Downtown Disney has been such a frogtastic part of our Disneyland experience that it's hard for our frog family to remember a time when it didn't exist. Downtown Disney opened in 2001 and is a walkable shopping, dining and entertainment area just outside the gates of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. You'll find many trendy stores, delicious restaurants and family entertainment. In fact, with recent entertainment and restaurant additions, it's better than ever! It's a perfect nightcap after a day in the parks. It's also a fun way to spend a few non-park hours. If you don't have a theme park ticket or reservation, Downtown Disney gives you a taste of Disney with some Disney-themed treats, music and retail therapy.
Our guide to Downtown Disney will give you an overview of the hoppin' scene, exciting changes to come, plus tips on how to make the most of your visit. Plus, we have some hopful tips in our post on visiting Downtown Disney right now.
The Ultimate Guide to Downtown Disney at Disneyland
Quick Links : Hours, Location, Parking & Security | Table-Service Restaurants | Quick-Service Restaurants | Bars | Shopping | Entertainment | Tips | Coming Soon
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Hours, Location, Parking and Security
Downtown Disney at Disneyland is located off Disneyland Drive between all the Disneyland on-site hotels. You can access the parking lot just north of Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, which is currently under transformation to become the Pixar Place Hotel. For visiting frogs looking for an actual address to plan with, you can find Downtown Disney at 1580 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA 92802.
Downtown Disney connects all three on-site Disneyland Resort Hotels — Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and Disney's Paradise Pier — with the Esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. You may reach Downtown Disney via its Simba Lot (near Disney's Paradise Pier hotel) or the theme park shuttles that run from the Mickey and Friends parking structure or Toy Story lot. If you are staying off Harbor Blvd., just go through security as you would to enter Disneyland, and continue straight past the theme park entrances to enter Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney has a Monorail station to transport guests straight into Disneyland. Downtown Disney's hours are posted in the Disneyland app and online. Monorail hours are also posted online. It usually opens when Disneyland Park opens and closes when the park closes. The Monorail opens early for hotel guests with Early Entry access. Guests must show a hotel room key to enter before park opening. The Monorail can close early or shut down for hot weather.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Parking
If visiting only Downtown Disney at Disneyland and staying off-site, you can use the short-term Simba parking lot near Paradise Pier Hotel (the Magic Way lot is no longer for guest parking but is available for drop-off).
There are new parking prices at Downtown Disney. New Parking Self Pay stations have opened at the parking lot. Be sure to bring your ticket, get it validated and pay before you return to your car!
Here are the new Downtown Disney parking prices:
- The first hour of parking costs $10.
- Validations apply after the first hour of paid parking.
- Enjoy an additional 3 hours of same-day parking with a $20-minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location—or up to 5 additional hours of same-day parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant.
- Beyond these validations, each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum $7.
- The maximum daily parking and lost ticket fee is $66. Hop tip: Don't lose your ticket!
- Parking is subject to capacity.
- The hotel restaurants do not validate parking.
Downtown Disney locations that validate for three hours include quick-service restaurants, kiosks and merchandise locations. Table-service restaurants validate for up to five hours of free parking.
If you are are planning a lengthy visit to Downtown Disney or will be visiting the theme parks, park in the Pixar Pals or Mickey and Friends parking structure or other Disney lots for $30 per day. From the Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals parking structure. if you have a stroller, you must remove your baby and fold your stroller to ride the tram. We find it easier to use the pedestrian bridge (from the second floor of the Pixar Pals structure) to Downtown Disney when we have a stroller.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Security
Disneyland Resort has increased the boundaries of the secure areas. When entering Downtown Disney near the Disneyland Hotel, you will go through a bag check and metal detector. You may see police dogs working, as well. Anything not allowed in Disneyland is not allowed in Downtown Disney — leave those selfie sticks and oversized strollers at home! You can freely wander from the Esplanade into Downtown Disney area and back.
You are allowed to bring any rented wheelchairs or strollers with you up to the exit. Note that to get your deposit back from a wheelchair or electric conveyance vehicle (ECV) rental, you’ll need to return it to the rental location near the park, but you can leave a rented stroller in Downtown Disney. The multiple security checkpoints usually result in short wait times to enter, depending on when you arrive.
There is a security checkpoint for guests arriving at the Harbor Boulevard entrance. Once you go through security from that side of the Esplanade, you can continue straight past the park entrances to enter Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Table-Service Restaurants
From fancy bowling alleys to open-air cafes, you'll find many unique sit-down restaurants at Downtown Disney at Disneyland. You can make reservations for any of these table-service restaurants through the Disney Dining Reservations system. It's possible to snag a walk-in table, but we recommend reservations, especially on a weekend or during peak times. All restaurants are casual — hey, it's California — with Catal being on the nicer end of casual. You can go into more depth with our insider scoop on the Downtown Disney restaurants.
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
Dine on Creole and Cajun specialties and all that jazz in this two-story restaurant. You'll find French Quarter fare such as gumbo ya-ya, southern fried chicken, red beans and rice, seafood, po'boy sandwiches and pasta jambalaya. Don't worry — they have familiar, kid-friendly favorites as well. Check in for brunch, lunch or dinner. But don't skip dessert! Beignets, bananas foster (flambéed tableside!) and peach cobbler are calling your name.
Tortilla Jo's
If you are craving tastes from south of the border, then Tortilla Jo's is the way to go. Start out with guacamole made tableside or some loaded nachos before digging into street tacos or especiales de la casa such as fajitas, carnitas or steak ranchera. It's open for brunch (chilaquiles anyone?), lunch or dinner. Can't decide which dessert to get? Start a Mexican Revolution with four mini samples. On Saturdays, you can enjoy the strolling Mariachi Divas.
Uva Bar & Cafe
Sit right in the middle of the action at this outdoor patio bar restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll have many dishes to choose from, including tapas, burgers, salads and fish tacos. Each dish pairs perfectly with Uva Bar's extensive list of wine, beer, cocktails and milkshakes. Uva Bar & Cafe is the more casual sister bar/restaurant to Catal.
Catal
If you're feeling like a fancy frog and looking for fine dining, Catal offers modern Mediterranean food in their upstairs airy dining room. There is limited indoor dining downstairs. Catal is open for dinner and weekend brunch. Casual attire is appropriate. On some nights you can catch a glimpse of the Disneyland fireworks from the patio.
Naples Ristorante e Bar
Naples has a gorgeous expanded patio dining area and bar. It makes you want to sit down and chill out with a nice mocktail or maybe even something a little stronger. Naples still serves up Italian food and pizza. Share some piccoli piatti (small plates) or get started on some zuppa (soup) and insalate (salad) before digging into the hearty pasta, entrees or pizza. Save some room for tiramisu, cannoli, panna cotta with hints of orange, gelati or sorbetti.
Ballast Point Brewing Co.
This bar and restaurant is located upstairs, across from Catal and Uva Bar. It offers an extensive menu of California cuisine that features local sustainable ingredients in their salads, flatbreads, small plates and entrees. It's also serving up award-winning craft brews with the very first on-site brewery, tasting room and outdoor beer garden in Downtown Disney.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Splitsville is an eclectic restaurant and entertainment spot where you will find indoor/outdoor seating either at a bowling lane or at a table. You can enjoy hand-tossed pizzas, gourmet burgers, filet sliders, grilled avocado and ahi tuna, or even sushi. They have healthy options you’ll actually want to eat. The tadpoles will enjoy pizza, grilled cheese or chicken tenders while you can dig into something a little more adventurous like short ribs or veggie bowls. Catch a game on the flat screen TVs, or bowl a few games. There is something for everyone in this huge and unique dining space.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Quick-Service Restaurants
Who has time to eat when you're at the Hoppiest Place on Earth? Downtown Disney at Disneyland offers great fast food restaurants. Check them out for a snack or as a less-expensive alternative to table service.
Earl of Sandwich
This sandwich shop takes over the former La Brea Bakery location near the Esplanade as of Feb. 1, 2023. We love their affordable and tasty sandwiches.
Jamba
For a smoothie or energy bowl on the go, hop into Jamba. Get the kids to drink their greens for a nutritious start to their day.
Starbucks
You can get your caffeine fix at the Starbucks near World of Disney. Take it to go or sip it on the outdoor patio while doing some great frog (or people) watching.
Napolini Pizzeria
When you need to build your own personal pizza with a variety of toppings, then hop into Napolini Pizzeria to design your own pie. They also offer fresh grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, drinks and desserts. I could go for some gelato right now. Yum!
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Express (limited menu available)
The Jazz Kitchen is one of our favorite stops for hot beignets. Snacking on their gumbo ya-ya, jambalaya and po' boy sandwiches transports you to New Orleans.
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer
Black Tap serves up burgers and signature, over-the-top CrazyShake milkshakes with a fabulous fusion of luncheonette-style food, beverages and old-school hip hop music! Order at the counter and take a seat. Or, if you just want a CrazyShake, order at the to-go window for faster service. Even though this is a quick-service dining location, if you sit at the bar you can order there and be served. It's a good way to skip the order line.
Sprinkles
If gourmet cupcakes are your thing, then Sprinkles cupcakes and cookies might hit the sweet spot. Lily loves this place!
Taqueria at Tortilla Jo's
Build your custom taco at this colorful outdoor patio in front of Tortilla Jo's. Add a margarita or Mexican beer to sip while you dine. At breakfast, feast on one of several breakfast burritos or entrees.
Wetzel's Pretzels
Enjoy a fresh-baked flavored pretzel or pretzel dog with the appropriate dip, of course. Whether you go for the sinful cinnamon, cheese meltdown or pepperoni twist pretzel, be sure to wash it down with some fresh or frozen strawberry lemonade.
Marceline's Confectionery
It's no secret that we love Disneyland caramel apples. We have a whole post about them. You can get all the caramel apples, crispy treats, Mickey cookies and other freshly made treats (such as the addictive churro toffee) you'll find in the parks in Downtown Disney at Marceline's Confectionery. This is a great stop in case you forgot to purchase the goods inside the parks.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw, opened in October 2018 and we were among the first people in line because … well … ice cream. We all scream for ice cream! And it’s not just basic ice cream, but organic and handmade ice cream. The flavors are creative, and you’ll want to try a whole bunch before making a final decision because maybe you’ve never tasted honey lavender, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, chocolate gooey brownie or freckled mint TCHO-colate chip (vegan and gluten-free) ice cream. You might think that the vegan flavors can’t possibly rival their dairy-rich counterparts, but you’d be wrong. They’re delicious. We tried all of the vegan and gluten-free flavors, too, and loved them as much (and possibly more) than the other flavors we tried.
Hop tip: Get a double scoop and share. If you really can’t decide what to get, ask for split scoops for an additional 50 cents. Be sure to check out the limited-edition seasonal flavors. YUM!
Kiosks
There are multiple kiosks for purchasing gifts, treats, souvenirs, T-shirts, sunglasses and more. Is henna or face painting on your vacation bucket list? Well, hop right up and get some body art. One of the newest kiosks is Post 21. Near World of Disney, Post 21 is a new Black-owned kiosk by a mother-daughter team from Los Angeles. They sell merchandise from Black-owned businesses. You can find a unique collection of gifts, such as mugs, home décor, children’s items and graphic tees.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Bars
All of the table-service restaurants at Downtown Disney at Disneyland include a bar. If you're looking for more bar options — always a good thing — we have a post on the best bars and lounges at Disneyland.
Uva Bar & Cafe is an outdoor bar below Catal in the heart of Downtown Disney. Enjoy food, along with signature cocktails, beer, wine and tapas in a family-friendly setting.
The Flambeaux's Jazz Club transforms the Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen into the French Quarter in New Orleans. Enjoy New Orleans specialty drinks like a Cat-5 Hurricane, Huckleberry Lemonade, Mardi Gras Mojito or a Southern Peach Sweet Tea.
Tortilla Jo's offers an impressive list of margaritas, tequila flights, and even "the bad stuff" — 2 oz. of small-batched, barrel-aged tequila.
Relax with a cocktail, sangria or a glass of wine at the new, beautifully lit outdoor bar at Naples Ristorante e Bar. They hace some exciting mocktails for the tadpoles in your crowd too.
Splitsville serves up bowl drinks, cocktails and handcrafted spirits. You can also find wine, draft beers and bottled beers.
Ballast Point Brewing Co. has an impressive 3-barrel brewing rig and and array of craft beers on tap (and some wines too). Check out the inviting tasting room.
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer serves beer and canned cocktails, alongside the burgers, wings and CrazyShakes.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Shopping
Downtown Disney at Disneyland is a small outdoor shopping mall with a variety of shops. You'll enjoy souvenir shopping, picking up necessary sunglasses and home goods. You can even learn to dress like a local at the surf shop. Looking for DisneyBounding outfits you can wear in the parks or Disney collectibles? They have that too.
Curl Surf
Surf's up at this rad shop. Soak in the top surfwear brands for swimsuits, clothes, footwear, trendy socks, watches and eyewear. Sizes and styles are perfect for that teeny wahine or big kahuna on your list. You'll be toadally ready to show off your new threads at the beach.
Disney Dress Shop
If you are looking for the perfect outfit for Dapper Day (or any day), then take a whirl in one of the whimsical Disney-inspired dresses in this unique shop. They also sell coordinating jewelry, hats and handbags to enhance your ensemble. It can be an easy place to find ears, accessories or seasonal clothing items without the crowds of World of Disney. There are items for guys too!
Disney Home
If you're looking to bring some Disney magic home to enjoy daily, then these gift items, gadgets, kitchen items and décor will offer the right amount of pixie dust to keep the enchantment going.
Disney Pin Traders
Just outside the Monorail Station, you can find fun collectible pins that you can buy and trade with others to grow your collection.
The LEGO Store
Step into this dazzling store with impressive LEGO displays, a Pick-a-Brick Wall and play areas to shop for your next LEGO set. (Play areas may be closed due to COVID-19.)
Lovepop
This is the place to get your laser-cut, 3-D pop-up greeting cards, paper art and gifts. The intricate paper cuts are a modern take on kirigami, allowing the items to pop open into shaped designs. It's located near Disney Home and Sprinkles.
Marceline's Confectionery
This is the place to get handmade chocolates, treats and caramel apples. It's also a great place to pick up edible souvenirs and gifts.
Pandora Jewelry
Craft a one-of-a-kind charm bracelet or other jewelry at Pandora. Get a gift for yourself or someone special. It's the box you'll love to open. Be sure to check out the charms that are only available at the Disneyland location!
Pele Soccer
This new soccer shop is the place to get your cleats, jerseys and gear. It's located near Sprinkles.
California Sole
Step in for some popular California footwear options such as Sanuk or Reef sandals, Vans, Disney (and other) Havaianas, Stance socks and accessories.
Sephora
Browse the hottest brands in fragrances, skincare, cosmetics and hair care.
Sunglass Icon
Did you lose your sunglasses on a ride? Maybe it's time for a new pair. Get a fresh new look in sun protection at Sunglass Icon. The Southern California sun is bright. Don't go out without shades!
Star Wars Trading Post
Normally, you'd have to travel to Planet Batuu (via Disneyland Park) to access the toys, gifts and clothing items in this shop, but smuggler seem to have gotten these items out and have set up a trading post in the old Rainforest Cafe location.
WonderGround Gallery
Whether you are looking for a unique, limited-edition piece of Disney art, or eclectic art from a local artist, you'll find these treasures and novelty items (such as pins and Vinylmation) at WonderGround Gallery.
World of Disney
Welcome to the West Coast's largest selection of Disney souvenirs. You can find plush toys, collectibles, apparel, costumes, toys, pins, home décor, memorabilia and all the Nuimos you didn't know you needed. Hop into the store to take it all in.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Entertainment
Even if you've shopped, dropped and dined to your heart's delight, there's still more fun at Downtown Disney! Select evenings, you can enjoy a variety of live entertainment. To get the scoop on live performances or special events, consult the Disneyland online entertainment calendar.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes rolled into Downtown Disney in 2018, bringing bowling, live entertainment and fabulous food with it. This is not grandpa frog’s bowling alley, but he’ll probably love it just the same. Ribbit!
Trade Pins
Stop by the Disney Pin Trader's kiosk near the Monorail entrance to add to your collection or start a new one. You can trade with cast members and guests to build your collection.
Get Pressed Coins
The Disneyland Resort has over 150 commemorative images that can be pressed onto a penny. Kids will enjoy collecting these inexpensive souvenirs. The Downtown Disney locations are in the World of Disney store and the Disney Dress Shop.
Attend a Bourbon Street-Style Party
As the sun goes down, the party is on at the Flambeaux Jazz Club in Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. Duck in for music inspired by New Orleans.
Live Entertainment
Most evenings, you can find various musicians and street performers as you wander through Downtown Disney. There are usually more on the weekend than during the week.
Personalized Artwork
There is a caricature artist at a kiosk outside of the World of Disney store. Lily found the booth with the artist that will make personalized artwork out of your name and would not leave without one.
Meet an Artist
At the WonderGround Gallery, you can sometimes meet an artist in residence or see an artist showcase. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to get signed pieces. Check the calendar for days and times.
Take Photos
The old ESPN Zone building has photo perfect Disney backdrops on the exterior to make your selfies extra special. The corner on the building periodically gets a new mural, so hop by to check it out.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland — Tips
Follow these tips for a hoppin' good time:
- Catch the fireworks in Downtown Disney on select nights! You can see some of the show from the second story Catal Restaurant patio. You can also see them just outside of security in the Downtown Disney employee parking lot, as well as from the bridge between the Pin Trader kiosk and Tortilla Jo's (across from The LEGO Store). Our new favorite (and less-obstructed) view is between Splitsville and Tortilla Jo’s. Read our post on the best places to view Disneyland fireworks.
- Get a jump on Genie+. If you are heading to Disneyland Park, take the Monorail from Downtown Disney straight into Tomorrowland. Once you have scanned your park ticket at the station, you can reserve your first ride of the day. Hop over to our Guide to Genie at Disneyland post for all the details.
- Learn about the Disney Vacation Club. Hop up to their kiosk and learn about Disney timeshares, including Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (GORGEOUS). If you schedule a tour, they will entertain the kids while you listen to the presentation and you may be compensated for your time by receiving multiple Lightning Lane tickets.
- Enjoy holiday fun. In spring, look for hidden eggs during Eggstravaganza. At Halloween Time, go on a search for decorated pumpkins during Pluto's Pumpkin Pursuit. Listen for SCAREolers and enjoy spooky decor. For holiday time, Downtown Disney gets into the festive spirit with decorated trees and festive lights. And of course Marceline's Confectionery has the perfect holiday treats to go with any season you visit.
- Celebrate Soulfully. In February, enjoy art and music with nightly outdoor concerts featured R&B, Gospel, reggae, funk and jazz music throughout the month. Chalk muralist Marcella Swett creates a new chalk mural each week.
- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, enjoy music and cultural foods from participating restaurants.
- Purchase Disneyland balloons at Downtown Disney without having to enter the theme parks!
What's Coming Soon to Downtown Disney at Disneyland
Downtown Disney is undergoing a lot of changes. The west end, near Disneyland Hotel is being reimagined. That means saying good-bye to Earl of Sandwich (but only temporarily, as it will return as a pop-up location) and other businesses and hello to new ones!
Here's what's coming to Downtown Disney:
- Din Tai Fung — This world-renowned Asian restaurant from Taiwan specializes in soup dumplings and family-style Chinese cuisine.
- Porto's Bakery — This local fan favorite bring sweet pastries, desserts and Cuban-inspired dishes to Downtown Disney.
- Paseo and Centrico — Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan will bring Mexican cuisine to replace Catal and Uva Bar.
- Jazz Kitchen — This Downtown Disney favorite inspired by New Orleans is getting a vibrant new look.
- More shopping and dining locations may also be in the works. The new space will have a lawn and a park-like atmosphere surrounded by buildings inspired by Southern California mid-century modern architecture.
Our post on visiting Downtown Disney right now has all the latest details and safety information. Hop back to learn about other new and exciting dining options and experiences coming your way!
Many people begin and end their day by walking through Downtown Disney. It is conveniently close to the theme parks. Guests often like to exit the parks to visit the restaurants and then return to spend the rest of the day in the parks. It is also fun to visit Downtown Disney on a day that you are not visiting the theme parks. However you decide to do it — shopping, dining or playing — you'll find something for everyone in your party at Downtown Disney.
Do you make Downtown Disney your shopping, eating and entertainment destination? What is your favorite spot? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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Related: Disneyland Holiday Tips
Hoppy planning!
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