Hi there, Fabiola!
Welcome to planDisney. It looks like you might be heading to the Disneyland Resort today! Let's not waste a minute in finding you an answer to your question.
Downtown Disney is a great location for eating and shopping infused with Disney magic. You can easily spend an afternoon or evening snacking and browsing your way through all the offerings. When it comes to spotting and meeting characters, this is more likely to happen at a character dining experience rather than in and around Downtown Disney once you are outside of the parks. I have not personally seen Mickey himself meeting with Guests in Downtown Disney. That's not to say you won't find a touch of Mickey everywhere you look, from mouse-shaped treats at
Disney Wonderful World of Sweets to the plushie wall at
World of Disney!
If you're looking for some character experiences that don't require a theme park ticket, I'd recommend a
reservation for character dining. You can find Mickey at
Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet and Brunch at the Grand Californian Hotel while some of his pals hang out at
Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Storytellers Cafe, where Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast usually takes place, is undergoing renovations. Not to worry though; the breakfast has moved to the Trillium Room at the Grand Californian, and you can make reservations as usual in the Disneyland app or on the website up to 60 days in advance.
Circling back quickly to World of Sweets, one of my favorite things to do is to place a
Mobile Order through the Disneyland App so that my bag of treats is ready to go as soon as I arrive. We usually save it until we're back in the hotel room or even back at home - it's the best way to prolong the magic. We always get a classic caramel apple to share, usually, it's the Mickey Sorcerer's Apprentice Apple! Almost too cute to eat, but we manage somehow!
Fabiola, I hope this was helpful in your planning. I know you are on your way to the magic, so please let us know if you have any more questions or need a tip or two. We are always here for you at
planDisney.
See ya real soon!
Tara