Another Side of Disneyland, downtown Anaheim CA

Downtown Disney is located next to the Disneyland amusement park, with easy access into the park. Downtown Disney is open to everyone - at no charge - not only guests of Disneyland but local residents looking for a fun "night out".

Guests can arrive by car, as there is free parking offered for up to three hours, more than enough time to have a nice dinner and enjoy the ambience of the area. However for those who like to spend more time, they can stay an additional two hours, with validation from one of the participating establishments.

Those coming from the Disneyland Amusement Park, they can walk through one of the many entrances, or ride the monorail - which circles the park regularly.

The Downtown Disney District is a lively promenade, here one can enjoy excellent dining at one of the many restaurants, unique shopping - not only from one of the stores, but from the shopping carts scattered around, and of course exciting nighttime entertainment with a talented cast of musicians - ranging in style from Classical to Latin, to rhythm and blues.

Dining is a special treat, a combination of entertainment and eating, at one of many places to be found here.

1. Tortillo Joe's serves mexican cuisine along with Salsa dancing on Friday's from 9:00pm to closing; and live Mariachi music on Saturday evenings.
2. House of Blues, barbeque restaurant with great entertainment
3. Rainforest Cafe serves American Cuisine and kid-friendly meals. Reservations are recommended, as this is a very popular themed restaurant. Animated animals roam the rainforest as the sky claps with simulated thunder.There is, lush vegetation, waterfalls, trumpting elephants and chest pounding gorillas, to keep the excitement going.
There are many more dining venues, places to sample the spiciness of Cajun dishes, Gulf seafood, and generous portions of american food - steaks, burgers and fries.

Entertainment is perhaps the biggest part of Downtown Disney - dance to the beat of ElecTRONica, with live DJ's, Arcade games and electic performers, one can party all night. For a more subdued atmosphere see a Harry Potter Movie, or watch Transformer 3 at the AMC Theatre.

At Studio 365 undergo a complete transformation or get camera-ready for your very own photo shoot. Or just strool and enjoy the antics in Disney Downtown.

From jumping and jiving, with southern california's hottest swing bands, to shopping for the coolest swim wear, and celeb-kiddy fashions, everyone can enjoy the long, hot days of summer at Downtown Disney. Make it part of a planned trip to the magical kingdom of Walt Disney World.

The summer is gone, and winter has arrived, but a visit to Disney downtown can be just as rewarding, there is live music , stage shows, and nightly entertainment to be enjoyed at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen & Flambeaux Jazz Club, where you can also savor the Bayou cuisine.

D Street is where it all happens - chic, offbeat, popular, fashionable and fun, where you will find gifts and souveniers, clothing and more. Ar the ESPN Store, catch the game on one of a hundred flat TV screens; or visit the upstairs sports arena with a video arcade.

If you are here late into the evening you can see the "fireworks" from the Disneyland Park.

Whether summer or winter, it's always fun to visit the Disney Resort, where there is always something happening, to amuse, enjoy or teach, whether in Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, or Disney California Adventurel Park.