Disneyland California Adventure Open For Dining, Holiday Shopping

ANAHEIM, CA — After almost eight months of shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, portions of Disney California Adventure will reopen for dining and shopping in the holiday season. Starting Nov. 19, Downtown Disney expands into the park, open stores and restaurants to guests, and provide a bit of holiday magic.

The reopening is a sort of expansion of Downtown Disney businesses, which reopened in July.

"We welcome this," said Mike Lyster, a spokesman for Anaheim. "It is an expansion of what they have done with Downtown Disney, but at the same time, it shows how they could reopen the parks safely and responsibly and actually bring people into the parks, not to ride rides, but people will go into California Adventure to get a feel for what it would be like when we're able to reopen safely. For us, as a city, we're encouraged."

Clinicians from Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian already check guests' temperatures before they enter Downtown Disney. If there is an indication of fever, they take them into a tent to let them cool down and recheck the temperature, Lyster said.

If that guest continues to show a high temperature, the person is counseled on symptoms of COVID-19 and is recommended to talk to a doctor, he said.

Carthay Circle Restaurant, known for its upscale cuisine, introduces Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, a new outdoor dining environment and a menu featuring Mediterranean-California light fare, with small plates, easily shared or enjoyed separately.

Chefs Andrew Sutton and Alex Flores have created a seasonal menu including Carthay shrimp roll, harissa-roasted lamb, soy-glazed salmon, lemon-crusted fish of the day, and an artisan cheese board.

Kids will find menu options just for them, including orecchiette pasta with marinara and orange dragon chicken skewers.

The restaurant is a throwback venue that boasts distinct attention to detail and historic charm. Unwind with flavorful, international fare and a glass of wine, craft beers, or a cool cocktail, enjoying expanded outdoor seating and amazing Buena Vista Street views.

On another corner, stop by Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe for a yummy hot chocolate and a cranberry orange scone. Or, place your mobile order for corn dogs or soft drinks at Award Wieners or for Smokejumpers Grill, serving bacon cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, onion rings, waffle fries, kids' meals, and vanilla and chocolate shakes.

Along Buena Vista Street, Disney magic brings a nostalgic throwback to the 1920s and '30s. The boulevard depicts a typical Los Angeles neighborhood where a young Walt Disney lived and worked after arriving in Southern California in 1923.

This idyllic setting captures the quaint "mom and pop" shops of the time and a big-city department store, including Elias and Co., Julius Katz and Sons, Kingswell Camera Shop, and Trolley Treats, where you can find unique Disney apparel and gifts.

Beginning Nov. 19, 2020, there will be a $10 fee per car for parking at the Downtown Disney District in the Simba Lot. The number of guests visiting the Downtown Disney District and its locations, including the shopping and dining experiences along Buena Vista Street, will be limited to promote physical distancing.

"At times, we may use the mobile waitlist system when Buena Vista Street and/or its queue are at capacity, similar to the process at some retail locations in the Downtown Disney District," a park spokesperson said.

Disney California Adventure Park is currently closed for the foreseeable future.

"If you haven't visited the Downtown Disney District lately, be sure to visit Disneyland.com to learn important information about updated experiences and other details, including our health and safety measures. The requirement for all guests, ages two and older, is to wear a face-covering while on the premises.

Starting Nov. 19, Disney will charge $10 per car to park at Downtown Disney in the Simba Lot.

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