Downtown Disney Update

After several days of cabin fever, I had to get out, still coughing or not, for much needed fresh air and exercise. Got over to Downtown Disney yesterday, but wouldn't you know it, I wound up in the middle of the police circus regarding the nearby 7-11 robbery and deputy stabbing. A leisurely lunch at CiCi's Pizza was just the thing to wait out the heavy traffic, etc. Cheers for buffalo chicken pizza. :)

While at DTD I checked up on a few things and got in a good walk. Here's what all I saw:

• Remember the big round planter that USED to be in front of Fulton's Crab House? Exactly. It's been torn out and replaced with a flat concrete pad and 4 pole lights, with only a small portion still covered. I'm curious as to what will be displayed there other than the Viennese Trio who play revamped classical music. Thought the planter was a nice feature and will miss it.
• Yes, Vinylmation Park Series 5 is out, and yes it's $12.95 a pop. There's also a special Fantasia Mickey (with the removable hat, the big trend this year by the way) and blind box bundle for $24.95. From $9.95 to $12.95 is a pretty big jump considering the Epcot Flower and Garden Vinyls are now down to around $7.95 with tin. Also, there's a still a big supply of Nightmare Before Christmas, Holiday Series 1, and the Sport Series. The latter, while around $12-$15 does included a blind boxed Vinylmation Junior companion figure. Park 5 looks great, however, considering the random chance of getting the figure you really want, roughly $10 is a little easier to gamble than $13. As a result, I've gone to the "If I can't pick 'em, I don't get 'em" rule. It's also worth noting that Disney Pins DROPPED a couple bucks across the board in the last couple months. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
• Speaking of Disney Pins, the limited edition 2010 Thanksgiving pins are out for $8.95. If you're an event/holiday/seasonal collector like me, go get 'em, because they go fast and will be long gone by event's end.
• Got some pictures of BET Soundstage and The Adventurers Club, since there are possibilities of both venues being demolished in the coming months for either a new club or some other project. Along that same line, there was talk at one time of an Aquarium restaurant coming to Downtown Disney. After enjoying the former Nashville location last year, this would be a fun add to the area and would fit right in with the other Landry's properties, namely Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex.
• I was reminded to enjoy the simple pleasures in life as I strolled about yesterday. The cool breeze, the smell of fresh popcorn, the heavenly aromas from the different restaurants, etc.
• The Christmas store was busy with early holiday shopping as well as selling a few leftover halloween decorations. TONS of Disney ornaments to choose from. Saw a Christmas Village style Cinderella's Castle for $85 that had some really nice detail and blue lighting. Also noticed a couple train packages and monorail packages ready to go for an under the Christmas tree display. Not this year, but that's something I'd really like to do in the next few years. Besides, monorail + Star Wars and Star Trek ornaments = just plain fun. :)
• There are still some Star Tours Starspeeder 3000 toys at the $10 Disney Store near Rainforest Cafe. In contrast, save a couple Storm Troopers, the Star Wars Kooky Kollectable pens were gone at Magnetron over on West Side. But don't worry, there are still PLENTY of fake (and VERY tasty looking) donut magnets still available. Anybody for Dunkin Donuts? ;)

That's all for now, but there are a some new adventures brewing next week. Stay tuned and cheers! :)