Downtown Disney District: Know Before You Go
A phased reopening of the Downtown Disney District begins on July 9, 2020. Learn what you can expect during your next visit—and be sure to check back here as information is updated often.
Learn About Our Other Updated Experiences.
Last Updated: July 8, 2020
Welcoming You Back to the Downtown Disney District
A variety of shopping and dining experiences will begin to reopen at the Downtown Disney District on July 9, 2020, including the World of
Disney store.
We have implemented new health and safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and appropriate government agencies.
For Cast Members, Operating Participant employees and Guests, there are 6 key things to expect when visiting the Downtown Disney District:
- Parking at the Simba Lot only and clearly defined entrances to the Downtown Disney District
- Temperature screenings prior to entry
- Face coverings are required for Guests ages 2 and older
- Physical distancing measures, including physically-distanced queues and seating, and physical barriers at select locations
- Temporary operations modifications, including reduced hours at select locations and the suspension of entertainment offerings and high-touch interactive areas
- An increased focus on cleaning and sanitation, including the addition of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers in key areas
Since many of these measures will be new, and may evolve, we want to be sure Guests, Cast Members and Operating Participant employees are aware of all these changes before they arrive.
COVID-19 Warning
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.
Guest Parking and Entrances
During this initial reopening phase, Guests will be instructed to self-park in the Simba Parking Lot and make their way to the Downtown Disney District entrance adjacent to the Disneyland Hotel, near Earl of Sandwich. All other Guest parking locations will be closed.
Parking at the Simba Parking Lot will be complimentary; however, this offering is temporary.
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.
Temperature and Security Screenings
All Guests are required to undergo temperature screenings prior to entering the Downtown Disney District.
- Guest Screenings: During this initial reopening period, 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.
- Employee Screenings: Cast Members and Operating Participant employees will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check prior to coming to work.
Enhanced Cleanliness Procedures
We’ve increased cleaning procedures in high-traffic areas such as handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more. Additionally, the Downtown Disney District will reopen with hand sanitizer and hand-washing locations, and Guests are highly encouraged to use these while visiting. These locations are in addition to our existing Downtown Disney District restroom facilities.
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
Costume masks are not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
Operational Changes for Physical Distancing
Managing the number of Guests visiting the Downtown Disney District has been a major consideration as we implement physical distancing guidelines based on guidance from health authorities and government officials. One of the ways to do that is to limit the number of Guests and Cast Members at any given time for each location.
- Signage: Directional signage has been installed to assist Guests to maintain physical distancing as they move throughout the property. Additionally, ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing when queuing is needed at a location.
Following guidance from health authorities and government agencies regarding enhanced screening procedures and prevention measures, we have made some temporary adjustments that include limited-contact Guest Services to promote physical distancing and cleanliness.
- Physical Barriers: Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines. These may be visible in areas around cash registers, for example, to help ensure proper distances between people.
- Cashless Transactions: At this time, it is recommended that Guests use cashless payment options while visiting the Downtown Disney District, 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.
Dining at the Downtown Disney District
Dining locations at the Downtown Disney District will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates our enhanced health and safety measures, including physical distancing, the use of appropriate face coverings by Operating Participant employees, Cast Members and Guests, increased cleaning procedures and limited-contact Guest services. Additionally, at this time, following state and county guidelines, no indoor seating will be permitted; all seating is outdoor patio only.
To promote physical distancing and touchless transactions, a number of changes are being made to our dining locations, including:
- Increased outdoor patio-style seating
- Parties seated at tables 6 feet apart
- Digital or single-use menus available at many locations
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. Please check with each individual location to confirm their reservation process. Keep in mind, upon your arrival, all members of your party must be present before seating, and hosts must bring your entire party to the table at one time.
Updated Shopping Experiences
In merchandise locations throughout the Downtown Disney District, while Guests will continue to discover favorite Disney items and unique products for the entire family, some modifications to the shopping experience have been established to help us manage capacity and foster physical distancing.
- Mobile Wait List: At some retail locations, including the World of Disney store and Marceline’s Confectionery, we may at times use a mobile wait list system to manage the number of Guests shopping 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.
- New Product Launches: Guests can still find new merchandise at the Downtown Disney District. However, monthly program releases and limited-edition merchandise at Disney-owned and -operated retail locations will not be available for in-person purchase until further notice. Guests are invited to visit our Merchandise Events page for more information on future buying opportunities—and to learn how to take advantage of our new shopping platform, where Guests can purchase limited-edition merchandise online, subject to availability, while supplies last.
- Dressing Rooms: For the time being, dressing rooms will not be available for use.
- Returns: Upon the reopening of merchandise locations, 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’s Open at the Downtown Disney District
The following shopping and dining locations at the Downtown Disney District are planned to reopen on July 9. Additional locations may reopen, but are not currently listed. Please contact the shop or restaurant you'd like to visit for more information—including hours of operation.
About These Measures
As part of these efforts, Guests may see other changes to our retail and dining offerings, as well as other experiences. Though it will be a bit different from the last time you visited, these new measures are designed to continue to offer a magical Disney experience.
To help guide you through these new measures, we will have Cast Members from our Guest Experience Team walking throughout the Downtown Disney District to help explain our new health and safety measures and answer any questions you may have. They, along with other Downtown Disney District Cast Members, will also be on hand to encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of us all.
We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this reopening process. Together, we can find new ways to have fun while being diligent to maintain proper physical distancing.
