Tip Tuesday: World of Disney

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

Now that the holidays are over and Marathon weekend is behind me (my most sincere thanks to everyone for their kind messages), it’s time to get back to some tips that apply all year round.

While I’m a huge fan of the parks, I also enjoy spending time away from the parks, most especially at Downtown Disney.

One of the best things about Downtown Disney is the cost to visit – nothing. There isn’t even a parking fee. You can stroll from the West Side through Pleasure Island (what’s left of it) to the Marketplace and enjoy the sights and sounds (and smells) without spending one cent.

What’s even more fun is to go into the individual stores and shops and seeing what each has to offer (and there are some amazing things to see!). So I thought I’d bring you a series of tips about Downtown Disney and about the different things to do there.

Let’s start with the big kahuna at Downtown Disney – the World of Disney. This is the largest Disney character store in the world. If you’re looking for a piece of Disney merchandise, you’ll probably find it at the World of Disney. I could (and have) spent hours wandering the store looking at the different items for sale. Be careful, this is one place where it’s very easy to spend a LOT. If you’re an annual passholder, be sure to bring your AP, as Disney often gives passholders a discount.

While at the World of Disney, be sure to check out the highly detailed model of Cinderella Castle in the center of the store. I’m amazed every time I see this at the level of detail in this exact replica of the real thing in the Magic Kingdom. It’s a very good thing the model isn’t for sale, because I would have bought it a long time ago, no matter the cost!

Also be sure to see what specials are being offered as you shop. Most times, Disney offers some sort of discounted item if you purchase a certain amount. I’ve been able to get several canvas bags and blankets for a pretty steep discount.

If its pins and artwork you’re looking for, the World of Disney probably isn’t your best stop. I’ll have more about the Pin Trading Station and the Art of Disney store (one of the best in all of WDW) in a future Tip Tuesday post. However, the World of Disney is a good place if you’re looking for Disney jewelry. There’s an entire section of the store devoted to jewelry, both expensive and not-so-expensive.

As for apparel, there’s no better place than World of Disney. There are clothes of all sorts there for boys, girls, women and men. If you’re looking for a shirt featuring the Mouse, you’re in the right place.

Speaking of clothes for girls, the World of Disney also has the place that is the mecca for budding princesses. Of course, I’m talking about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here hopeful princesses (and princes for that matter) can be transformed into the real thing, with clothes, hairdo and make-up to boot. These costumes aren’t the cheap ones you might find at a big box store back home – these are high quality (at a cost). Disney offers different packages and advance reservations are required. For more information about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, see the Disney Web site. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/

One last tip about the World of Disney: if you’re entering the building under the huge statue of Stitch (this would be the entrance next to Ghirardelli), be careful. Stitch, being his usual self, is a bit mischievous and may squirt water on you. For some kids, this becomes a game, trying to avoid the “Stitch spit.” You have been warned.

Be sure to check back for more tips about Downtown Disney!