March 2014 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Starbucks faces the front end of Downtown Disney, drawing in visitors coming from and going to the park gates. If you’re coming from either park, you’ll see it on the left side of the street, just after World of Disney. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – Quick Service […] Read more…
February 2017 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Curl Surf stands on the park gate side of Downtown Disney, between PANDORA and Sunglass Hut. If you’re coming from the hotels side of the district, keep to the right; you’ll see the shop across from Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Clothing, sunglasses, swimwear […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Jazz Kitchen Express hugs the side of the larger Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. You’ll see the giant building across from Tortilla Jo’s and Splitsville, between the circular courtyard and the LEGO Store. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – adjacent patio Reservations – no […] Read more…
October 1955 – present LOCATION The Disneyland Hotel faces the end of Downtown Disney, on the opposite side from the park gates. Visitors can access the hotel grounds from Disneyland Drive, or by following Downtown Disney all the way to the western end (away from Harbor Boulevard). BACKGROUND When Disneyland first opened in July 1955, […] Read more…
1992 – present LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – Goofy’s Kitchen faces out to the open pool area, overlooking the center courtyard. If you start from the Fantasy Tower, follow the path to the right side of the pools; you’ll see Goofy’s Kitchen on your right. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – yes Reservations […] Read more…
November 2016 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – PANDORA occupies a retail space right at the front of Downtown Disney, across from Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. If you’re coming from the parks, you’ll see PANDORA on your left, just before Jamba Juice. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Jewelry and accessories Price Range – Most charms between […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen faces the open courtyard between the Uva Bar patio and the Monorail station. You won’t miss the massive building with its wrought-iron detailing, standing across from Tortilla Jo’s. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – dining rooms downstairs, upstairs, and on […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Wetzel’s Pretzels claims an ideal corner spot next to the Uva Bar. To find it, head toward the center of Downtown Disney, near Marceline’s and Catal. You’ll find Wetzel’s on the north side, after the path around Uva narrows from an open circle. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type […] Read more…
Whenever I visit Downtown Disney, I like to walk the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, it’s fun to visit Trader Sam’s and explore the scenery. On the path across from Trader Sam’s, toward Frontier Tower, you’ll find a small walkway. Follow this walkway, and you’ll stumble across […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION The Grand Californian bumps up against Grizzly Peak in California Adventure. The hotel is accessible from inside California Adventure, by the Grizzly River Run, or through Downtown Disney, across the walkway from Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. BACKGROUND In the late 90s, Disneyland announced plans to massively expand Disneyland, finally turning […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – La Brea Express is part of the larger La Brea Bakery, at the end of Downtown Disney. If you head toward the park gates, you’ll see La Brea on your right; it’s the last building before you hit the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure. EXPERIENCE Details: […] Read more…
My favorite hotel at the Disneyland Resort is the Grand Californian. Whether or not you stay there, it’s a fun place to unwind, grab a drink, or just sit by the giant hearth and listen to live piano music. The lobby is extra magical during the holidays, thanks to a massive tree and garlands strung […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Sephora is one of the larger stores in the Downtown Disney district. You can find it on the southern side, next to the Grand Californian entrance off the strip. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – cosmetics & beauty accessories Price Range – most individual products are under $50, with […] Read more…
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of my favorite attractions at the Disneyland Resort; the queue, track, and mountainside are each so intricately detailed. There’s so much to see, and it’s impossible to take it all in when you’re racing on the train. Lucky for us, the Disneyland Hotel offers a unique birds-eye view. Venture into […] Read more…