Disneyland diners hungry for the legendary Shanghai-style soup dumplings that dribble down your chin at Din Tai Fung can expect to wait in a long line that rivals the queue for Rise of the Resistance when the renowned Taiwanese restaurant opens at Downtown Disney.
The internationally acclaimed soup dumplings chain is headed to Downtown Disney as part of a major renovation that will see updates to the decor and menus at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal and Uva Bar.
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The evolution of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. continues to introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytan will bring his inclusive vision of Mexican cuisine to Centrico, depicted here, and Paseo, in the locations currently occupied by Catal & Uva Bar, brought to life by Patina Restaurant Group. The restaurant and central courtyard bar and dining area will offer guests a multi-sensory journey to the heart of Chef GaytanÕs homeland. (Artist Concept/Patina Restaurant Group)
The evolution of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. began in 2018, and the transformation work continues to introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Drawing inspiration from Southern California mid-century modern architecture, the west-end area will be a beautiful blend of vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region, and will include an open lawn for relaxation and future events, and an even broader and diverse collection of dining and shopping. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)
The evolution of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. began in 2018, and the transformation work continues to introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Drawing inspiration from Southern California mid-century modern architecture, the west-end area will be a beautiful blend of vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region, and will include an open lawn for relaxation and future events, and an even broader and diverse collection of dining and shopping. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)
The evolution of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. began in 2018, and the transformation work continues to introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Drawing inspiration from Southern California mid-century modern architecture, the west-end area will be a beautiful blend of vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region, and will include an open lawn for relaxation and future events, and an even broader and diverse collection of dining and shopping. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)
The evolution of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., continues to introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytan will bring his inclusive vision of Mexican cuisine to Paseo, depicted here, and Centrico, in the locations currently occupied by Catal & Uva Bar, brought to life by Patina Restaurant Group. The restaurant and central courtyard bar and dining area will offer guests a multi-sensory journey to the heart of Chef GaytanÕs homeland. (Artist Concept/Patina Restaurant Group)
As part of the Downtown Disney District evolution at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., Ralph BrennanÕs Jazz Kitchen will be evolving in a way that incorporates vibrant California energy and a fresh approach to the menu, while staying true to the heart of New Orleans for this guest-favorite location. (Artist Concept/Ralph BrennanÕs Jazz Kitchen)
Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced the changes coming to Downtown Disney during a State of the Disneyland Resort presentation on Wednesday, April 27 at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what will be coming to the resort,” Potrock said during a media briefing.
The former AMC Theaters along with Starbucks West, Earl of Sandwich and Sugarboo & Co. will be demolished in February as part of a multi-year project that will reimagine the Downtown Disney outdoor shopping center next to Disneyland.
The new Downtown Disney outpost for Din Tai Fung expands on the family-run chain’s growing portfolio that includes locations at Aria in Las Vegas and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa along with additional restaurants in Southern California, Oregon and Washington. The family-owned restaurant also has international locations in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea.
Orange County Register restaurant critic Brad A. Johnson named Din Tai Fung to his annual list of the 75 Best Places to Eat in Orange County and called the chain’s famous xiao long bao soup dumplings that have spawned countless imitators “still the ones to beat.”
Din Tai Fung famously does not take reservations, but the long wait that will “undoubtedly test the limits of your hunger and patience” is well worth it, according to Johnson.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen will get an interior and exterior renovation along with a new menu as part of the Downtown Disney renovation.
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Catal will be transformed into an upscale, gourmet Mexican restaurant with a culinary concept created by Michelin-star chef Carlos Gayton — who owns Chicago’s Tzuco restaurant.
The adjacent Uva Bar will also get a new high-end Mexican-inspired small plate menu and bar transformation that puts an emphasis on tequila-based cocktails.
Earl of Sandwich will open a new pop-up shop as part of the Downtown Disney renovation.
Concept art released by Disneyland shows a new Downtown Disney entry portal on the west side of the resort next to the former ESPN Zone and former Rainforest Cafe that includes a stage for musical acts and a grassy open space for special events.
The Mid-Century Modern-style entry portal will be inspired by the Palm Springs area near Walt Disney’s vacation home.
