We recently got back from a family vacation that we’d been planning for nearly a year. First we spent a few days in Carlsbad at Legoland. Then we drove up to Anaheim for a few days. My husband was attending a dental conference and I figured I could keep the kiddos entertained while he was attending his lectures. The problem was, how could I do it without going into the Disney parks? Don’t get me wrong, being a born and raised Orange County native I love Disney as much as the next gal. However, there was just no way we could do two major theme parks with all our kids in one week. Especially solo parenting while Mike was at his conference. My kids actually requested to go every day we were in Anaheim, they had so much fun! So today I wanted to share what to do at the Disney Resort without going into the parks!

what to do at the Disney resort

I was a little apprehensive about being so close to Disneyland–our hotel was literally across the street. Would the kids be okay with not going into the park at all? However, I knew I could give my kids some of the Disney magic by visiting the Downtown Disney District!

enjoy your favorite park foods

Every die-hard Disney fan has a favorite treat they just have to have when they’re in the parks. From churros, to cotton candy, to pretzels, to popcorn you can find a lot of your beloved theme park goodies at Downtown Disney! There are several food carts scattered along the pathway so take your pick, or pick them all!

devour a sweet treat

Speaking of treats, Downtown Disney not only has an array of delicious restaurants, but also some delicious bakeries and confectionaries. Each one will make your mouth water, especially since you can even view some of your favorite ones being made! Be sure to stop and try one of the caramel apples that are as delicious as they are adorable.

shop all things Mickey

If you love shopping along Main Street, U.S.A., then you can’t visit Downtown Disney without browsing in the giant World of Disney store! You can also visit the Disney Dress Shop and Disney Home.

make a new best friend

If you have a little one who is obsessed with Disney characters you can still give them a taste of magic without the price of theme park admission! Each of the hotels located at the Disney Resort offer a different character dining experience and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy it. We’ve personally dined at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel several times and have always loved it!

check out the hotels

Disney hotels are truly incredible and walking around them is a fun way to pass the time in itself. Take an elevator up a few floors in the Grand Californian and take in the view of the massive lobby–you’ll be surprised when you see all the details you miss when you’re down below! If you’re looking for some fun and nostalgic photos ops, look no further than the original Disneyland Hotel! You might just find a retro ride in the vicinity of Goofy’s Kitchen.

enjoy the fireworks

The firework display at Disneyland is like no other. Luckily you don’t have to view them from Main Street to be amazed! We were able to have a great view of them from our hotel on this last trip, but if that’s not an option for you then head to Downtown Disney for an experience like no other. Simply settle down on the pavers between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and take in the show.

build some memories

You would think that my kids would have had enough of LEGOs. However, they were ecstatic to see that Downtown Disney offered a massive store full of their favorite building sets. Not only can you shop for all your favorite LEGO sets here, but you can also create your own minifigures, purchase colorful blocks from bulk bins, and make some new creations on the building tables they have set up.

bowl a few frames

Splitsville Luxury Lanes opened a few years ago at Downtown Disney. There you can bowl a few frames if your heart so desires. This space is 40,000 square feet with 20 lanes and plenty of food options to keep you happy!

take a ride

Of course, no trip to Disney would be complete without a ride, right? My kids were begging to go on a ride every chance they got on this last trip, so my husband took the kiddos on a ride on the parking lot tram. That might sound silly, but they actually really loved it!

Have you been to Downtown Disney or Disney Springs? What’s your favorite thing to do there?