Downtown Disney

[hungrygreenhippo]

My boyfriend and I are making a quick trip out to Anaheim to see an Angels game. We're only spending one night in Anaheim so we don't have time to go into the parks. But I'm thinking that it might be fun to stop by Downtown Disney just to look around and maybe have dinner.

The last time I was at Disneyland was in 2000 and I don't think they even had a Downtown Disney then. I sure don't remember it.

So here are my questions:

1) Is there a cost to park at Downtown Disney?

2) What restaurants would you recommend at Downtown Disney? Nothing too fancy or expensive please. Maybe something in the $20 entree range.

3) Is it even worth making a trip over to Downtown Disney if we're not going to the parks? We'd be going on a Saturday night, the last Saturday in May. Will it be crowded then? Would we be better off going somewhere else in Anaheim for dinner?

Thanks!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

My boyfriend and I are making a quick trip out to Anaheim to see an Angels game. We're only spending one night in Anaheim so we don't have time to go into the parks. But I'm thinking that it might be fun to stop by Downtown Disney just to look around and maybe have dinner.

The last time I was at Disneyland was in 2000 and I don't think they even had a Downtown Disney then. I sure don't remember it.

So here are my questions:

1) Is there a cost to park at Downtown Disney?

2) What restaurants would you recommend at Downtown Disney? Nothing too fancy or expensive please. Maybe something in the $20 entree range.

3) Is it even worth making a trip over to Downtown Disney if we're not going to the parks? We'd be going on a Saturday night, the last Saturday in May. Will it be crowded then? Would we be better off going somewhere else in Anaheim for dinner?

Thanks!

1) No cost to get into DTD. It is an open air marketplace.

2) If you are sports fans, ESPN Zone is fun to hit. Naples is nice and simple.

3) I expect all Sat nights will be busy but would be worth the visit to see the area since you haven't been there for 9 years.

 

[dznee]

My boyfriend and I are making a quick trip out to Anaheim to see an Angels game. We're only spending one night in Anaheim so we don't have time to go into the parks. But I'm thinking that it might be fun to stop by Downtown Disney just to look around and maybe have dinner.

The last time I was at Disneyland was in 2000 and I don't think they even had a Downtown Disney then. I sure don't remember it.

So here are my questions:

1) Is there a cost to park at Downtown Disney?

2) What restaurants would you recommend at Downtown Disney? Nothing too fancy or expensive please. Maybe something in the $20 entree range.

3) Is it even worth making a trip over to Downtown Disney if we're not going to the parks? We'd be going on a Saturday night, the last Saturday in May. Will it be crowded then? Would we be better off going somewhere else in Anaheim for dinner?

Thanks!

Downtown Disney has three hours free parking, with an additional two hours free if you eat at one of the restaurants and have them validate parking. After that, it's $6/hour.

ESPN Zone is a fun restaurant to go to. However, a word of warning. There probably will be a wait of 60-120 minutes on any given Saturday night. We went there last Saturday night around 8PM, and the wait was 75-80 minutes.

If you want to get the atmosphere of Disneyland without actually entering the park itself, then Downtown Disney is the place to go, if you don't mind crowds. I tell ya, that place is hopping Saturday nights.

Whatever you do, have fun!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Another dinner idea is the Rainforest Cafe....you can call ahead for a reservation at 714-772-0413. We love this restaurant as well as ESPN Zone.... but the wait times can be crazy!!!

DTD is a fun place to go hang out at.....lots of music acts thru-out, great little shops....a super World of Disney store & tons of restaurants & bars.

Other restaurants to consider are House of Blues, Jazz Kitchen or even one of the restaurants at the Disney hotels.

Hope you have a blast at the game!!!!!

 

[fairycat]

I have to say Jazz Kitchen or Catal they are my two favorites. I would say Jazz Kitchen though since it is the most unique. I love sitting out on the patio at night.

I also love Uva bar to have appetizer style food and yummy drinks. It is in the center of DTD so you can sit under the stars and people watch too. We love hanging out here.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I have to say Jazz Kitchen or Catal they are my two favorites. I would say Jazz Kitchen though since it is the most unique. I love sitting out on the patio at night.

I also love Uva bar to have appetizer style food and yummy drinks. It is in the center of DTD so you can sit under the stars and people watch too. We love hanging out here.

The Uva bar is great but $8.50 for a draft beer is a little steep

 

[fairycat]

The Uva bar is great but $8.50 for a draft beer is a little steep

I only drink foo-frou girl drinks here so I never noticed At least the food is reasonably priced

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I was just on ESPN Zone's website and they have PS!!

 

[Jagdcarcajou]

Heya,

I would say go to House of Blues or Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. On a Saturday night you will likely catch some music, the food is good. ESPN is good too, but I would rank that #3 of the above.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

Thanks everyone. I did some reading up on the recommended restaurants and I'm leaning toward the Jazz Kitchen. The menu looks yummy!

Does anyone know if they accept Disney Reward Dollars (from the Disney Visa)? I'm thinking no because they're independent but figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

Naples did not appeal to me, I have a strong palate for different cheeses....but not the kind made from stinky feet & spread on my pizza. Dh had the sausage dish - his was the only edible thing.

However - we liked the Jazz Kitchen. Most other places we hit were kid friendly like the Rainforest Cafe - not great date material.

 

[Leofoenget]

I need to go there this Sat. Is parking nuts? I don't plan on staying long just need to run in process my AP and leave.