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Everything Else

Walt Disney World is not just about theme parks and Mickey Mouse. There is also shopping, dancing, sporting activities, luxury spa treatments, and a whole lot more. Below you will find brief descriptions of everything else Disney World has to offer.

If you’re looking for specific information on everything else Disney World has to offer, use these hyperlinks to quickly go to that section:

Disney’s Boardwalk | Downtown Disney | Downtown Disney Pleasure Island | Downtown Disney West Side | DisneyQuest | Downtown Disney Marketplace | Sports and Recreation | Spas & Health Clubs | Fairy Tale Weddings

 

Disney’s Boardwalk

If the bright lights and loud music of Disney’s Pleasure Island don’t appeal to you, Disney’s Boardwalk may be just what you’re looking for. Modeled after the timeless charm of a 1940’s Atlantic coastal village, Disney’s Boardwalk offers fine dining, big–band dancing, and midway games for guests of all ages. For a listing of the restaurants of Disney’s Boardwalk, visit our restaurants page. There is no charge to visit Disney’s Boardwalk.

Atlantic Dance Hall

Modeled after the big–band clubs of the 1940’s — with a 90’s spin — this is the place to socialize, drink a Martini, and dance the night away.

Thanks to Jay, we have updated our information on Atlantic Dance Hall.

The dance hall is open Tuesday through Saturday. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are VIDEO DJ Nights. A VJ plays the best music videos on a large screen. Thursday and Friday nights are DJ-only nights, playing a mix of today’s top hits.

There is no swing dancing, or live bands anymore.

It’s also worth noting that the hall may be booked for wedding receptions and other special events and does accommodate live bands for those events when requested.

Jellyrolls

Offering spontaneous interaction between you and the performers, Jellyrolls features non–stop live entertainment on dueling pianos in a casual atmosphere. Jellyrolls is open from 7 PM to 2 AM nightly. There is a $3 cover charge on weekends. Note that guests must be at least 21 with a legal ID to enter.

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Downtown Disney

Image all your favorite clubs, stores for shopping, restaurants — everything you can imagine — all rolled up into one centralized location. This is the place to shop–til–you–drop, party–til–you… well, you get the idea.

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Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

There’s live entertainment going on around the Island every night. And on some nights, you could even catch a live performance in every club. Go to the Pleasure Island Home page to find out who is playing in Pleasure Island when you’ll be there. Then at midnight every night, it’s a New Year’s Eve celebration as only Disney can do.

Pleasure Island is free until the clubs open at 7 PM. After that, the cost is about $20 per person (note that some ticket media covers Pleasure Island admission). Guests 18 years and older may enjoy Pleasure Island, however you must be 21 (with a valid picture ID) in order to drink.

The clubs of Pleasure Island are briefly described below.

Adventurers Club

The two–story club is speckled with lots of interesting things to behold (African masks… that talk and move their eyes!), seats at the bar that — when you ask the bartender to “work some magic” — sink slowly toward the floor. Feel free to wander around and take in all the sights. There is also a show that takes place in the library. This has got to be one of the stupidest shows I have ever seen in all of Disney (and I don’t mind corny shows). Personally, I would not waste my time.

BET Soundstage Club

The space previously occupied by the Neon Armadillo Music Saloon now features jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, and hip–hop. The club is operated by BET Holdings, Inc., which owns Black Entertainment Television.

Comedy Warehouse

A comedy troupe performs improvisational comedy based on audience suggestions. There are five shows each evening, and you must get tickets for your show (which are included in the regular Pleasure Island admission). Note that show times fill quickly. You should also know that the seats are barstools, which are tough on backs and bums.

8Trax

If the songs, “I think I love you”, or “The Hustle” have a special place in your heart, then 8Trax is the place for you. Music from the early seventies and the disco era fills this dance club.

Mannequins

Guests enter through an elevator that rises to the third floor. This is the place for contemporary music and dancing. The dancing is not on a typical dance floor, but on a turntable that slowly turns around while you dance. The music is provided by a DJ. Note that to enjoy Mannequins, guests must be 21 or older.

Pleasure Island Jazz Company

This is the place to go if you want to enjoy live jazz from the 1930’s to the present. The music is not too loud, so conversation is possible. If you wish to get a table, you will want to arrive about 20 minutes before showtime.

Rock ’N’ Roll Beach Club

In my opinion, this is a club that has seen its time. Just as the name implies, the theme in this club is surfing, beach, etc., that plays music from the 1960’ to present. There is a band that plays 45 minute sets, then a DJ takes over during their breaks.

Wildhorse Saloon®

Enjoy country music with the best in contemporary country seven days a week. Resident Wildhorse Dancers can show you some moves, then it’s your turn to strut your stuff on the 1,500-square–foot dance floor. Dinner is also served here. (Note, the Wildhorse Saloon is located in the building formerly occupied by the Fireworks Factory.)

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Downtown Disney West Side

Opened in 1997, Downtown Disney West Side hosts a wide variety of restaurants, shops, movies, clubs, and — in my opinion — the best arcade in the world (the real world!). For a listing of the restaurants at Downtown Disney West Side, visit our restaurants page. There is no charge for admittance to Disney’s West Side.

Bongos Cuban Cafe

You can’t miss Bongos; the giant pineapple gives its location away. This restaurant was created by Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio, and features Cuban and Latin cuisine and entertainment. While this is primarily a restaurant, there is entertainment nightly.

House of Blues

Another combination of restaurant/music hall, the House of Blues is where you can see some top–name entertainment (admission fees may apply; tickets may be purchased through TicketMaster or the House of Blues box office). To see up–to–the–minute schedules of who will be performing when you’re there, visit the House of Blues web page.

AMC Theaters

This is a movie theater, offering a first–rate sound system, 24–screen movie theater, and current movie releases.

DisneyQuest®

This is something that must be seen to be believed. To say that this 5–story building is an arcade is a huge understatement. Experience the first–ever, indoor interactive Theme Park. Shoot the rapids in a virtual prehistoric world. Hop into a simulator and ride a roller coaster that you design. Fly a magic carpet through an ancient city. Then, dine at The Cheesecake Factory. It’s a breakthrough concept in family fun. If you want more information on DisneyQuest, visit the Disney Quest discount web site at http://www.greatorlandodiscounts.com. Admission is about $27 per day (or is included with some admission ticket media) and includes all of the major attractions (there are some typical arcade–like, coin–operated games that are not included in the admission).

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Downtown Disney Marketplace

Located on the shores of Buena Vista Lagoon, the Downtown Disney Marketplace (formerly known as the Disney Village Marketplace) offers a relaxing setting for shopping, dining, and lakeside activities (such as boat rentals). Of note, the World of Disney store is the largest Disney character shopping experience in the world. Kids will enjoy the Lego Imagination Center, where they can play with Legos and make purchases, as well. Chocolate lovers will not want to miss Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. In fact, when you walk by this sundae shop, be sure to inhale; you will surely smell the intoxicating aroma of — what else — chocolate. Yummy!

This is a great place to spend your first day if you do not wish to “waste” admission into a park. Magic Kingdom Club cardholders take note that your purchases here will offer you a 10% discount. Also, those of you staying in a Disney resort, you may have your purchases sent back to your room at no charge, or, if you prefer, you may have your purchases shipped home so they will be there waiting for you when you return.

The stores are open from 9:30 AM until 11:00 PM every day. The stores are listed below:

The Art of Disney
A one–of–a–kind gallery of Disney animation art and collectibles.

Disney at Home
The focus is on the place where the family gathers to spend time together … the home.

Disney’s Days of Christmas
At Disney’s Days of Christmas, it's the holiday season 365 days of the year.

EUROSPAIN presented by Arribas Brothers
Crystal cutters demonstrate the age–old art of glass sculpting and custom engraving in this treasure trove of hand–crafted gifts and decorative articles from European artists.

The Gourmet Pantry
A kitchen-full of fascinating culinary gadgets, cookbooks, and sensational wines.

Harrington Bay Clothiers
Men’s apparel by Polo, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein.

LEGO® Imagination Center
You’ll have fun in a snap at this all-new superstore, where kids of all ages can literally build their imaginations with all the latest fun from LEGO® PRIMO, LEGO® DUPLO, and LEGO® elements.

Pooh Corner
Everything from kids’ to adult’s ready–to–wear apparel, plush toys, accessories, decorative gifts … Winnie the Pooh merchandise at its finest.

Rainforest Cafe® Shop
It’s a wild place to shop and eat, with rainforest items from around the world and private–label merchandise.

Studio M
Your one stop photo shop. Professional pictures taken with Mickey Mouse.

Team Mickey’s Athletic Club
Sports clothing store featuring all your favorite characters. Golf apparel and equipment, Nike apparel and shoes, ESPN logo clothing and much more!

Toys Fantastic
The newest playthings, featuring Disney stars, Hot Wheels action toys, and Barbie fashions. Presented by Mattel.

2R’s Reading & Riting
Bestsellers; storytime favorites; Disney books, music, and videos; stationery and cards — all within reach of a tasty cappuccino or espresso.

World of Disney
The newest and biggest Disney shop on Earth features 12 gigantic themed rooms based on Disney classics, where you’ll find a mountain of plush toys plus everything from infant wear and gourmet items to jewelry and intimate apparel.

The Garden Shop
Patio and garden items, gifts and more. Assortment includes seashells, sculptures, windchimes, outdoor accessories, garden tools and plants.

Generation BeneFITS
Trendy club/streetwear, swimwear and beach clothing for young men and women featuring contemporary collections from signature brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, No Fear, Calvin Klien, Roxy, Quicksilver an Hurly.

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Sports and Recreation

Many of the resorts offer boat rentals, fishing, biking, parasailing, tennis, horseback riding, golfing, and on and on. To get specific information on the sports and/or recreation activities of your choice, visit the Disney web site.

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex

See some of the world’s top professional and amateur athletes compete. It’s the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. It is also home to The NFL Experience™, pro football’s fun park where YOU take part in the gridiron action. Separate admission is required for Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, and is included in some ticket media.

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Spas & Health Clubs

Imagine the ultimate in personal pampering and relaxation. Choose from two opulent spas at the Walt Disney World Resort: The Spa at the Disney Institute, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club. Offered is a wide range of luxurious, relaxing therapies including facials, massages, body wraps, and hand and foot treatments.

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Fairy Tale Weddings

Whether you’re renewing your vows or saying them for the first time, your Walt Disney World wedding can be a fairy tale when you theme your dreams in a World of magical settings. Choose a ceremony rich in tradition, or one as unique as your imagination. Share your moment with friends and family. Your ceremony is destined to be a dream come true. Needless to say, this “dream–come–true wedding comes at a cost; sometimes a substantial cost. However, if you can dream it, Disney can probably do it.

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Last updated on: March 20, 2007
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