What’s New in Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney District

The Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort has been undergoing a multi-year transformation, including a brand-new entrance plaza and stage for live music, new restaurants — including a new two-story food hall — and new shopping opportunities such as an expanded sweet shop.

As part of its makeover, the 24-year-old shopping and dining district is embracing the history of its Golden State location, with the east side (closest to the theme parks) rooted in the California Craftsman style of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, while the newly-reimagined west side takes design queues from the iconic Disneyland Hotel.

“Disney drew inspiration from Southern California’s mid-century modern architecture for the entire west end expansion, aiming to use the bright colors, design elements and patterns inspired by the region," notes a representative from Levy Restaurants, the group behind the district’s newest addition, Parkside Market, which celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 22, 2025.

Where to Dine  the Downtown Disney District

The mid-century modern-inspired Parkside Market food hall features three dining locations on the ground floor — Sip & Sonder, GG’s Chicken Shop and Seoul Sister — with the rooftop Vista Parkside Market bar offering craft cocktails and mocktails with views of Disneyland’s Monorail and the bustling district below.

But don’t let the “food hall” description fool you, as each Parkside Market eatery offers clients something unique. Black-women-owned Sip & Sonder (recognized as one the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times) serves signature lattes, freshly baked treats and frozen drinks; Seoul Sister serves a menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) but with a California twist; and GG's Chicken Shop founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm and Michelin-starred chef Lee Wolen serves family-friendly dishes, including fried chicken, salads and classic sides.

Parkside Market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sip & Sonder serves breakfast sandwiches from 7 to 11 a.m.

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Then, in a bid for its first Michelin star, Disneyland has partnered with two Michelin-starred chefs to bring three new Mexican restaurants to the district. Chef Carlos Gaytan helms Paseo (for fine dining), Centrico (for casual table-service) and Tiendita (for quick-service street food); all three opened in May 2024. Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon (a classic steakhouse) and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ will be led by chef Joe Isadori and will begin construction soon.

Unique Shopping Opportunities in Downtown Disney

Veering away from mall-style chain stores, Downtown Disney recently debuted the Avengers Reserve shop; merchandise here celebrates characters and stories from the Marvel Universe. The new D-Lander Shop features co-branded collections, including items from an extremely popular collaboration between Disney and athletic apparel brand Lululemon.

On Jan. 24, 2025, Disney Storyland Boutique celebrated its grand opening with a focus on “all things cute and adorable.” The charming shop’s plush collections are imported from Japan’s Disney Stores and have already created a social media buzz.

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Because we all know no Disneyland day is complete without sweet treats, the whimsical new Disney Wonderful World of Sweets (formally Marceline’s Confectionary) is a one-stop shop for candy, caramel apples, baked goods and confections, including freshly made Werther’s Original Caramel popcorn (yes, it’s the same craveable popcorn sold in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot). The shop also features exclusive merch themed to sweet new characters, Poppi the popcorn bucket and cake pops named Jimmi, Fluffi, Bonni and Lolli.

Still unknown is what’s coming to the former ESPN zone, which recently went behind construction walls after being empty for several years. The large multi-story space provides a golden opportunity for even more new shopping and dining locations.

Once viewed as a "pass-through" corridor to and from the theme parks, Downtown Disney has become a vibrant place where clients will want to spend time shopping, dining and enjoying live entertainment. Unlike Disney Springs in Orlando, which is a bus ride away from most Walt Disney World hotels, the district is easily accessible on foot from all three Disneyland Resort hotels and many nearby "Good Neighbor" properties, making these additions — coupled with new in-park attractions and experiences — even more reasons for clients to plan extended Disneyland vacations.

“The Downtown Disney District is undergoing unprecedented growth and change — adding a variety of world-class dining, beloved brands, local businesses and new areas where guests can gather,” said Jason Smith, vice president of Disneyland Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney District. “We are making the district a destination in its own right, and we look forward to additional experiences coming soon.”