Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort? It’s more than just a place; it’s a whole vibe! Think unique shops, amazing food, and entertainment, all with that special Disney magic.

This open-air promenade, right by Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and the resort hotels, has been busy transforming. Seriously, if you’ve been lately, you’ve probably noticed the west end is practically brand new! We’re talking fresh entrances, cool new stores, restaurants, and a sleek design inspired by classic Southern California architecture.

Let’s dive into all the fantastic new spots you need to explore on your next trip. Consider this your go-to guide for everything happening in Downtown Disney!

Dining and Drinks: Discover So Much Delicious!

Hungry? Downtown Disney has it all. From a quick bite to a fancy dinner, or just a little something on the go, you’ll find whatever your taste buds desire.

Taste What’s New!

• NEW! Earl of Sandwich celebrates the very invention of the sandwich, inspired by John Montagu, the 4th Earl himself, who created it back in 1762. You can grab iconic options like The Original 1762, The Full Montagu, or even The Holiday Turkey. Plus, they serve other freshly baked sandwiches on artisan bread, soups, salads, breakfast, and desserts.

• NEW! Happy Ice brings vibrant Philadelphia-style Italian ice to the district. These refreshing treats are all-natural, made from scratch with real fruit, pure cane sugar, and premium ingredients.
• NEW! Cathy’s Cookies cart bakes warm, fresh chocolate chip cookies. Grab them by the dozen or by the bucket! They go perfectly with a rich hot chocolate or a cold milk. And here’s a secret: you can even buy ready-to-bake dough to enjoy that fresh cookie aroma at home.

• NEW! Parkside Market is a game-changer! It’s the district’s first food hall, packing four distinct culinary concepts under one roof. Parkside Market Coffee serves lattes, teas, and breakfast. Then, explore Seoul Sister, which offers a Korean-inspired menu focused on bibimbap with a California flair. GG’s Chicken Shop satisfies your chicken sandwich cravings, plus great salads and classic sides. And for amazing views of the district with inventive cocktails or mocktails, head to Vista Parkside Market.

• NEW! Din Tai Fung, the globally famous Taiwanese spot, now has its first freestanding restaurant in Downtown Disney! You absolutely have to see their dumpling expo kitchen inside. You can watch the incredible artistry of their 18-fold dumpling making process. Beyond the famous Xiao Long Bao, try the Spicy Wontons, String Beans with Garlic, Cucumber Salad, or Pork Chop Fried Rice. Everything comes family-style, and yes, you can get it for takeout to enjoy in your room!

• NEW! Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita, from Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offer a trio of Mexican delights. Paseo is the upscale indoor restaurant for refined Mexican cuisine and tequila cocktails. Céntrico offers a similar menu but in an open-air setting. And for a quick, delicious fix, Tiendita serves up Mexican street-food classics on the go.

More Table Service Restaurants: Sit Back and Relax with a Bite

• Ballast Point Brewing Co. is a brew pub with a cool sea theme and Southern California food. Think shareable appetizers, burgers, tacos, and a fantastic rooftop patio overlooking the district.
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes serves award-winning burgers and those famous, jaw-dropping CrazyShakes. It’s got a throwback vibe, channeling 80s and 90s hip-hop with a SoHo flair.
• Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio offers a fun, modern take on its New Orleans roots, blended with fresh California influences. After two decades, they still bring vibrant energy to their menu.
• Naples Ristorante e Bar brings the spirit of southern Italy to life with amazing Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta. The two-story dining room, inspired by Carnivale, boasts an impressive wine selection and an inviting outdoor patio.
• Splitsville Luxury Lanes is perfect for sports fans! Watch a game with friends and family in expansive indoor or outdoor seating, while enjoying sushi rolls, burgers, pizza, cocktails, and beer. And of course, you can bowl a few frames on their 20 lanes!

Quick Service: Feeling Snack-ish? Grab and Go!

• Beignets Expressed is your go-to for quick New Orleans treats. Get classic fried beignets piled high with powdered sugar, or try their specialty glazed ones with sweet drizzles and sprinkles.
• CrazyShake Window by Black Tap lets you grab those epic milkshakes without a sit-down meal.
• Napolini Pizzeria offers a quick Italian fix with specialty pizzas, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and desserts.
• Salt & Straw serves innovative, award-winning ice cream. Their ever-changing menu tells stories through unique flavors and local ingredients.
• Blue Ribbon Corn Dog is the place for hand-dipped corn dogs, from classic to creative, flavorful twists.
• California Churro offers those iconic, beloved churros at two locations in the district!
• Jamba is “whirl’d famous” for its refreshing smoothies, juices, and bowls.
• Kayla’s Cake is a sweet stop for premium French macarons and other decadent treats.
• Wetzel’s Pretzels bakes fresh, hand-rolled soft pretzels at its flagship store. Look for the cool large-scale mural of Southern California scenes and the pretzel door handle!

And keep an eye out for pop-up food trucks; they often bring extra eats and treats!

Shopping: Find Favorite Treasures

Looking for the perfect souvenir or a special gift? Downtown Disney has you covered. And trust me, there’s so much more to discover!

• NEW! lululemon now offers its innovative athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories, perfect for yoga, running, or any training.
• NEW! Nectar Life brings luxurious, handcrafted beauty essentials and bath treats, all made with pure joy. This is their first location with a customization bar, so you can create your own milkshake bath soaks and whipped soaps!
• NEW! Avengers Reserve celebrates Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and their friends. Dive into comic books, collectibles, Super Hero apparel, and role-play toys for all ages.
• NEW! Disney Wonderful World of Sweets is a truly whimsical confectionery paradise. Enjoy fresh, house-made Werther’s Original Caramel popcorn, caramel apples, churro toffee, and tons of candies. Their exhibition kitchens let you watch the magic unfold, and meet new sweet characters like Poppi the popcorn bucket, Jimmi, Fluffi, Bonni, and Lolli!
• NEW! The D-Lander Shop features trendy fashions and co-branded collections. Think Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke, and even a PANDORA Jewelry shop-within-a-shop.
• NEW! Disney Storyland Boutique is a charming retail spot that regularly transforms its theme, decor, and products. Make sure to stop by on your visit to see their latest seasonal merchandise!

• World of Disney is the flagship store, boasting the largest selection of Disney merchandise at Disneyland Resort. It’s massive!
• Disney Home is the place for kitchenware, linens, gadgets, ornaments, and home decor.
• Curl Surf celebrates California surf culture with cool beach styles for everyone.
• Kawaii Slime cart offers an imaginative array of the cutest slime creations and toys. Expect multiple colors, textures, scents, and glittery mix-ins for kids and the young at heart!
• The LEGO Store has building sets for everyone, from beginners to enthusiasts. You’ll be amazed by the larger-than-life Disney characters built entirely from LEGO!
• Lovepop offers imaginative pop-up greeting cards with stunning designs for any occasion. These cards use laser-cutting and “kirigami” – a paper-cutting variation of origami.
• PANDORA Jewelry features statement pieces with Disney characters, park landmarks, and more.
• Pelé Soccer is where you score apparel from soccer teams all over the world.
• Star Wars Trading Post is perfect for finding treasures from across the galaxy. May the Force be with your shopping spree!
• Sunglass Hut has stylish sunglasses, essential for those sunny Southern California days!
• Sephora is your go-to for beauty products, from skincare to makeup and fragrances.
• WonderGround Gallery is a boutique gallery featuring Disney-themed artwork and collectibles for your home or office.
• Disney’s Pin Traders kiosk is perfect for expanding your Disney pin collection or starting a new one!
• 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 ready to draw personal caricatures, making for perfect keepsakes.

Throughout the year, look out for special trunk shows, pin trading events, and artist showcases. I recommend checking the official Disneyland Resort website or asking a Cast Member for details on upcoming events!

Entertainment: Enjoy Lots of Family Fun

Looking for more fun? Downtown Disney has plenty of entertainment too!

Relax on the lawn at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage in the evenings. You can listen to live music – think Motown, rock, pop, reggae – and watch special performances while the kids play.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes isn’t just for food! It boasts 20 luxury bowling lanes spread across two floors, plus 25 big-screen TVs. Head outside to The Alley for interactive games and more live music from local artists.

At Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, enjoy dinner while listening to singers and musicians perform various jazz genres. Check their entertainment calendar for the latest schedule.

What’s Next? Here’s a Sneak Peek!

The transformation isn’t over! Get ready for these exciting new restaurants and shops coming soon to Downtown Disney!

• Bopo Go! is a brand-new café concept designed just for Downtown Disney. They’ll serve high-quality, authentic boba/bubble tea, all without artificial ingredients. Inspired by Asian convenience stores, Bopo Go! will also offer other signature drinks, light bites, and imported snacks and candies.

• The all-new Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby will bring the swinging ’60s Brit-pop energy of London to the district. Expect culinary excellence with Chef Gordon Ramsay’s iconic and delicious British classic dishes.

• Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon, from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori, promises a classic steakhouse experience. Imagine prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, and an impressive selection of bourbon and cocktails, all centered around a lively bar.
• Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, also by Chef Isidori, will be a quick-service spot for dishes like pulled pork and beef brisket with incredible house-made sauces. They’ll also offer craft beers and moonshine cocktails.

• Get ready for Porto’s Bakery & Cafe! This iconic Southern California spot, famous for its sweet pastries and California-Cuban dishes, is currently under construction. You’ll soon be able to grab their signature Cheese Rolls, Potato Balls, and other favorite goodies. This new location will even be the very first Porto’s with sit-down table service and a full bar. The concept art shows a beautiful outdoor patio, a striking exterior, and a cozy dining area!

Throughout the year, keep an eye out for new specialty menu items, unique shopping experiences, and seasonal entertainment and decor. Downtown Disney always has something fresh!

Good news: admission to Downtown Disney is completely free! If you’re heading to Disneyland Park with a valid ticket, you can even hop on the Disneyland Monorail at the Downtown Disney station for a scenic 13-minute ride around the resort, dropping you right in Tomorrowland.

See you real soon at Downtown Disney!