Downtown Disney Re-Opening Guidelines

“Tomorrow is the reward for working safely today.”

I think it’s safe to say we could all use some Disney magic right about now. If you are like us and live on the west coast, the indefinite closure of Disneyland has us wishing upon a star! In the meantime, Downtown Disney has re-opened and we have all the scoop for you. I have gone twice now, once alone and once with the family. The second time we were hosted for dinner and some shopping, but as always all opinions are mine. Here are some of the observations we have made about our visits…

Parking, as of right now, is in the Simba lot, which is located right next to the Paradise Pier Hotel off of Disneyland Drive. They only allow a certain number of cars into the parking lot at a time, so if it is too crowded you will have a wait in your car before allowed to park. Parking is currently free, which is great!

Screening before entry to Downtown Disney includes a temperature check as well as a security/bag check. There are lots of signs for clarification as you enter. You can keep your family together while going through these checks and no need to take everything out of your bags. Just unzip any area’s of your purse or backpack so security can look through your belongings from behind a Plexiglas.

Masks are required to be worn at all times for anyone age 2 and older. You may remove your mask while sitting down and eating/drinking in a stationary location while distanced from others. Not all masks are acceptable. There are lots of cast members that are also walking around to make sure that everyone is properly wearing their masks.

***Mask Tip for young kids: Let them pick out a new mask that they are excited about before going. Explain that it will give them a superpower to protect them. Once you are there don’t have any expectations on how long they will last before asking to take it off. If they do need a break, find a spot distanced from others to have a snack. Let them sit and eat, but explain that if they would like to do any more exploring the mask will need to go back on. Hotter temperatures definitely make it harder to wear a mask for longer periods of time, so I would plan your trip accordingly.

Face coverings must:

• Be made with 2 layers of breathable material
• Fully cover nose and mouth and secure under chin
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Allow guests to remain hands free

The following face coverings are NOT permitted:

• Neck gaiters (the infinity type scarfs that go around the neck and pull up like a turtle neck)
• Open chin triangle bandanas
• Covers with valves, mesh or holes of any kind
• Costume maks

Social Distance markings are all over Downtown Disney. You will find them on the ground to keep people distanced in line for stores, on benches and more.

Hand Washing and Sanitizer Stations are located all over the premises. It is super easy to keep your hands clean while visiting.

Restaurants that are currently open …

• Asian Street Eats
• Ballast Point Brewing Co.
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
• California Churro
• Earl of Sandwich
• Jamba Juice
• Kayla’s Cakes
• Marceline’s Confectionery
• Naples Ristorante e Bar
• Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen & Express
• Salt & Straw
• Starbucks
• Tortilla Jo’s
• Uva Bar & Cafe
• Wetzel’s Pretzels

Some restaurants you can make a reservation, others you can wait in a line to order. At this time only outdoor seating is available, so I suggest trying to go on a cooler day or first thing in the morning, or in the evening. The shake below is from Black Tap and they also have great burgers (with gluten free & vegan options as well).

Stores that are open…

• California Sole
• Curl Surf
• Disney Home
• Disney’s Pin Traders
• Pandora Jewelry
• Rinse Bath & Body Co.
• Sephora
• Sugarboo & Co.
• Sunglass Icon
• The Disney Dress Shop
• The Lego Store (although there are no build your own stations anymore)
• WonderGround Gallery
• World of Disney

All stores keep track of how many people are allowed to be inside at one time. So once they hit a capacity there are lines outside of the store you can wait in. If those lines get too long, then a Disney employee will take your phone number and will text you when you can return to the line. I HIGHLY SUGGEST going to any store you want to shop at FIRST, ask if they have a wait (even if it doesn’t look like there is a long line). Give your phone number (if needed) to join the “virtual cue,” then go grab some food to pass the time, then head back for shopping.

Hours of Operation are currently 10am-8pm Monday through Thursday, 10am-9pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Also, I highly suggest stopping by the main gate of Disneyland if you want to hear the music and just see the train station. It’s magical and strange all at the same time. We are really hoping to be back at Disneyland soon, but until then we can make some fun memories at Downtown Disney.

Make sure to check the Disneyland app or visit HERE for more updated information. Check out THIS POST to see the inside of the World of Disney store after its most recent update.

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