Eastcoaster with a few hours at Downtown Disney

[DopeyDame]

Some old college friends and I are meeting in Palm Springs in a few weeks. Two of us will land at LAX just before lunchtime, and we don't have to be in Palm Springs until the evening... and it so happens that the route from LAX to Palm Springs takes us near Disneyland.
We obviously don't have time (or inclination or money) to actually go to one of the parks, but I was thinking it might be fun to get lunch at Downtown Disney.

Can someone walk me through the logistics? Is parking going to be a nightmare and make it not worthwhile? Anywhere especially good you'd recommend for two 40-somethings wanting to chat and catch up? Anything fun we should do in addition to/instead of a sit down late lunch?

 

[pblack]

I don't think parking should be a problem. I've never had issues with parking and going into DTD. In case you don't know, you will have to go through security to get into DTD. There are a variety of restaurants there including the recently opened Ballast Point Brewery. I'd recommend going to https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/downtown-disney-district/ and viewing the list of restaurants to see what fits your taste buds. The only other thing to do really do in DTD is shop.

ETA there is also Splitsville now open, so you could also go bowling if you wish to do something other than eat/shop.

 

[BrianL]

If you have the time, check out The Void VR experience. The Star Wars experience is really cool! I think a lunch at DTD sounds great. I'd go for Earl of Sandwich myself, but if you want something nicer, there are options. You could also eat at one of the resort restaurants.

 

[DLgal]

That sounds like fun! I'd recommend Naples out on the patio. They have fantastic drinks and great food. My second choice would be Ralph Brennans. Third choice, Tortilla Joe's or Catal (Mexican or Mediterranean). All the restaurants are great, to be honest.

Parking is easy. Midday will be easy, security wise. I'd not recommend much more than lunch. The drive to Palm Springs is pretty long from Anaheim, and traffic will become an issue as the afternoon wears on.

 

[Zooey]

Trader Sam’s would be my go to.

 

[jlmarr]

Trader Sam’s would be my go to.

... but note that Trader Sam's - or any restaurant in the DLR hotels - does not validate for Downtown Disney parking. You could go there after eating at Naples/Tortilla Joe's/Catal/etc and getting a validation from one of those places.

Edit: added "does not" - kinda important!

 

[Pollito916]

Trader Sam’s would be my go to.

Same, then I would spend the rest of the time shopping!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Agree with the recs for Naples (patio!), Catal, and the Jazz Kitchen. Weather permitting, UVA Bar is fun, too. Ballast Point Brewery opens today, so that might be fun to try. You'll get up to 5 hours parking with a validation from a TS restaurant, so that should allow for some shopping after lunch.

The recent price increases hit DTD parking fees, too. Here is the latest info on parking at DTD (from the DLR website):

Parking
The Downtown Disney District is conveniently located in the heart of all the action and is easily accessible for Guests of the Disneyland Resort.

Enjoy 3 hours of parking when you make a $20 minimum purchase and receive validation from any Downtown Disney location (including quick-service restaurants, merchandise locations and kiosks)—or up to 5 hours of parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant.

Beyond these validations, each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum $7 charge after the initial 15-minute grace period. Additionally, the maximum daily parking and lost ticket fee is $56. Parking is subject to capacity.