New Downtown Disney entrance now open at Disneyland
As part of ongoing construction in Anaheim, a new Downtown Disney entrance and security checkpoint opened on May 31, 2024, at Disneyland Resort.
The new entrance shares a mid-century modern design with the district’s live entertainment stage, which opened Nov. 10, 2023, and the soon-to-open Parkside Market “food hall” dining concept. It also features a new mural by artist and former Imagineer Nikkolas Smith (the stage also features an architectural tower created by Smith that honors mid-century architects of color in Southern California).
“I wanted to create an homage to the legendary Herb Ryman and highlight many of the things that Downtown Disney’s new redesign will have to offer,” Smith said in an Instagram post. “I always told myself I’d paint a piece in the iconic Ryman style. Once an Imagineer, always an Imagineer.”
The Downtown Disney security entrance across from the path to the Disneyland Hotel has closed now that the new main entrance is open.
New Downtown District Dining
On May 1, 2024, Disneyland celebrated the grand opening of three new Mexican restaurants by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan: Paseo, Centrico, and Tiendita.
When Parkside Market opens, it will feature four dining options:
- Seoul Sister – A Korean-Californian fusion restaurant
- Sip & Sonder – A café featuring Caribbean-inspired bites
- GG’s Chicken Shop – A family-friendly eatery featuring comfort food
- Al Fresco Bar – A double-decker bar pouring handcrafted cocktails and mocktails
In addition, two extremely popular Southern California restaurants – Din Tai Fung and Porto’s Bakery & Cafe – are also coming to Downtown Disney, with Din Tai Fung’s signature roofline dominating the west end and Porto’s taking over the space currently occupied by Earl of Sandwich at the district’s easternmost end. But fear not, Earl of Sandwich fans, your favorite sandwiches will still be available at a new two-story location near the stage with quick service on the ground level and a table-service gastropub upstairs.
The space formally occupied by Tortilla Jo’s and the adjacent quick-service Taqueria at Tortilla Jo’s will be a new steakhouse and new barbecue dining concept; however, no details have been announced.
Click here for more information about visiting the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.
