Downtown Disney District officially reopened today with many shops and select dining locations open. Cars were backed up on Disneyland Drive hours before the Simba Parking Lot opened. The Simba Parking Lot is located near the Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland Drive and Katella Avenue. There is currently no charge for parking.
They were not charging for parking this morning at Simba lot pic.twitter.com/yUxhc4hONr
— MouseInfo | Disney News and Info (@MouseInfo) July 9, 2020
It was also reported that several guests had waited overnight for the shopping and dining district to reopen. Once Downtown Disney opened, guests went through temperature screening, and a dual security screening – one via K9, and a regular bag check. Guests must have a temperature no higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit to be allowed entry. There is a cool down tent for those who may have an initial temperature higher than 100.4 degrees.
Entry to Downtown Disney is located across from the Disneyland Hotel near Earl of Sandwich. The entry point from Harbor Blvd is also open for access to Downtown Disney. The entry near the former ESPN Zone and Rainforest Cafe is closed.
DAPS MAGIC Contributor Jenny walked to Downtown Disney, and shared photos of her experience. These photos show the entry and walkway to Downtown Disney from the Simba Parking Lot.
The following photos are from the temperature check and security screening. There are plexiglass dividers between Guests and Security Cast Members in the bag check area. There are even physical distancing markers on the ground to help keep a safe distance between you and the group ahead of you.
Here’s Jenny with her signature green sunglasses while wearing a Mickey Mouse mask and a green Mickey Mouse shirt!
Once inside, hand sanitizer and hand washing stations are located throughout Downtown Disney. There are also many health and safety signs found throughout the District.
Jenny also reported long lines at Earl of Sandwich, the LEGO Store, and World of Disney. You can also see the line for Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes.
At various Disney owned shopping locations, a virtual queue has been put in place. You will give your information to a Cast Member. You will then be notified via text once it’s safe for you to return to shop and/or visit the store.
Most locations such as Salt & Straw are also opened with very little to no waiting at all. Jenny said that while Salt & Straw is open, they are not doing samples but most flavors seem to be available including a flavor of the month.
Here’s a look at other Downtown Disney locations, as well as the Esplanade.
Here’s a look at the health and safety measures at Starbucks near World of Disney.
We now move to the tram loading area near World of Disney, as well as the Main Entry Plaza.
In the last photo, you can see the plexiglass already in place at the entrance turnstiles at Disney California Adventure. Plexiglass is also in place at the entrance turnstiles at Disneyland.
Around 2:45pm, Mr. DAPs arrived at Downtown Disney, and gave a live look at what was happening at the shopping and dining district, including the Esplanade.
Here’s a look inside World of Disney, including merchandise that was recently released. This merchandise will also be available on ShopDisney.
Downtown Disney is open from 10am to 8pm. Operating hours for all locations may vary, and not all locations may be open when visiting. For more information about health and safety measures at Downtown Disney, you can check out the “Know Before You Go” article posted earlier.
