Aside from shopping at the Disneyland Backlot Premiere Shop, we haven’t stepped foot INSIDE a Disneyland Resort theme park since March!
Disney California Adventure Park
But that is all about to change TODAY! It may not be the same as running through the park and riding Radiator Springs Racers or the Incredicoaster, but today we’re going to have the chance to walk down Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure for some shopping and dining and we could practically cry of excitement (tears may or may not have already been shed). Come along with us and take a virtual trip to the reopening of Buena Vista Street!
When we heard that Downtown Disney District would be “expanding” onto Buena Vista Street, we were ECSTATIC! When we saw the Red Car Trolley in the park (from beyond the gates of course), we were BEYOND THRILLED! When we read about the alfresco dining experience and new menu items coming to Carthay Circle Theatre, we were SO HAPPY! And now, the day has finally come! It’s November 19th, which means Buena Vista Street is officially reopening for shopping and dining!
California Adventure
Arrival
We arrived at Downtown Disney today around 7:45AM PT, but we were DEFINITELY not alone! We heard that some guests arrived at around 5AM PT — talk about dedication. Buena Vista Street is set to reopen at 10AM PT (1PM ET) today.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS: We're LIVE From the Reopening of Buena Vista Street at Disneyland Resort! https://t.co/knQ4pS4x2M pic.twitter.com/YRSna5l05O
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
Disney had the area prepared with barriers and cones to form lines for guests to wait in. There were also some social distancing markers on the floor so guests could maintain a proper distance from one another.
Buena Vista Street Reopening Line
When we arrived, we’d say there were about 125-150 people in line ahead of us. By around 8:30AM, the line behind us was QUITE long. Check out how far back it stretches!
That’s One Long Line!
Looks like we aren’t the only ones excited to actually enter a Disneyland theme park, even if it is just for limited shopping and dining.
Also, we should note that while we were checking the menus for some locations that will be open on Buena Vista Street on the Disneyland App, we received a pop-up message from Disney indicating that only guests who have entered Buena Vista Street will be able to pick up a mobile order. Placing a mobile order at Smokejumpers Grill or Award Wieners (both of which will be reopening with Buena Vista Street) will NOT grant you access to Buena Vista Street.
Screenshot from Disneyland App
That’s definitely important to keep in mind when planning your day here.
Click here to see more about this!
While we were in line, a Guest Relations Cast Member was reminding guests about the park’s mask policy — guests ages 2 and up must keep their masks on at all times except while actively eating or drinking outside, stationary, and maintaining physical distancing from others.
©Disney
At around 9:51AM we got through security. All lines merged into one and we saw that there was a single queue set up to get into Buena Vista Street.
We’re Moving!
We were then put in another line close to the ticket booths to wait for our turn to enter Buena Vista Street.
Another Line
Entering
As we got closer to the entrance, we saw these signs advising guests to sign up for the Virtual Waitlist to enter Buena Vista Street. Cast Members were telling guests to join the virtual queue as they did not know exactly what the wait time to enter was.
Virtual Waitlist
Here’s a peek at what it looked like once we scanned the QR code.
Virtual Waitlist Screenshot
But, thankfully, it wasn’t long before we were heading through those blue gates and INTO the park!
We are inside Disney California Adventure….only on Buena Vista Street, of course! pic.twitter.com/pi1nzVGSZB
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
It’s OFFICIAL — we are INSIDE Disney California Adventure Park!
Take a look at Buena Vista Street! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GR6LNjYOn8
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
First priority: let’s get some FOOD!
Buena Vista Street Food
While we were still outside of the park, we heard that Carthay Circle’s virtual waitlist was already full. The restaurant doesn’t open until 11:30AM PT, but a Disney Cast Member said that once the first groups of guests are sat we should check back to see if/when they will reopen their virtual waitlist again.
So, we decided to start our day with a little snack from Award Wieners!
We are mobile ordering at Award Wieners! Funnel cake fries, anyone?! pic.twitter.com/cgs5arzqkr
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
Funnel Cake Fries from Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure! #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/oIoffRKPRL
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
Hot Link Corndog from Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure! #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/K40cuJpDXg
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
Original Corn Dog
…and the Cheddar Cheese Stick. We’re on the “fried food, and even better if they’re on a stick,” diet because calories do NOT count at Disneyland Resort!
Cheddar Cheese Stick
Click here to check out our FULL review of Award Wieners!
Okay, now it’s time for dessert! Anyone for a delicious sweet from Trolley Treats?
Holiday Sweets from Trolley Treats! #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/E24wm9o7tU
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
How about some churro toffee?
CHURRO TOFFEE! 👀 #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/hZbX4lDnaN
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
We’ll take 1 of everything, please!
Buena Vista Street Decorations and More
A few days ago, we spotted the Red Car Trolley in Buena Vista Street from outside the park gates, but today we got to see it without any gates between us! There was, however, a rope keeping us a fair distance away from it, but still, seeing this trolley again was such a delight!
Red Car Trolley! pic.twitter.com/DWVOp79Vty
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
Just walking around Buena Vista Street again in general was incredible.
Carthay Circle Lounge in Disney California Adventure…what’s your favorite dish to order? pic.twitter.com/j5jGdNyFQN
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
We also got to see the newly refurbished Storytellers statue in all its glory — and it was fantastic!
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
There’s nothing like seeing our pals Walt and Mickey!
Click here to see some photos of the refurbished statue!
Oh yeah, AND we got to see Avengers Campus again in person with our own eyes!
Trying to get a peek at Avengers Campus… 👀 pic.twitter.com/gjfvHWzJU4
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) November 19, 2020
It really looks like construction is moving along here.
We’ll be updating this page ALL throughout the day with more details, photos, and videos, so be sure to come back for the latest updates. We can’t wait to share our full experience on Buena Vista Street with you.
Click here to check out the seasonal shopping and dining available at Downtown Disney!
Want to Learn More About Disneyland?
Check Out the Links Below!
DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide
Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland
What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
Closures and Construction at Disneyland
Learn All About Disneyland Park
See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure
Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure
Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App
Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland
Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program
Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland
Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland
Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland
Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland
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Will you be heading to Disney California Adventure Park soon to eat and shop on Buena Vista Street? Let us know in the comments!
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Love this – thank you so much for the great content! We have a reservation for Ralph Brennan’s tomorrow night. I’m trying to figure how/if this might help us with the line. Is the Buena Vista entrance totally separate? Should we try to somehow signup for the virtual waitlist before we eat? Any strategy tips would be much appreciated!!
While the line and entrance for Buena Vista Street is totally separate from the rest of Downtown, you still have to enter Downtown before you can get in line for BVS – so depending on when you arrive, the security line could be long. If Disney is using the virtual waitlist for BVS, you can see how many parties are ahead of you and ask a CM how long they think the wait will be. Our Disneyland reporter recommends signing up for the waitlist before you eat if your goal is to go into BVS after dinner.
The only thing the dining reservation would help with is getting into the Simba Lot if parking is full. It won’t help with anything related to BVS. Hope this info helps!