Downtown Disney offers you a wide range of shops. Ranging from the largest Disney store on the West coast to a small cart on the promade. These stores offer you everything from Mickey Mouse garden tools to a large Bob's Big Boy character.

The flagship store of Downtown Disney is the World of Disney store. This is the second largest Disney store in the world I believe. Only the World of Disney store at WDW is larger. The above picture shows one of many doors, this is the one facing Disneyland (which is directly behind the camera). Also notice how the Grand Californian Hotel is right above the shop, the shop makes up the ground level floor of this wing of the hotel. The picture on the left is just a few of the several Disney characters that are suspended inside the store. If you have been to the World of Disney in WDW, this one is very similar, except it is much narrower and longer (see picture to the right), where as the one in WDW is fairly sqaure.

If you have never been to a World of Disney store it is where you can find a gigantic selection of Disney merchandise all under one roof. The store is divided into several sections(rooms) which if more walls were installed could be considered their own show. Also populating the building are several "Disney touches". These can be seen in the characters scattered around and hanging from the ceilings. Also the detail and artwork in the various "rooms" is incredible. Below are two shots from inside.

As you walk through Downtown Disney there are several other shops to explore. Each with its own theme and type of merchandise. For example there is Tin Pan Alley which sells license plates. Or more "upscale" shops such as Sephora and everything in between to cater to all age groups and most interests. Below are a few exterior shots to show the contrasts. On the right is Sephora and on the left Liquid Planet. One is very geometric and refined, while the other is quite overdone, yet they both blend perfectly into Downtown Disney.

There are also shops that sell items that are much more unique. Such as Starabillias. This shop is located near the AMC theater across from the monorail station. It features movie and television memorabilia. Below is a shot of the exterior and looking in one of the windows.

I really enjoyed walking around Downtown Disney and window shopping. There were quite a few shops that kept our interest as we walked around (and I am sure on future visits will start to suck money from our wallets). Even if you do not want to buy anything its always fun to look and explore.

If you are looking for a Disney gift for someone (or yourself), you have to check out the World of Disney. They have a great selection of items all under one roof, saves a lot on the feet. They carry all the "generic" park items, and a few specific ones. Meaning if you want a shirt that says Disneyland or DCA on it you can find it here, but if you want a special Splash Mountain item, you may not find it.

In the coming weeks and months more stores will be opening in Downtown Disney. One that will be coming soon is Deptartment 56 (for those of you who do not know these are the people who make all those little lighted houses you see at the holidays).

If you want to avoid crowds shopping during the day should be better, but come back at night to experience Downtown Disney. The lights really ad to it and the entire district comes alive.

The original shops:

• Basin
• Compass Books Inc.
• Hoypoloi
• Island Charter
• Illuminations
• Lego Imagination Center
• Liquid Planet Surf
• Mainsprings
• Petals
• Sephora
• Soliton
• Something Silver
• Starabilias
• Tin Pan Alley (closed)
• World of Disney
  
  
  

• Downtown Disney Main Page
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
  • Shopping