Today, July 9, the Downtown Disney District reopens to the public with new health and safety precautions and protocols in place. Although the parks and the hotels have not been approved to open as previously announced, Disneyland released the list of restaurants and shops that will be welcoming Guests back to the outdoor dining and shopping district.

We’ve compiled the information in this one blog post to (hopefully) answer some frequently asked questions for those who decide to visit.  All of our information is being obtained from official Disney networks as the Babes in Disneyland team will not be on the ground to report on the experience firsthand at this time.  Disney posted the following COVID-19 warning for those that decide to visit:

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.

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We will continue to update this post as operations change and more information is released. We anticipate that Disney may change protocols so they can best accommodate Guests.

What are the Operating Hours?

The Downtown Disney District will be open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; however, certain locations may have various operating hours.

Where Do I Park?

During the initial reopening phase, Guests will be instructed to self-park in the Simba Parking Lot – the entrance is accessible on Disneyland Drive adjacent to the Paradise Pier Hotel.  All other Guest parking locations will be closed.

How Much is Parking?

Parking at the Simba Parking Lot will be complimentary; however, this offering is temporary.

Where Do I Enter Downtown Disney?

From the Simba Parking Lot, make your way to the Downtown Disney District entrance adjacent to the Disneyland Hotel, near Earl of Sandwich. All other Guest parking locations will be closed and all other entrances will not be available.

Will ride-share drop-offs be allowed during this reopening period?

Rideshare drop-offs will occur on Harbor Boulevard Guest drop-off and pick-up location, or at the Downtown Disney District Guest drop-off and pick-up location on Downtown Drive.

What is the security procedure for entering Downtown Disney?

According to the Downtown Disney website, “Guests will undergo temperature screenings in front of the designated Downtown Disney District security screening location. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening. A Guest with a temperature of 100.4 F or above—in addition to everyone in the Guest’s traveling party—will not be allowed entry.”

Do I need to wear a face mask to enter Downtown Disney?

All Guests ages 2 and older are required to bring and wear face coverings when visiting Downtown Disney. (We are currently working on a post about where to purchase comfortable children’s masks).  As a reminder, according to regular resort rules, costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn.

What actions will Disney take in order to maintain physical distancing guidelines?

To make sure Disney is adhering to physical distancing guidelines, the resort will limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location.

Look for directional signage (pictured above) to assist Guests to maintain physical distancing as they move throughout the property or ground markings that will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing (if needed).

The resort has also made temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to promote physical distancing and cleanliness, such as physical barriers added in select places (such as around cash registers, for example).

Should I use Cash or Credit?

Disneyland recommends that Guests use cashless payment options, including debit cards, credit cards, Disney gift cards, etc. Guests can also use contactless payment options, such as mobile wallets, or purchase a Disney Gift Card at the World of Disney store and select merchandise locations for use at Disney-owned and ‑operated merchandise locations.

What actions will Disney take to maintain cleanliness throughout the district?

Disney has announced increased cleaning procedures in high-traffic areas such as handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, the Downtown Disney District will offer hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations. Guests, and these locations are in addition to the existing restroom facilities.

Which locations will be open?

As of July 9, the following restaurants and shops are slated to be open:

• 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®

What can I expect if I want to go shopping? Will I have to wait in line to enter a store?

There have been modifications made to the shopping experience to help manage capacity in store and encourage physical distancing.

• A Mobile Wait List may be used at some retail locations, including the World of Disney store and Marceline’s Confectionery, when the location and/or queue are at capacity. Guests can choose to provide their name and mobile number to receive a text message when they are able to return. Data and message rates and other restrictions may apply.
• Dressing Rooms will not be available for use.
• Eligible returns and exchanges will be accepted at the World of Disney store, as well as the other Disney-owned and -operated locations in the Downtown Disney District, subject to the returns and exchange policy.

What about my dining experience? 

Due to a state mandate, at this time, there will only be outdoor patio seating options available, and the district has increased outdoor patio-style seating throughout Downtown Disney.  Parties will be seated at tables 6 feet apart, and there will be digital or single-use menus available at many locations.

Can I Make Dining Reservations?

For some table service restaurants, Guests will be able to make advance dining reservations by booking online. Some dining locations may also use their own reservation system or virtual waitlist, so we advise that you check with each individual location to confirm their reservation process.

Thank you to the all of the Cast Members as you welcome Guests back to the resort!

If we didn’t answer your question here, or for the most updated information, visit www.Disneyland.com/DTD.