Downtown Disney District, California, United States

5Tofurry 5:00 PM Jan 10, 2020

Some changes in the last 3 years
The last time we visited Disneyland and Downtown Disney was 3 1/2 years ago and quite a bit has changed since then. Security/bag check has now moved to the outside of Downtown Disney so even if you aren't going into the parks, you need to go through bag check before enjoying the restaurants and stores. Salt and Straw has opened a branch in Downtown Disney which is awesome as it always offers at least one vegan ice cream flavor. Even though we have been to their stores in Seattle and Portland, we went for ice cream in Downtown Disney. Parking is free if you spend $20 (if I remember correctly). We got drinks at Starbucks for the 4 of us and that was enough to get our parking stamp. When we were walking around in the evening, there was live music which was really nice. I am not sure if that only occurs during the holidays but it was enjoyable.

4sjskns 5:00 PM Nov 11, 2020

DTD Hits and Misses
First time back to Downtown Disney since the pandemic. Went with our adult daughter. Parking: DTD does not open until 10am. Please note that parking does not open until 9:45am. So, wee had to go around “the block” and come back to park once it opened. The Simba Parking is behind the Disneyland Hotel Frontierland Tower. Very easy walk. Entrance: Very well marked, very few folks there on a Thursday at 10am. Additionally, bathrooms and entrances to each restaurant, store are toilet are clearly marked with tape for social distancing. Please note that many folks do not pay attention to “no sitting here signs” on the seating areas around plants. Big Disappointment: There are no holiday decorations up in Downtown Disney. You would think garland and lights could have decorated the main walkway. How difficult would it have been to bring in a crew for two nights and make the area more special? Backlot Premiere Shop, waste of time, but a nice walk past the entrance to Disneyland. World of Disney: Spacing outside is great. Inside can be scary, we think there were too many people allowed in and it is very difficult to maintain social distancing. The checkout lines are fine, though. Pandora: No browsing but once you are allowed in, you basically have your own personal shopper so this was a pleasant experience. The Dress Shop: Limited people but displays make it difficult to socially distance, for example, by the Alex and Ani display. We left without purchasing anything. Marceline's Confectionery: Please note you must scan in and wait for a TEXT to enter. We scanned in at 11:26am, went to lunch, walked around a little bit and were finally allowed in at 1pm. Very few people allowed in store, but you pick a number and are served very quickly. Earl of Sandwich: Easy to order, and all the tables are preset more than 6ft apart. We chose to eat in front of the theatres. Many diners, however, immediately remove their masks once they sit down, rather than staying masked until the food is done. Overall, a good trip. Disneyland should consider moving one or two of the most popular shops from Disneyland over to the empty storefronts at DTD.