Downtown Disney District reopens at Disneyland Resort

The Downtown Disney District began its phased reopening to guests today at the Disneyland Resort, with several operational changes now in place to keep everyone safe.

downtown disney
Photos courtesy of Disneyland Resort

During this phased reopening period, there are a few key things to know and expect when visiting the Downtown Disney District:

Guest Parking and Entrances

Self-parking is offered at the Simba lot only, and there are clearly defined entrances to the Downtown Disney District. All other guest parking locations will be closed at this time. Parking at the Simba lot is complimentary for now, but this offering is only temporary. Rideshare drop-offs will be at the Harbor Boulevard guest drop-off and pick-up location or the guest drop-off and pick-up location on Downtown Drive.

Temperature and Security Screenings

Temperature screenings are required prior to entry. Guests will undergo their screenings in front of the designated Downtown Disney District security screening location. Anyone who displays a temperature of 100.4°F or above will be sent to an additional location for rescreening. Guests with a temperature of 100.4 or above, including their party, will not be allowed to enter. Cast members and operating participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check prior to coming to work.

Face Coverings

face coverings

Face coverings are required for guests ages 2 and older. All face coverings should fully cover a person’s nose and mouth and allow them to be hands-free. Masks should fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face, and be secured with ties or ear loops — this means that the popular gaiter-style face masks are not permitted.

Operational Changes for Physical Distancing

downtown disney

Physical distancing measures are in place, including physically-distanced queues and seating, and physical barriers at select locations. Directional signage has been installed to help guests maintain physical distancing as they move through the property. In addition, ground markings help to promote proper physical distancing when queueing is needed. For now, cashless transactions are recommended to reduce contact — this includes debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, mobile wallets, and Disney gift cards.

Temporary operations modifications are in place, including reduced hours at select locations and the suspension of entertainment offerings and high-touch interactive areas.

Enhanced Cleanliness Procedures

handwashing station

There is an increased focus on cleaning and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer in key areas. Cleaning procedures have been heightened in high-traffic areas like handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, and more.

Dining at the Downtown Disney District

Dining locations will begin to reopen with operational changes in line with the new health and safety measures, and no indoor seating will be permitted; all seating is, for now, outdoor patio only.

Parties will be seated at tables 6 feet apart, and digital or single-use menus will be offered at many locations. Some table service restaurants will offer advance reservations online, and some locations may use their own reservation system or virtual waitlist.

Updated Shopping Experiences

downtown disney

Shopping at merchandise locations in the District have changed to align with the new operational changes to help manage capacity and promote physical distancing.

Some retail locations, like the World of Disney, will offer a mobile wait list system at times to manage the number of guests shopping when the location or queue is at capacity. Guests can get on the list by sharing their name and mobile phone number, and will receive a text message when it’s their turn to enter.

As for new merchandise launches, monthly program releases and limited-edition merchandise at Disney owned-and-operated retail locations will not be available for in-person purchases until further notice. Guests are instead encouraged to check out the Merchandise Events page to learn more about buying limited-edition merchandise online.

For now, dressing rooms will not be available for guests to use, and eligible item returns and exchanges will be accepted at World of Disney and other Disney owned-and-operated locations.

What’s open at the Downtown Disney District?

The following list of shopping and dining locations are now open as of July 9. Keep in mind that additional locations may reopen that are not currently in this list.

  • Asian Street Eats by Chef Hung Huynh
  • Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
  • California Churro
  • Curl Surf
  • Disney Home
  • Disney’s Pin Traders
  • Earl of Sandwich
  • Jamba
  • Kayla’s Cakes
  • Marceline’s Confectionery
  • Naples Ristorante e Bar
  • Pandora Jewelry
  • Rinse Bath & Body Co.
  • Salt & Straw
  • Sephora
  • Starbucks
  • Starbucks West
  • Sugarboo & Co.
  • Sunglass Icon
  • The Disney Dress Shop
  • The Lego Store
  • Uva Bar & Cafe
  • Wetzel’s Pretzels
  • WonderGround Gallery
  • World of Disney

Visiting this part of the Disneyland Resort will definitely be a bit different than what guests are used to for the foreseeable future. To help, cast members from the Guest Experience Team will be walking throughout the Downtown Disney District to help answer any questions guests might have.

It is also worth noting that for now, there is no scheduled reopening date for the Disneyland Resort’s theme parks, pending California’s new state guidelines on reopening.

The Downtown Disney District is now open to guests from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, though individual location hours can vary. To learn more, visit Disneyland.com/DTD.

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