Downtown Disney

[Frozen2014]

Hi,

No one ever seems to mention Downtown Disney. We were planning on spending some time there when we went to Disney World but there was construction and we decided not to go.

So I'm wondering is there stuff to do/see at Downtown Disney at Disneyland? How much time would you allocate? From the distance, it looks like you could go to the park for a few hours, then take a break there, and then head back to the park. Or is it even a half day or full day place such as arrival day?

 

[SMD]

Enough time for dinner and a movie. I'd go to World of Disney if there was something I couldn't find in the parks. Otherwise it's a walk through.

 

[mom2rtk]

Don't forget Earl of Sandwich. We eat there several times every trip. But we're usually just in and out very quickly.

We spend some time there if we have time to kill, but I don't really see it as a destination I would give up park time for.

 

[Frozen2014]

By movie, I assume you mean regular movie played in any theatre?

So sounds like tgere isn't much there unless we wanted specific restaurant or a change if scenery.

 

[mom2rtk]

By movie, I assume you mean regular movie played in any theatre?

So sounds like tgere isn't much there unless we wanted specific restaurant or a change if scenery.

Just shopping. And honestly the only place in DTD I ever shop is the World of Disney.

I think there is a Pick a Pearl stand. And they have had a skating rink during Holiday Time.

It's really not a destination to us. It's a place we walk through on our way back to our hotel or on our way to Early of Sandwich.

 

[ashley0139]

You could spend a couple hours there if you like shopping. About half the shops are Disney themed and half are not. There's also Lego, Sephora, etc. It's not even really a half day thing, just a couple hours, maybe more if you stop to eat.

 

[julesann]

I like it simply for its ambiance, but I really just stroll through DTD on my way to DLR to get coffee in the morning and maybe stop at the Uva for a cocktail in the late afternoon. I've tried a few restaurants there and they were just ok and I'd rather eat in the park. I usually spend a little time in World of Disney especially if I didn't find something specific I want in the parks. Younger children love The Rainforest Cafe and there are few activities in DTD for them that you can pay for like build-a-bear and Ridemakerz.

 

[Frozen2014]

Thanks for the replies. Doesn't sound like it's worth a special visit but maybe we would hop over if we just wanted a change of scenery or to check out that store while there.

 

[kitntrip]

In April, we spent one of our "off" days at Downtown Disney. My husband and I took the kids to see a movie, then spent a few hours at ESPN playing in the arcade. After that, we meandered around looking at all the stores and had an early supper at the Rainforest Cafe. It was a nice, relaxing day with fun and shopping. We left shortly after it got dark.

 

[disneychrista]

DTD is basically a shopping mall. It is a place to go to eat or shop. There is a movie theater but unless you want to "Build a Bear" or Build a Car (@Ridemakerz) there isn't much else to do.

We usually arrive at lunch time and like to get Earl of Sandwich. If we are not going to the parks that day (which has become the norm) we will check out World of Disney to get a taste of Disney Magic. Other than that we don't spend much time in DtD, as we are not much into shopping.

 

[tzeitel]

When we go to WDW arrival day is always spent at DtD (or Disney Springs now ), so when we went to DLR for the first time a few years ago we planned on just that. It was super crowded (I think it was a Sunday, around 4PM), not much to do, not very big either. We went into a couple of shops, took some photos, and then went offsite for dinner. Now we go for breakfast a Ralph Brennan's cs, WoD for shopping, Jamba Juice (seems like the gift card I have from 5 years ago is never depleting), or to walk to one of the Disney hotels. I do recommend Ralph Brennan's - the cs for the french toast beignets, and the ts for dinner

 

[ParkHopper1]

Yeah, DTD is a nice alternative for food, shopping and coffee to the in park offerings for before, after and even during the day but it really is an accessory to the resort...not necessarily a destination in and of itself that needs dedicated allocated time in your planning. It is a great option if you have a down day or arrival day but not worth spending dedicated time there at the expense of in park time.

My day usually starts in DTD with a light breakfast and/or Starbucks then we end the day there on the way out of the parks strolling through a few shops. Occasionally make a dining reservation for DTD and head out of the parks for that...and between all that we expereience most of DTD each trip.