Hi there, and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! For the first time in forever, we’re so excited to experience the magic of the Disneyland Resort with the reopening of Downtown Disney District! My family visited a few days ago, and I’d love to share our experience with you.
My three Mouseketeers (ages 4, 6, and 8) and I headed to Downtown Disney District for lunch, and ended up staying until after dinner! We were impressed with the new health and safety measures, starting with our temperature screenings. We walked up to a Cast Member for our contactless screening without a wait, and were done in a matter of seconds. Next, we went through security screenings, which were fast and seamless. Once we passed the security checkpoint, I was immediately impressed with the availability of hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations throughout Downtown Disney.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Earl of Sandwich on the outdoor patio, where tables were nicely spaced. I also liked the helpful markers on the ground to maintain physical distancing while waiting to order.
Next, it was off to World of Disney to check out the new merchandise honoring the 65th anniversary of Disneyland Park. I loved the Mobile Wait List, which helped us avoid standing in the heat for too long while we waited for our turn to enter. All you have to do is provide your name and mobile number to a Cast Member, and you’ll receive a text message when it’s time to return. This Mobile Wait List is only necessary when some retail locations are at capacity, and is also being used at Marceline’s Confectionery.
We loved seeing all the new merchandise and new procedures inside World of Disney, including reduced capacity at cash registers, and enhanced cleaning between transactions. If you haven't already purchased your Disney Cloth Face Masks from shopDisney.com, I'm happy to report that they're being sold individually there, too! These masks are my family's favorites!
Later in the day, we enjoyed a wonderful meal from Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. I loved the additional patio seating, which stretched all the way around the corner to Splitsville Luxury Lanes (which isn’t currently open).
The Esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park is an ideal spot for a fun photo shoot, as is the beautiful photo backdrop near the exit of Downtown Disney. Just listening to familiar Disney tunes on the loudspeakers, watching Cast Members wave and welcome us back, and seeing the familiar sights made my family feel at home once again!
Before your visit, don’t forget to check this page to find out everything you’ll need to know for a successful visit. You can also make dining reservations ahead of time for Naples Ristorante e Bar and UVA Bar & Cafe, which will guarantee parking in the Simba lot on a busier day. Parking is currently complimentary, so you can take your time soaking in the magic!
We can’t wait to see ya’ real soon!
Kristin