When you visit Disneyland with your family, spend time exploring the Downtown Disney District. You can enjoy a selection of entertainment, go shopping at flagship stores or dine at a wide variety of world-class restaurants and food trucks.
Taking a family to Disneyland can get expensive. There is plenty to do if you choose to have a day or two without paying for park admission. You can spend non-park days swimming and enjoying your resort. It is also the perfect time to visit the Downtown Disney District.
In this article, we provide a complete overview of what to do at Downtown Disney, including our top 10 things to do for families. Plus, everything you need to know about where Downtown Disney is located, when it’s open, where to park, options for live entertainment, and the best places to eat in Downtown Disney with kids.
You may also be interested in some of our other resources to help with your Disneyland vacation. Read these articles about the best time to visit Disneyland or where to stay at Disneyland California. If you need help simplifying a Disney vacation with your family, then get our Disneyland Planning Guide. And don’t miss these games to play in line at Disney if you want something to entertain your children while traveling to Disney and waiting in line at the Disney parks.
Top 10 Things To Do in Downtown Disney District
There are so many family-friendly activities to enjoy while visiting Downtown Disney. Here’s a round-up of the best things to do at Downtown Disney:
- Explore creative possibilities and endless ways to play at The LEGO Store.
- Shopping for Disney souvenirs at World of Disney.
- Go bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes.
- Enjoy live music at Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage.
- Celebrate your love for a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars™ Trading Post.
- Try iconic Disney treats, such as Tigger Tails, at Marceline’s Confectionery.
- Get a Disneyland Pressed Penny as a souvenir for 51 cents at one of the three Collectible Penny locations.
- Find fun collectible pins in every style imaginable at Disney’s Pin Traders.
- Order an over-the-top milkshake by trying the CrazyShake™ at Black Tap.
- Take iconic Disney photo ops, e.g., with Lego figurines, in front of the ESPN building or at the seasonal planters.
What’s Downtown Disney?
The Downtown Disney District is an outdoor shopping area with over 22 restaurants, 15 shops, and entertainment venues. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities, such as the LEGO Store, Disney’s Pin Traders, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Bowling.
Where is Downtown Disney District?
Downtown Disney is located in Anaheim, California. The address is 1580 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802. If you’re wondering if Downtown Disney is in Disneyland, the simple answer is not really. It is located in the Disneyland Resort outside the entrance to the Disneyland theme parks.
Here is a map to Downtown Disney where you can learn more about this destination.
The Disneyland Resort hotels – including Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – are all within easy walking distance of the Downtown Disney District. Read this article if you need help deciding Where To Stay at Disneyland California?
Is Downtown Disney District free?
When visiting Downtown Disney, do you need tickets? No, the Downtown Disney District is free to visit. Stroll along the open-air promenade in the heart of the Disneyland Resort.
How Late is Downtown Disney Open?
Opening and closing times for Downtown Disney vary by the day of the week and the time of year. When Disneyland is busier, it will be open for longer hours to accommodate the crowds. How long is Downtown Disney open? The Downtown Disney District hours are typically 7:00 am to 1:00 am, which is 18 hours, but these hours do vary. Downtown Disney in California is open every day of the year. Click here to see current opening times during your visit.
What to do in Downtown Disney?
After a long day in the Disneyland parks, you may be looking for a convenient place to dine, drink, shop, or relax. This outdoor shopping area has a selection of popular restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Downton Disney in California is a smaller version of Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida.
Downtown Disney is the perfect place to shop for vacation gifts, mementos, art, toys, apparel, and more. This includes Disney and Star Wars finds. Here is a complete list of shops in the Downtown Disney District.
Downtown Disney Best Restaurants
Can you eat at Downtown Disney? Yes, absolutely. There are over 22 restaurants and places to eat in Downtown Disney. These include fine dining at Catal Restaurant or a wide selection of quick service options and table service restaurants to enjoy leisurely meals with loved ones. Or your family could grab iconic Disney treats, such as churros, pretzels, and more!
Stop by Sprinkles in Downtown Disney for an irresistible variety of hand-crafted gourmet cupcakes and decadent cookie creations. They’re big enough and sweet enough to share! Or visit Ballast Point Brewing Co. to enjoy award-winning beer and sensational Southern California cuisine on the rooftop patio of this family-friendly brewery.
Downtown Disney Live Entertainment
There is a rotating lineup of musical acts at Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Musical offerings include a variety of Motown, rock, jazz, and reggae! One of the best things about the Downtown Disney District is that it’s free to enjoy the ambiance, and you don’t need a ticket to visit.
Does Downtown Disney have free parking?
The free parking for Downtown Disney is for the first 15 minutes. After that, parking rates at Downtown Disney depend on several factors. How much does Downtown Disney parking cost? The first hour of parking costs $10 at Downtown Disney. After the first hour, it is $7 per 30 minutes.
Does Downtown Disney validate parking? Yes, they do. Parking validations apply after the first hour of paid parking. With a $20 minimum purchase, you can receive an additional three hours of same-day parking with validation from any Downtown Disney retail store or quick service restaurant.
Or validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant will allow you to receive up to 5 additional hours of same-day parking.
A lost ticket pays the maximum daily rate, which is $66. Parking near Downtown Disney is at the Simba Lot, located off Disneyland Drive.
Follow this link to learn more about Downtown Disney District Parking.
Disneyland Planning Guide
Do you need help planning a fun, easy, stress-free, magical vacation to Disneyland Resort in California? Get the 75-page Disneyland Planning Guide with Printable Worksheets. This includes our Disneyland pro tips and will walk you through Researching and Booking your vacation, Disneyland Itinerary Planning, Packing for a Disney vacation, and more.
Final Thoughts
During your family vacation to Disneyland, California, it’s definitely worth planning some time to visit the Downtown Disney District. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, shopping, or a place to dine, drink, or relax, Downtown Disney is the place to visit. And the best part is that it’s free to visit and does not require an admission ticket.
Watch this Video About Things To Do at Downtown Disney
For more about family travel, check out these posts:
When Is The Best Time To Visit Disneyland?
Disneyland Planning Guide with Printable Worksheets
Games To Play In Line At Disney
Disney Genie Plus Review
Which Is Better, Disney World Or Disneyland?
Can You Bring Food Into Disneyland?
Where To Stay at Disneyland California?
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Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.