The Downtown Disney Revamp Continues with New Shops and Eateries Announced
Spending summer nights at Downtown Disney has been more of a thing this summer for my friend and I. The normal routine is after work on Friday I leave work, pick her up and we hit the parks, arriving around 6:30pm or so. Lately, the temperature would still be in the upper 80s around that time, and it was just uncomfortable for us, so we started going later. Pulling into the parking structure around 8:45pm the weather is perfect, but with the late arrival time, you sacrifice food options. Many, if not all California Adventure locations are no longer taking orders and many of the main restaurants at Disneyland close before the fireworks. When it comes to food options, DTD has been our summer go to before we hit the parks for a nightcap. Black Tap Anaheim and Beignets Express have been our tried-and-true food favorites, and who doesn’t like an impromptu Sephora visit on the way back to the parks? Downtown Disney is unique in the way they offer food and retail shopping with a hint of Disney magic, and soon we will have new options to add to our favorites list.
Disney Parks Blog announced even more new shops and eateries coming to the property and I must admit some are catching my eye! I love to shop and snack so here are the new experiences I am excited to check out:
All New Avengers Reserve Shop
Will Disneyland Resort California FINALLY put some respect on Anthony Edward Stark’s name when it comes to merchandise? Only time will tell but I remain hopeful. I am sure there is a valid reason for Spiderman to have his own store and Captain America takes up real estate in every single store, yet Tony might get a t-shirt and a mug with his name on like two buildings. It is true you can buy the Nano Gauntlet in the Avengers Vault store, but the merch for my guy is lacking.
Ok, rant over, ANYWAY this store seems like it will have everything you need and then some. It promises everything from clothing to comic books so I cannot wait to see the stores layout. From the concept art I already see too much Spidey and Capt. for my liking, but I will reserve judgement for when the store opens. I am going to assume this store will also include what is already being sold in the Vault, with the new rides coming they need to make room for them. I will definitely be in this store because besides spirit jerseys, the majority of the things I purchase at the park are Marvel and Star Wars Items. I own not a single Frozen or Moana item, but I have at least 10 Marvel sweatshirts. Maybe if Robert Downey Jr was casted as Olaf but again, I am getting off track. I love to shop so I am excited to walk through this store every single visit just like I do World of Disney. Speaking of shopping...
The D-Lander Shop
Also coming this winter is a new concept store that is more fashion forward with clothing, jewelry and accessories. The first thing I thought about was back in the day there was a store called Disney Vault 28 that was a vibe. It had trendier clothes with fitting rooms and everything. I still have a shirt or 2 from there I believe. The store was a small boutique that had more Dooney & Bourke options, higher end jewelry and clothes that were a more elevated style than the typical theme part screen tee. I miss her. This store just from the picture looks as if it could be along the same concept but maybe a little more family friendly.
Disney Wonderful World of Sweets
I love snacks and sweets. I would rather a piece of English toffee and a milkshake over a full meal any day of the week, so I am excited to see what this new shop offers. I see the first thing listed is churro toffee which, as a churro lover and toffee lover, falls flat to me (the flavors just don’t complement each other in my opinion) but I also saw fresh Werther’s Original Carmel popcorn! Now we are taking my language. I loved it when I got some in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT and now, I can grab a bag every trip.
Steakhouse and BBQ Restaurants from Michelin-Starred Chef Joe Isidor
I love a good steakhouse. Honestly it is my favorite type of restaurant and for my birthday, my friend Autumn and I would try a new steakhouse. I am honestly excited to see the menu drop for the steakhouse because I am all about the sides. A good ol’ rib eye steak with loaded mashed potatoes and a lobster mac? YES PLEASE! I will need to start to convince my BBF now to join me on this excursion. Adjacent to the restaurant will be a BBQ spot and this is where it can get tricky. Everyone has an uncle that is good on the grill, so we judge BBQ very harshly. Believe it or not, the wrong sauce mixture can turn an exciting experience into a “one and done” and I hope this is not the case here. Theme Park restaurants sometimes tone down the flavor level to appease multiple pallets and I hope this is not the case. I want the best Chef Joe has to offer because I was not a fan of Tortilla Jo’s. I would love to add two new options to my decision list when making dinner plans.
With the three of the five above opening this winter, I am glad to see that more of Downtown Disney will start to open. It is such a cool hang out spot but with all the construction walls, it was becoming harder to navigate around down there. One thing is for sure, it’s time to save more money because ready or not, Disneyland Resort is coming for my wallet yet again.