Amidst a backdrop of varying opinions, Downtown Disney has reopened at the Disneyland Resort. In step with guidance from the state of California and after receiving approval from the government to reopen, the popular Disney retail and dining complex welcomed back its first visitors since the closures caused by the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

RELATED POST

Disney reaffirms commitment to safety amid growing concerns for reopening

The Downtown Disney official operating hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily while individual location hours may vary. Although some reports on social media showed an early morning bum rush to merchandise shelves at World of Disney, our experience was decidedly more relaxed. Just an hour later, we found a less stressfull experience once the ravenous piranha pool of resellers had cleared the waters.

Arriving at Downtown Disney

20200709_092043

We expected the morning of the very first day to be busy and that certainly turned out to be the case. Approximately 40 minutes before 10am, the cars were backed up all the way to the entrance of the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure. The only place to park for Downtown Disney at present is the Simba parking lot located south of the Paradise Pier Hotel which is exactly the opposite end of the resort.

20200709_092810

Although Disney is not advertising it, parking at Downtown Disney is free… for now.

20200709_125028

Simba and Zazu spots are available for parking. Cast Members were not directing traffic once you passed the toll gate.

Entering Downtown Disney

20200709_093921

In the morning, the line extended from Downtown Disney all the way back to the parking lot. The morning rush cleared out quickly as the Downtown Disney and Esplanade areas were large enough to soak up the crowds.

20200709_093937 20200709_094234

Signage is posted at several points all around the property warning of COVID-19 and safety precautions in place

20200709_094430

Social Distance markers are indicated on the ground wherever lines are expected to form. This includes leading up to the entrance as well as in front of all entry ways from shops, restaurants, restrooms, and more.

Temperatures Screenings

Guests with temperatures of 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party. Guests may choose to sit in a cool-down tent and see if their temperature reaches the admissible level.

20200709_094603 20200709_094502

20200709_094705

Canine Security Screenings

Guests are asked to take all bags off of their shoulders and hold them close to the ground as they pass through the canine security screening tent.

20200709_094747 20200709_094651

Bag Check Security Screening

A similar setup to how you might remember from before but with a few notable changes.

20200709_094836

Social Distancing markers direct you back to the familiar green tents for bag screening.

20200709_094837

Plexiglass shields are up and security asked us to open up our bags. They wore gloves but did not touch the bag or its contents. They asked us to move things around so that they could see inside.

20200709_094839

Once the bag was screened, we were asked to put our stuff on the table near the metal detector. No Cast Member was staffed here as we’ve seen in the past. Instead, we put our stuff down on the table, walked through the metal detector, and then picked up the items after passing through.

Inside Downtown Disney

20200709_121054

A series of notices and signs are available upon entering Downtown Disney. You can find each one in larger size below if you’d like to read them more clearly.

20200709_121058 20200709_121101 20200709_121105 20200709_121107

Constant Signage

Lots of signage constantly reinforces the new health and safety requirements.

20200709_094939 20200709_095007

Sanitization and Cleaning

Hand sanitizer stations can be found around Downtown Disney as can sinks with soap advising guests wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.

20200709_095818(0) 20200709_095059

20200709_112551

We’re not sure if the water fountains are in operation — we didn’t want to touch them — but we’ve seen several similar public places cover-up or otherwise close off their water fountains.

Dining

For now, indoor dining is not allowed so outdoor dining spaces have been expanded in an effort to accommodate more guests while allowing for social distancing.

20200709_095902 20200709_095912 20200709_095857

Expanded outdoor dining patios for Splitsville, and Tortilla Jo’s and Black Tap.

20200709_120132

Uva Bar is completely outdoors.

20200709_120334

Not all restaurants were ready for opening day.

20200709_100228(0)

Restaurants that are open are utilizing limited menus.

20200709_100027 20200709_100049

The Patina Restaurant Group locations in Downtown Disney (Tortilla Jo’s, Naples Ristorante E Bar, Catal Retaurant, and Uva Bar) are enforcing their company’s Dine-Safe initiative along with guidance from Disney and the state.

20200709_120820 20200709_120105 20200709_120113

Socially distanced queues for dining locations fill up the walkways.

Shopping Locations

20200709_100010 20200709_095649

All the shops in Downtown Disney similarly have very little capacity and are utilizing outside walkway space for socially distanced queues.

20200709_102148

In the morning, the Espalande was used as extended overflow queue for World of Disney. At some point while we were waiting, it turned from being a queue for World of Disney admission into queue for World of Disney reservation. When we reached the front of the line, a Cast Member took our name and phone number to secure our reservation. The line was about 25 minutes long and the wait from reservation to entrance was about an hour. Many guests were seen socially distancing in the random shade spots around the area.

More on World of Disney further down in the update.

20200709_112732

20200709_115948

Sanuk is becoming California Sole. An opening date has not yet been announced.

MORE INFO: California Sole is replacing Sanuk at Downtown Disney

20200709_120943

Photo-op at the husk of the former ESPN Zone.

Around the Resort

20200709_101013

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure sit empty awaiting approval from the government to reopen.

20200709_101420

Plexiglass can be seen at each turnstile to help protect Cast Members and guests as they enter the park… whenever that will be.

20200709_100958

For now, the monorail track is the closest you can get to the Disneyland entrance. You can, however, go up to the DCA entrance gates.

20200709_121340

All hotel areas are currently off limits.

20200709_121347 20200709_121543

20200709_121200

20200709_094255

A bunch of containers sit in the parking lot near the Disneyland Hotel.

Reaching Capacity

20200709_125319

It seems on the first day of operation, Downtown Disney did in fact reach capacity. We noticed on our way out that Anaheim PD were not allowing cars to enter the Simba Parking Lot and electric signage indicated “Downtown Disney Entry Paused.”

Inside World of Disney

20200709_115819

World of Disney currently has one entrance (near the Starbucks). When capacity warrants, the store utilizes mobile reservations to give shoppers a return time to help maintain reduced capacity inside.

20200709_112741

There’s only one exit for World of Disney (near La Break Bakery.)

20200709_115731

The middle doorway at Downtown Disney is currently not be used at all.

20200709_113203 20200709_113048

Signage inside also reminds guests to maintain physical distancing.

20200709_113945

Although videos went viral on Thursday morning showing ravenous shoppers in a Black Friday-like shuffle of frantic energy, when we entered (at close to noon) we found no chaos throughout the store. The vibe was akin to how it feels in our local grocery stores. People wearing masks and respectfully social distancing.

Did it feel safe? About as safe as you might feel in your local grocery store. Take that for what it’s worth!

20200709_115401

Merch Run

Face Masks

20200709_113239(0)

Masks are available individually at a cost of 4 for $20.

20200709_113255 20200709_113303

20200709_113314

Coral

Although it photographs more in an orange hue, a collection of merchandise in coral color has hit the shelves. You can become your own Disneyland Rose — the official flower of Disneyland which blooms in similar colors.

20200709_113509 20200709_113458 20200709_114813 20200709_114820

The Mandalorian

THE MANDALORIAN is well represented in the form of more merch of The Child AKA Baby Yoda.

20200709_114221

20200709_114237 20200709_115014 20200709_115053 20200709_115552

Disneyland 65th Anniversary

A collection of merchandise celebrating Disneyland’s recent 65th Anniversary has also hit the shelves.

20200709_113544

20200709_113827 20200709_113423 20200709_113416 20200709_113407 20200709_113832 20200709_113614 20200709_113728 20200709_113903 20200709_113626 20200709_113645 20200709_113639 20200709_113734 20200709_113605 20200709_113557

20200709_113707

20200709_113927 20200709_113726 20200709_113747 20200709_113757 20200709_113814 20200709_113850

Mulan

The recently delayed theatrical release of MULAN put merchandising in an awkward situation with a bunch of really great merch created to promote a movie that is not coming out any time soon.

20200709_114916

20200709_114154(0) 20200709_114107 20200709_114128 20200709_114032

20200709_114059

More in Store

20200709_114303

20200709_114402 20200709_114319 20200709_114337 20200709_114353 20200709_114432 20200709_114453 20200709_114501 20200709_114505 20200709_114515 20200709_114524

20200709_114617

20200709_114701 20200709_114725
20200709_114008 20200709_113056 20200709_113124

20200709_114939

What’s Open?

For now, the following shopping and dining locations are open at the Downtown Disney. Additional locations may reopen in the future. Remember that hours of operation may also vary.

  • 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®

Recap: Downtown Disney Safety Measures

dtdi2398029840294829342in

Below is a recap of the important details to know prior to arrival, courtesy of Disney.

  • LIMITED PARKING AND ENTRANCES: During this initial phase, guests will be directed to self-park in the Simba lot and enter the Downtown Disney District from the west entrance or walk from Harbor Blvd. on the east entrance
  • TEMPERATURE SCREENINGS PRIOR TO ENTRY: Guests with temperatures 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry, nor will those in their party
  • ENHANCED CLEANING PROCEDURES: Increased focus on cleaning and sanitation, including the addition of hand sanitizer and hand washing stations in key areas
  • FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED: Guests, cast members and operating participant employees will be required to wear an appropriate face covering. Guests must bring their own face coverings.
  • PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND CAPACITY MEASURES: Ground markings and physical barriers will help promote physical distancing
  • OPERATIONAL CHANGES: Operating hours of each location may vary. Cashless payment is recommended.

COVID-19 Warning

Reflecting the uncertainty of the times with continued questions about the the safety of reopening during the ongoing pandemic, Disney is also issuing the following warning for all guests visiting the Disneyland Resort. Signage posted around the Resort also issues similar messaging.

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other Guests and Cast Members—and we ask that you follow all posted instructions while visiting the Disneyland Resort.

However, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 currently exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and Guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By visiting the Disneyland Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Help keep each other healthy and safe.

In Other News

We noticed that Tiffy’s Family Restaurant is being demolished. We’re not sure what will be done with the space located next to a new hotel construction project on the same block as the Anaheim Convention Center.

20200709_125153

THE END!

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Miss an update? See all of our previous pictorials here!

20200709_092406