Downtown Disney District

1580 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

Address:	1580 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Phone:	+1 714-781-4565
Site:	disneyland.disney.go.com
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Lindsey Andress

Everyone loves Disney, and I am no exception! Visited from San Diego and had a great time cruising around, killing time and window shopping with my friend for hours before a local concert. Almost as much fun as Downtown Disney Orlando, just not quite as all out. I was also impressed with the cleanliness. The Disney Vault ❤️ and Mickey beignets are a must!! I do want to comment that aforementioned friend and I packed a picnic knowing the surroundings would offer a pleasant, people-watching environment in which to enjoy. Homemade burgers were part of or menu, so we asked the establishment we bought coffee & beignets from if they would mind heating them up for us. We were turned down there (they didnt have a microwave), but we also trekked around and nicely asked 3 other restaurants for help, and were turned down at every one. One employee even told us she could lose her "stamp" for helping. Im not sure what that means, but Im guessing this punishment would make her a less desireable employee. We ended up eating the burgers cold, which definitely colored our experience. In a world of consumerism, simple human kindness gets so easily pushed aside. Training staff as a consumerist army with strict rules for every transaction, instead of from a place of empowerment and actual customer service takes a toll. Instead of enjoying our picnic enveloped in the Magic of Disney and the joy and excitement of the families around us, we were distracted by the gross (REALLY gross) consumerism that left us as second class citizens because we didnt choose to spend money at one of the restaurants. We as individuals, corporations, and countries, have rules for a reason. Disney probably doesnt want to risk bringing weird outside food into their kitchens. Or deal with crazies who are looking to make a legal case out of anything, like accusing them of screwing up our food. But history has shown that ignoring the basis for our rules results in single-minded, dangerous groupthink. I know Nazis are a leap from "You cant use our microwave," but it sucks that this is the thought I walked away from my Disney visit with, and will probably grasp every opportunity to test when I visit again in the future. I guess Im just arguing that we could all practice helping a brother out sometimes.

Bruce

The last time we visited Downtown Disney was a few years back and things have changed since then. First and foremost is the "security checkpoint." In years past, you could walk down Downtown Disney without having to pass through a security checkpoint. The only time you were checked was when you were entering one of the theme parks. Now you have the go through the checkpoint, which connects both theme parks and downtown Disney. Actually, its not a bad idea because this way you dont have to be rechecked everytime you reenter one of the theme parks. If you decide to come down before any of the theme parks open, be prepared to wait in line. With that being said, having lunch or supper in Downtown Disney instead of inside one of the theme is a break from the usual fare. Its still pricey but it offers an alternative choice. Over the years we have dined at just about every restaurant in Downtown Disney. From pizza, spaghetti, Mexican, Cajun cuisine, there is something for every appetite. After youve filled your belly, Downtown Disney offers entertainment at the various venues throughout the strip. Of course there is shopping galore from the Disney Store to Lego and other assorted shops to satisfy anyones desire at fashion to gifts for family and friends. Theres even a movie theater at the end, but watches a movie when you have two theme parks, shops, restaurants and souvenirs galore? Of course during our stay at the Grand California Hotel we were right on the strip and theme parks. Should you park at the Disney garage and take the Disney shuttle, Its final stop is in Downtown Disney. For all the foot traffic that goes through here on a daily basis, the grounds are very clean and there isnt trash or food on the walkway because if all the cleaning staff throughout downtown. The only tip I can offer is be "prepared to spend some money" because its expensive here from the drinks to the theme parks. Cone with a good attitude and you will leave happy and well entertained.

Jee R

I absolutely love Downtown Disney. Its a huge shopping center where you can find many related Disney items and eateries without paying to go inside Disneyland. Upon arriving, youll have to pass through a security area where your bag will be checked and you will walk through a metal detector. This is obviously for everyones safety and theyve been doing it this way for years. It is possible to go to DTD straight from the Disneys Grand Californian hotel but I dont remember the process there. One thing youll notice is all the energy, lights, and colors of DTD. Its beautiful! They have the best window displays! My favorite store there is World of Disney. You can purchase many Disneyland park merchandise items from this store. Vault 28 is another site that will have more great items with some not being found in the World of Disney store. If youre craving Disneyland food but cant make it inside Disneyland, you can still purchase the churros here! It will be in a small cart near the front and its $4.50 for one. You can also get the churro ice cream sandwich. Im unsure of the price. The coolest part about the restaurants here is that most are themed and have such a great vibe. If youre looking for a Disney experience but cant Get into the Disneyland Parks because youre on a budget, then definitely stop by Downtown Disney. Its fun, its beautiful, and its free to get in! But, still bring your wallet. You wont be able to refuse the cool merchandise and Disney branded snacks!

Andy H.

Went here specifically to try and find something on the small side yet unique that was Disney-related that I could bring back to my young sons (so pins were not an option) while I was on a biz trip. I was disappointed that there were relatively limited options for "knick-knack" type souvenirs -- I half-expected there to be carts of "cheap" souvenirs all over the place. Not so...yes, there are several stores, including a HUGE Disney store -- but they were geared more toward older kids and super-fan adults -- except the HUGE Disney Store, which was just that. I could get most of what they sold in there at the D Store at the local mall. Even the Lego Store on-site, I walked in thinking, "Ah, yes, theyve gotta have SOMETHING thats unique to being the Lego Store at Downtown Disney, and the boys love Lego." I walked in, made two circuits around the store and walked out, because again, I can get any of those products at the Lego Store at the local mall. Even the "build your own minifig" was pretty much the same. Youd think maybe theyd have some Disney-oriented specialty thing SOMEWHERE in there, but I didnt see it. Basically, the one time I expected to be tourist-trapped and walk away with "junk", there was nary junk to be found. I didnt want to buy a "nice" souvenir, as I expect to get that at the park itself when my family and I eventually visit. I just wanted something to "tease" my kids with that I was right there, and maybe someday, theyll be there too.

tara mccormick

ELSA AND ANNAS Boutique **Took my daughter to get her hair done , I thought she was gonna have this awesome experience of being a princess and getting pampered . But I was wrong the lady doing my daughters hair wasnt talkative at all I had to distract my own child while she was doing her hair . Plus I dont even know the girls name since she wasnt even wearing a name tag . After the lady was done she put a tiara on and was like mumbling words while sprinkling glitter on my childs head, the tiara wasnt secure we went back to complain that some girls got little Mickey Mouse head clips and we didnt . We told them our experiences and all they said was sorry and wanted to know the name of the lady who did my daughters hair .. I have no clue she wasnt wearing a name tag .. Anyways The hair style was cute and my daughter got blue Extensions while the lady was brushing them out she made tons of hair fall out and left them knotted up. We cant even reuse them . Such a waste . Then my daughter was done and about 5 hours later we took her hair out and she had a major allergic reaction from the gel or hair spray they used on her . I had to go out and buy her calamine lotion, Benadryl , Cortizone and Tylenol just to make her feel comfortable.... Horrible experience , horrible customer service . Walt would be disappointed .... And my poor 5 year old had to suffer ..