Celebration Blog

Disney World's theme parks offer rides, characters and other simple fun, but you can get a taste of culture if you're in the area November 12 to 14. The Festival of the Masters will take place at Downtown Disney on those dates, bringing 150 award-winning artisans who proudly display their wares. Instead of mouse ears, toys and other common souvenirs, you will see sculptures, paintings, photographs and hand-painted jewelry.

Downtown Disney is easily accessible by car, and on-site guests who don't have vehicles can take buses from their hotels. It's a shopping district so there is no admission charge, and there are plenty of traditional stores and kiosks, interactive fountains and eateries to explore. It makes a good break place when the theme parks are crowded. Kids can even play with Legos or design their own t-shirts.