Downtown Disney District - Anaheim, California

R M.

I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s been amazing to see how much it has evolved! One of my favorite additions is the grassy area with comfy seating, it’s perfect for families to relax and enjoy the live music. On our recent visit, we had dinner at Jazz Kitchen, then grabbed some coffee and sat at the comfy chairs while listening to the music.
There are plenty of great shops, though it can get pretty busy on weekends. We went on a Thursday, and it was much more relaxed and enjoyable. Just a heads up: don’t forget to get your parking validated. If you spend over $20, parking is $10 for the first 4 hours. Dining at a restaurant gets you 6 hours with validation.
Overall, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy good food, shopping, great music, and quality time with family.

Lupita H.

It's a very nice place to visit, with places to dine, shops, snacks, and music. When you buy something, you get a discount on parking, or it's free for two hours. It's perfect for the whole family, even if you're not going to the Disneyland park.

Denise T.

Downtown Disney is a great place to round out your Disney vacation or as a less expensive alternative to Disneyland. I like to call it Disney Adjacent! During my most recent trip to Cali, a Disneyland visit wasn't doable. So we took a trip to Downtown Disney. We were able to do some Disney shopping, experience some of the Disney vibe, get a bite to eat, and enjoy a Disney churro!
I also enjoyed seeing some of the new shops that were built with the retro feel of the original Disneyland Hotel shops.

Postcard N. F. T.

Immaculately clean. Thought I'd see more restrooms, but didn't need one urgently thankfully. Loved the lawn by the stage for kids to run and roll down the "hills."

When we were there this morning there were at least 200 people in line waiting for it to open for the release of the 70th Anniversary Merch.

The Starbucks was a beautiful one.

Garry K.

Fun walking, shopping, and dining. Paid parking is available. The public entrances have security checkpoints. Many different shopping opportunities, most of which are upscale at least by price. This goes for the select places to eat. The food and service is good. A good clean event.

Faisal P.

Visited Downtown Disney in Anaheim for New Year's Night fireworks. This place was packed with people both from the park and the downtown walk.

There were plenty of Disney staff to service the customers, keep the place clean, and make a great day for those visiting.

Parking is quite a challenge however if you visit a bit later after 10:00 p.m. it's much better. Disney downtown parking has a flat fee of $10 after 10:00 p.m.. however before 10:00 p.m. it is $10 for the first hour and $14 every hour after that, which can be validated from any store purchase of greater than $20.

There is a continuous flow of tramps to take to move people from parking structures to Disney downtown district.

The fireworks at midnight or a spectacular show which is best scene from the parking garage rooftop versus from the downtown district as the trees are high and block The view.

OWN U.

The Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, California, is a lively outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area just outside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. It offers a mix of Disney-themed experiences and general attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages.

Pros:

✅ Great Atmosphere – A vibrant and lively environment with Disney magic without needing a park ticket.
✅ Diverse Dining Options – Popular spots like Black Tap Craft Burgers, Salt & Straw, and Naples Ristorante offer great food choices.
✅ Live Entertainment – Frequent live music and performances add to the fun experience.
✅ Shopping Variety – From Disney merchandise at the World of Disney store to specialty shops like The LEGO Store and Sephora.
✅ Convenient Location – Easy access to Disneyland parks and hotels, making it a good stop before or after a park visit.

Cons:

❌ Crowded – Can get very busy, especially on weekends and evenings.
❌ Expensive – Food and shopping prices are high, even for non-park guests.
❌ Limited Parking – Free parking for only a short period, then it gets pricey.
❌ Lack of Attractions – No rides, mainly a shopping and dining experience.

Final Verdict:

Downtown Disney is a great place to experience the Disney vibe without buying a theme park ticket. It’s perfect for grabbing a meal, shopping for souvenirs, or enjoying live entertainment. However, expect high prices and crowds. It’s best for a casual visit, especially if you’re already near Disneyland.

Tim D.

I felt like a shortage of food places; but a nice (about mile one-way) on a pleasant 60-some degree day. There is a Starbucks, Jamba, and Earl of Sandwich Tavern/cafe. Couple stores closed down. Big attractions were Lego store, Star Wars store, and World of Disney. 10 dollar parking first hour.