Downtown Disney California – What to Do There

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Written By Carlos Braga

The Downtown Disney California it is a complex with incredible attractions that make the cinematic universe even more impressive. So, check out here a guide with everything you can explore in this place considered magical by many.

Downtown Disney California: What is it?

Called the District, this is a simply amazing street full of cafes, restaurants and live music.

In fact, there you will find themed places with a different cuisine. In addition, the space is full of stores with themes of Disney.

One of the things that many people believe is that you need to buy park tickets in order to visit this place. However, this is far from the truth, quite the opposite.

Some people compare to Downtown Disney California how Disney springs in Orlando.

But the first place is much more spacious and has a greater number of stores. Next, know everything about this place and its establishments.

What to do in this very special place?

It is common to find people who go to visit the Disney parks, but do not explore the surroundings. However, you won't make that mistake after reading this article. 

Just to give you an idea, just set aside three hours for this tour.

Of course, you won't be able to enjoy everything, so the ideal is to go there very calmly. Believe me, the time invested will be well worth it.

At the Downtown Disney California  you will find a multitude of establishments. In fact, many are themed, which makes the final experience even more incredible. Among the main attractions are:

  • Restaurants and shops;
  • Cafes and sweets.

Tour time is also very important

the best time to visit everything this place offers is during the day. That way, you have more time and can make the most of things. However, the night period is also very interesting. 

Therefore, it is worth going at any time, what cannot happen is to miss the opportunity.

So, plan ahead at the beginning of your trip.

Downtown Disney California and Its Amazing Attractions

Right off the bat, you need to know that this place is not lacking in options for having fun. Still, many residents of neighboring cities travel to check Downtown Disney California in the evening.

The street has many options for music and artists in general. In addition, the space has perfect lighting, which provides an almost Magic.

Therefore, no matter what time you decide to visit, boredom is something that does not exist in the environment.

A very cool attraction of this place is The Void. Thus, this space allows you to experience sensational adventures.

The most amazing thing is that everything happens through virtual reality.

Star Wars - Secrets of The Empire

This is a good example of that experience, where you feel like a character from that franchise.

Thus, it is possible to experience a moment of complete immersion in the Star Wars universe.

You can even talk to your favorite characters.

So, if you are a fan of this saga, this is an attraction that you cannot miss for anything. Downtown Disney California it's an amazing place.

A place full of amazing stores

If you like souvenirs, you can be sure that this space will leave you impressed.

There are numerous stores with different products for you to choose what you want.

Discover below some options of establishments that deserve your visit.

1 – Downtown Disney California: Disney Home

It is known for being one of the newest stores in this location. THE Disney Home is the perfect place for those who want to buy decoration pieces.

There are countless paintings, posters, kitchen objects, mugs, among other elements.

It is very difficult not to spend hours checking out each product that the place offers. In addition, Disney Home contains a variety of gift items.

disney-home-downtown-disney
disney-home-downtown-disney

So, if you want to please someone special, it's worth checking out this store.

Even though it is one of the recent establishments of Downtown Disney California, he leaves nothing to be desired.

2 – LEGO Store Downtown Disney

One of the places you can't miss on your trip. Even more so if you are a LEGO fan.

There you will find several sculptures of important Disney characters.

Right at the entrance of the store, you come face to face with a huge dragon. Therefore, the place surprises by the proportion when you get to know it.

Also, if you don't have much experience with assembling parts LEGO, it's all right.

The store offers a space with workshops that will teach you everything you need to know.

Read too  Busch Gardens Radical Attractions

So, in addition to buying a piece of decoration, it is possible to have fun. Therefore, this place is one of the most famous in Downtown Disney California.

3 – World of Disney in California

Many travelers consider this store a mandatory stop. That's because it is the best place for those who want to take a souvenir of the magical world of Disney.

Thus, this establishment has exclusive products that attract anyone's attention.

In fact, this is one of the favorite places for many collectors. The amount of products is surreal so you can even get lost.

world-of-disney-california
world-of-disney-california

That way, you have accessories for Mickey and many other characters.

Star Wars is also one of the franchises that has several interesting products. So, there are mugs, caps, among other things for you to choose whatever you want.

realize that Downtown Disney California has sensational establishments.

4 – Downtown Disney California: The Disney Dress Shop

This store is suitable for those who like clothes and are fans of Disney. If you're thinking about going to this street for shopping, you need to check out The Disney Dress Shop.

The place has a boutique style and is very friendly.

As the name implies, all the pieces are inspired by the world of Disney. Undoubtedly the perfect combination.

Finally, these are the main stores you can find on this street. Therefore, plan your trip to get to know each one of them calmly.

Places to Eat in Downtown Disney California

This street is not only made up of shops, quite the opposite. There are countless other establishments scattered around the place, each better than the last.

So, imagine that you spent the day walking and now you need to eat something.

To help you, check out a complete list of the best restaurants in Downtown Disney California.

So you won't be disappointed when choosing a dish. After all, nothing worse than being hungry and not having access to quality food.

1 – Downtown Disney California: Ballast Point

The perfect place for those who enjoy a good cold beer. Ballast Point offers much more than that.

He also has an artisanal drink of his own that is delicious.

With a full menu containing several flavors of beer. So, you can drink more traditional drinks and try the sweeter ones.

The best thing is that the restaurant still has a space just for tasting.

Of course, it is also possible to order conventional dishes so this is a complete restaurant.

Finally, this place in the Downtown Disney California It also has a beautiful garden. So, you eat while enjoying a great view.

2 - Catalan Restaurant

This is a much more refined and elegant environment. The cool thing about Catal Restaurant is that it is able to unite Mediterranean cuisine with a modern concept.

So, if you like this type of cuisine, you will love the place.

The restaurant has a grilled seafood dish that catches the attention of many visitors.

However, its menu is very vast and has burgers, meat and salads.

3 – Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

One of the most famous spots on this street, this restaurant offers typical New Orleans food.

In addition, the space is always with musical performances. Therefore, it is one of the favorite spots of many tourists and locals.

After all, there's nothing like enjoying good jazz while enjoying quality food.

So, don't miss this restaurant in Downtown Disney California.

4 – Downtown Disney California: Splitsville Luxury

This place is ideal for those who want to eat and have fun at the same time. That's because Splitsville Luxury is much more than just a restaurant.

Thus, it also has an amazing bowling alley.

Now, if you think this is the most interesting thing about the place, you're wrong. The menu is to leave anyone salivating.

Downtown-Disney-California-Splitsville-Luxury
Downtown-Disney-California-Splitsville-Luxury

Soon, there you will find several fish, seafood, burgers, sushi and many other options.

There are more than 15 bowling alleys for you to have fun.

So, it's the perfect space to enjoy with friends or family. Also, the place has an environment geared towards live performances.

The Downtown Disney California It is full of amazing attractions.

5 – Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes

An establishment for those people who appreciate a juicy burger. Thus, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes is a kind of bistro and has a very familiar atmosphere.

The atmosphere itself is quite fun and has a decor that combines hip hop and pop.

So this is one of those places where you go as a group to spend hours talking.

It's really worth going to this restaurant during your trip. Still, this is one of the most interesting places in Downtown Disney California.

6 – Downtown Disney California: Naples Ristorante and Bar

For those who want to eat pizza, the Naples Ristorante e Bar is the best place you will find on this street.

With a very diverse menu, this place allows you to try the cuisine of southern Italy.

It is a discreet but harmonious place. still, this restaurant It has a very comfortable space to enjoy alone or with others.

A great place for those who like coffee and sweets

Imagine that you spent the day walking and enjoying all the establishments mentioned so far. Right now, there's nothing better than having that coffee and eating a good candy.

The Downtown Disney California has amazing places with goodies that you can't miss. The sweets are so tasty that some even melt in your mouth. The best thing is that you can try an absurd diversity of them, follow some tips.

Read too  7 Disney Mistakes That Could End Your Trip

1 – Downtown Disney California: Sprinkles and Wetzel Pretzel

Sprinkles is the most popular cupcake shop in the entire United States. So, it is an irresistible place, where you can find numerous interesting flavors. Many visitors are fans of artisanal gourmet cookies.

They are famous cupcakes in several countries because they are so good. Now, if you decide to visit the place at night, be prepared.

That's because during this period people queue to enter the place.

Wetzel Pretzel is one of the biggest franchises in California. As the name suggests, the store sells pretzels in a variety of flavors.

So, if you like this food, you can't go through the Downtown Disney California without knowing this space.

2 – Marceline's Confectionery

Considered Disney's paradise by many locals, Marceline's Confectionery owns a very curious fact. Thus, its name is similar to that of the place where none other than Walt Disney lived his childhood.

The interesting thing about this place is that it sells numerous sweets in bulk. So, you can splurge and buy as much as you like.

Now, you can prepare yourself that choosing what to take home will not be an easy decision.

A tip is to order a little of each thing, so you can try a lot.

3 – Downtown Disney California: La Brea Bakery Café

A bakery that pleases anyone, whatever their taste.

Therefore, in this place you can find French bread, croissant, sandwiches, among other delights.

There are many dishes to choose from at this place in Downtown Disney California.

Eggs benedict and grilled cheese with tomato are undoubtedly the most famous options.

In addition, the place has several options of salads, meats and sandwiches. So this is a complete establishment.

4 – Salt and Straw

This artisanal ice cream shop will take anyone's breath away. Even if you are not a fan of this food, believe me, Salt and Straw is well worth knowing. 

The flavors there are very varied, so at least one of them will catch your attention.

Therefore, there are options that range from the most traditional to the most daring in one of the most incredible places in Downtown Disney California.

5 – Downtown Disney California: Starbucks

A classic known among most Brazilians. O Starbucks this street has a very interesting decoration, all rustic.

Of course, as you might expect, there you can try different coffee options.

Now, the great highlight of this establishment is what is called the Clover Bar. Thus, this is a space dedicated only to people who love exotic drinks.

Also, you can have different coffees, all made to order. 

Downtown Disney California: Tips 

Enjoying everything that has been shown so far is no difficulty.

However, there are a few points you need to consider to get the best out of this experience. Check out a list of tips to help you here.

1 – Totally free entry

First of all, you don't have to pay to have access to this street. So, no buying tickets or tickets that you don't want.

In fact, many residents of neighboring cities tend to stop by Downtown Disney California.

2 - Cinema

If you are thinking of going to this street to enjoy a movie, take it easy. This establishment along with other stores had to be closed.

This is because a Resort Hotel will be opened.

So far, it is unknown if the cinema will reopen. However, there are hopes that this will still happen.

3 - Parking

Admission is already free, and the best thing is that you don't have to spend a lot when parking your car.

Therefore, it is possible to enjoy three quiet hours. To do this, just validate your ticket with a purchase of at least U$20.

4 – Star Wars – Secrets of the Empire

This topic has already been covered at the very beginning of the article. However, it is important to emphasize the greatness of this experience in the Downtown Disney California.

even those who don't know Star Wars is capable of surprising with this virtual reality show, you can be absolutely sure of that.

Is it worth driving to Downtown Disney California?

Without the slightest shadow of a doubt. In addition to being more practical, you save a lot on the trip.

Also, if you are thinking about shopping, it is better to go by car. Therefore, it is very worthwhile to plan accordingly.

Therefore, when organizing your trip, think about a car. You will have easier mobility.

But if you don't want to, you can take advantage of the public transport options.

Don't forget to add this script

Finally, that's all you need to know about it. Now it's your turn, start planning your trip now.

Believe me, you won't regret taking the time to get to know every corner of this famous street.

One last tip, make a list of everything you plan to visit. That way, you don't get lost and miss out on something you've been wanting so much.

Downtown Disney California waits for you.

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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