Disneyland’s Downtown Is Getting Upgraded. Here’s Why It’s Important

The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is growing rapidly, and part of the upgrades around the property are in the Downtown Disney District. The entertainment, dining and retail space opened in 2001 and has continued to evolve with new eateries, shops and experiences. Now, the space between the two Disneyland theme parks and three Disney hotels is getting another major upgrade.

“Now celebrating nearly 25 years, Downtown Disney is undergoing unprecedented growth and change, adding world-class restaurants, beloved brands and local businesses, and investing in new areas for guests to gather, making the district a destination in its own right for visitors and locals alike,” said Jason Smith, Executive Director of Downtown Disney District.

How New Locations Impact Disneyland and Orange County

When new businesses locate in the Downtown Disney District, they impact visitor numbers and contribute to Disney’s ongoing commitment to the surrounding communities.

Bringing new businesses to Downtown Disney District continues to impact Orange County as a whole. One way this happens is through the CHOC Walk in the Park, a charity walk through the Disneyland Resort to raise money for Orange County Children’s Hospital. This year, Din Tai Fung donated $50,000 to the annual event, making it the only Downtown Disney District business to donate. This year’s event raised over $2.3 million.

New dining, shopping and entertainment options continue to draw guests to Downtown Disney District, even if they don’t plan to visit any of the Disneyland Resort theme parks or stay at a Disneyland-owned hotel. Admission to Downtown Disney District does not require a ticket, but Disney realizes that those who visit will likely shop and dine at one of the many stores and restaurants. For Disney, those who don’t go to a theme park now have a taste of the Disneyland experience. This could lead to repeat visits to Downtown Disney District or people purchasing tickets to the theme parks.

Continued investment in the Downtown Disney District will be critical to the Disneyland Resort as it continues to attract new and returning guests. The success of Downtown Disney could also guide Disney creatives and executives in what’s to come with the approved DisneylandForward plans, which include a potential retail, dining and entertainment space modeled after Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

New Development and Investment in the Downtown Disney District

“When considering new offerings for Downtown Disney, we look for additions that we know will appeal to our guests. We are proud to feature businesses and operators who come from diverse backgrounds, and we are excited about everything that is coming to the district and look forward to sharing more about our plans soon,” Smith said.

The past seven years have seen the largest number of new restaurants open in Downtown Disney District, including popular ice cream parlor Salt & Straw and Ballast Point Brewing, which opened in 2018, and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, which opened a year later in 2019. Additionally, two new stores opened in 2021: Pelé Soccer and Lovepop.

Earlier in 2024, the Downtown Disney District opened four new restaurants. Three new eateries will feature Mexican cuisine from chef Carlos Gaytán and operating partner Patina Restaurant Group. Paseo is a full-service restaurant, Centrico is a hacienda-style restaurant with bar snacks to share, and Tiendita is a fast-food taqueria. The other restaurant to open was a new branch of Din Tai Fung, known for its soup dumplings.

There’s more in the pipeline for Downtown Disney District, too. There are new plans for a food hall-style eatery called Parkside Market. Inside, Disneyland guests will find dining concepts from operating partner Levy Restaurants, including a fast-casual Korean-inspired eatery called Seoul Sister, coffee and Caribbean bites from Sip & Sonder, and chicken sandwiches and salads at GG’s Chicken Shop. Parkside Market will also feature a second-floor bar with incredible views of Downtown Disney District and the surrounding areas.

Popular restaurant Earl of Sandwich is also getting a new home in a two-story building. A quick-service counter will open on the ground floor, while the second floor will be for guest service.

Also in the works is Porto’s Bakery and Cafe coming to Downtown Disney District, first announced at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022. Additionally, preparations are underway for a new steakhouse restaurant and BBQ restaurant to bolster Downtown Disney District’s dining offerings.