I know…. Everyone knows about the amazing theme park located just south of Los Angeles, in Anaheim California…. Disneyland. The park is world famous, and since I grew up in L.A., I have probably spent over a hundred hours there. But have you ever taken time to walk the Downtown Disney District located right next to the theme park?
You can enter the Disney Downtown District directly from Disneyland or you can park the nearby parking lot, which is free for up to 3 hours (or 5 hours with validation from a district vendor). We had a great time even though the rain tried very hard to dampen our day!
You can enter the Disney Downtown District directly from Disneyland or you can park the nearby parking lot, which is free for up to 3 hours (or 5 hours with validation from a district vendor). We had a great time even though the rain tried very hard to dampen our day!
There is even a Disney Hotel located right in the district! The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has a mountain lodge feel to it, with huge river rock stacked columns and craftsman style lanterns in the great room lobby.
The District is a pedestrian-only area where you can stroll along, stopping to watch or listen to outdoor entertainers, and when you need a break from shopping in all the fun stores, you can sit down at an open-air café for a bite or just a cocktail or coffee.
In the evening, theaters and nightclubs add to the fun on offer and there are a variety of interesting restaurants to pick from. We chose the Rainforest Café, which is a favorite with kids. This café is pure Disney!
As you enter what is a mystical Incan temple, you are enveloped by the Amazon Rainforest décor, filled with exotic faux birds and animals, some of which are startlingly animated. Lush tropical plants and Banyan trees overhang the tables and the sounds of thunder claps, sudden rainstorms, singing birds and trumpeting elephants fill your ears. The menu is extensive with lots of choices for children and adults and naturally they are all “rainforest” themed for the delight of the little ones!
Needless to say, the café is usually packed, so you will have to wait at least 30 minutes if you don’t make a reservation. Fortunately, there is shop with loads of interesting items to investigate or you can walk around the district for a bit while you wait.
Since Disneyland is an alcohol-free zone, adults can enjoy a much needed “adult-beverage” with their meal outside the gates at the Downtown Disney District after a family-friendly day at the park! Downtown Disney is definitely an entertaining addition to the Disney Resort!
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