This is the area between Disneyland and California Adventure but is not inside either park, so you can actually come here for shopping and eating without having to pay for the park tickets. I am not sure how many people actually do that, as it does seem to be mainly filled with people staying in the Disney hotels or that are already in the area for the parks. We stopped in to go to the giant Disney store and possibly the Lego store on our way out of a day at California Adventure. There are little food carts in the walkways as well as sit down restaurants, but make sure you have a reservation or plenty of time to wait to get in. Since you are likely in the area and already interested in the parks, you probably don't have an aversion to big crowds. If you do not like big crowds, this is not the place to go as it has always been packed every time I have been nearby.

This area is between Disney hotels and adjacent to both Disney parks. If you are staying at the Disney hotels you must go through here. You can catch the monorail to Tomorrowland at Disneyland from here. There are the usual Disney and Legos stores. Splitsville, Wetzel’s Pretzels and Earl of Sandwich are also familiar from Florida. But there are also some unique restaurants here as well, Black Tap Craft Burgers, Paseo and Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill to name a few. It is quite small compared to Florida, and gets very crowded at night, just like Disney World.

The Downtown Disney District is conveniently located next to both of the parks, making it easy to drop in for a meal or some shopping. As an Orlando local, I avoid Disney Springs at all costs. But this was cute! Tons of restaurants and shops.