Disneyland’s big shopping and dining district, Downtown Disney, is in the middle of a major transformation. Multiple new venues and significant refurbishments to dining and retail locations, including the World of Disney store, will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney remains open to guests. Disney promises a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing guests by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment when it’s all done.
Among the projects just announced is popular craft brewer Ballast Point which will open its first Orange County location in Downtown Disney later this year. Ballast Point pairs award-winning beers with an extensive menu of Southern California cuisine—salads, small plates, flatbreads and entrees featuring local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. In addition to Ballast Point’s iconic beers, including its flagship Sculpin IPA, the location will serve exclusive, limited-edition beers available only at Downtown Disney. The space will house Downtown Disney’s first-ever on-site brewery, as well as a tasting room, kitchen and outdoor beer garden.
“Our guests are constantly looking for unique experiences, which is why we’re refreshing familiar spaces and unveiling new locations around every corner of the Disneyland Resort,” said Michael Colglazier, president, Disneyland Resort. “Innovative venues such as Ballast Point, Splitsville and The VOID are just a few great examples of the transformation taking place in Downtown Disney this year.”
Other exciting experiences slated to open in 2018 include:
- World of Disney will be reimagined into a new, dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment. The flagship store will remain open to guests for shopping during the majority of the refurbishment, with work expected to be completed in phases throughout 2018. World of Disney will continue to offer the largest selection of Disney toys, souvenirs, accessories, collectibles and more at the Disneyland Resort.
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a dynamic recreation destination, will offer a unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment. Opening on January 29, the Downtown Disney District location will feature 20 bowling lanes interspersed throughout two floors, four dining areas (indoors and out), more than 25 flat screen TVs and live entertainment 365 days a year.
- Disney Home will offer fans a variety of Disney-themed home goods. Guests will find a curated assortment of products that change with each season. Disney Home will open February 2018 in the former D-Street location.
- Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria will undergo renovations to expand its patio with a new outside bar and additional seating for al fresco dining. Inside, three wood burning ovens will be installed to better meet guests’ demands for authentic Napoletana-style pizza pies. The restaurant will remain open throughout construction, which is slated to be completed in fall 2018. In addition, Napolini, Naples’ fast-casual concept, will also remain open, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Napolini will undergo renovations during the latter part of construction.
- Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will open its first California location in the heart of Downtown Disney District later this year. Known for its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes, Black Tap will offer a casual atmosphere reminiscent of a modern luncheonette, with a distinctly New York vibe.
We don’t know when, but part of Downtown Disney will soon be going away as the resort prepares to add a new luxury resort and two new parking garages. It’s going to be an interesting few years at Disneyland’s shopping and dining district.