Downtown Disney District
The Downtown Disney District is a dining, shopping and entertainment destination situated between the main entrances of Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park.
This popular shopping and dining scene offers visitors a variety of unique shops, experiences and restaurants, and a Monorail station that will take you directly into Tomorrowland inside Disneyland® Park. Many guests opt to take the Monorail from the park into Downtown Disney for lunch, then head back into the parks for the rest of their day.
Admission is not required for the Downtown Disney District and it is hours of fun. Here is a sampling of what you'll find at the Downtown Disney District.
Dining at Downtown Disney District
The Downtown Disney District is full of delicious dining opportunities with flavors from every corner of the globe. The choice is yours whether you’re looking for casual bites or full-service meals, Downtown Disney has something for everyone. Many restaurants even offer both table-service dining and quick-service counters for added convenience.
Best Downtown Disney Restaurants and Dining Picks
Downtown Disney offers several sit down restaurants where you can relax and enjoy a leisurely meal with your family or friends. Here are some of the dining highlights in Downtown Disney. Reservations are recommended.
- Ballast Point Brewing Co. is the only brewery at Disneyland® Resort with American favorites and gourmet burgers.
- Centrico is an energetic central gathering place with signature quesabirrias, traditional tacos and more.
- Din Tai Fung brings the world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant to Downtown Disney, famous for its handmade soup dumplings and noodles.
- Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby offers a fresh take on British-themed gastropub, in the works from the creators of Earl of Sandwich and the highly decorated, world-famous Chef Gordon Ramsay.
- Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio is a lively New Orleans–inspired spot serving up fresh California seafood and Cajun-Creole flavors.
- Naples Ristorante e Bar is a beautiful setting with Italian dining, wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and al fresco seating.
- Paseo upstairs and above it all, step into this stylish destination with Latin-inspired cuisine, bold flavors, and modern small plates.
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes is great for large groups in a retro setting with full-service dining, craft cocktails, sushi, and a family-friendly menu.
Quick-Service and To-Go Dining at Downtown Disney
In between shopping and theme park rides, you’re sure to need a quick bite and Downtown Disney has so much to offer. Grab a snack or a sweet treat and you’ll be on your way.
- Beignets Expressed is where you can grab hot, delicious beignets dusted in powdered sugar or a variety of expressive toppings.
- Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes known for their massive CrazyShake® milkshakes and gourmet burgers.
- Blue Ribbon Corn Dog knows you need those corn dogs, even when you’re not in the parks. Freshly fried, jumbo corn dogs with inventive twists like the pickle corn dog.
- Earl of Sandwich serves classic hot sandwiches and wraps that are quick, hearty, and perfect for families on the go.
- GG’s Chicken Shop invites you to bite into crispy fried chicken sandwiches and bowls made with bold flavors and high-quality ingredients.
- Jamba is open for breakfast and has smoothies, fresh juices, and light bites for a refreshing sip or bite throughout the day.
- Kayla’s Cake is a locally owned business with colorful French macarons in seasonal and classic flavors, perfect for a sweet snack.
- Pizza Counter has quick pizza slices and whole pies for a casual grab-and-go meal.
- Salt & Straw brings some seriously inventive ice cream with rotating flavors alongside tried-and-true favorites.
- Seoul Sister brings modern Korean eats to Downtown Disney serving rice bowls, wraps, and snacks with vibrant flavors.
- Parkside Market Coffee is your first stop for specialty coffee, craft espresso drinks, and teas.
- Tiendita has Mexican-inspired street food with bold flavors and quick handheld options.
- Vista Parkside Market is a fresh, market-style food hall where you can sample global bites and grab quick eats.
- Wetzel’s Pretzel's delicious scent will reach you before you see it, with fresh-baked pretzels, pretzel dogs, and refreshing lemonades it’s a classic theme park snack.
Best Shopping at Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney District is home to some of the best specialty shops around, with new shops arriving on a regular basis. It is nearly impossible to leave the Downtown Disney District empty handed—here is a list of some of the places you can explore in Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney highlights include:
- Avengers Reserve handles all of your Super Hero needs from clothing to accessories, collectables and toys.
- Curl Surf full of beachwear and accessories perfect for a California getaway.
- Disney Home offers Disney-themed décor, kitchenware, and seasonal collections to bring a little magic home.
- LEGO® Store has a massive assortment of Disney-themed LEGO® builds and LEGO® sets from your favorite fandoms.
- Nectar Life offers handcrafted, bakery-inspired bath products that look (and smell) good enough to eat like bath bombs and whipped soaps.
- Star Wars Trading Post has all of Galaxy’s Edge's most popular gear and collectibles.
- WonderGround Gallery invites you to bring Disney into your home with Disney-inspired art and prints from local and global artists.
- World of Disney is the ultimate Disney shopping destination, featuring the largest selection of Disney merchandise outside the theme parks.
Entertainment at Downtown Disney
Beyond dining and shopping, Downtown Disney offers fun for the whole family with live entertainment and seasonal events.
Highlights include:
- Live Music & DJs with nightly performances on outdoor stages with grassy areas to relax or join in for dancing and fun.
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes has bowling and dining all under one roof with live music on select nights.
- Seasonal Events including holiday décor, cultural celebrations, and special food festivals like Food & Wine festival extending into the Downtown Disney District.
- Disneyland® Monorail offers a scenic ride into Disneyland® Park, boarding from the heart of Downtown Disney (theme park ticket and reservation required).
Downtown Disney District Questions and Answers
Here are some top questions and answers about your Downtown Disney visit.
Question: Is Downtown Disney free to enter?
Answer: Yes, Downtown Disney is free to enter for all visitors during operating hours.
Question: Do I need a ticket for Downtown Disney?
Answer: No theme park ticket is required for entry to Downtown Disney, making it ideal for a meal or shopping on your arrival or departure day.
Question: Where is Downtown Disney parking?
Answer: The official Downtown Disney parking is at the Simba lot on the west side of Downtown Disney. Follow the signs for Downtown Disney parking to use this parking lot which offers direct access to Downtown Disney. If you are also spending time at the theme parks, use Mickey and Friends or Toy Story parking rather than the Simba lot.
Question: Where does rideshare pick up and drop off for Downtown Disney?
Answer: Simply enter “Downtown Disney” Anaheim into your destination on your favorite rideshare app and it will default to the current drop off location for Downtown Disney.
Plan Your Downtown Disney Visit
Before you plan your Disneyland® Resort visit, be sure to get your discount vacation packages right here from Get Away Today.
And here are a few more tips to help you along the way:
- Admission: no park ticket is required to enter Downtown Disney, but security screening is required.
- Hours: Typically open from morning until after the parks close. Hours may vary by location.
- Parking: The Simba Lot is the primary parking area for Downtown Disney. A minimum fee is required and parking validation is available for select dining and shopping.
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