More delightful and delicious things are coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! As we previously shared, we have so much for guests to enjoy now and even more distinctive dining and entertainment settings coming in the future. We’re committed to bringing fresh, new, innovative experiences to make every visit special. So, let’s take a look at the latest, including plans for the new Parkside Market, plus a new stage and lawn, and more!
Announcing Plans for Parkside Market!
We are thrilled to share about more innovative food and drink offerings coming to Downtown Disney in the future! Plans are underway for Parkside Market, a new, curated collection of diverse culinary concepts brought to life by Levy, with all four offerings under one roof as part of the expansion on the west end.
Din Tai Fung
Seoul Sister is a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks.
Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, is a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. Guests in the district can expect to enjoy Sip & Sonder’s signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.
GG’s Chicken Shop, from Boka Restaurant Group, was founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen. Affectionately named after Wolen’s mother Geri, the shop will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides.The first brick-and-mortar GG’s Chicken Shop opened earlier this year in Chicago and this new location in Downtown Disney District will be its first on the West Coast.
A second story bar will be an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free elixirs.
Later this year, Downtown Disney will open a new stage and lawn for special events, activities, musical entertainment and more on the west end of the district. In this brand-new area, guests will also be able to see a soaring new sculptural tower designed by Nikkolas Smith. This new tower will pay tribute to the sublime work of pioneering architects of color in Southern California during the mid-20th century with unique geometric patterns in the sculpture, evoking the famed mid-century buildings they created. We look forward to this beautiful new outdoor space!
Future plans for the district will also bring Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus masterful Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and the popular California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries to come from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe.
Guests will want to visit again and again, as it’s always an exciting time to eat, shop and explore in Downtown Disney District.
We have several tantalizing and tasty new updates to share with you from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! This dynamic destination offers something for everyone and will continue to evolve with several exciting new additions. Take a look at what’s new and what’s coming!
Now Open! Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Beignets Expressed
For more than two decades, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has been revered for its warm hospitality, French Quarter flair, bold flavors, and famous, hot beignets! Building on this rich tradition, the iconic restaurant has evolved with a fresh new look, new name and new menu! The location is celebrating its reopening as Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, a modern, casual and fun celebration of the Gulf and Pacific coasts, and Beignets Expressed.
The restaurant’s all-day menu features long-time fan favorites alongside new selections such as Lobster & Crawfish Sliders, Chile-Spiced Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, Gumbo LA-LA filled with succulent seafood, the Grilled Open Faced Lobster BLT Po-Boy and the Reef & Beef, a delectable entrée of grilled shrimp and braised short ribs. This contemporary menu pairs perfectly with a newly expanded wine list from California vintners, and seasonal, seaside-style cocktails.
And let’s not forget the famous beignets! Beignets Expressed is a fast, friendly, and fun counter-service spot, bestowing the much-loved New Orleans confection served classically (fried and topped with heaping mounds of powdered sugar) and the specialty glazed beignets, dipped, drizzled, and sprinkled in infinitely delicious flavors. Signature and seasonal glazed selections include Snickerdoodle, Fruity Crunch and Bananas Foster.
New! Clyde’s Hot Chicken
Have your clients had a chance to taste Clyde’s Hot Chicken yet? It’s a new cart located in the district near the Disneyland Monorail that serves scrumptious Nashville hot chicken on a stick, handmade fresh daily and available in three different heat level seasonings. If guests really want to turn it up a notch, they can try the Hot as Cali with cayenne and habanero spices! Wowza!
Coming soon: The Alley!
The courtyard next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes is being transformed into an exciting space — The Alley — with interactive games, live music, lounge areas and seats for dining. This summer, your clients can relax, play games and create memories in this fun new spot, and enjoy all the delicious food and beverage offerings from Splitsville.
Shopping is always on the menu in the district! Disney Home and WonderGround Gallery have recently reopened with unique selections of Disney décor. Down the way, guets can pop in to Lovepop for the coolest 3D pop-up cards, and Pelé Soccer for the latest in soccer gear and apparel.
It’s an exciting time as Downtown Disney District continues to be reimagined with new dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, along with long-time favorites throughout the promenade. Future plans for the district also include the addition of Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus masterful Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and the oh-so-yummy California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe.
Happy Halfway to the Holidays…well, almost! Summer officially starts next week, which means it’s that time of year to start the countdown to the holidays. From June 13 through 15, celebrate #HalfwaytotheHolidays with us as we give you a taste of the season with announcements, sneak peeks, special treats and of course holiday fun. To prepare for all the festive fun, we’re kicking off with our Halfway to the Holidays Foodie Guide.
One of the best parts of the holidays is the delicious eats and sips you can indulge in. And what Halfway to the Holidays celebration would be complete without some? At Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, even aboard Disney Cruise Line on the high seas, we’re unwrapping some returning favorites and new delights for this limited time.
Let’s take a peek!
Disneyland Resort
Disney California Adventure Park
Cozy Cone Motel 1 (Available June 13 through 15; mobile order available)
Egg Nog Slush with Rumchata topped with whipped cream and sprinkles (New)
Pacific Wharf Café (Available June 13 through 15; mobile order available)
Mickey Gingerbread
Downtown Disney District
Kayla’s Cake (Available June 13 through 15)
Gingerbread Man Macaron: Gingerbread man printed macaron with gingerbread buttercream (New)
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (Available June 13 through 15)
Brownie Tree Pop: Returning from the annual Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House, a chocolate brownie dipped in white chocolate with rainbow sprinkles
Gingersnap Cookie: Returning from the annual Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread House, a traditional gingersnap cookie topped with candied ginger
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy
Joyful Sweets and Sweet on You (Available June 12 through 18 aboard the Disney Wish and June 10 through 17 aboard the Disney Fantasy)
Happy Santa Cupcake: Celebration cupcake with vanilla frosting and Christmas sprinkles
Available on Various Disney Cruise Line Ships
Preludes and Buena Vista Theater:
Reindeer Sipper: Available on the following sailings:
Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
Disney Magic: June 15 through 19
Preludes, Buena Vista Theater, and Luna Libations (Aboard the Disney Wish):
Christmas Rotating Tin Popcorn Bucket with butter-flavored popcorn; available on the following sailings:
Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
Disney Magic: June 15 through 19
Cove Café and All Specialty Coffee Locations
Holiday Stainless Steel Tumbler: Available on the following sailings:
Disney Fantasy: June 10 through 17
Disney Wish: June 12 through 18
Disney Wonder: June 12 through 19
Disney Magic: June 15 through 19
From holidays to everyday excitement, there’s no limit to the fun that can be had at Disney Parks and aboard Disney Cruise Line! Keep your eyes peeled next week for more Halfway to the Holidays announcements.
Happy Halfway to the Holidays!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
In 2001, a massive Disneyland Resort expansion was finally complete, and the Downtown Disney District was open for business. Downtown Disney is a great shopping and dining area that connects Disneyland Resort’s three hotels — the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel (soon to be Pixar Place), and the Grand Californian — with Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
While a lot of stores and restaurants have come and gone in those more than 20 years, there is one popular restaurant that has been a staple for the area — La Brea Bakery & Café. Sadly, on January 9, La Brea announced that they were closing the doors on the Café, effective immediately.
La Brea Bakery did not say exactly what led them to close their doors at Downtown Disney, but the press release did say that they would be focusing on their in-store bakeries found at supermarkets.
After 34 years at our flagship location on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, and more than two decades in Downtown Disney, Anaheim, Aspire Bakeries has made the difficult decision to permanently close La Brea Bakery Café. This morning, meetings were held at our Los Angeles and Downtown Disney Café locations to announce the closures, which are effective immediately.
Consistent with our strategy, Aspire Bakeries will exit the restaurant business and continue the focus on growing our thriving La Brea Bakery business in retail (grocery in-store bakeries) and foodservice. While we will no longer be operating the Cafés, consumers can still find our delicious La Brea Bakery artisan breads, both fresh baked and Take ‘n Bake, at their local grocery’s in-store bakery and at other restaurant locations that serve artisan breads.
Not long after the closure of La Brea Bakery was shared, Disney made an announcement, thanking the company for its long relationship with Disney and its Guests. Disney also shared that Earl of Sandwich would be returning to occupy the space for a limited time. Earl of Sandwich had been located at the other end of Downtown Disney, but was torn down as Disney began its major shopping and dining expansion project.
La Brea also acknowledged that the closure would affect many loyal employees. To help those who were now unemployed, the company teamed up with Disney to host a job fair immediately after the closure was announced. Disneyland Resort is currently hiring for multiple positions.
Downtown Disney is currently undergoing a major renovation and will see several new eateries coming to the area, including the incredibly popular Porto’s Bakery and the hit Chinese restaurant Din Tai Fung.
Easter is almost here and to celebrate Walt Disney World and Disneyland are offering limited-time treats that you don’t want to miss!
From a Disney Cast Member;
It’s time to hop on over to Disney Parks because Easter will soon be upon us and with that, tons of treats to fill up your basket with adorable snacks and delicious sips.
This tasty eggs-travaganza is packed with returning classics and adorable treats to enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. These dazzling delights aren’t just for the tastebuds to enjoy, but for the eyes too! To make this year even more festive, the gorgeous hand-crafted Easter egg displays are back and sprinkled across Walt Disney World Resort hotels and are a must-see.
While we all love a good ol’ Easter egg hunt, no need to search here. I’ve put all the treats together for you. Grab your chicks and get your appetite ready because the Foodie Guide to the Easter must-haves is here!
Walt Disney World Resort
Available at Multiple Resorts April 10 through 23
Coconut Sugar Bunny Cupcake: Carrot cake cupcake filled with pineapple topped with cream cheese buttercream and a coconut sugar bunny (available on Mobile Order) (New) Available at the following:
Sassagoula Floatworks at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Riverside Mill at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything Pop at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 23)
Spring Into Easter: Strawberry mousse with blueberry compote and lemon curd on vanilla cake (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Mara (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 17)
Raspberry Fields: Pistachio financier, raspberry gelée, lemon curd, and a white chocolate glaçage (New)
Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Beach Club Resort Lobby(available through April 17)
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Belle Vue Lounge (available through April 30)
Cotton Tails Daiquiri: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Chambord liqueur, pure cane syrup, lime juice, and raspberry garnished with an orange peel (New)
BoardWalk Bakery (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 17)
Chocolate-covered Strawberry ‘Carrots’: Strawberries dipped in orange-colored white chocolate and striped to resemble carrots (New)
Easter Moon Pie: Sugar cookies with marshmallow filling, dipped in semisweet chocolate and decorated with holiday décor (New)
Coconut Macaroon Nest: Traditional giant coconut macaroon with pastel chocolate and sprinkles and crunch candy Easter eggs (New)
Cannoli: Traditional cannoli with pastel holiday décor
Mickey Brownie: Ganache brownies with holiday sprinkles
BoardWalk Joe’s(available through April 30)
Easter Basket: Empress Gin, Bols Crème de Banana liqueur, grenadine, and pineapple smoothie garnished with a candied marshmallow (New)
Leaping Horse(available through April 30)
The Easter Hunt: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Midori Liqueur, and piña colada garnished with maraschino cherries and a candied marshmallow (New)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Spyglass Grill
This location will be opening its doors once again on April 14!
Coconut Sugar Bunny Cupcake: Carrot cake cupcake filled with pineapple and topped with cream cheese buttercream and a coconut sugar bunny (available April 14 through 23)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
California Grill(available on April 17)
Three-course Dinner: Three-course tasting menu for the 50th Anniversary Celebration with an Easter-themed dessert enhancement (New)
Chef Mickey’s (available on April 17)
Carrot Cake Cupcakes: Mini carrot cake cupcake topped with cream cheese icing, coconut, and a sugar carrot (New)
Contempo Cafe (available on Mobile Order through April 20)
Easter Bunny Cupcake: Carrot cake filled with cream cheese icing topped with buttercream and white chocolate bunny ears (New)
Easter Chocolate Bark: Dark chocolate bark topped with Jelly Beans and sprinkles (New)
Easter Macarons: Assorted macarons filled with raspberry marshmallow, lemon buttercream, and dark chocolate ganache (New)
Easter Sugar Cookie Sandwich: Sugar cookies with strawberry marshmallow buttercream and sprinkles (New)
Steakhouse 71
Easter Brunch: Enjoy favorites from Steakhouse 71 breakfast and lunch menus, along with an Easter dessert available for purchase (available on April 17)(New)
Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort(available through April 20 on the 4th floor)
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Barcelona Lounge
Bird of Paradise Refresher: Strawberry, lemonade, passionfruit juice and passionfruit boba on ice (non-alcoholic) (New)
Cinnamon Twist Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee, sweet cream, and cinnamon syrup topped with cinnamon whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon dust (non-alcoholic) (New)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (available on Mobile Order through April 18)
Peanut Butter Bunny Cookie: Peanut butter cookie cup with buttercream, sugar bunny, and spring sprinkles (New)
Bunny Blondie Pop: Brown butter blondie with mini chocolate chips, and dried cherries enrobed in white chocolate to resemble a bunny (New)
Spring Birds Nest Donut: Chocolate sponge cake donut glazed and garnished with a crunchy chocolate nest and sugar eggs (New)
Narcoossee’s (available on April 17)
Easter Overlay on Existing Desserts
The Grand Cottage at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby (available through April 18)
Offerings including the Carrot Blondie Pop, The Grand Combo, Carrot Coffee Cake, Grand Egg, Artisan Marshmallows, Confetti Cake Popcorn, Mickey Whoopie Pie, Crispy Rice Egg, Baby Chick Cupcake, Spring Garden Dessert, Hot Cross Buns, Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookie, Dark Chocolate Bunny, and Raspberry Minnie Fudge
Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby(available through April 18)
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Good’s Food to Go
Spring Time Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with lemon curd topped with strawberry buttercream and a butterfly white chocolate garnish and springtime quins (available April 12 through June 10)(New)
Carrot Cake: Carrot cake with cream cheese icing and white chocolate carrot garnish (available April 12 through 17) (New)
Easter Chick Brownie: Fudge brownie with dark and white chocolate garnish to look like a hatching chick (available April 12 through 17) (New)
Olivia’s Cafe (available April 16 through 17)
Easter Dessert Trio: A trio of mini desserts including fruit tart, chocolate cupcake with Easter quins, and a strawberry lemon bar (New)
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Capt. Cook’s (available on Mobile Order from April 10 through 17)
Hoppy Easter Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with raspberry fluff filling, buttercream, chocolate easter bunny, and Jelly Beans (New)
Easter Bunny Dome Cake: Carrot dome cake, cream cheese filling, white chocolate glaçage, buttercream, and rice paper butterfly
Pineapple Lanai (available April 16 through 18)
Easter Soft-serve: Pink vanilla soft-serve with toasted marshmallow flavors topped with Easter sprinkles
Cookies & Cream Cheesecake: Cookies and cream flavored cheesecake with a dark chocolate cookie crumble base, ganache, cookie crumbles, and modeling chocolate bunny décor (New)
Robin’s Egg Blueberry Macaroons: Three large robin-colored macaroons filled with a ring of blueberry ganache, and a blueberry jam center on a crispy chocolate nest (New)
Lemon Crinkle Cookies: A pack of three brightly colored lemon-flavored crinkle cookies
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (available April 14 through 17)
