It’s that time of year again, where, just like Christmas, “Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again!” Summer is coming to a close, and back-to-school time has arrived! Although the Downtown Disney District isn’t looking its best these days, due to massive construction projects, those who want to be close to the magic can still find some fun experiences. If you’re blocked out of the Parks or don’t have access via a pass, here are some ideas on how you can enjoy the last bits of summer at Downtown Disney. We’ll also give you a sneak peek at what’s coming this fall!
We also have the grand return of MiceChat’s special parking offer at The Anaheim Hotel!!!
Parking at Downtown Disney
First things first, parking for Downtown Disney is located at the Simba Lot, off Disneyland Drive, between West Katella Avenue and Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel. The cost is $10 for the first hour, with validation opportunities available inside the district. To obtain an extra 3 consecutive hours of parking, you’ll need to make a purchase of at least $20 (which is pretty easy to do!) and get it validated at any location in Downtown Disney (except hotel restaurants and lounges). If you visit a table-service restaurant, you’ll receive 5 extra hours. Disneyland’s official website shares, “Beyond these validations, each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum of $7.” The maximum daily parking fee / lose your ticket fee caps off at $66. In other words, get validation!
Return of the MiceChat Parking Offer at The Anaheim Hotel !!!
For the last couple of years, MiceChat arranged several popular parking offers with a hotel across the street from Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. The last of those offers expired in spring of 2023… but we have exciting news! The MiceChat parking deal at The Anaheim Hotel is back! And aside from close parking cheaper than Mickey and Friends, we also have a 20% discount on hotel rooms (both of these deals are based on availability). Simply print out this offer and take it with you to the front desk for parking (when space is available):
(Save the MiceChat Parking Page – HERE – for future Updates)
And, if you’re looking for a room, the MiceChat special rate is currently up to 20% off Click or call
(714) 772-5900 and ask for the MiceChat Rate!
Enjoy Summer Treats to Beat the Heat
Ok, now you’ve arrived! So, how can you enjoy the end of summer at Downtown Disney? Recently, we shared how to beat the heat at the Disneyland Resort during this time of year. Check out our recent article for tips!
How about heading to Salt & Straw for a refreshing treat? I love this ice cream! If you’ve never visited before, the shop offers unique concoctions, you’ve most likely never tried. In addition to classic flavors, you’ll also find rotating options. New and current, seasonal flavors include:
- Chocolate Potato Salad – Spiced Mustard Ice Cream, made with Potato Chip Cookies and a thick ripple of Chocolate Fudge
- Sour Cherry Pie – A classic scoop of all-American Cherry Pie, studded with Chunks of Almond Pie Crust and a splash of Amaretto
- Baked Brie & Fig Cheesecake – A whipped Brie Cheesecake baked onto a candied Ritz Cracker Crust, with dark ribbons of thick Fig Jam in Salted Sweet Cream Ice Cream
- Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken – A sweet, savory, Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream with crispy bits of Fried Chicken Croissant, made with Ezell’s famous Chicken
- Pink Rosé & Watermelon Sorbet (vegan) – Watermelon and Rosé Sorbet with House-made Rosé-Raspberry Jam, made with Sokol Blosser Winery
If ice cream’s not your jam, there are a couple of other options to consider. Marceline’s Confectionary offers a variety of treats, including summer-inspired creations. Or, head to the Kayla’s Cake kiosk and enjoy the summer tart macarons. For a sit-down meal, you can try your luck at the reimagined Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill and Patio. My family recently had lunch here, and the food was good all around! Just wear sunglasses to ward off the new Miami-bright color scheme!
End the Summer in Style
Summer isn’t over yet, and we want to take advantage of every last bit of it! One of my favorite stores in Downtown Disney is Curl Surf. If you love laid-back, California wear, this is the shop for you. It’s also a great spot to go for an emergency wardrobe change (things happen, it’s good to have a spot to find something comfortable and stylish in a pinch). Popular brands include Billabong, Vans, Quiksilver, and more. You’ll also find some exclusive items with a Disney twist, which is something I especially love.
If you’re a sports fan, Pelé Soccer offers jerseys, apparel, cleats, balls, and accessories for summer fun the whole family can enjoy. Just be aware that there are construction walls everywhere!
Prepare for Back to School
If you want to make back-to-school shopping fun for the kiddos, try your hand at World of Disney. Grab a Starbucks next door and head in for a variety of essentials. While it may not be the most cost-effective, it’s a good way to get your kids excited about the school year. I used to love shopping for school supplies, and what Disney fan wouldn’t enjoy stocking up at Disneyland? Inside, you’ll find a variety of characters and franchises to suit most fans’ preferences. If you’re a Star Wars geek, like me, you’ll discover more galactic options at Star Wars Trading Post, so make sure to stop by on your way out.
There are some great new Halloween items in the center room of World of Disney. Is it an early trick or treat for the spooky season?
Our merry maven of merchandise, Natalie Kipper, has a full guide for you of this year’s Halloween merchandise:
Summer Nights
There’s nothing like summer nights in Southern California, and Downtown Disney is still offering evening entertainment while it undergoes construction. Head to Splitsville Luxury Lanes for some late-night bowling the whole family can enjoy. And if the weather cooperates, there’s a new outdoor option here with games for the family and camp-style seating!
Or, take in upbeat entertainment at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Featuring a rotating schedule of performances, it’s a good time. You can check the entertainment schedule via Disneyland’s official website. Don’t forget that Disney100 is underway. In addition to the celebratory decor, there are some creative offerings to be found. At dusk, head to the Disney100 medallion at the Disneyland Hotel, to watch your MagicBand+ come to life.
Fall Experiences on the Way
Halloween Time is just around the corner, starting September 1st and running through October 31. The spooky season festivities aren’t isolated to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney gets in on the action for the season as well. Soon, guests will be treated to spooktacular decor, themed eats and treats, and a funtastic scavenger hunt!
Speaking of which, Pluto’s Pumplin Pursuit returns from September 8 through November 1, 2023. My son and I used to love embarking on Disneyland scavenger hunts like this. We still have our maps from Easter and Valentines themed excursions!
If you’d like to participate, the first step is to pick up a game board and stickers. It costs $9.99 and will be available at the following locations:
- Acorn Gifts & Goods (At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa)
- Disney Home
- Disney’s Fantasia Shop (At the Disneyland Hotel)
- Disney’s Pin Traders
- small world Gifts & Sundries (At the Disneyland Hotel)
- The Disney Dress Shop
- WonderGround Gallery
- World of Disney
Next, search for the thirteen Disney character-themed pumpkins. Once found, place the matching sticker on your board. Complete or not complete, a special prize awaits you! Head to Disney’s Pin Traders or World of Disney to claim your keepsake! Take a look at this year’s prizes below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv739LoNx66/?img_index=2
Downtown Disney offers fans a taste of the magic, whether you’re a pass holder or not. Although it’s currently under major construction on the West Side and in the heart of the shopping district, there are still stores and experiences available to you.
For example, this….
Will soon be this…
For more about the exciting future of Downtown Disney, please take a look at our news:
https://www.micechat.com/344054-downtown-disneys-updates-earl-of-sandwich-portos-bakery-and-more/
Special Disneyland Ticket & Travel Offers!
AND… if you decide you do want to make that trip into the parks, you can snag the latest Disney travel deals from our partners at Get Away Today – INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA TICKET OFFER EXPIRING IN SEPTEMBER:
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm, including new low hotel rates, extra days and nights for free, special perks, and a “4-Park Magic Ticket” to Walt Disney World:
- Disneyland California Resident Ticket Offer – HERE
- Book Discount theme park tickets, hotels, and exclusive packages – HERE
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)
Let’s Hear From You
Do you enjoy spending time in the Downtown Disney District? What’s your favorite dining location and store? Have you ever participated in Disney scavenger hunts like Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit? We’re excited about Downtown Disney’s upcoming transformation. Are you happy with the changes? Let us know in the comments below!
