Din Tai Fung Opening, Plus More This Summer in Downtown Disney District

As we usher in sweet summertime, it’s a great time to share the latest about what’s new and what’s coming to the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort! More dining, shopping and seasonal fun add up to a summer you won’t want to miss.

Din Tai Fung, a global restaurant company known for the art of Xiao Long Bao and excellence in hospitality, is opening its first-ever standalone restaurant in the Downtown Disney District. The restaurant will be serving guests a limited menu for its soft opening beginning June 24, 2024, while it prepares for its official grand opening in July. The new restaurant will be the only freestanding Din Tai Fung location built from the ground up, infused with architectural and design elements that pay homage to the company’s Taiwanese heritage.

The new restaurant’s exterior is a dramatic, contemporary take on a traditional Chinese pavilion rooftop structure. A suspended, beaded installation over the circular central bar greets guests upon entering the restaurant, with traditional style Chinese pendants softly illuminating the space. An expo kitchen will serve as a backdrop, inviting guests to witness the artistry behind the dumpling-making process firsthand.

And I can’t wait to try … everything! From their signature soup dumplings that are handcrafted with an 18-fold process, to their wontons, noodles, steamed buns, bok choy, pork chop fried rice and other flavorful dishes served family style. 

For reservations, please visit Din Tai Fung’s website.

Coming soon for a limited time to celebrate the grand opening, Din Tai Fung will be releasing two new, limited collections of brand apparel and accessories, available for purchase at the Downtown Disney District location while supplies last. 

To support the Orange County community, Din Tai Fung will be a proud sponsor of the 2024 CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland Resort. The restaurant is donating $50,000 to the annual event taking place July 21, which brings the community together to raise funds for programs, education and research for patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Have you had a chance to visit the newly opened Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita? Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán’s three distinctive menus and settings are influenced by his homeland in the heart of Mexico, combined with his love of French culinary style and techniques. You can now make reservations for Paseo and Céntrico on Disneyland.com or through the Disneyland app, and Tiendita offers authentic Mexican street food on-the-go from a self-ordering kiosk.

Bubble fans, there will be even more bubbles to love this summer! The Bubbles Experience at Downtown Disney District presented by Disney Jr.’s Ariel will take place from noon-4 p.m. daily from July 1-31, 2024, with a bubble moment every half hour and a DJ hosting at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn. So fun!

When arriving at the west end of the district, you’ll now be greeted at an all-new entrance, with a mid-century modern design that blends with the new Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. The area also features an eye-catching new art wall, which is currently displaying a new mural by Nikkolas Smith. Nearby, Nikkolas also designed a sculptural tower at the stage that pays tribute to pioneering Black architects in Southern California during the mid-20^th century.

During the transformation of Downtown Disney District, WonderGround Gallery has found a new home near Napolini Pizzeria and Salt & Straw. This boutique is devoted to art, perfect for home or office décor, with distinctive Disney flair.

Happening now is Pixar Fest, a celebration of friendship and beyond at Disneyland Resort! The festivities celebrating fans’ favorite Pixar Animation Studios films extend to Downtown Disney District, with colorful decorations throughout the promenade. You may shop for limited-time merchandise collections, strike a pose in front of a photo opportunity, make crafts for the Friendship Wall or enjoy Pixar-inspired menu items at select dining locations, now through Aug. 4, 2024.

Future plans for the district include Parkside Market, four diverse culinary concepts under one roof brought to life by Levy, as well as a Porto’s Bakery and Café, a two-story location for Earl of Sandwich, and a steakhouse restaurant and barbecue eatery. We can’t wait to share more on all of these terrific additions!

As always, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for all the latest news on the Downtown Disney District and be sure to check our new @DowntownDisney account on Instagram! 

We look forward to seeing you this summer!