Hi Linda!
You'll be pleased to know that a park ticket is not required in order to enjoy the
Downtown Disney Area including the Marketplace, West Side & even Pleasure Island! Additionally, the entire area, from one end to the other, is now family friendly. Pleasure Island now includes restaurants, shopping & even outdoor dining areas along the water. A particular favorite I highly recommend trying is
Paradiso 37.
The former 'nightclub' atmosphere of Pleasure Island was re-imagined & transformed back in the fall of 2008. These days the whole family can stroll from Marketplace to West End and back again all evening long! After a day at an earlier closing park like Animal Kingdom, a trip to Downtown Disney for dinner, shopping & sightseeing throughout the evening is a perfect plan! There are even some amazing, family entertainment options such as Cirque du Soleil, bowling, movies, DisneyQuest, or you can even enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire Walt Disney World property lit under the night sky from 400 feet in the air on board the Characters In Flight tethered balloon!
If you have younger kids and
are interested in an 'adult evening' at some point during your vacation, consider the services of one of Disney's many
Children's Activity Centers. Your youngsters will enjoy dinner & have a blast while you enjoy an adult evening dining or even dancing the night away along the
Boardwalk at Jellyrolls or Atlantic Dance Hall. The possibilities are endless!
Please visit again if you'd like further assistance in the planning of a great evening you'll all enjoy during your Magical vacation Linda!
Kirsten