The holiday shopping season will look a little different in Downtown Disney this year, as three stores are planning their grand openings or re-openings in December. Another shop and four eateries are planned to open this winter, and Disney has provided additional details about three projects opening in 2025.
LEGO Store
First up is the reopening of the LEGO Store, which has been closed for an extensive overhaul. The Disneyland website says the store will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 1. Until then, you may spot Master Builders installing new sculptures outside the store.
Avengers Reserve and D-Lander Shop
On December 6, 2024, Downtown Disney will welcome the new Avengers Reserve store, and the D-Lander Shop. Both stores are on the west end of Downtown Disney, near the new Parkside Market.
Avengers Reserve at Downtown Disney District
Coming to the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., Avengers Reserve is an all-new shopping destination celebrating the unique fandom and stories of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Inside, the store will have a high energy, industrial vibe with lighting effects, authentic film props and a media screen with a gaming demonstration station. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)
Seoul Sister; Sip & Sonder; GG’s Chicken Shop; and Vista Parkside Market
Parkside Market houses four restaurants in one building, including the just-announced Vista Parkside Market rooftop bar. The location does not have an opening date more precise than “this winter,” but the location on the west side of the Downtown Disney district will be convenient for Disneyland Hotel patrons looking for a quick bite on their way to the parks, or a spot to relax before returning to their hotel for the night.
On the lower level of the complex, diners can choose between Korean-style rice bowls from Seoul Sister, lattes and snacks from Sip & Sonder, or chicken sandwiches from GG’s Chicken Shop. It sounds like patrons of the second-floor Vista Parkside Market can order dishes from all three eateries served to their rooftop table, and enjoy views of Downtown Disney while also taking advantage of a full bar.
Disney Wonderful World of Sweets
Another location opening “this winter” is Disney Wonderful World of Sweets, the renovated and expanded replacement for Marceline’s Confectionery. Disney had previously announced this location will feature fresh-made Wether’s Original Caramel popcorn, bringing a Walt Disney World favorite to California.
Porto’s
Earlier today Porto’s released the first concept art for their new Downtown Disney location, and announced that this restaurant will be the first in the Porto’s chain to offer table service and a full bar.
Big News! 🎉 We’re thrilled to share a sneak peek of our upcoming location at Downtown Disney in Anaheim! Not only will you find all your favorite Porto’s treats, but this will also be our FIRST-EVER location with sit-down table service and a full bar! 🍹✨ pic.twitter.com/PrunJFPl7w
— Porto's Bakery (@Portos) November 12, 2024
The company did not give any timeline for the construction of the new building, and Disney has not said when demolition of the existing La Brea Bakery / Earl of Sandwich building will begin. We will not be surprised if the flower fountain on the east end of Downtown Disney is also demolished to widen the walkway in front of what is certain to be Downtown Disney’s most popular dining destination.
Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon, and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ
Work will begin soon to demolish the former Tortilla Jo’s restaurant complex. In its place will be two new restaurants by Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori.
Arthur & Sons fills a void left when Disney shuttered Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel. Along with the titular Steak and Bourbon, Disney says the restaurant will also serve fresh fish seafood, sandwiches and salads.
Right next door is Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, a quick-service restaurant offering BBQ staples plus beer and “moonshine cocktails.” Disney has not given any dates for this project, but with demolition starting soon it’s possible these will open before Porto’s.
