Your Guide to Downtown Disney Reopening

At the start of the Corona Virus pandemic, we tried to guess how and when the #DisneylandResort would open. We asked each other what would we do if #DowntownDisney reopened before the parks...would we go to Downtown Disney? Would it make us sad to visit Downtown without being able to go into the parks? Or would it help satisfy the need for some Disney magic in our lives? At the time, we did not imagine the virus lasting this long, Disneyland being closed this long, or Downtown Disney being open this long before Disneyland would reopen. Our general answers to those questions included, "I don't know," "It might make me sad," "I might try to wait it out until Disneyland reopens, it will probably open within a few weeks of Downtown Disney." Well, here we are in AUGUST, almost 6 months from when the parks closed and there is still no opening date in sight. Our answers have changed.

We needed a little Disney magic in our lives and would take that dose in the form of Downtown Disney. Thankfully, the outdoor shopping and restaurant area was able to reopen on July 9, 2020. It looks a little different now and we have all the details- from safety guidelines to hours of operation to what is open.

When is Downtown Disney open?

Monday-Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday-Sunday 10am-9pm *New weekend hours!
Parking opens at approximately 9:45 am.

Where do you park? How much does it cost?

Parking is FREE for everyone!
Parking everyone in the Simba lot, located near the Paradise Pier hotel off Disneyland Dr and Katella.
- Sometimes parking is “paused”- meaning that they sometimes they stop letting cars in to give the group of cars in front of you a chance to safely get out and through the security/temperature check process without it clogging up. They are trying to promote physical distancing this way and it works well!
- At times, they may completely close off the parking lot if Downtown Disney is at capacity. They are keeping a close count on the number of people inside.

What are the mask requirements?

A mask is required as soon as you step out of your car.
Masks are required on all guests ages 2 and over.
Masks must fully cover your nose and mouth. The mask must be secure under your chin (no gaiter style masks, where they leave the bottom half uncovered). The mask must be secured with ear loops or ties and be made with at least two layers of fabric. Masks with valves, mesh or holes of any kind are prohibited.
Masks must be worn at ALL times. The one exception is when you are actively eating or drinking while STATIONARY. You cannot be walking and sipping your Starbucks. You must sit to enjoy your Salt & Straw ice cream.
There are plenty of cast members as you walk in and throughout the shopping area making sure you are properly wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance between you and the groups around you. Please remember that wearing a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing!

How does the temperature check work? Has the security process changed?

There is a three step process to getting into the park.

Temperature Tent

The first tent you approach is the temperature check tent. As you get closer to it, cast members are lined up and tell you to keep your party together and to wait at the designated spots on the ground with your party until you’re called to move forward. We've never had to wait at this tent.
An employees from Hoag (local hospitals) taking the temperatures. They're very kind and tell you “Hi, my name is ___ and I’ll be taking your temperature.” They put the thermometer near your forehead (but don't touch it) and let you know if you're good to go.
If you have a reading over 100.4, another Hoag employee approaches you. You are allowed to sit and cool down in another tent for a few minutes before they check it again. If it’s still above 100.4, you and the rest of your party are asked to leave.

2. Dog Sniffing Tent

Instead of the dogs sniffing your bags as you wait in line for security, you are required to walk through a tent with the dogs. The tent is split in two side and you will be directed to one side with your party.
You simply walk through with your party, the dog and officer will follow behind you.
They ask that you put bags and purses at waist height as you walk through. It's simple but also really hard to not stop and pet the dogs!

3. Security

You finally approach the normal security line- except it looks a little different now!
There is now a plastic barrier (like plexiglass) between you and the security officer checking bags. We've had a couple of different experiences with this area. Sometimes the security officer handles the bag and gives it back to you at the end of the plexiglass. Other times, we've had the security officer ask us to keep our bags with us on our side of the plexiglass. They look through plexiglass and ask us to move around the items so they can see inside.
At the metal detector, there is a table adjacent where you slide your bag or wallet down to the other side (they used to have a security officer do it for you). Next, you walk through the detector. The security officer is standing about 6 feet away making sure you don’t beep.
Then you’re finally free to go! You’re immediately met with a bunch of hand sanitizer stations- so clean those hands. :)

What stores and restaurants are open?

As of 8/3/2020, the following stores are open: California Sole (new shoe store!), Curl Surf, Disney Home, Disney's Pin Traders, Pandora Jewelry, Rinse Bath & Body Co, Sephora, Sugarboo & Co., The Disney Dress Stop, The Lego Store, WonderGround Gallery, World of Disney
As of 8/3/2020, the following restaurants/eateries are open: Asian Street Eats,Ballast Point Brewing Co., Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, California Churro, Earl of Sandwich, Jamba, Kayla's Cakes, Marceline's Confectionary, Naples Ristorante e Bar (taking reservations), Salt & Straw, Starbucks (Both locations), Tortilla Jo's (taking reservations), Uva Bar & Cafe, Wetzel's Pretzels
Note: All of these establishments keep a close eye on how many people are inside, so a line outside may form.
Pro Tip: Marceline's may sell out of treats at times during the day (especially later on in the day). They have a limited number of candy makers back at work, thus limiting the production of our favorite treats. The available treats varies each day and time too.

How do I get into World of Disney?

When it's a little busier, the World of Disney store may require a "reservation." To find out it you'll need a reservation, ask one of the cast members in front of the World of Disney store. If so, they'll direct you to the area where you make the reservation. If not, you can hop in the line at the store.

The reservation process: a cast member will ask for your phone number and place you in a virtual queue. When it's your turn, you'll receive a text message to return to the line in front of the World of Disney store. The line goes quickly!
Note: when you are making a reservation, ask if Marceline's or the Home store also require one. At times, they also have virtual queues.

What other safety precautions are being taken at Downtown Disney?

All cast members are wearing masks. Some are in gloves.
Hand sanitizer is available at every store exit/entrance, cash register and throughout the shopping area. There are also portable sinks with soap at a few locations outside.
Plexiglass separates you and the cashiers in each store.
Trash cans are propped open to minimize the number of surfaces you touch (We love this little detail!).
Seating areas (including the benches) throughout the shopping area are marked where you can't sit to promote physical distancing between parties.
As noted earlier, all guests and cast members must be seated (or stationary) to eat or drink.
Cast members are everywhere! They have lots of cast members assigned to just stand outside and monitor that everyone is complying with the safety guidelines.

Did you feel safe?

Honestly, yes. Downtown Disney has felt much safer than trips to Costco, Target or other outdoor shopping malls in Southern California. Between the safety protocols by Disney, the many cast members enforcing them and respectful guests, it has felt like a safe and happy environment for us....just like Disneyland. :)

How did it feel to be back?

Sad and wonderful at the same time. It's weird to see the park gates so empty and to not be allowed back in but it's also wonderful to be back on Disney property, taste some churro toffee, chat with cast members, and listen to the music. It almost felt like normal life again.