Downtown Disney Ridemakerz and Build-a-Bear

Have you visited “Downtown Disney“? Do you even know what it is?

Downtown Disney is a small shopping center located between Disneyland and California Adventure boasting several stores, activities and restaurants. You can access it from a separate parking area, the Grand Californian Hotel, or from the entry of the Disney Parks.

Downtown Disney Stroll (Photo credit: Scott Smith (SRisonS))

We actually visited 3 times on our last trip to Southern California and we didn’t even go to Disneyland! It is, however, a great option for dining outside the park if you do go.

Our primary reason for visiting was not just the fun shopping from clothing, legos, candy, and Disney gear. We went for the fun activites and food. Downtown Disney hosts 2 fun “building” experiences for kids, adults, boys and girls. Downtown Disney Ridemakerz and Build-a-Bear – Fun for the whole family.

Build-a-Bear and Ridemakerz

We started with Build-a-Bear. If you have never done this, it is quite fun. Shannon from Build-a-Bear walked my girls and I through the process.

Build-A-Bear Workshop (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You start by picking out your animal, then progress through the “building” process.

You then stuff you furry friend. You can add scents and sounds to personalize it too. Before it is stiched up, you get to insert a heart after making special friend promises!

Next, you take them over to the bathing area and brush off any excess “fur”

Then the endless options of accessories: clothing (even undies and shoes), glasses, hats, hair and more!

When you are done, you get an adoption certificate and a special “house” to bring them home.

Adoption Certificates Build a Bear — Adoption Certificates

This takes about 30 minutes to complete and the cost can range depending on how many accessories you purchase for your new buddy.

Ridemakerz

We then moved on to Ridemakerz. This shop is VERY cool and so much fun for all ages.

We were lucky enough to get Jordan to show us around the shop. If you see him, I recommend you grab him to be your guide – you will have twice as much fun just hanging out with him!

You first pick the “body” of the car- there are tons of options for boys and girls, little and big.

Then you move along and pick the tires and rims to go with your car.

At the assembly station you get to use a very official looking drill to put your base on the car (they have regular or remote control options)

Car Assembly — Assembling the Car at Ridemakerz

After that, it is time to accessorize with stickers, sound, mufflers, grills and more!

When you are done, the put it in a portable “garage” for you to take home!

We took about 45 minutes or more to do our cars. The total cost came out to about $130 each with all the accessories (remote control, rechargeable battery pack, and fully tricked out rigs)

When you are all done, try out some of the great restaurants at Downtown Disney. We chose The Rainforest Cafe – Read about it HERE