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Play, Shop and Eat at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort

Valerie Lee

by , Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort

The summer may be winding down, but the buzz and excitement of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort continues to shine bright! After welcoming several new restaurants and shops over the past few months, guests have been delighted to experience exciting new venues, freshly reimagined spaces, innovative cuisine, unique boutiques and of course, memorable moments!

Here’s a look at just a few of the fun, fantastic places to check out during your next visit to the Downtown Disney District:

PLAY!

  • Step into the Star Wars universe with the hyper-reality, multi-sensory Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID. You’ll go undercover as a stormtrooper to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival!
  • Bowl a few frames at one of the 20 lanes at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment destination. Pop in anytime for lunch or dinner and enjoy the outdoor patio with live entertainment!
  • After dark, Downtown Disney is bustling with live music at the main stage, strolling performers throughout the promenade and “meet the artist” events on select dates in WonderGround Gallery.

SHOP!

  • Sprinkled with pixie dust, magical moments and eye-catching collections, the redesigned flagship World of Disney store is where you can step into the art of Disney storytelling and shop the biggest selection of Disney wares on the West Coast.
  • The Disney Dress Shop has quickly become a fan-favorite boutique with retro-designed apparel and accessories inspired by favorite Disney characters and theme park attractions.
  • The family-owned boutique, Sugarboo & Co., features charming home goods, paper products, handmade ceramics, candles, bath apothecary and stamped jewelry—all with a touch of whimsy.
  • For pampering products, head to Rinse Bath & Body Co., a new boutique featuring natural products, handmade soaps, body oils, bath bombs, lip balms and more. 
  • Disney Home offers fans a curated assortment of Disney-themed treasures for the home—from glassware and linens, to kitchen goods and more. 

EAT!

  • Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes opened its first California location in the heart of Downtown Disney. Along with award-winning burgers, signature CrazyShake milkshakes, hearty salads and appetizers, the atmosphere gives a trendy New York diner vibe, 
  • Popular craft brewer Ballast Point Brewing Company’s first Orange County location serves 50 of its innovative beers across 100 taps, including its flagship Sculpin IPA and limited-edition beers exclusive to Downtown Disney. Pair your favorite beer with brewpub-style dishes! 
  • Enjoy expertly-crafted Italian meals at Naples Ristorante e Bar renovation. Its recent renovation upgraded the restaurant’s beautiful two-story dining venue, featuring twinkling chandeliers upstairs, a modern feel downstairs, gorgeous patios and an open kitchen.
  • Next door, Napolini offers create-your-own Neopolitan-style pizzas, to be enjoyed with a fresh salad and Italian soda on the patio.
  • The family-run scoop shop, Salt & Straw, is known for its taste-provoking, imaginative creations—handmade in small batches using local, organic and sustainable ingredients.
  • Wetzel’s Pretzels’ flagship location features a bright, breezy California-inspired design—complementing its full line of popular pretzels, Wetzel’s Dogs, Bitz, and fresh and frozen lemonade. 

Enjoy nearly 30 distinct venues throughout the 20-acre Downtown Disney District. Other venues include: Catal Restaurant, Sprinkles, La Brea Bakery Café, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Tortilla Jo’s, Curl Surf, PANDORA Jewelry, The LEGO Store, Sanuk, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, the Sunglass Icon and Sephora, plus a number of creative carts and food trucks.

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at the Downtown Disney District

For a closer look at our dining experiences, check out our official Restaurant Guide on the Disney Parks Blog.

It’s also your last chance to experience Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration before it goes away Sept. 2. Book your reservation here

As you can see, there’s a lot of fun to look forward to on your next visit! What’s your favorite thing to do in the Downtown Disney District?

Comments

  • I’d love to visit Rinse Bath & Body Co., but it’s location outside the security perimeter makes it difficult to justify, especially if I’m not heading to the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier Hotel. Any plans for setting up the perimeter in a way that allows access to that store without having to go through security again if I want/need to reenter the security perimeter.

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