Guests planning a visit to Disneyland Resort in 2018 will definitely want to set aside some time to check out Downtown Disney which is jam-packed with entertainment, fantastic eateries, terrific shops and so much more. To give you a taste of some of the excitement that awaits, here’s a quick guide to all that Disneyland’s downtown shopping district has to offer.
Amazing Eateries- Whether you’re looking for a quick meal on the go, a romantic night on the town or a fun place for the entire family to grab some grub, there’s no shortage of amazing places to dine at Downtown Disney. Here’s a taste of a few of the restaurants you’ll find here:
Rainforest Café, – (pictured above) A Wild Place to shop and eat, Rainforest Cafe offers distinctive food, entertainment and unique shopping in a tropical rainforest setting featuring a combination of live and animated wildlife and other special effects.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen – Savor the tastes and sounds of the Big Easy at this eatery that combines New Orleans cuisine with live Jazz. The restaurant features French Quarter-inspired architecture and delicious Cajun and Creole dishes bringing the Vieux Carre to the middle of Southern California.
Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar – Delight in the tastes of the Mediterranean at Chef Alfonso Ramirez’s Downtown Disney eatery. The two-story Catal Restaurant is upscale yet casual and offers an array of Spanish dishes including classic paella. It sits alongside Uva Bar & Cafe which is known for its lively environment, hearty burgers, fish tacos and California craft beers & cocktails.
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria – This restaurant specializing in Southern Italian cuisine features an open kitchen where diners can observe chefs preparing a variety of dishes including pizza baked in wood-burning ovens. Nearby you’ll also find Napolini, a gourmet Italian deli offering fresh salads, pastas, pizza and sandwiches.
Tortilla Jo’s – This Downtown Disney eatery showcases traditional Mexican dishes in a bright and welcoming space. Signature dishes include guacamole, handmade tortillas, fresh seafood dishes and an eclectic list of margaritas and tequilas. Guests dining on Saturday nights are also in for a special treat as live mariachis will be on hand to play folk ballads.
La Brea Bakery Cafe – Famous in Los Angeles for their unique breads and pastries, Le Brea Bakery is perfectly situated at the entrance to both of Disneyland Resort’s theme parks making it perfect for grabbing a quick bite. Brunch is served daily from 3pm and features a menu of classic breakfast fare including soups, salads, sandwiches and artisan pizzas. After 3pm, they offer a dinner menu with salads, entrees, pastas, pizzas and seafood. Handcrafted cocktails, beers and wines are also available.
Quick Bites – From coffees to sarnies to ice cream sandwiches there is also a range of eateries at Downtown Disney offering quick bites and speciality treats. Here’s a quick rundown of these other exciting locations:
- Earl of Sandwich – Signature hot sandwiches are the order of the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner at this eatery, founded by a direct descendant of John Montague, the earl who invented the sandwich in 1792. Soups, salads, wraps, pastries and desserts are also on the menu.
- Häagen-Dazs – Indulge your sweet tooth with irresistible creations made with super premium ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt.
- Jamba Juice – Satisfy your smoothie cravings with a wide range of tasty and refreshing treats.
- Sprinkles –A haven for cupcake lovers, this amazing bakery serves up so many different varieties that choosing just one can be tricky.
- Marceline’s Confectionery – Your one-stop-shop for decadent Disney treats that you may have missed at the parks. Here you’ll find everything from caramel apples, crispy treats, chocolate covered strawberries and more.
- Starbucks – Two unique locations at Downtown Disney means, even more, chances to get caffeinated before hitting the theme parks.
- Wetzel’s Pretzels – This state-of-the-art pretzel house hand rolls and handcrafts only the best ingredients to create these delightful doughy treats.
Entertainment – But if you think Downtown Disney is only about food think again. There are some pretty fantastic ways to keep families entertained on your days away from the theme parks. Here’s a quick look:
ESPN Zone – This venue is the ultimate dining and entertainment destination for Sports fans. The restaurant is composed of three areas: the Studio Grill, serving backyard classics; the ultimate sports-viewing and dining environment for any fan dubbed The Screening Room; and the Sports Arena where fans can challenge one another via a range of interactive and competitive attractions.
Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire – Beginning on January 5, 2018, this transformative, virtual reality experience by ILMxLAB and The VOID will officially open to the public. Surrounded by state-of-the-art 3-D imagery and sound, guests will be able to move freely in a virtual world while interacting with Star Wars characters.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Slated to open in January 2018, Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney will be a recreation destination offering a combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment. The venue will feature 20 bowling lanes interspersed throughout the location, four dining areas, billiards tables, as well as live performances and DJ’s
AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theaters – Visitors to Downtown Disney can catch up on the latest blockbusters, first-run features and award-winning films in both IMAX and RealD 3D.
Shopping: For those looking for a bit of retail therapy, Downtown Disney also offers an enticing array of speciality shops perfect for treating yourself or picking up those last-minute souvenirs.
World of Disney – (pictured) At 40,000 square feet, this is one of the biggest Disney shopping experiences in the World and offers an incredible selection of toys, souvenirs, accessories and collectables.
Curl Surf – Surf culture reigns at this shop featuring sun-drenched clothes, accessories, shoes and sandals, eyewear, swimwear and more. You’ll find top brands like Billabong, Quiksilver and Hurley.
D Street – This shop offers merchandise that is a fusion of urban style with a Disney twist. Here you’ll find Star Wars and Marvel items and other pop culture novelties. D Street is also the flagship location for Vinylmation figures and collectibles.
Dream Boutique – Offering a wide variety of apparel, toys and accessories celebrating Disney heroines!
The LEGO Store – The LEGO Store offers hundreds of construction sets and LEGO products in a hands-on environment that will entertain kids of all ages.
PANDORA Jewelry – Show your Disney-style with one-of-a-kind charm bracelets and coordinating jewellery.
Sanuk – Best known for its Yoga Mat sandal and Sidewalk Surfers, Sanuk offers a variety of stylish and innovative footwear for those who spend most of your time in the great outdoors.
Sephora – Get the latest cosmetics, fragrances, skincare and more at this giant beauty emporium.
Sunglass Icon – Find your perfect style of sunglasses from a variety of designers including Prada, Ray-Ban, Gucci, Oakley and more.
WonderGround Gallery –This eclectic art gallery provides the ultimate creative space for a new generation of artists. The space features original and limited-edition artwork, as well as artist appearances throughout the year.
We hope we’ve given you plenty of reasons to make Downtown Disney a must-do during your next Disneyland getaway! Be sure to schedule some extra time in to enjoy all that Disneyland’s downtown shopping district has to offer!
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