Orlando - Clarion Hotel and Disney question

[HappyCruiser383]

Hi!

 

We'll be staying at the Clarion Hotel Universal (on Universal Blvd). I was wondering if there is anything close to the hotel (shops, dinning, etc).

 

We also would like to see some of the Disney area but we're not interested in going inside the parks. Aren't there some Disney shops that are open to the public? Where are they? We really just want to browse around. Is parking a major hassle? I hear we should just take the Disney shuttles although we'll have a rental car.

 

Thanks for your help!!!

 

Arleen

[Bequia]

Downtown Disney has shops, restaurants and the Cirque de Soleil. It's open to the public. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/moreMagicLanding?id=DTDLandingPage&bhcp=1

[HappyCruiser383]

Thanks Beguia! I figured I would have to pay to get in to give them my money. LOL Is it possible to take the Disney monorail around and around to see the different sights?

[DisneyMommy]

HappyCruiser,

 

The Downtown Disney area is packed full of shopping and restaurants. They also have DisneyQuest - a huge indoor interactive arcade, as well as Pleasure Island (nightclub area for adults). You do not have to pay to park at Downtown Disney, nor do you have to pay to enter Downtown Disney for shopping or restaurants. You do have to pay an admission price to DisneyQuest and Pleasure Island.

 

If you are specifically looking for Disney souvenirs, try some of the local outlet malls - there are many Disney stores in those locations where you can buy the exact same merchandise that is sold in the theme parks for a much cheaper price.

 

Hope that helps.