The Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort has been undergoing a massive transformation. This transformation has led to a shopping, dining, and entertainment district at the Disneyland Resort that is more beautiful and magical than ever. This has seen some favorite locations getting new looks along with some new establishments joining the ranks of shops and restaurants in Downtown Disney District. It also has led to a whole new stage and relaxing lawn to enjoy the entertainment on it.
With all of these new things at Downtown Disney District, there are a lot of things that could be missed when visiting the Disneyland Resort. Below is a look at all of the current offerings at Downtown Disney District followed by what is still coming!
Downtown Disney District Dining & Drinks
Taste What’s New!
- NEW! Parkside Market is the first Downtown Disney food hall, with four culinary concepts under one roof.
- Sip & Sonder serves lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and delicious small bites.
- Seoul Sister serves a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist.
- GG’s Chicken Shop serves chicken sandwiches, salads and classic dinner table sides.
- Vista Parkside Market offers beautiful views of the district and inventive cocktails and mocktails.
NEW! Din Tai Fung, the world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant known for the art of Xiao Long Bao, opened its first ever freestanding restaurant at Downtown Disney. A dumpling expo kitchen serves as an indoor backdrop, inviting guests to witness the artistry behind their 18-fold dumpling making process. Menu highlights also include Spicy Wontons, String Beans with Garlic, Cucumber Salad and Pork Chop Fried Rice, all served family-style. These divine dishes can be ordered for takeout to enjoy at home or in your hotel room.
NEW! Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita, with menus created by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offer three separate food, drink and dining experiences. Ranging from upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails at the indoor restaurant, Paseo and the open-air Céntrico, to on-the-go Mexican street-food staples at Tiendita.
More Table Service Restaurants
- Ballast Point Brewing Co., with its sea theme and Southern California cuisine, is a brew pub with shareable appetizers, burgers, tacos and a rooftop patio overlooking the district.
- Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes serves award-winning burgers, eye-popping CrazyShakes and other delish dishes in a throwback style eatery reminiscent of ‘80s and ‘90s hip-hop and pop with a SoHo vibe.
- Earl of Sandwich Tavern is a table service concept by Earl of Sandwich, temporarily located on the east side of the district, serving an extended menu of salads, burgers, pasta, pizza and of course, sandwiches!
- Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, building on two decades of tradition, is a fun, casual and modern celebration of its authentic New Orleans roots and its adopted California influences which brings a vibrant California-fresh energy and approach to its menu.
- Naples Ristorante e Bar celebrates the spirit of southern Italy with its Neapolitan style pizza and pasta with a two-story dining room and décor inspired by Carnivale, an impressive wine selection and outdoor patio.
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes is great for sports fans to watch a big game with family and friends, offering expansive seating options indoors and out, with a menu of sushi rolls, burgers, pizza, cocktails and beer. Guests can also get their game on with its 20 bowling lanes.
Quick Service
- Beignets Expressed is a fast and fun counter-service spot serving the much-loved New Orleans confection, from the classic fried beignet topped with a mountain of powdered sugar to specialty glazed beignets dipped and drizzled with sweet sprinkles.
- CrazyShake Window by Black Tap is the place for over-the-top milkshakes on-the-go from Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes.
- Earl of Sandwich has temporary locations near the esplanade and a pop-up pod near Star Wars Trading Post. Both serve The Original 1762, The Full Montagu, the Holiday Turkey and more popular sandwiches, wraps, salads and sweets.
- Napolini Pizzeria is a quick stop for Italian food with specialty pizzas, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and desserts.
- Salt & Straw has an innovative collection of award-winning ice cream that tells the story of artisans and farmers through an ever-changing menu of flavors and ingredients.
- Blue Ribbon Corn Dog is the place for a hand-dipped corn dog with choices of classic or flavorful twists.
- California Churro offers iconic treats — churros — at two locations in the district!
- Jamba is “whirl’d famous” for its smoothies, juices and bowls.
- Kayla’s Cake is a sweet stop for premium French macarons and other decadent treats.
- Wetzel’s Pretzels makes fresh-baked, hand-rolled soft pretzels at this flagship store. Be sure to see the large-scale mural capturing scenes from Southern California and the pretzel door handle!
There are also pop-up food trucks that have extra treats and eats that show up occasionally!
Shops
- NEW! Avengers Reserve celebrates the fandom and stories of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and their friends with comic books, collectibles, Super Hero apparel and role-play toys for all ages.
- NEW! Disney Wonderful World of Sweets is a whimsical delight of confectionery treats featuring fresh, house-made Werther’s Original Caramel popcorn, caramel apples, churro toffee and candies galore. Its exhibition kitchens are viewable from the promenade and sweet new characters include Poppi the popcorn bucket and other treats named Jimmi, Fluffi, Bonni and Lolli.
- NEW! The D-Lander Shop features trend-forward fashions and co-branded collections of apparel, handbags and jewelry including Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke and a PANDORA Jewelry shop-within-a-shop.
- NEW! Disney Storyland Boutique is a charming retail concept that will regularly transform its theming, décor and products. The current theme revolves around all things cute and adorable!
- World of Disney is the flagship store with the largest selection of Disney merchandise at the Disneyland Resort.
- Disney Home is the place for kitchenware, linens, gadgets, ornaments and décor.
- Curl Surf celebrates California surf culture with beach styles for guys and gals.
- Kawaii Slime cartoffers an imaginative array of the cutest slime concoctions and toys in a multitude of colors, textures, scents and glittery mix-ins for kids and kids at heart to play with over and over again!
- The LEGO Store has building sets for the LEGO beginners and enthusiasts who may marvel at the larger-than-life displays of Disney characters built out of LEGO.
- Lovepop has imaginative pop-up greeting cards with stunning designs for any occasion. These cards are laser-cut, combining modern technology with the ancient art of “kirigami,” a variation of origami where the paper is cut rather than folded.
- PANDORA Jewelry has a selection of statement jewelry that features Disney characters, park landmarks and more.
- Pelé Soccer is the place to score apparel from soccer teams from around the world.
- Star Wars Trading Post is perfect for those looking to discover treasures from across the galaxy.
- Sunglass Hut has stylish sunglasses, perfect for a sunny Southern California day!
- Sephora is the place to find go-to beauty products from skincare to makeup and fragrance.
- WonderGround Gallery is a boutique gallery with Disney-themed artwork and collectibles for the home or office.
- Disney’s Pin Traders kiosk is perfect for anyone adding to their extensive Disney pin collection or for those just getting started.
- Collectible Medallion Machines and Pressed Coin Machines are located in the district and great for any collector.
- Kaman’s Art Shoppes, Inc. Caricatures kiosk has talented artists who draw personal caricatures that make the perfect keepsakes.
Then, throughout the year, there are trunk shows, pin trading events and artist showcases. Check Disneyland.com for more event details.
Entertainment
There are plenty of entertainment offerings to enjoy at Downtown Disney District. The Downtown Disney Live! Stage offers a plethora of performers to watch throughout the year. On any given night, guests can enjoy Motown, rock, pop, reggae and other special performances.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes offers 20 bowling lanes for guests to enjoy. Some live entertainers can be found in the Alley. If that isn’t enough, 25 big-screen TVs also are on each of the two stories of this establishment.
Over at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, jazz musicians and singers perform on a regular basis. Check out the entertainment calendar for the current schedule.
Looking Forward
There are still some exciting new restaurants coming to Downtown Disney District! Take a look at what is planned for the District:
- Earl of Sandwich will have a new, two-story location in Downtown Disney District, with a quick-service Earl of Sandwich shop on the ground level and The Carnaby Tavern, an all-new table-service gastropub upstairs designed as an homage to the ‘60s “British Invasion” pop and rock bands from the U.K.
- Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon, from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori, will be a classic steakhouse serving up prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, sandwiches and salads, and an impressive selection of bourbon and cocktails with a lively center bar.
- Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, also from Chef Isidori, will be a quick service eatery offering dishes such as pulled pork and beef brisket with house-made sauces, along with craft beers and moonshine cocktails.
Porto’s Bakery and Café is an iconic Southern California destination known for its sweet pastries as well as California-Cuban-inspired dishes. This new location will be the first Porto’s with sit-down table service and a full bar.
Along with the regular and new offerings at Downtown Disney District, during festivals (like the upcoming Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival), there are often special menu items and offerings to be found!
Admission to Downtown Disney District is free and no reservation is required. However, there still is a charge for parking.
What do you think of all of the offerings at Downtown Disney District? What is your favorite? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
