Downtown Disney is Disneyland’s shopping and entertainment complex.
You’ll find great dining options, many merchandise stores (Disney and others), as well as many entertainment venues here.
The merchants at Downtown Disney are a mix of Disney and non-Disney-owned locations. While Disney does not offer any military discounts on food or merchandise, some of the non-Disney locations do!
Downtown Disney is much smaller than Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs., it is a single path, about a quarter of a mile long with restaurants and stores on each side, running from the Disneyland Hotel to the Esplanade between the theme park entrances. This is the route guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel and some from the Grand California take to get to the parks.
Downtown Disney in the red box – Click for a larger image
Downtown Disney Transportation
The Disneyland Resort is quite small in size when compared to its big brother in Florida, making getting around so much easier. The Disneyland Resort doesn’t have or need the internal transportation that Disney World does. The Disneyland Hotels are all within walking distance from the parks, as are many off-property hotels.
Driving and Parking
The designated parking lot for Downtown Disney is on the southeast side of Disneyland property (the lot at the bottom left of the aerial pic above. To enter Downtown Disney you will walk north from the parking lot to the main Downtown Disney security checkpoint. It’s about 0.15 miles from the most Northern point in the parking lot.
Note the Downtown Disney parking lot used to be right next to Downtown Disney, In the pic above it was the furthest right of the 3 lots in the top left of the pic (just to the left of the word Security). But, a while back Disney turned that lot into a cast member parking lot and made their guests walk from the new further lot.
Parking Fees:
- The first hour of parking costs $10
- Each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum $7
- The maximum daily parking and lost ticket fee is $66
Validations – Your $10 fee for the first hour can be extended by:
- An additional 3 hours of same-day parking with a $ 20 minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location
- An additional 5 hours of same-day parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant.
You must bring your parking stub with you to Downtown Disney to get a validation. Locations will not give you a validation otherwise.
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.
Walking
Downtown Disney is just steps from the Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian Resort and Spa and about a 0.20-mile walk from the Paradise Pier Hotel.
Downtown Disney Monorail Station
Monorail
Disneyland’s monorail only has one route with 2 stops. There is a station in Disneyland Park’s Tomorrowland and one in Downtown Disney.
All rides on the monorail are one-way. You cannot ride full circle in one shot, you must get off when you arrive at a station. If you want to return to where you started, you must get in line and re-enter the station.
To board the monorail at the Downtown Disney Station, you must present a valid theme park admission ticket. Doing so is the same as entering the park through the front gate. This is because the other station is within the theme park.
Anyone may ride from Tomorrowland to Downtown Disney as you are in the park at the beginning of the journey.
Security
Guests entering Downtown Disney go through security screening, which consists of 100% of guests going through an old-fashioned metal detector. Unlike the fast, modern walk-through detectors at Walt Disney World that you walk through at a normal pace with your bags and full pockets, for these antiques, you have to empty everything out of your pockets, not just metal, and walk through the metal detector. If you are wearing a belt they will insist on you flipping the buckle over so they can see the back (that it’s not a knife). Every single bag and purse is searched by hand! The lines move VERY SLOWLY here!!!
Both of the Disneyland Resort parks and Downtown Disney are within the same security area. This is the only security area at Disneyland, the three Resort Hotels are outside of the security area.
The security area runs from the west end of Downtown Disney across the property to the east end of the Esplanade between the parks and through each of the parks on the north (Disneyland) and the south (Disney California Adventure).
There are 6 different security entrances/exits in various places that you could use to enter Downtown Disney. Which one you’ll use depends on where you are coming from and your destination. Here is the list:
- At the parking structure before boarding the tram (top left)
- 3 on the west side of Downtown Disney between DTD and the Disneyland Hotel (left bottom corner)
- At the entrance to Downtown Disney from the Grand Californian Hotel (middle)
- On the east side of the Esplanade (central area between the parks) (right below)
These different security checkpoints are typically used by those coming and going to the following locations.
At the parking structure – Those who have parked in the parking structures and the couple of hotels just to the north that have access to walk to the structure.
Top (north) of the 3 entrances on the west side of Downtown Disney – Those walking from South Walnut Street on the west side of Disneyland property as well as those who choose to walk from the Parking Structures and the couple of hotels just to the north of the structures.
Middle of the 3 entrances on the west side of Downtown Disney – Disneyland hotel guests and visitors.
Bottom of the 3 entrances on the west side of Downtown Disney – Pixar Place Hotel guests and visitors and those who drove their vehicle and parked in the Downtown Disney parking lot.
Entrance from the Grand Californian Hotel – Guests and visitors of the hotel
On the east side of the Esplanade – Off-Property Guests Walking from the East Side of Disneyland, those using off-property hotel shuttles, those riding the local bus lines, those riding in taxis, Uber, or Lyft, and those who parked in Disney’s surface level parking lots arriving by Disney bus.
See my Full Disneyland Security Post with Tips!
Downtown Disney – Disneyland Hotel Security Area
Downtown Disney Locations
Below you’ll find an overview of what Downtown Disney has to offer. Any locations with military discounts are noted.
Note if you are told by your server that one of the locations I mentioned has no military discount, be sure to speak to a manager to check. The availability of military discounts has been known to change over time and also servers have been known to be wrong. Also, feel free to ask about a discount at locations that are not listed as having a military discount, it never hurts!
Note military discounts are subject to change, as is the current list of open locations.
Downtown Disney Dining
Ballast Point – $$ – A “family-friendly brewery.” Enjoy handcrafted drafts and local, seasonal fare at the only onsite brewery at Disneyland Resort.
Beignets Expressed – $ – Get a taste of New Orleans to go.
Black Tap Burgers & Shakes – $$ – Craft Burgers and Shakes. An homage to the great American luncheonettes of our childhoods.
Blue Ribbon Corn Dog – $ – Feast on classic corn dogs or try some with a scrumptious flavor twist!
Centrico – $$ – An open-air Mexican restaurant and bar from Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán. Whether diving into a plate of Chef Gaytán’s childhood-inspired Chicken Enchiladas, experiencing the robust flavors of traditional tacos, or tucking into a vibrant Caesar Salad layered with a hint of Mexican flair, you are invited to gather around the table with your friends and family to try a range of menu items.
Clyde’s Hot Chicken – $ – Nashville hot chicken is handmade and available in 3 different heat level seasonings.
Crazy Shake Window by Black Tap – $ – Over-the-top milkshakes stacked with slices of cake, cookies, and retro candies rolled in frosting.
Diggity Dogs – $ – Serving juicy all-beef hot dogs, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and ice-cold beverages.
Din Tai Fung – $$$ – Experience the globally acclaimed culinary sensation renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao.
Earl of Sandwich – $ – Assorted sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. (10% Military Discount)
Earl of Sandwich Tavern – Restaurant and Bar – $$ – Enjoy a new table-service concept from Earl of Sandwich, featuring an extended menu of a variety of classics with a modern twist—including delicious salads, burgers, pasta, dinner entrees, and of course, some amazing sandwiches.
Jamba – $ – Healthy fruit smoothies.
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio – $$ – From the Gulf and Pacific Coast to you: a delicious, modern twist on fresh seafood and flavorful ingredients, while staying true to the heart of New Orleans.
Kayla’s Cake – $ – Satisfy your sweet tooth with premium French macarons and heavenly cakes-in-a-jar!
Naples Ristorante e Bar – $$ – Italian specialties including pasta and pizza. (10% Military Discount)
Napolini Pizzeria – $ – Quick service location for Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria (10% Military Discount)
Paseo – $$ – Savor delicate, rich flavors blended with zest and spice at an upscale Mexican restaurant from Chef Carlos Gaytán.
Pizza Counter – $ – Step up to the counter for a delicious pizza pie, salad, and dessert, at this quick-service eatery concept from Earl of Sandwich.
Salt & Straw – $ – Small-batch ice cream, seasonal flavors created with local ingredients in collaboration with artisans, chefs, and farmers.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes – $$ – Upscale entertainment center that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music, and nightlife.
Starbucks – $ – The usual Starbucks stuff.
Tiendita – $ – Treat yourself to a delicious meal or snack of authentic Mexican street food.
Wetzels Pretzels – $ – All things pretzel.
Downtown Disney Shopping
California Sole – Dedicated to offering the best selection of shoes and sandals for the whole family in many styles, colors and sizes.
Curl Surf – High-end Surf Shop featuring trendy Surf Wear clothing and accessories.
Disney Dress Shop – Disney-themed dresses that pay homage to your favorite Disney icons and park attractions.
Disney Home – Seasonally curated home décor, gadgets, and other goodies.
Disney’s Pin Traders – The ultimate pin-purchasing-and-trading location.
The LEGO Store – A huge Lego store.
Marceline’s Confectionary – Candy and sweets galore.
Pandora – The jewelry, not the movie with blue aliens.
Pele Soccer – Selection of club and national team jerseys, apparel, cleats, balls, and accessories for men, women, and children.
Sephora – Beauty products.
Star Wars Trading Post – All the Star Wars merch that you could want!
Sunglass Icon – Sunglasses are designed with the athlete, sports, and outdoor enthusiast in mind.
WonderGround Gallery – Disney-inspired artwork.
World of Disney – A super huge Disney character merchandise store. Clothing, jewelry, home goods, toys, tech needs, etc.
Downtown Disney Entertainment
Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Upscale entertainment center that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music, and nightlife. (Coming in 2017)(Disney location, no military discount)
Downtown Disney Stage – Outdoor stage featuring phenomenal local musicians.
The new Downtown Disney stage
Downtown Disney Construction –
In January 2022, the former AMC Theater was removed, and a whole new area is in the process of being built. This open, grassy area will provide a space for guests to relax as well as an area for some events that will be held in Downtown Disney.
Disneyland Concept Art – AMC Replacement
The new stage at the left in the concept art (pictured above) is complete as is the grassy area and seating area to the right in the pic.
Still in progress is the Parkside Market, between the monorail and the grassy area which will house various dining locations and lounges like GG’s Chicken Shop, Seoul Sister, Sip & Sounder, and the Parkside Market Bar.
Wrap Up
You can check out this Related Post:
Do you have any questions or comments about Downtown Disney?
Let me know in the Comments Section below!
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
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