I make a case for why Downtown Disney is worth visiting.
With Disneyland opening on April 30, the beauty of Downtown Disney will soon fade as the parks open up. However, with Downtown Disney being the only Disney experience that has been available since March, I have gained a new appreciation for it. So, here is my guide to Downtown Disney.
My advice would be to arrive as soon as the park opens at 10 a.m. so there isn’t a huge crowd. Once you have entered Downtown Disney, head straight to the Star Wars Trading Post that is newly open. As a Star Wars nerd, this shop is heaven.
While I was saddened to see the Rainforest Cafe leave, this Star Wars Trading Post store makes up for it with a fun lightsaber table, cute baby yoda plush toys and lots of figurines. However, my favorite part of this new store was Rey’s speeder out front.
Closeby is the pin trader’s shop. Personally, a trip to Downtown Disney is not complete without looking at the various pins they have here. My lanyard is filled with my favorite characters from Disney such as Eeyore, Cinderella, Jane Porter and Scarlet Witch. The key to visiting this store is checking out the retro trading pins they have.
Walk a bit of a way down, and you will hit the iconic World of Disney shop. This store is full of all the Disney merchandise you will ever need. From Disney ears to Disney water bottles, this store has it all. My personal suggestions for this store is to find Disney ears or a hat if you don’t have any and to take a look at some of their cute plush toys. This store is irresistible.
Now, that we have hit my favorite stores, it should be about time to get lunch. My personal place to go to for food is La Brea Bakery; they have the best bread bowls. I could eat them all day long. If it’s a hot day though, Tortilla Jo’s Taqueria is also a great location.
As La Brea Bakery is at the end of the Downtown Disney district, begin walking back to the entrance and stop at Salt and Straw for dessert. Salt and Straw is an ice cream shop that has unique flavors like Pear and Blue Cheese. Depending on the location, they have different flavors, but if you are at the Downtown Disney location, I would suggest the Honey Lavendar or Arbequina Olive Oil for a light and creamy ice cream.
It is time for my favorite snack in all of Downtown Disney: the beignets from Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. The beignets are quite heavy so you might want to take these to go, even though I think they are best warm. The taste of fried dough and powdered sugar will take you straight to New Orleans.
If you want to branch out from the typical beignet, they also have banana’s foster glazed beignets, which are covered in banana rum icing, cinnamon dust, caramel drizzle and vanilla bean creme anglaise. These beignets are rich, and I had a hard time eating them. But if you like sweets, this is your beignet. Other beignet glazes include raspberry, chocolate and caramel are great options.
Since Disney is reopening, I would suggest using Downtown Disney as a way to rest your feet, after a few strenuous days at Disneyland. It’s a great place to rest and avoid the crowds of Disney. Feel free to also stop by places like the Home Store and Dress Store to get gifts for your loved ones too.
All of this to say, be sure not to skimp on the experience that is Downtown Disney, it is just as magical as the parks or at least it has been for me during this season.
The Beat @APU 