC 24 Theatres - 24 theaters playing first run movies.
Planet Hollywood - The food is only so-so but the fun design of this three-floor restaurant and all the great movie memorabilia make this worth a stop. If you're staying on Disney property, you'll receive a $15 meal voucher in your Walt Disney World Resort Magic Your Way Vacation Package.
Throughout Downtown Disney - There's always something going on in the evenings. There are kid-friendly dance parties at various times throughout the evening from 6:30 - 9:30PM. You can often find live performers scattered throughout the Downtown Disney area and on the WaterSide Stage. There are also free sleight-of-hand demonstrations at the Magic Masters shop. You have to buy a ticket but the Characters in Flight Aerophile is a neat experience. Don't forget that the Water Park Fun and More upgrade to your Disney ticket also grants admission into DisneyQuest - which is like an incredible arcade on steroids. Cirque Du Soleil - LaNouba requires a separate ticket and is a great show. |
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Disney's Boardwalk Entertainment Area
Visitors to Walt Disney World Resort often come and go without ever finding this special gem in the Epcot resort area. The Boardwalk is designed to look like the Mid-Atlantic seaside villages from the early 1900's. Here is a sampling of some of the fun you can find here:
- ESPN Club - Sports bar/restaurant with over 100 televisions.
- Big River Grille & Brewing Works
- Belle Vue Lounge at the BoardWalk Inn - cozy furniture and antique radios playing classic radio shows.
- Jellyrolls - an uproarious dueling piano bar & sing-along. Opens at 7:00PM with non-stop live entertainment from 8:00PM to 2:00AM. Rowdy, waterfront atmosphere. $10 cover charge - Must be 21 or older. See: http://www.jellyrolls.us/
- Atlantic Dance Hall - This spacious dance venue features DJ's playing your favorites from the 70's through today. 9:00PM - 2AM Tuesday through Saturday. Ages 21 and over.
- Boardwalk Entertainment - On Thursdays - Saturday evenings, you'll find street performers like balancing acts, a juggler, or street musicians that give the Boardwalk a fun, street festival feel; especially after dark with the lights are on. You'll also find a Caricature Artist, hair wrappers, Surrey bike rental, and carnival games.
- Shopping - you will find shops offering everything candy, Disney merchandise, golf apparel and accessories, toys, and the Wyland Galleries.
Disney's Boardwalk Resort is a nice boat ride from Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park (formerly called Disney-MGM Studios) or you can even walk over from the Epcot International Gateway. You can also take Disney transportation to the closest theme park, water park, or Downtown Disney and catch a bus to the Disney Boardwalk Inn and Villas. |
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River Roost Lounge - Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Here's a Disney hidden gem - Bob Jackson performs at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort. His show features a great sing-a-longs, boogie-woogie piano, and even a little ragtime. The show is a lot of fun and the lucky ones who find Bob often make it a tradition to go back again, every time they visit Walt Disney World Resort. He's one real person and his schedule does vary so you'll want to plan ahead! He performs most Wednesday - Saturday evenings, from 8:30PM to Midnight. Family friendly. |
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Scat Cat Club - Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Here's another great Disney secret- Elliot Dyson performs at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter. Elliot Dyson plays several instruments and sings a variety of songs you'll recongnize immediately - songs like "Blue Suede Shoes", "Rockin' Robin", "Don't Be Cruel", and "Blueberry Hill". We love to get an order of beignets from the food court to enjoy while we listen. He performs most Wednesday - Saturday evenings, from 8:30PM to Midnight. Family friendly. |
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Rix Lounge - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
If Elliot Dyson is a Disney secret, then the Live DJ and dance floor at Rix Lounge at Coronado Springs is top secret Disney information. The bar has a sophisticated feel and there is a live DJ and dance floor most Thursdays - Saturday evenings from 9:00PM - 2:00PM - it does sometimes close for private events. This venue is age 21 & older. Thursday & Friday nights are popular with locals. No cover charge unless there is a special event. |
