Greetings, Cynthia, and welcome to planDisney!
For the first time in forever, it sounds like you’re planning to return to the magic of the
Disneyland Resort! I’m so thankful for the
phased reopening of the Resort, even though we’re still awaiting the reopening of the theme parks and hotels. I firmly believe that a visit to
Downtown Disney District will help (temporarily) cure your Disney blues!
I highly recommend checking out the spook-tacular new
Halloween-themed merchandise at
World of Disney – it’s boo-tiful! I’m happy to report that you actually won’t need to make a reservation ahead of time in order to shop at World of Disney. Typically, as you approach the store, a Cast Member will help guide you toward the standby queue (where the trams used to unload Guests) to wait for entry. If you visit on a weekday, you can expect a shorter standby wait time. However, if you visit on a weekend, you may experience longer wait times, or the use of a Mobile Wait List. I was added to the Mobile Wait List upon visiting World of Disney shortly after it reopened, and I was very impressed with the process. Simply 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 also being used as needed at
Marceline’s Confectionery and
Disney Home.
Speaking of Marceline’s Confectionery, I recommend heading there as early as you can if you’d like to nab some Churro Toffee – it tends to sell out before noon! Also, satisfy your Disney sweet tooth with a Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar or a Minnie Mouse Candy Apple... yum!
If you’re planning a weekend visit, I highly recommend making a dining reservation ahead of time. Having a dining reservation will help you with parking in the Simba Lot, especially when the lot is full and parking is temporarily paused. Here’s how it works: Guests who have booked a dining reservation can speak with a parking lot Cast Member to show proof of their reservation to gain parking access. You can find the Simba Lot at Disneyland Drive and Katella Ave. I’m thrilled to report that parking at the Simba Lot is temporarily complimentary, too! Currently,
these restaurants are accepting reservations. My family loves dining at
Naples Ristorante e Bar -- the family-size pizzas are delicious!
Before your visit, don’t forget to
click here to find out everything you’ll need to know for a successful Downtown Disney District adventure. Also, be sure to bring a face covering for yourself and any Guests ages 2 and older.
I hope this information helps, Cynthia! I can’t wait for you to visit soon!
Wishing you Disney magic,
Kristin