A Review of Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington Summer 2016

This is a fun little review and maybe some navigation tips of Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington.  It is a tourist magnet, but even locals love this place. It has charm, history, entertainment, food, drinks, trinkets, art, photo opportunities, and can be fun for families and well as romantic for couples that are looking to spend some quality time together!

HERE is the information about directions and parking, although currently there is a huge shopping complex being built behind the market on the waterfront, and the parking situation is quite challenging.  Although I recommend following what your GPS tells you and entering the market off First Street for your first visit, drive slowly (pedestrians will be everywhere and won't care a whit that your car is in their way) down the market way to experience the feel of the market.  Roll down your windows!  Then park further down.  There is a park on the left at the end of the market, go to the next street down and make a left, there is a covered parking area (kind of tricky to get into) straight ahead.  If that is full, I wish you luck...you'll find a spot eventually:)  Most parking on the street is a max of two hour parking during the day.  There are pay parking meters in various locations...it requires you to pay ahead, write your license plate on the receipt and display the receipt.  The other parking garages will allow you to stay longer for the most part, but most will require payment in advance as well.

There are two "entrances" that make for great photo opportunities.

Here's the one by the Fish Market.

Here is the one most seen on TV!

One of the most well known bits of fun located at Pike Place Market is Pike Place Fish Market, home of the flying fish!

Lots of people!

Photo Opp! Take a selfie with a monkfish!

There are several levels.  There are outdoor stands, and inside the market there are little nooks and crannies everywhere.

This is a view towards the market, which is on the right.  There are many outdoor stands with merchandise lining the sidewalk.

Exploring is a huge part of the fun here.  There are lower levels that are reminiscent of being on a cruise ship.

 

Shops of all kinds are here are in the lower levels...clothing, jewelry, used bookstores, Asian products, collectibles and even a magic shop!

Stands in the main market area ad across the street in another winding area of shops sell jellies, homemade dry pasta, fruit stands that offer tastes of the yummiest and largest peaches I've ever seen, homemade cider, specialty seasoned nuts, authentic Mexican and Fillipino cuisine and items, and seafood stands with huge lobsters and king crab.

 

I love buying some of the giant shrimp as is displayed here...you can buy different sizes of shrimp cocktail, as well as crab cockail.

There is street entertainment all over.  One group was a quartet of old fashioned instruments. Another gentleman was whaling on a piano with skilled gusto.  Musicians and entertainers stake out areas all over, so keep your ears peeled and enjoy some unique entertainment!  Make sure you throw them a few bucks after you enjoy their talent.

You'll see people in huge lines in a few places...chowder in the little alley across the street from the market is one.

And there was a huge crowd here for fish and chips!

Another popular spot is the Starbucks...it is compulsory to visit a Starbucks while in Seattle, obviously.

We found a cool little grocery towards the end of the strip of shops across from the market, near the park.  There is a bakery nearby with another huge line and mouthwatering smells, but we elected to choose from the cool beverage choices at the grocery to accompany our shrimp cocktail.

Even the water is fun!

To enjoy water views and some characters of Seattle (notice I said characters, not character!) head to the park nearby.  There are benches, tables, or you can spread out on the grass.  You'll find all walks of life here...families, tourists from cruise ships, and local residents, some that call the park "home".  Although I did witness some drug use, it doesn't feel dangerous, it just feels like part of the scene.  You do want to make sure that you secure your belongings on you, because the crowd in general is very tightly packed during nice weather.  Keep an eye on the kids especially, I suggest forming a chain with your hands!  It is easy to get separated here.

crowded market

By the water

We got to see a military vessel being escorted to port which was pretty fun to see, the sailors were out on the deck.

Each visit brings new and fun things to experience and view and taste.  No visit is the same!  If you are visiting Seattle, make Pike Place Market a priority!

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!

The Walt Disney Family Museum in California

The Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum is located at the Presidio in beautiful San Francisco California. It’s co-founded by Walt Disney’s own daughter the late Diana Disney Miller who wanted to share the life, work, and legacy of her father with the world. There are 2 buildings to visit while you’re here. The main museum and the Diana Disney Miller Exhibition Hall located just behind the main building. 

The Main Building has 3 different levels to it, The Lower Level, Level One, and level 2. Down in the lower level you can find the Theater Gallery and Theater, where you watch the film of the month. The movie is included with the price of admission; just make sure you ask for your theater tickets when you purchase your museum tickets at the front desk.

On Level One you can find the Café, The Museum Store, and Lobby. The Lobby is full of awards from Walt’s films and accomplishments throughout his life. Here you will start your journey into the galleries and the beginning of Walt’s life.

There are 14 different galleries that make up the Museum, going through a time period of 1901-1966. Along with many family pictures there are also family treasures, and interactive stations along your journey. One of my favorites is the Synchronizing Sound Station. Here you can put on headphones and play instruments to accompany the sounds need for the film Steamboat Willie. It will take a second to get the hang of it, but its lots of fun! There are also other interactive stations along the ways so look out for them.

Also one of the highlights of the museum to me is the diorama of Disneyland. Staff at the museum says “It’s the Disneyland of Walt’s imagination, meaning it represents attractions that he saw come to life, and some he only dreamed of”. You can see ride from Disneyland’s past here and how they layout of the park if much different than it is now. My daughter love this area and could hang out here for a while looking for Walt in it. He’s hidden in 2 different places with is daughter, can you find him? Give it a try when you go!  Also in this area you can find lots of Walt’s projects from the 1950’s to the 1960’s.

Once you get close to the end of the galleries you’ll come to the Epilogue, the saddest are in the whole museum if you ask me. Here you will hear the radio announcement made when Walt Disney died on an old fashion T.V set. It’s truly a room that will move you to tears. You can listen to friends and staff talk about the moment they first heard about Walt’s death at a listening station, and along the walls you can read articles published. This is an area where a tissue is a must to bring.

After all the crying you’ll come to what some call the White Room. Here take a chance to sit down and enjoy the pictures on the walls. They are truly inspiring and beautiful!

After your trip through the museum you can also visit the Diana Disney Exhibition Hall. This is where they showcase special exhibitions that change about twice a year. This time when I went they were showing off The Art of Pinocchio. While you are able to take pictures throughout the museum as long as you don’t use a flash, the Special Exhibitions are different. No photos are allowed to be taken inside but you can snap a few shots of the art in the lobby.  

While you visit to The Walt Disney Family Museum may be coming to a close there are still some very cool places to visit while you there. Lucasfilm Ltd. is located just a few minutes away at 1 Letterman Drive. While you can’t go in a visit there you can take a pretty cool picture at the Yoda fountain found in front!

While there are so many more pictures I can share with you, it really wouldn’t do the museum justice. It’s a great place for adults and kids to share in the memories and stories of Walt Disney and his family. And a must see place for any Disney fan visiting the Bay Area.  

Museum Info

       Walt Disney Family Museum 

104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio

       San Francisco, Ca 94129

Tip: There are 2 Montgomery Streets in San Francisco so make sure you include the right zip code in any GPS systems.

Museum Hours: 

Open Daily 10am-6pm 

except Tuesdays, Jan. 1st

Thanksgiving Day and December 25^th.

Tickets:

Admission is free year around for active and retired military, their spouses, and dependents.

Adult - $20

Student w/ valid Id- $15

Senior 65+- $15

Youth (6-17)- $12

Children 5 and under are Free with adult admission!

 Discounts given for AAA members and D23 Members

 By Agent Jenny

Jen@traveltimetravel.com

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!