Down Town Disney is Shopping and dinning district in Walt Disney World. It is located at the very edge of Disney property and was opened in March 1975.
It was opened as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. The area is built overlooking a massive lake which has been used for firework shows and water skiing championships.

The area is split in to 3 sections West Side, Pleasure Island and marketplace.
West site is a shopping, restaurant and entertainment area. Here you will find shops selling everything from Sunglasses to cigars. At the end of this area we have 2 massive building 1 shaped like a tent which houses La Nouba (a permanent show which is part of Cirque du Soleil) here guests are amazed at ticks and human fetes all done to wonderful music this show is expansive at around $200 a ticket but well worth.

The second building which is painted blue holds DisneyQuest. Disney answers to an indoor virtual theme park. This attraction holds 6 floors of video games perfect for a rainy day.
Restaurant wise this area has House of Blues which also holds small concerts by famous bands and bongo's a tropical menu of spicy food.
On the opposite end there is a Planet Hollywood a restaurant dedicated to celebrities and houses many props and Characters in Flight is also a new attraction that opened spring 2009 and feature a giant tethered balloon that can soar 300 feet above providing 360-degree views of the Walt Disney World resort.

Pleasure Island was an area dedicated to adults and fun. The area housed many night clubs and comedy clubs. In 2008 this area was sadly closed down and has not been re opened I feel this is a great shame and the comedy clubs were some of the best we have been too.

Disney marketplace is an area FULL of shops and Restaurants.

The World Of Disney is one of the biggest Disney stores in the world. It has everything you could want. Clothing for all ages, toys, kitchen stuff and a lot more. This store is great you can (I did) spend hours in there. Just be careful not to spend all your money.

Lego shop is what it sounds like. A shop full to the ceiling with Lego your son or daughter will love it here plus they have a fun area to build while you shop.

Rainforest Café. This is a chain that is all around the world including Disney World. The restaurant gives you the experience of eating in the jungle. The only down site is that you can not book in advice so be prepared to wait

No where is complete these days with out a McDonalds and here is no exception.

This is a great addition to Disney world where you can take a day away from the parks and shop till you drop. Plus the area is totally free.