Downtown Disney District — Attraction in Anaheim

Went to downtown Disney with my family: wife, 2.5 year old, and newborn.

My toddler loves everything Disney and Pixar and we told him we were going to downtown Disney to see some characters and walk around for a nice Tuesday afternoon.

For transportation of our children, we use a safe and very useful wagon which has buckles to help secure my toddler, along with a clip on car seat attachment, ensuring its safety. It has ample amount of storage space for everything needed for 2 kids.

When we arrived to the gate, my son was very happy. We were greeted by a kind security guard who informed us that they don’t allow wagons in, however stated that since we are using it as our main method of transportation for our newborn, we should be okay to proceed and he would let the other security guards know. He ushered us through the security checkpoint, and he told us to wait on the sidelines until a Security Lead came by to give us the OK.

We waited, and the lead came up. He told us that they unfortunately couldn’t let us continue on with the wagon. When we asked why, he simply stated that it was a safety concern but didnt elaborate much into the “why”. He then added that they banned wagons 6 years ago and that “this is private property and we can make the rules we want” in a weirdly snarky tone as if he was upset we were asking simple questions. He told us that harnesses and straps doesn’t really do anything for safety of the children and there’s no real difference between this and a wheelchair.

I understand that this is Disney. You guys absolutely have every right to make any rule you want, it’s your property. However, the contrast between the security guards I had talked to, and then the lead was stark. The first people I talked to seemed to actually want to find a way to get us in and let my son enjoy his first time at Disney. Instead we were told to leave, with my son crying on the way out since we couldn’t go in. On our way out, the other staff members looked at us and apologized to us, seemingly upset for us and the situation.

This is Disney, a place to go and forget the world. We were hoping to do that for a small sliver of time, and to show introductions of the wonder of Disney to my toddler son. Instead we left with a bad taste in our mouths about Disney. And this is coming from a lifelong Disney fan - previous multi-year pass holder, as many others are as well.

I know this will probably get lost in the sea of reviews, but if there is any further clarification on this, that...

Imagine a place where the scent of churros mingles with the clinking of cocktail glasses, where the glow of neon signs casts a kaleidoscope of colors on faces both jubilant and weary. Welcome to Downtown Disney – a sprawling labyrinth of indulgence and spectacle, where the promise of magic wrestles with the reality of commercialism.

Start at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, a faux New Orleans joint that hums with the bluesy riffs of a cover band while waitstaff hustle plates of shrimp po’ boys and over-sauced jambalaya. The food? Decent. The ambiance? An echo of a place that never was, dressed up in the ghost of Bourbon Street.

Further down, the scent of freshly fired pizza wafts from Naples Ristorante e Bar. The wood-fired pies land with a crisp snap, each bite a fleeting reminder of sun-soaked afternoons in Naples – but only if you squint and really try to believe it.

At Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, towering milkshakes festooned with entire slices of cake and piles of candy spill over tabletops like some fever dream conjured by a sugar-addled child. The burgers? Bombastic, juicy, unapologetically indulgent – a calorie-laden gut punch that’s as much about the spectacle as it is the taste.

On the corner, Din Tai Fung offers refuge from the chaos with its meticulously pleated dumplings and silk-threaded noodles. It’s a welcome oasis, a subtle nod to the understated elegance of Taiwanese cuisine, though the surrounding din reminds you that you’re still very much in Disneyland’s version of a cultural melting pot.

The World of Disney store sprawls across multiple rooms, a shrine to the House of Mouse. Mickey ears in every conceivable variation hang like offerings to the gods of nostalgia. Outside, the LEGO Store displays towering replicas of iconic characters, as kids tug at their parents’ hands, eyes wide and wallets poised to empty.

Everywhere, the relentless churn of commerce hums beneath the saccharine-sweet playlist of Disney classics. It’s a place where magic is packaged, priced, and sold – a fleeting sense of enchantment that dissipates the moment you step away from the pixie-dusted facade and back into the real world.

Downtown Disney is less a destination and more a fever dream – a place where fantasy and commerce collide in a spectacle as mesmerizing as it is exhausting. Stay too long, and the spell might just wear off. Stay too little, and you might miss the tiny moments of authenticity buried...

Downtown Disney in California is a bustling entertainment district that pulses with energy and excitement, offering visitors a dynamic blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Nestled in the heart of the Disneyland Resort, this vibrant destination serves as a gateway to the magic of Disney while also providing its own unique brand of fun and excitement.

As you stroll through Downtown Disney, you're greeted by a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of live music, the tantalizing aromas of delicious cuisine, and the colorful sights of bustling shops and vibrant street performers. The pedestrian-friendly layout invites guests to explore at their leisure, with plenty of opportunities to shop, dine, and unwind along the way.

Shopping enthusiasts will delight in the wide array of retail offerings available at Downtown Disney, from iconic Disney merchandise to trendy fashion boutiques and unique specialty stores. Whether you're searching for the perfect souvenir or simply browsing for inspiration, there's something for everyone to discover.

When it comes to dining, Downtown Disney offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights, with options ranging from quick-service eateries to upscale restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. Whether you're craving classic American fare, international cuisine, or innovative gourmet creations, you'll find it all here, served with a side of Disney magic.

In addition to shopping and dining, Downtown Disney also boasts a variety of entertainment options to keep guests entertained throughout the day and into the night. From catching a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theatres to enjoying live music performances at the House of Blues, there's never a dull moment in this lively district.

In conclusion, Downtown Disney in California is a vibrant hub of excitement and entertainment, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the magic of Disney while also enjoying a taste of the local culture and cuisine. Whether you're shopping for souvenirs, dining at world-class restaurants, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Downtown Disney promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return...