As part of the ongoing construction at the Disneyland Resort, the parking lots and security checkpoints for Downtown Disney are getting reconfigured. All of these modifications are due to construction starting on the new Disneyland Resort Hotel in July.
Security Checkpoint Changes
Starting July 2nd, the Rainforest Cafe checkpoint will be closed to accommodate construction in the area. The checkpoint by the former AMC Movie Theater will be the only checkpoint for the foreseeable future.
Guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel, and offsite locations on the western side of Disneyland will use this checkpoint. Those staying at the Disney’s Grand Californian will continue to use that dedicated entrance to Downtown Disney, but as we mentioned in a previous article, you must be a guest at the Grand Californian to use that entrance. No longer can offsite guests or those staying at other Disney Hotels use that entrance.
We snagged some photos today from Downtown Disney that seems to show construction starting on a new security checkpoint. This is located just south of the current checkpoint by AMC, and when it opens we expect the current checkpoint to close so that the AMC demolition can commence.
Also, if we take a look at the concept art for the new “Downtown Disney Hotel” you can see where the new checkpoint will be located.
Parking Lot Changes
Starting July 9th, guests intending to park at Downtown Disney will no longer be able to use the Downtown District North Lot. This lot will be closed to accommodate construction and for the Disneyland Hotel to utilize for parking.
Guests will now be directed to the Simba Lot, located off of Disneyland Drive just south of Paradise Pier Hotel. After parking, guests will then proceed north through the entrance by the old AMC Theater.
The new Disneyland Hotel will feature 700 rooms and is scheduled to open in 2021.