After a very crowded reopening on July 9th, Downtown Disney has settled into a much less crowded mode of operation. Though, the parking lot does still close when the district reaches its new lower capacity level (that mostly happens on the weekends when more folks tend to visit). 

Yesterday, the new shoe store, California Sole, opened in Downtown Disney and we have photos for you below. Today, Tortilla Jo’s and Ballast Point will reopen as well. Plus, there’s news of Disneyland matching the Disney World policy on face masks and when they must be worn, finally closing the loophole which allows guests to walk around with their mask off if they are carrying a drink in hand.  

Let’s take a look:  

Face Mask Updates

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen

Disney already required guests 2 years of age and older to wear a mask. However, there wasn’t a lot of guidance on what types of masks were permitted. Today, Disney has updated those rules on their disneyland.com/DTD webpage to specifically rule out neck gaiters and open-chin masks (such as triangle bandanas). In addition, guests will no longer be allowed to walk around while drinking their Starbucks or eating a pretzel. Guests must be stationary while eating and drinking and keep a safe physical distance from other visitors. Here’s the full rules: 

Face Coverings

All Guests ages 2 and older are required to bring and wear face coverings when visiting the Downtown Disney District.

All face coverings should:

      • Fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
      • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
      • Be secured with ties or ear loops
      • Be made of breathable material, either disposable or reusable

At this time, neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas are not acceptable face coverings.

Guests may remove their face covering while actively eating or drinking outside, stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing from others.

Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.

The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.

Just a tip – There are lots of open areas to sit and eat and drink on the west side of Downtown Disney near the old AMC Theater complex.

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen

However, guests of Wetzels Pretzels and Salt and Straw will find very little available seating in the east end of the shopping district as the only spots to pull over to do so are the planters in the center of the shopping area, which fill up quickly.

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen

We wonder if it would be possible for the garden area at the Grand Californian (under the Monorail beam) to be opened up for tables and additional seating.  

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen
This is a MiceChat archive shot of the circular garden plaza under the Monorail beam at the Grand Californian. The garden path connects to Downtown Disney by World of Disney and also by the Disney Dress Shop and Sephora.

The large Starbucks has the advantage of its own seating patio.

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen
Here’s an archive shot of the Starbucks patio from last year.

New Shoe Store Opens – California Sole

We visited Downtown Disney yesterday and saw that the old Sanuk store has transformed into a new shoe store that sells a broader range of footwear.  Sanuk’s are still available along with other brands. You’ll find lots of theme park appropriate shoes here, including many that are ultra-lightweight and breathable. But you won’t find any Disney-themed shoes here at this time. It’s really just a small shoe store not unlike what you’d find in a local mall.  

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen
The sign is animated as the shoe revolves

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen , Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen , Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen

Restaurant Reopenings

Two restaurants will reopen today, Ballast Point and Tortilla Jo’s. Since indoor dining is not currently permitted, there will be limited outdoor seating and carryout only.

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen


Let Us Help

Theme parks are reopening, and whether you are ready to travel yet or not, there’s no better time to lock in low rates on future travel. But waiting on hold and not knowing what questions to ask isn’t the magical part of a vacation. That’s why MiceChat has partnered with Get Away Today to handle all the difficult stuff for you . . . all for no extra cost. That’s right, they do all the work and it doesn’t cost you extra. 

, Downtown Disney Updates – Loophole Closed & More Restaurants Reopen

Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park booking and rescheduling plans. We know you’re as uncertain about the future as we are. That’s why Get Away Today is offering the most flexible Disney travel options available. Ask about:  

Price Protection – If a better special comes out after you have booked, you’ll get the better deal. 

Peace of Mind – Make hotel changes, reschedule dates, drop nights, change ticket vouchers and more, as many times as you’d like for a small, one-time fee.

Layaway Plan – Lock in your 2020 or 2021 Walt Disney World Resort vacation for just $175 down. By booking early, you secure your availability and have the flexibility to pay as you go. Make as many interest-free payments as you’d like, whenever you’d like, with final payment due just seven days prior to travel.

Give your family something to look forward to


Let’s Hear From You

Have you visited Downtown Disney since it reopened? What worked and didn’t for you? With more restaurants now reopening for outdoor dining and takeout, what are your suggestions for places where Disney could add more outdoor seating in the area? What do you think of the new shoe store? Are you glad to see the mask loophole closed? Let’s hear from you below! 

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Dusty Sage
Dusty is the founder and CEO of MiceChat.com. When he's not visiting theme parks and writing, editing or speaking about Disney and theme parks worldwide, Dusty is involved in multiple Disney related projects and charities. He helped save and restore the charming Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, launched the Dick Van Dyke Foundation, and is the curator of Walt Disney's historic 1930's estate in Hollywood. If you've got news or photos to share with the MiceChat community, or would like to book Dusty for an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]