D Que Blog: Let's Go Downtown

Downtown Disney

Are you just beginning your Disney day or has it's been a long day at the parks?

Are you staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels?

Are you in the mood for a unique shopping and dining experience?

Then it's time to go downtown - Downtown Disney.

This multi faceted area opened back in 2001, along with the Grand Californian Hotel, Disney California Adventure Park and the expansion of the entire Disneyland Resort area. Prior to the addition of Cars Land & the remodeled Buena Vista Street, Downtown Disney was part of the largest expansions in the resorts history. It has gone through many incarnations over the last decade and some of the original residents have moved on. Some new shops and venues have taken there place. Let's take a little stroll and see what our options are today for shopping and dining.

Shops & Restaurants (Alphabetically)

Apricot Lane

Located at the west end of the street, next to the AMC Theater, this little boutique is a great place to purchase fashionably items before heading into the parks.

Blink

This corner store sponsored by Wet Seal sits next to the west entrance of World of Disney.
This is prime real estate people..

Build-A-Bear

Create your own Teddy Bear, MerBear, Sports Bear or Specialty Bear.

If you already have a bear, maybe it needs new accessories.

Catal Restaurant

A great place to have a nosh or a drink.

Just out front is the UVA Bar (see more at end of post).

D Street

A sure stop if you are in to vinylmation or trendy Disney accessories.

Disney Vault 28

More upscale Disney merchandise.

ESPN Zone

Food and Sports. Every Dads fantasy theme park attraction.

Fossil

Shop, shop, shop. Accessories and bling.

Haagen-Dazs

Yum, Ice Cream. I'll have a double scoop of chocolate please!

House of Blues

Good food. Good Music. What more could you ask for?

Jamba Juice

Whatever your favorite mixture, be sure to get your extra shot of wheat grass.

La Brea Bakery Cafe & Express

A great place to begin your day with a hearty breakfast or end it with some coffe and a pastry.

LEGO Imagination Center

The ultimate in LEGO with a Disney twist.

(a more detailed look will be coming in a future update)

LittleMissMatched

Does your little one have trouble finding a matching pair of socks?
No problem here. The theme of the store is disorganization.

Marceline's Confectionery

Mmmmm! Candy, Chocolate, Sweets.

Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria

Pizza, Pasta, and Garlic. The perfect combo.

Napolini

A quick version of Naples.

Quicksilver

Need the latest surf ware or a bikini? These are for wearing at the pool, not in the parks.

Rainforest Cafe

I love to eat lunch in the Jungle. I really want to have an elephant over my shoulder when I have diner. I love to hear tropical birds overhead when I'm trying to finish off an expensive dessert.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen & Jazz Kitchen Express

Yummy! Gumbo and Beignets. A little music may accompany your meal.

RideMakerz

This is Build-a-bear for boys. Instead of fuzzy clothes you can get tricked out tires and a spoiler.

Sanuk

Shoes for your tire feet after (or before) your day in the parks.

Sephora

Make-up. Just what we need, more make-up.

Something Silver

Shinny, sparkling and expensive.

Studio Disney 365

Let your little princess be made up in the latest glitter and ribbon fashions.

Sunglass Icon

Did you forget your shades? Need a new pair of RayBan's? Stop here first.

Tortilla Jo's

A step above Acapulco and Taco Bell, but with all the options for Mexican food in S. Cal this is never my first choice. It's a miss for me.

Uva Bar

Located just outside of Catal, this is a great little spot to have a drink.

Summer nights will be great for an evening cocktail!

Wetzel's Pretzels

Let's see, do I want a pretzel or a hot dog with my lemonade?

World of Disney

The biggest Disney shopping opportunity at the resort.

Everything is here. You want T-shirts? Need a watch or kitchenware?

Looking for the latest DVD/Blue Ray release or plush character?

Whatever Disney themed item you might need is probably here.

AMC 12 Theaters

Want a little down time, or just an expensive box of popcorn? Are you ready for a movie?

AMC Theaters has 12 options for you to see the latest movies. Of course, the latest Disney/Pixar movies are always prominently advertised out front. What else would you expect?

Coming Soon...