Disney never ceases to amaze us with their unlimited amount of attractions and entertainment available on a daily basis. In 2001 a new attraction was built which does not fall short of this. Sandwiched between Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure lies Downtown Disney which is a must-see when visiting Anaheim, CA. Here you can enjoy a family filled day with live entertainment, a plethora of dining experiences and shopping. And what sets Downtown Disney District apart from its counterparts is that there are no rides and it requires no entry ticket to visit.
In early 2001 a $1.4 billion dollar expansion project was finished and its purpose was to provide Southern Californians and tourists with a new and exciting destination to dine, catch a movie and shop. It was also meant to encourage extended stays in the resort district, which it continues to have a helping hand in doing so today. Downtown Disney sits on top of where the Disneyland hotel and Disney parking lot used to reside and is continuously responsible for thousands of foot traffic a day.
Downtown Disney offers shopping and entertainment for every age with big names like AMC Theatres, ESPN Zone, Sephora, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and others. There is also a House of Blues that has held hundreds of concerts up to this point but will be relocating later this year to a larger venue at the Anaheim Garden Walk, just a mile away. There is no word yet on what Disney will do with that open space. If the Disneyland or California Adventure crowd gets too crazy for you, you can walk right outside of the entrance and enjoy a more relaxed, Disney-themed atmosphere. On the other hand, if you’ve made your way throughout Downtown Disney and are ready to hit the Disneyland pavement, you can avoid the crowds at the front gate and catch the Monorail that connects the two. Your kids can enjoy some fun interactions at the Lego Store or Build-A-Bear Workshop and afterwards the family can watch some live entertainment at the Downtown Disney Live! stage. There are various other activities to add to the list such as toy drives, charity events and other social functions that you can partake in. These are just some of the reasons why this place is so special.
Downtown Disney is your one-stop shop to unique dining and shopping experiences, fun entertainment and is steps away from Disneyland and Disneyland’s California Adventure and only about a ten minute walk from Ramada Maingate At The Park. Throughout the years it has been an exciting landing spot for people of all ages visiting for their own reasons. It would be in your best interest to take an hour or two out of your day and partake in a one-of-a-kind Disney experience.
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