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Downtown Disney Updates: The Latest News

by | Jul 13, 2026 | Disneyland Parks, DLR News, Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney has been completely transformed with new restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and more. Here’s everything that’s new, and what’s still coming to Disneyland Resort.

Downtown Disney has undergone its biggest transformation in years. New restaurants, unique shopping experiences, refreshed gathering spaces, and exciting entertainment have completely reshaped the district outside Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Whether you’re planning your next Disneyland vacation or are simply looking for a fun evening destination in Southern California, there’s never been a better time to visit.

From acclaimed restaurants and immersive new stores to beloved local favorites and exciting projects still under construction, here’s everything that’s new at Downtown Disney.

New Restaurants and Dining at Downtown Disney

One of the biggest changes throughout Downtown Disney has been its expanded dining lineup. Today, guests can choose from everything from award-winning dumplings and elevated Mexican cuisine to food halls, bakeries, and classic sandwiches.

Earl of Sandwich Has Opened Its New Permanent Home

Earl of Sandwich has officially opened its brand-new permanent location in Downtown Disney, giving fans even more room to enjoy the restaurant’s famous hot sandwiches.

earl of sandwich

Photo Courtesy of Disney

The restaurant continues serving longtime favorites like The Original 1762, The Full Montagu, and Holiday Turkey alongside freshly made salads, soups, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and desserts. The larger location has quickly become one of the district’s most convenient dining options for guests looking for a quick meal before or after visiting the parks.

Even more is still to come, as the restaurant’s second floor has become Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby.

Parkside Market Brings Downtown Disney’s First Food Hall

One of Downtown Disney’s biggest additions is Parkside Market, the district’s first-ever food hall.

downtown disney updates, parkside market exterior

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Rather than choosing a single restaurant, everyone in your group can order from different concepts under one roof, making it one of the easiest places for families to dine together.

Inside you’ll find:

  • Parkside Market Coffee, serving signature coffee drinks, teas, pastries, and breakfast favorites.
  • Seoul Sister, featuring Korean-inspired rice bowls with a California twist.
  • GG’s Chicken Shop, serving crispy chicken sandwiches, salads, and comfort-food sides.
  • Vista Parkside Market, a second-story rooftop bar offering creative cocktails, mocktails, and views overlooking Downtown Disney.

Din Tai Fung Brings World-Famous Dumplings to Disneyland Resort

Downtown Disney is now home to the first freestanding location of Din Tai Fung, the internationally renowned Taiwanese restaurant famous for its handcrafted Xiao Long Bao.

downtown disney updates, dai tai fung

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Guests can watch chefs fold each dumpling through the restaurant’s expo kitchen before enjoying favorites like Spicy Wontons, Pork Chop Fried Rice, Garlic String Beans, and Cucumber Salad. Many menu items are served family-style, making this one of the best options for larger groups.

Paseo, Céntrico, and Tiendita Offer Three Unique Mexican Dining Experiences

Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán has transformed one corner of Downtown Disney with three distinct dining concepts. Paseo delivers an upscale Mexican dining experience featuring elevated cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Just outside, Céntrico offers an open-air atmosphere with tequila-forward cocktails and shareable dishes.

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Photo by Kristen Carr

Looking for something quicker? Tiendita serves Mexican street-food favorites that are perfect for grabbing on your way to the parks.

New Shopping at Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney has also expanded its retail offerings with everything from luxury self-care products to Disney-exclusive merchandise and athletic apparel.

lululemon

One of the newest additions is lululemon, bringing the popular athletic apparel brand to Disneyland Resort. Guests can browse performance clothing, footwear, accessories, and many of the Disney-inspired collections that have become especially popular among park fans.

Nectar Life

Nectar Life has become one of Downtown Disney’s most interactive shopping experiences.

nectar life downtown disney

Photo Courtesy of Nectar Life

The boutique specializes in handcrafted bath and body products, but what makes this location unique is its customization bar. Guests can create personalized whipped soaps, milkshake bath soaks, body butters, fragrance roll-ons, and other self-care products with custom scents.

Disney Wonderful World of Sweets

Disney also opened Wonderful World of Sweets, a whimsical confectionery shop packed with freshly made treats.

Disney Wonderful World of Sweets

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Guests can watch cast members prepare caramel apples, Werther’s Original caramel popcorn, churro toffee, candies, and other sweet creations through exhibition kitchens visible from the promenade.

Avengers Reserve

Marvel fans now have a dedicated shopping destination at Avengers Reserve.

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The store features comic books, collectibles, apparel, role-play toys, and merchandise inspired by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and the wider Marvel Universe.

The D-Lander Shop

The D-Lander Shop focuses on stylish Disney-inspired fashion and accessories. Inside, you’ll find collections from Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke, Pandora Jewelry, and other premium brands, making it one of the resort’s most upscale shopping experiences.

Disney Storyland Boutique

Unlike most retail locations, Disney Storyland Boutique regularly changes its theme and merchandise throughout the year, making every visit a little different depending on the season.

Entertainment at Downtown Disney

The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage hosts nightly live entertainment ranging from Motown and classic rock to reggae and pop performances. Families can relax on the nearby lawn while kids dance and play.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes remains one of the district’s most popular entertainment destinations, featuring 20 bowling lanes, outdoor games, sports viewing, and a full restaurant.

Meanwhile, Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio regularly features live jazz performances that add to Downtown Disney’s lively atmosphere.

What’s Still Coming to Downtown Disney

While much of Downtown Disney’s transformation is now complete, several major additions are still on the way.

Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby

On the second floor above Earl of Sandwich is Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, bringing the energy of London’s Swinging Sixties to Downtown Disney.

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Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, a British-themed restaurant, opened July 13, 2026 at Downtown Disney. This all-new restaurant concept brings the energy of swinging ‘60s inspired by the famous Carnaby Street in London, combined with Chef Ramsay’s iconic British dishes. The venue features plush interiors and three distinct dining environments including a stylish outdoor terrace and a lively bar. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

The restaurant serves British classics inspired by Chef Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes, including Beef Wellington, Fish and Chips, and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon

Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori is also bringing Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon to Downtown Disney.

The full-service steakhouse will feature premium steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, an impressive bourbon selection, handcrafted cocktails, and a lively central bar.

Pearl’s Roadside BBQ

Located next door, Pearl’s Roadside BBQ will offer a quicker dining option with smoked brisket, pulled pork, smoked wings, house-made barbecue sauces, craft beer, and moonshine cocktails.

Porto’s Bakery & Café

Perhaps the most anticipated addition of all is Porto’s Bakery & Café.

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Photo Courtesy of Disney

The beloved Southern California bakery is known for its famous Cheese Rolls, Potato Balls, pastries, cakes, and California-Cuban specialties. The Downtown Disney location will also become the first Porto’s to feature full table-service dining and a full bar, making it unlike any other Porto’s location.

Bopo Go!

Inspired by convenience stores throughout Asia, Bopo Go! will specialize in authentic bubble tea made without artificial ingredients alongside premium matcha, imported snacks, candies, and grab-and-go bites.

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Photo Courtesy of Disney

Downtown Disney Continues to Grow

Downtown Disney has evolved into much more than a place to grab dinner before heading into Disneyland. With award-winning restaurants, expanded shopping, live entertainment, and exciting new projects still under construction, the district has become a destination worth visiting on its own.

Whether you’re stopping by for world-famous dumplings, shopping for Disney merchandise, enjoying rooftop cocktails, or waiting for Porto’s to open its doors, there’s always something new to discover at Downtown Disney.

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Posts by Morgan Flaherty

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Morgan Flaherty, Disney World Expert | Morgan has been visiting Disney World for over 30 years, and has become an expert on the resort's theme parks, hotels, and surrounding area. As a Disney expert, Flaherty has been writing about the Disney Parks, history, and films for six years, covering everything from the latest breaking news to trip planning. She is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience, and you can find her work at Scary Mommy, Well + Good, The Everymom, and other outlets.
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Authored by Morgan Flaherty

Morgan Flaherty, Disney World Expert | Morgan has been visiting Disney World for over 30 years, and has become an expert on the resort's theme parks, hotels, and surrounding area. As a Disney expert, Flaherty has been writing about the Disney Parks, history, and films for six years, covering everything from the latest breaking news to trip planning. She is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience, and you can find her work at Scary Mommy, Well + Good, The Everymom, and other outlets.
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