The Disneyland Resort announced that later this year a new stage and lawn area will be opening at Downtown Disney District. This area will offer the opportunities for guests to enjoy entertainment, special events, and activities once it is open. It will also feature a new sculpture by Nikkolas Smith. According to Disney, this tower will “pay tribute to the sublime work of pioneering architects of color in Southern California during the mid-20th century with unique geometric patterns in the sculpture, evoking the famed mid-century buildings they created.”
Along with announcing that this entertainment area in the west end of Downtown Disney District will be opening later this year, Disney also shared about other new locations that will be coming to Downtown Disney.
Parkside Market
Parkside Market will be a new “curated collection of diverse culinary concepts brought to life by Levy.” Disney shared that this location will include four offerings that will all be in the same building on the west end of Downtown Disney District. Disney shared the following details about these four offerings:
Seoul Sister is a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks.
Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, is a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. Guests in the district can expect to enjoy Sip & Sonder’s signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.
GG’s Chicken Shop, from Boka Restaurant Group, was founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen. Affectionately named after Wolen’s mother Geri, the shop will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides. The first brick-and-mortar GG’s Chicken Shop opened earlier this year in Chicago and this new location in Downtown Disney District will be its first on the West Coast.
A second story bar will be an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free elixirs.
Along with the new announcements today, there are other dining establishments heading to Downtown Disney District. This includes Din Tai Fung, Paseo and Céntrico, and Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. An exact timeline for their openings isn’t known at this point. Din Tai Fung will offer its world renown Chinese cuisine that includes noodles and soup dumplings. Paseo and Céntrico, will offer amazing Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán. Porto’s Bakery and Cafe will offer its popular California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries.
Daps Magic will continue to keep its eyes on the progress being made in the transformation of Downtown Disney District. The construction updates can be found on the Daps Magic GUIDES page. What do you think about the announcements that were made today about the Downtown Disney District? What are you most excited for? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of GEEKS CORNER and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter,Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!
