Downtown Disney Question

[123Dis4Me]

We have a one day trip to Disneyland planned for February. We will be checking into our hotel (Best Western Plus, Park Place Inn) in the late afternoon and visiting DL the following day. We plan to spend time in Downtown Disney for dinner after checking into the hotel. Are there any must do things at Downtown Disney or any fireworks displays to check out that evening that we can do without park tickets? Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Dot2Vegas]

Our favorites in DTD are the Rainforest Cafe (even though we have one where we live, the DTD is just better!), and the World of Disney Store. It really depends on where you live. Living in Vegas we have easy access to a lot of the stores in DTD (Build A Bear and Sephora for example) so we don't get excited to see them.

For us, we enjoy exploring the Disney Resort lobbies since we don't stay on site. We also enjoy listening to the street musicians and getting an ice cream and just people watching. DTD is a great way to spend a few hours!

I may be wrong here, but I think you can see the fireworks from the Esplanade without entering the park? We also had a partial view from the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn on Harbor Blvd. So I am sure you can see them from various spots along there.

 

[123Dis4Me]

Thanks. Can I ask what the Esplanade is? We would love to catch some fireworks that night! We want to pack in as much Disney as we can in this short time. The World of Disney Store is a must for us...I would like to get my Disney shopping done without interrupting my park time!

 

[Disney Dreams]

...I may be wrong here, but I think you can see the fireworks from the Esplanade without entering the park? We also had a partial view from the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn on Harbor Blvd. So I am sure you can see them from various spots along there.

LOL Not only can you, but it seems to be slowly turning in to the thing to do. When we crossed from DCA to DL one night last week just before fireworks, there were probably 100 people camped out in the Esplanade waiting to watch the fireworks. shrug-

Thanks. Can I ask what the Esplanade is?...

It's the area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. No ticket needed.

- Dreams

 

[123Dis4Me]

Thanks!

 

[Mama-to-Elle]

Our favorites in DTD are the Rainforest Cafe (even though we have one where we live, the DTD is just better!), and the World of Disney Store. It really depends on where you live. Living in Vegas we have easy access to a lot of the stores in DTD (Build A Bear and Sephora for example) so we don't get excited to see them.

For us, we enjoy exploring the Disney Resort lobbies since we don't stay on site. We also enjoy listening to the street musicians and getting an ice cream and just people watching. DTD is a great way to spend a few hours!

I may be wrong here, but I think you can see the fireworks from the Esplanade without entering the park? We also had a partial view from the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn on Harbor Blvd. So I am sure you can see them from various spots along there.

Is the build a bear in DTD the same as others? Any more Disney magic? We're keeping our trip a surprise until we arrive, and would love to do some special things as well, that afternoon/evening. Thanks!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Is the build a bear in DTD the same as others? Any more Disney magic? We're keeping our trip a surprise until we arrive, and would love to do some special things as well, that afternoon/evening. Thanks!

They have Disney (and DTD specific) animals that aren't found elsewhere. And then Disney clothes for the bears of course

 

[julsmom]

If you have younger ones traveling with you, check out Disney 365. I think they do makeovers geared to those less interested in BBB ones. And the Lego store has large Disney statues like WDW does, which is fun.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

If you have younger ones traveling with you, check out Disney 365. I think they do makeovers geared to those less interested in BBB ones. And the Lego store has large Disney statues like WDW does, which is fun.

We love Disney 365. It's not so much for those who aren't interested in BBB, but they are more "grown up" than the princess ones at BBB and much less expensive. I think they start at about $20 at D365.

 

[123Dis4Me]

We have teens - any suggestions geared towards them are welcome!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I like to eat at Earl of Sandwich, excellent sandwiches. Also hanging out at the Disneyland hotel by or in Trader Sam's is nice. There is usually music outside of Trader Sams and you can relax with a beverage or have a beverage and/or a snack inside. And of course check out the World of Disney!

 

[SMD]

There's a character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen in DLH. You can knock out characters along with your shopping.

You can also see fireworks from the parking structure, but they do tend to set off car alarms.

 

[123Dis4Me]

I will look into that character meal...we will be celebrating a birthday this day. Thanks.

 

[DisneyMarvelStarWars]

What is it you are interested in?

There are a few Disney stores (World of Disney, D-Street, the tween shop, pin kiosk). The Build-A-Bear Workshop has animals and outfits exclusive to that location.

The ESPN Zone is a giant sports bar with a lot of arcade games that older guests can enjoy.

You can also just walk around the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel. You can view some of the pool, have a drink at Trader Sam's, look at the landscaping, etc... Lots of fun things to see.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Check out the more than life-sized lego figures at the lego store. Pretty dang amazing!

 

[fctiger]

Everyone has said it but DTD is really a great way to spend a day without spending the hundreds (yes, it is hundreds now if its more than 1) to go inside the parks or you just have time to spare.

-But you can eat at the many restaurants with Rainforest Cafe, ESPN ZONE, Jazz Kitchen, House of Blues, Earls Sandwhich, etc which seems to be the favorites (or busiest) not to mention ALL the resturants at both hotels, DLH and GCH. Of course all price ranges but being a resort most will be moderate to pricey. But you can find plenty of affordable too!

-AMC DTD is of course a great way to make a nice afternoon or evening and one of my favorite theaters in the area. Nice, clean and rarely super busy.

-Free entertainment is everywhere. A lot of muscians at afternoon and night. Rainforest even has a bird show, which I caught first time 2 weeks ago lol. There is swing dancing on Saturdays. At least fun to watch if not join in. Go inside the GCH lobby and enjoy the piano playing. And YES you can watch the fireworks in the esplanade as others explained. A lot of people just sit and watch. You get a great view.

-Great chance to walk the hotel grounds! Grab a drink (or three) at Trader Sams at DLH. GCH has its own watering hole as well but lots of places to walk around in. The lobby in GCH seems to be the place for locals, tourists and hotel guests.

I hope SOMEDAY they will include another activity like bowling or skating (although they had an ice skating rink during the holidays), just something in terms of organized activities. But whats there now can be a fun and relaxing day...especially if you like shopping lol.

 

[GQDisneyFan]

Our favorites in DTD are the Rainforest Cafe (even though we have one where we live, the DTD is just better!), and the World of Disney Store. It really depends on where you live. Living in Vegas we have easy access to a lot of the stores in DTD (Build A Bear and Sephora for example) so we don't get excited to see them.

For us, we enjoy exploring the Disney Resort lobbies since we don't stay on site. We also enjoy listening to the street musicians and getting an ice cream and just people watching. DTD is a great way to spend a few hours!

I may be wrong here, but I think you can see the fireworks from the Esplanade without entering the park? We also had a partial view from the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn on Harbor Blvd. So I am sure you can see them from various spots along there.

I agree. I prefer the Rainforest Cafe at DTD compared to what we have here. Plus, I hate the fact that you have to go through a casino (MGM) just to get to the restaurant.