Ultimate Guide to Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California
Planning a magical trip to Disneyland in California? Don’t miss the chance to explore Downtown Disney District—a lively area filled with food, entertainment, and Disney-themed shopping just steps from the parks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Downtown Disney, including what to do, where to eat, and the best spots to shop and play. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before entering Disneyland, or want to spend a full evening exploring, Downtown Disney has something for everyone.
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What is Downtown Disney?
Downtown Disney District is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area located between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. It’s open to the public—no park ticket required—and is a fun way to experience Disney magic without entering the parks.
Quick Info
- Location: Just outside the main Disneyland Resort entrances in Anaheim
- Hours: Typically open from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM (check Disney’s website for seasonal hours)
- Admission: Free
- Parking: $10 for the first hour, with validation available for purchases and dining
- Tram Access: Available via the Mickey & Friends parking structure
Best Things to Do in Downtown Disney
1. Start Your Day with Breakfast
Beat the park crowds and grab a bite before the gates open.
Quick Breakfast Spots:
- Jamba Juice
- Starbucks
- Earl of Sandwich (opens at 8:00 AM)
- Beignets Express (starts at 9:00 AM)
Character Breakfast Options:
- Storytellers Café (Mickey’s Tales of Adventure)
- Napa Rose (Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures)
2. Shop ‘Til You Drop
🛍️ Must-Visit Stores
- World of Disney: The largest Disney store at Disneyland Resort
- Disney Home: Magical home décor for every room
- The Disney Dress Shop: Stylish Disney-themed dresses
- Star Wars Trading Post: The ultimate spot for Star Wars fans
- The LEGO Store: Massive Disney LEGO sculptures and interactive play areas
Other fun shops include Pandora, Lovepop, WonderGround Gallery, Curl Surf, and more!
3. Let the Kids Play
Downtown Disney isn’t just for shopping—there are lots of fun activities for kids too.
Kid-Friendly Highlights:
- LEGO Store Creations: Check out larger-than-life characters built from LEGO bricks
- Build a Mini-Figure Station: Create your own personalized LEGO characters
- Lego Mosaic Maker: Turn your photo into a LEGO mosaic (appointment required)
- Outdoor LEGO Play Area: Open seasonally
4. Try Pin Trading
Visit Pin Traders to start or expand your Disney pin collection. Look for exclusive releases and grab a lanyard to trade with Cast Members throughout the parks.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy affordable starter pins ahead of time on eBay so you’re ready to trade without breaking the bank!
5. Enjoy a Disney Treat (or Two)
Downtown Disney is packed with must-try snacks and desserts:
- Marceline’s Confectionery: Churro toffee, jumbo cookies, and more
- Beignets Express: Get there early—the line gets long!
- Black Tap Crazy Shakes: Over-the-top ice cream creations
- Salt & Straw: Gourmet small-batch ice cream
- Wetzel’s Pretzels: Perfect for a salty snack
- Churro Cart: A quick and tasty classic
- Corn Dog Stand: Great grab-and-go lunch option
6. Explore the Star Wars Trading Post
Step into a Resistance base filled with:
- Star Wars apparel
- Collectible toys
- Customizable lightsabers
- Galaxy’s Edge-style merchandise
7. Experience Live Entertainment
On evenings and weekends, catch live music, DJs, or even spontaneous dance parties. Downtown Disney often features seasonal performances—check the Disneyland calendar for the latest schedule.
8. Ride the Disneyland Monorail
The Downtown Disney Monorail Station gives you direct access to Tomorrowland inside Disneyland Park. A valid park ticket is required to board.
9. Go Bowling at Splitsville
Looking for something fun outside the parks? Splitsville Luxury Lanes offers a mix of upscale bowling and full-service dining.
- 🎳 Live music most nights
- 🍽️ Table service restaurant
- ⭐ Google Rating: 4.0+ stars
- 🪑 Great for large groups or a chill evening
10. Get Personalized Disney Art
A favorite souvenir! Watch local artists paint your name with Disney-themed calligraphy. It’s a magical keepsake and fun to watch.
Dining at Downtown Disney
If you’re staying late or need a break from the parks, Downtown Disney has some excellent restaurants:
🍽️ Top Sit-Down Restaurants
- Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill: Live jazz music, indoor/outdoor seating, 4.3-star Google rating
- Centrico: Modern Mexican cuisine (reservations recommended)
- Naples Ristorante e Bar: Classic Italian and pizza
- Ballast Point Brewing Co.: Craft beer and rooftop seating
- Splitsville: Burgers, sushi, and snacks while you bowl
🥪 Quick Bites & Snacks
- Earl of Sandwich
- NapoUltimate Guide to Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California
Planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort? Don’t skip Downtown Disney—a vibrant, Disney-themed district full of shopping, dining, entertainment, and magical extras. Whether you’re arriving early, staying late, or taking a break from the parks, this guide will show you the best things to do, eat, and experience in Downtown Disney.
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What is Downtown Disney?
Downtown Disney District is a lively outdoor promenade that connects the entrances of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. It’s open to everyone—no theme park ticket needed—and offers a taste of Disney magic, even if you’re not entering the parks that day.
You’ll find Disney shopping, incredible food, live entertainment, and fun attractions, making it a destination all its own. It’s also a perfect option for your arrival or departure day when you’re not going into the parks but still want that Disney feeling.
Quick Info
Location: Between the theme park entrances and Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim
Hours: Generally 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM, but hours can vary by season
Admission: Completely free to enter
Parking: $10 for the first hour ($14/hour after), but validation available for dining and purchases
Monorail Access: Entry to Disneyland Park via the Monorail (ticket required)
Tram Access: Trams run between the Mickey & Friends structure and the Esplanade
1. Start Your Day with Breakfast
Downtown Disney opens early, so it’s a great place to fuel up before rope drop. You’ll find quick service options and even character dining experiences if you’re looking for something extra special.
🍩 Quick Breakfast Spots
Jamba Juice: Smoothies, bowls, and energy shots for a fast, healthy start.
Starbucks: Grab your go-to drink or pastry (mobile order available).
Earl of Sandwich: Breakfast sandwiches and wraps starting at 8:00 AM.
Beignets Expressed: Opens at 9:00 AM—perfect for a sweet treat!
🧸 Character Dining Options
Storytellers Café at Disney’s Grand Californian: Join Mickey and friends at a buffet-style breakfast with music, dancing, and fun photo ops.
Napa Rose: Offers the elegant Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures—a higher-end, story-driven experience with multiple princesses and a prix fixe menu.
2. Shop ‘Til You Drop
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, apparel, or Disney art, the shopping in Downtown Disney is next-level. Many shops open earlier than the parks and stay open late.
🛍️ Highlights:
World of Disney: This massive flagship store has everything from ears and apparel to home décor and exclusive merch.
Disney Home: Cute and classy Disney-themed kitchenware, blankets, mugs, and seasonal décor.
The Disney Dress Shop: For fans of vintage Disney fashion and themed dresses (like Haunted Mansion or Minnie polka dots!).
Star Wars Trading Post: Modeled after a Resistance base, packed with Galaxy’s Edge-style gear, lightsabers, and collectibles.
The LEGO Store: Full of giant LEGO sculptures (like Darth Vader and the Disney castle), build stations, and boxed sets.
🛒 Bonus: Other shops include Pandora, Sephora, Lovepop (3D cards), Curl Surf, and WonderGround Gallery, where you can discover artwork by Disney-inspired artists.
3. Let the Kids Play
Downtown Disney offers fun spaces where kids can play, explore, and create, making it a great pit stop if you’re waiting for a reservation or just want to burn off energy.
🎯 Top Kids’ Activities:
LEGO Store Sculptures: Kids love taking photos with the larger-than-life LEGO builds (like Woody and Buzz on RC).
Build Your Own LEGO Mini-Figure: Mix and match heads, torsos, accessories—super fun and personalized.
LEGO Mosaic Maker: Turn a selfie into a LEGO mosaic portrait (reservations required; a unique souvenir!).
Seasonal Play Areas: Disney often sets up themed areas during holidays or movie releases for extra fun.
4. Try Pin Trading
Pin trading is one of Disneyland’s most iconic traditions—and Downtown Disney is the perfect place to start. You don’t need to go into the parks to enjoy this collectible activity.
🎟️ Where to Go:
Pin Traders (by Monorail Station): Huge selection of new releases, starter sets, and accessories like lanyards and display bags.
Cast Member Boards: Occasionally appear outside stores for live pin trading.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy a bundle of mystery pins online (eBay or Etsy) before your trip and trade them for pins you love!
5. Enjoy a Disney Treat (or Two)
Downtown Disney is a snack lover’s dream. Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, there’s something magical to try around every corner.
🍬 Top Treats to Try:
Marceline’s Confectionery: Named after Walt Disney’s hometown; offers caramel apples, fudge, churro toffee, and cookies.
Beignets Expressed: Disneyland’s famous Mickey beignets without going into the park—fluffy, powdered sugar-covered perfection!
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes: Their CrazyShakes® are Instagram-worthy and topped with entire slices of cake or cookies.
Salt & Straw: Unusual, handcrafted ice cream flavors like Honey Lavender or Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons.
Wetzel’s Pretzels: For a classic, salty snack on the go.
Disney Churro Cart: It’s not a Disney day without a churro!
Corn Dog Stand: Great alternative to park food with short lines and fast service.
6. Explore the Star Wars Trading Post
If you’re a Star Wars fan, this is a must-do. The Trading Post feels like a Resistance outpost tucked into the jungle and sells Galaxy’s Edge-inspired merch you’d normally only find inside Disneyland.
⚔️ What You’ll Find:
Lightsabers (including build-your-own options)
Jedi and Sith robes
Batuu-style outfits
Collectibles like droids, kyber crystals, and pins
Star Wars toys and plushies
It’s immersive, detailed, and perfect for Star Wars photos too!
7. Experience Live Entertainment
Downtown Disney often features live music and street performances, especially on weekends or during holidays. You might stumble on a jazz band, a DJ, or even a Disney-themed dance party.
🎤 Types of Entertainment:
Local bands playing pop, Latin, or jazz
DJs spinning Disney favorites and kid-friendly dance music
Seasonal events like holiday carolers, Halloween DJs, or Lunar New Year celebrations
Check the official Disneyland app or signage for the latest schedule.
8. Ride the Disneyland Monorail
Skip the front gates and enter Disneyland Park in style! The Monorail station is located inside Downtown Disney and takes you straight into Tomorrowland.
🚝 Need to Know:
Valid park admission required
You’ll pass through security before boarding
It’s a great way to re-enter the park after a break or lunch at Downtown Disney
Kids love it—it’s a ride and transportation!
9. Go Bowling at Splitsville
Looking for a fun evening activity outside the parks? Splitsville Luxury Lanes offers upscale bowling with a full menu and live music.
🎳 Why Visit:
Unique bowling experience with comfy couches and modern lanes
Indoor/outdoor dining with a surprisingly good food menu (sushi, burgers, and more)
Great for families, teens, or groups looking for something low-key
They often have live music in the evenings, and it’s a great rainy-day option too.
10. Get Personalized Disney Art
Add a personal touch to your trip with Disney-themed calligraphy. Artists hand-paint your name or message with adorable themed flourishes—think Mickey, Stitch, or princesses peeking out of letters!
🖌️ Details:
Located near WonderGround Gallery
Affordable and customizable
Makes a great gift or souvenir, especially for kids
Final Thoughts
Downtown Disney is more than just a shopping district—it’s a destination filled with Disney magic, even without a park ticket. Whether you’re grabbing a treat, enjoying live music, or picking up the perfect souvenir, this area has something special for everyone.
✨ Need more Disneyland tips and planning help? Check out our park guides, restaurant reviews, and crowd calendars to make the most of your visit!
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re kicking off your Disney day or winding down with dinner and dessert, Downtown Disney is full of magic, energy, and experiences you won’t want to miss. It’s completely free to explore, and with so much to do, it’s perfect for guests of all ages.
✨ Looking for more Disneyland tips? Be sure to explore the rest of our blog for park guides, itineraries, and insider tricks to make your vacation unforgettable!