In this week’s Disneyland Resort Update, we noted that Downtown Disney has begun another round of musical chairs, with shops and restaurants on the move. Today, the Disney Parks Blog provided an official update on some of these moves, and gave a look ahead at changes planned this summer.
The biggest news is confirmation that the three new eateries headed by Chef Carlos Gaytán will open in May. Paseo replaced the former Catal, and will offer the flavors of Huitzuco, Mexico, prepared with “French culinary style and technique.”
Céntrico occupies the former Uva Bar patio, and is described as an “energetic, central gathering place serving upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails.”
The third location is Tiendita, a new fast-casual concept which occupies the former Sprinkles Cupcakes location. This location will likely be popular for street food like chorizo breakfast burritos and ice cream- stuffed chocolate tacos.
Disney has confirmed that a new steakhouse concept and barbecue eatery are in development for the “footprint” of the recently-vacated Tortilla Jo’s space. Steak and BBQ will both be welcome additions to Downtown Disney. There were no immediate details, but the use of that term makes us question if the original building will be repurposed for these new ventures, or if this will be another knockdown-and-replace like the La Brea Bakery building making way for the new Porto’s.
Disney did not have an update on when Earl of Sandwich will relocate from their current location to their temporary pop-up on the west side of Downtown Disney. That location – an oversized trailer – is already in place and decorated next to the Star Wars Trading Post, so we assume the move will happen relatively soon.
We mentioned that The Disney Dress Shop has temporarily relocated to the WonderGround Gallery space, while the WonderGround Gallery has temporarily relocated to a section of the adjacent Disney Home store. Disney says this move is related to an expansion of Marceline’s Confectionery, which will reopen with a “completely reimagined confection experience.” We’re guessing here, but it could be that Marceline’s completely takes over the adjacent Disney Dress Shop space.
While Marceline’s Confectionery is closed, some of their most popular items will be available from a cart in Downtown Disney.
Finally, Disney says Din Tai Fung will open this summer. This eatery is known for their delicious Xiao long bao as well as very long lines, and may be the most anticipated addition to Downtown Disney since its 2001 opening.
