Have you been to Downtown Disney lately? It’s having a bit of a transformation with some spots soon to close and others opening. While this is happening, you won’t run out of things to do if you’re looking for fun family afternoon or a date day with your favorite person. You can immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe, shop for Disney-themed home goods, get your Disneyside on or bowl the afternoon away. Sarah and I spent a day as guests of Downtown Disney to experience all it has to offer.
Disney Home at Downtown Disney
Disney Home has everything you could ever want to style your kitchen and home with Mickey and Disney-inspired items. You’ll find dishes, aprons, mugs, linens, clocks and more. Disney Home merchandise has been available in stores around Downtown Disney and in Disneyland, but now you can get your home goods in one convenient shop!
The Disney Dress Shop
I could have spent all day and all my money in The Disney Dress Shop. The vintage-style dresses, purses and jewelry were adorable! Celebrate Mary Poppins, Snow White, Minnie Mouse and even Star Wars with one of the gorgeous dresses and skirts. The Mary Poppins white and red dress with penguins was my favorite along with the 50s-style BB-8 skirt. The store carries Doone and Bourke bags and fine jewelry as well.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Splitsville Luxury Lanes just celebrated its grand opening at Downtown Disney. The bowling alley features California-themed murals throughout Splittsville, lots of comfortable seating and delicious food. We had an excellent lunch that included a grilled avocado with tuna poke, a fried chicken salad and a salmon caesar salad.
Splitsville would be great for an office party or a birthday party or even to have a quick lunch. We had a lovely time bowling a few games and I think it would be a fun place to come back with family.
The Void – Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire
We didn’t know what to expect at The Void’s Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire virtual reality experience. It immerses players in the Star Wars universe by taking you on a mission to the molten planet of Mustafar. You are given your mission by rebel spy Cassian Andor (Diego Luna!) then outfitted with a space pack and virtual reality glasses. I won’t give too much away because the surprise is part of the fun, but we had a great time! The game and story were very well done and at no point did I feel queasy from the virtual reality glasses. I felt a little guilty that I didn’t bring my kids with me, but we’ll probably go as a family.
The Void is $29 per person and kids must be 10 and older. Kids under 16 have to be accompanied by an adult.
Here is our Facebook Live video from the day we spent in Downtown Disney.
While some stores have opened, others will soon close. ESPN Zone, Earl of Sandwich, Rainforest Cafe and the Starbucks on the westside of Downtown Disney and the AMC Theater will close at the end of June. The closures make way for a new 700-room hotel to be completed by 2021.
Splittsville Luxury Lanes, The Disney Dress Shop, Sarah and Yvonne at The Void, Disney Home Store, Downtown Disney planters
Disclosure: Sarah and I were treated to lunch and bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes and The Void’s Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
