Downtown Disney - Marketplace
Formerly known as "The Disney Village Marketplace,"
this collection of shops and restaurants has grown significantly over
the years. The Marketplace is the area of Downtown Disney that is
closest to the village resorts (the non-Disney owned and operated hotels
that are located on site) and is right next to Pleasure Island (also part
of Downtown Disney).
The Marketplace is a Disneyfied outdoor mall. Nice Disney
touches abound such as the jumping water fountains for the kids to scamper
in, the small scale railroad for the tots to ride, and the marina.
The stores are, for the most part, upscale yuppie marts selling only the
premium brands.
Attractions
Captain Jack's Marina
Boat rentals (sprites, canopy boats, pontoons) and fishing excursions
(catch & release only) are available.
Dock Stage
This is the location for special events and performances.
Sand Street Station
Play area and miniature train ride for the younger set.
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Shops
Art of Disney
Animation cels, art, and other collectibles are for sale here.
This shop isn't much different from a Disney Gallery store anywhere
else in the nation, except that the selection is quite a bit greater.
Disney at Home
This is a housewares store for the Disney addicted. Mickey
phones, towels, toothbrush holders, chairs, and other such important
items are on sale.
Disney's Days of Christmas
Days of Christmas is the ultimate holiday shop for the Disney-addicted.
Christmast ornaments, decorations, and collectibles with a Disney
twist are sold.
Eurospain
Full-sized Suits of armor and swords (no I am not kidding) along
with fine crystal round out this upscale store's inventory.
Garden Center
The Garden Center, tucked in between Disney at Home and Pooh
Corner, is the place to go to buy garden tools, plantings, topiary
frames, and the like.
Gourmet Pantry
This "kitchen store" offers utensils and other items
that are only appreciated by "the cook that has everything."
(My wife loves the cookie jars and I get a kick out of the Mickey-shaped
pasta, though.)
Lego Imagination Center
No self-respecting baby-boomer or generation Xer can skip this
place! If Lego makes it, you can probably buy it here...at
a fairly reasonable price, surprisingly. There are also
several play set-ups for the kids to try out the classic lockable
blocks.
Once Upon a Toy
Everything that a kid could want (much of the product line here
is Mattel's, but other producers are represented, as well). Feel
free to enjoy a photo
tour of the store.
Pin Traders
Pin Traders, one of the newest additions to the Village Marketplace,
is a shop that specializes in the pin trading craze that first
hit Walt Disney World back during the Millennium Celebration of
1999-2000. If you like to buy and trade pins, this is a great
place to shop.
Pooh Corner
Merchandise imported from the 100 acre wood.
Scrapbook Center
The Scrapbook Center, in the location of the former 2R's (Readin'
and Ritin') Shop, sells albums, stickers, and other items for
scrapbookers.
Studio M
Here's where you can have your picture taken with several of
the characters. Robotically painted t-shirts and other
items can be purchased here, too.
Summer Sands
Summer Sands sells swimwear, hats, bags... basically whatever
you need for a day at the beach.
Team Mickey's Athletic Club
If you want something sports-related, come here. Unless,
of course, you're into volleyball...in which case you're not likely
to find much (this husband of a volleyball coach KNOWS this is
a travesty of justice).
World of Disney
This is the world's largest Disney store. The store's twelve
rooms full of plush toys, clothing, collectibles, gourmet items,
jewelry will keep you busy browsing (or buying) for quite some
time.
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Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide
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