Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street lo

March 8, 2022

I was finally able to get to Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street to get my Disney fix. The only cost to go is $10 for parking in the Simba Parking Lot. I arrived around 2:00 PM, on a Monday, and stayed until 5:30PM. There was a long, socially distanced line of excited Disney fans to get into the Downtown Disney area. Once to the front, our party had our temperatures checked. Then, we walked past police with their canines. Finally, we went to an area to have our bags checked. It was a very thorough process, but it definitely made you feel safer.

Once in Downtown Disney, the first thing you see is the Star Wars Trading Post where the Rainforest Cafe used to be. I chose not to go in today, but from the merchandise displayed on the outside, I can tell there will be a lot of good finds for Star Wars fans.

After walking a short ways, you will come up to the Lego Store. This is a very popular location and store in downtown Disney. It had a long line both when I entered and when I exited Downtown Disney showing the popularity of this store.

Following the Lego Store, you will come across various booths, restaurants, and shops. I walked through until I got to Starbucks. Today, I chose to mark the occasion with a Baby Yoda Frappuccino (Green Tea Frapp with caramel on the sides).

Next, you will come across the World of a Disney. The line to get in this store went in front of the entire store and up to where the trams come. Every store and every food place had extremely long lines or waits to get in. I was shocked by the crowds and the amount of people who wanted to just eat and shop at Disney. Obviously, the Disney Magic doesn’t only come from the rides.

Overall, Downtown Disney was packed! I was surprised by how many people were there, especially on a Monday. People in Southern California must really be missing Disney by the turnout I saw here today.

After leaving Downtown Disney and entering California Adventure, we chose to rest, drink our Starbucks, and feed the baby. While we were sitting, we saw new balloons. They were in pastel, spring colors with Bambi characters. The price of these balloons were $10, and by how many I saw walking around Buena Vista Street, they were a very popular purchase. Then, we walked the entire street and reminisced about when the Parks were open. We really hope they will open soon after April 1st!

You could walk all the way back to the point where you could see the Cars Land sign. I felt like this day was a little teaser to when they open up for the “A Touch of Disney” event coming March 18th. I can only imagine the amount of people at that event after seeing how many were here today.

After our walk through California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street, we headed back to Downtown Disney to go into the World of Disney store. While in the store, we saw an endless supply of Disney merchandise, and we wanted to buy it all. (I am a sucker for a big-footed plush.) However, we refrained and only left with a mask for my sister.

Our final stop was at Marceline’s Confectionery to see their treats. We wanted to get something seasonal. They had a shamrock Rice Krispie, a bunny Rice Krispie, a chick caramel apple, a purple Easter-egg-looking caramel apple , and a chick cake pop. The chick cake pop caught my eye. It was covered in chocolate and had m&m’s for feet. On the inside, it had white cake. It was extremely gooey and moist on the inside. It was a cute and delicious treat!

My biggest takeaway from today’s day-trip to Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street is that the people of Southern California really want Disneyland to reopen. They will take whatever scraps Disneyland is able to offer them, like only shopping and food. Also, my other takeaway is that when the parks do open, they will have huge crowds and parks at max capacity. The people of California are tired of restrictions and are ready for places like Disneyland to be available again. Hopefully, we will be entering these wonderful parks and riding these rides very, very soon! We miss you Disneyland!