"Disney World On A Budget": Disney's Marketplace and The West Side

Welcome to my "Disney on a Budget" post. Oh man, I'm gonna rack up counts on my sitemeter for this one. heehee.

Shall we begin?

First off I'd like to say that Disney World not only consists of the numerous theme parks but offers luxury hotels, dining, entertainment and shopping. There are a myriad of activities to choose from outside of the actual parks. The employees are sunny and friendly, willing to cater to your needs.

We started our little venture with suggestions from people who've been around the Disney area. We had wanted a little place to "explore" and they sent us to Downtown Disney's Marketplace:

This little area offers an array of shops and restaurant. It's nice to stroll around looking into the various stores. They have a huge toy store, a store dedicated to anything Christmas, there are a few clothing shops, like "Summer Sands" which sells beach clothing and "World of Disney" which a big store that sells apparel and knickknacks and it's cool interior is a welcome reprieve from the heat of the day. There is also an art store and a LEGO store, from which I've posted up pictures. And for those on a "budget" there is a tiny stand called "Mickey's Mart, which sells everything for $10 and under.
There are many places to eat as well but if you want a good deal and a great sandwich, go to The Earl of Sandwich. We recommend "The Full Montagu". All sandwiches are $4.95 and they use homemade breads. We've returned there time and time again, and we've only been here a month. Or if that's too expensive, they also have a McDonald's. Everything else is a little pricey. If you're not in the mood for shopping or eating, then ride the carousel, or sit by the lovely fountains and people watch, or rent a boat and explore the Village Lake, or on weekends, there are various performances at the "ampitheater" at the center of the Marketplace. Yesterday they had a jazz band perform. (We're not sure on boat prices.)

Further down from the Marketplace, you will pass Pleasure Island and come into the West Side's restaurants and stores. The "West Side" offers an AMC movie theater, a magic shop, a guitar store, a Virgin Mega Store, candy shop, and a store that offers more magnets than you can believe. Here you can also purchase tickets to that evening's Cirque du Soleil performance, which is located at the end of the West Side.

I think I'll stop it here for now. I've a lot more to write about but this way we'll keep it to one particular area at a time. Also this is a good place to comment and add. Til tomorrow.

Me.