The Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort is undergoing exciting transformations as several new dining and shopping experiences open their doors to guests. With the recent soft openings and more expansion news on the horizon, there's something for everyone at this vibrant entertainment hub.
On January 4, 2025, Parkside Market officially began welcoming visitors, marking the latest addition to the district's culinary scene. Located on the west end of Downtown Disney, this new food hall features four distinct dining venues, including Sip & Sonder, Seoul Sister, GG's Chicken Shop, and Vista Parkside Market.
Sip & Sonder, which opens at 7 AM and closes at 11 PM, is a Black women-owned café offering gourmet lattes, fresh pastries, and breakfast items. The café has quickly gained attention for its inviting atmosphere and specialty drinks. Guests will also find kid-friendly menu options, which add to its appeal for families.
Seoul Sister provides a fast-casual dining experience with Korean-American fusion cuisine. Executive Chef Kelly Kim's establishment puts bibimbap at the forefront, serving up customizable rice bowls complemented with signature appetizers and several Korean-inspired beverages. A delightful addition is their kids' menu featuring three bowl options. "The Bulgogi beef itself is a bit salty, but it balanced nicely with the kimchi and a choice of rice, noodles, or salad as the base," Chef Kim noted about the offerings, showing the careful thought put behind the culinary choices.
For those seeking comfort food, GG’s Chicken Shop will make families feel right at home, featuring hearty chicken dishes and classic sides. This location is notable for being the first GG’s Chicken Shop on the West Coast, creating buzz among fans of the brand. MiceChat staff enthusiastically shared their review, stating, "The chicken sandwich is incredibly light and crunchy – there’s also some slight sweetness with a kick!" Guests can expect decadent desserts, including the nostalgic Chocolate Dirt Pudding, rounding out the menu nicely.
On the second floor, Vista Parkside Market takes the beverage scene up a notch. This bar is equipped with expert mixologists and offers craft cocktails, frozen drinks, shareable sangrias, and non-alcoholic options, all enjoyed with stunning views of the Downtown Disney district.
The expansion doesn't stop at Parkside Market; the Downtown Disney District is also seeing the arrival of new shops, enhancing the shopping experience for visitors. One recent noteworthy opening is the Avengers Reserve, which celebrated its soft opening on December 4, 2024. This Marvel-themed shop indulges fans with collectibles, apparel, and toys, all under the watchful gaze of an impressive 9-foot-tall Incredible Hulk.
Meanwhile, the D-Lander shop opened on November 27, 2024, showcasing Southern California's trendy fashion, with apparel and accessories from various co-branded collections, including Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke. There’s also the familiar LEGO Store, which reopened on November 24, 2024, boasting slightly refreshed aesthetics to keep the magic alive for young builders and collectors.
Marceline’s Confectionery, now dubbed Disney Wonderful World of Sweets, is also undergoing changes. The revamped candy store will offer everything from churro toffee to freshly made Werther’s Original Caramel popcorn, inviting guests to indulge their sweet tooth. The shop will include exhibition kitchens, allowing visitors to witness the creation of these delightful treats firsthand.
Coming soon, Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon will replace Tortilla Jo’s, filling the district with high-quality meats and creative cocktails. Pearl’s Roadside BBQ will complement this experience with quick-service barbecue options, including pulled pork and beef brisket alongside craft beers and signature cocktails.
Another exciting addition is the new Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, set to break ground soon. Known for its flavorful Cheese Rolls and Potato Balls, this will be its first sit-down dining experience, diversifying the traditional bakery setting.
With all these new offerings, guests are eagerly anticipating the completion of the Downtown Disney transformation, which is breathing new life and variety to the beloved resort district. From quick bites to sophisticated dining experiences, Downtown Disney truly offers something for every visitor, creating lasting memories alongside the magic of Disneyland.
The continuous updates are sure to keep fans returning for more, with many pondering which dining options to try first. Excitement buzzes as guests ask, do these expansions finally bring the right blend of quick-service and table-service dining options to Downtown Disney? Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear: the evolution of this vibrant district is just beginning, promising even more to come.