Discovering the Magic of Downtown Disney — A Must-Do Anaheim Adventure!
When people think of Disneyland Resort in California, their minds immediately jump to the iconic rides, beloved characters, and magical lands inside Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. But did you know there’s a whole world of Disney fun you can enjoy without a park ticket?
Welcome to Downtown Disney District, a vibrant, open-air promenade that truly has something for everyone. On our recent stay in Anaheim, we made it a point to explore every inch of this exciting area while filming for Holmes Away From Home Travel Channel, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip.
First and foremost, Downtown Disney is completely free to enter. You can wander through, shop, eat, and enjoy live entertainment without ever stepping inside the parks. It's the perfect spot to soak up the Disney magic on a travel day, before your park visits, or as a fun evening out.
We spent hours exploring all the shops and entertainment options, and we want to share some of our absolute favorite stops with you:
⭐ Star Wars Trading Post
One of the coolest (and most immersive) shops we visited was the Star Wars Trading Post. Designed to look like a hidden jungle Resistance base, this store is a dream come true for any Star Wars fan. From lightsabers and apparel to unique collectibles you won’t find anywhere else, it’s a must-see even if you’re only browsing. The theming alone makes it feel like you’ve stepped right into a galaxy far, far away.
💥 Avengers Super Store
For all the Marvel fans out there, the Avengers Super Store is an absolute blast. Packed wall-to-wall with heroic gear, apparel, toys, and exclusive merchandise, this shop celebrates the Avengers in true larger-than-life fashion. Whether you're a fan of Iron Man, Black Panther, Spider-Man, or the whole team, there’s something to make you feel like a superhero.
🛍️ Endless Shopping & Unique Finds
Beyond these two incredible themed stores, Downtown Disney offers a wide variety of shops to explore. From the massive World of Disney store — which feels like a theme park in itself — to smaller specialty shops and trendy boutiques, you can find everything from Disney collectibles and apparel to one-of-a-kind jewelry and art pieces.
🍴 Delicious Dining & Sweet Treats
We also loved checking out the many dining options. There are quick bites, sit-down restaurants, and dessert spots to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re grabbing a churro, sharing a pizza at Naples Ristorante, or sipping a tropical drink at Trader Sam’s, you’ll find plenty of flavors to enjoy.
🎶 Entertainment & Atmosphere
The energy throughout Downtown Disney is electric. Live music, street performers, and seasonal decorations bring the entire area to life. As the sun goes down, the twinkling lights and vibrant colors make it feel extra magical — perfect for photos and just soaking in the Disney vibes.
Some of the photos we’ve shared on this post capture just a glimpse of how lively and beautiful Downtown Disney truly is. From colorful murals and unique store displays to the sparkling nighttime glow, it’s a place where every corner has a story waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or just looking for a fun, free way to spend a few hours in Anaheim, Downtown Disney District is an essential part of any Disneyland Resort vacation. We absolutely loved our time there and can’t wait to go back.
Next time you plan a trip to Southern California, make sure Downtown Disney is on your list — you won’t regret it!
⭐ Thank you for joining us on this exclusive behind-the-scenes look. We can’t wait to share even more adventures with you soon on Holmes Away From Home Travel Channel. Stay tuned!