Downtown Disney which is open to the general public is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Florida. There is no admission fee and parking is free while transportation is provided to all of the Disney resorts. This outdoor complex is divided into three areas: the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side. Each area has its own theme and provides a selection of entertainments, restaurants and shops. Also found there are Cirque de Soleil's La Nouba, the Disney Quest Indoor Theme Park, Planet Hollywood, Lego Centre, House of Blues, the World of Disney (which is the largest store in the world selling Disney-trademark goods) and more.

Originally it was known as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village when opened in 1975 as a shopping complex which was intended to serve the residence of Walt Disney World. In 1977 its name was changed to Walt Disney World Village and served all visitors to WDW. In direct competition to downtown Orlando and to encourage visitors to remain on the complex Pleasure Island was opened in 1989 as a themed adults nightlife attraction. Additionally in 1989 WDW Village was renamed as the Walt Disney World Village Marketplace. In 1997 the WDW Village Marketplace was renamed as Downtown Disney Marketplace and the combined Marketplace and Pleasure Island became Downtown Disney. Downtown Disney West Side was also opened as the third shopping, dining and entertainment area.

Downtown Disney does have some playgrounds, watercraft rentals as well as an amphitheatre and provides a relaxing location for a stroll after the hustle and bustle of the Parks.

See also:- Downtown Disney Dining

General summary for each of the three districts: -

Marketplace.

This is mainly a shopping (World of Disney) and dining centre.

Pleasure Island.

If it's Bars, Eating (Fulton Crab House) and shops you want then you will find them here. The Nightclubs closed in 2008 and no new venues have since opened.

West Side.

This is the newest zone providing shopping, dining and entertainment where you will find DisneyQuest, Cirque de Soleil and House of Blues.