I love going to Disneyland and have visited the park many times over the years. In fact, Disneyland was one of the “trips of the week” in June 2009.   But visiting the park can be a pricey adventure with parking, admission, food, and merchandise.  But a cheap alternative and with some of the ambiance of actually going to the park is Downtown Disney.

Sitting in the middle of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Downtown Disney is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex. With stores, restaurants, street performers, a twelve-screen movie theater, ESPN Zone and the House of Blues, it offers plenty to do, and it's a good place to round out your Disneyland vacation with a dash of something different.

Downtown Disney is outside the theme parks, open to the public, and there is no admission charge. If you want to eat, shop or go to the movies here, the first three hours of parking are free, and you can get two more hours free with validation from the movie theatre or any sit-down restaurant.

When I visit the Disneyland Resort, I like to go to Downtown Disney for a meal. It gives a chance to get away from the crowds for a while, and you can get better value for your dining dollars. Get your hand stamped as you leave and save your pass card for an easy return.

Downtown Disney restaurants include the Rainforest Cafe (a favorite of kids of all ages), House of Blues, Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria and Catal Restaurant. If don't want to wait for a table, but don't want to make do with a pretzel and lemonade either, try the Uva Bar.

Disney makes an effort to bring unique shops into the Downtown Disney area. Most of the items sold fall into the category of home decoration, jewelry or toys. Younger children may enjoy a visit to Build-a-Bear Workshop. Their Disney store is close to a city block long, but if you are looking for real collector's items, you'll find better choices inside the theme parks

If the two theme parks don't keep you entertained enough, you can indulge your inner jock at ESPN Zone, catch a movie at the AMC theatre (good way to rest those tired feet), or enjoy a musical performance or Jazz Brunch at House of Blues.

If you'd like to see the Disneyland fireworks while you're here but aren't going into the park, just follow the signs from Downtown Disney that mark the walking route to the Mickey and Friends parking lot. Go to the lot's top floor and you'll get a great view of both the fireworks at the castle and the ones at the Fantasmic show.

So if your local or visiting and want a flavor of Disney without the rides, lines, and prices…Downtown Disney is a good alternative for some Disney Ambiance, catching a movie, having a meal and doing some shopping.