Are they redoing Downtown Disney?

Downtown Disney District continues to see progress in its transformation. Each week, it seems like there are changes to be found as buildings grow up, walls are painted, and the new version of Downtown Disney District comes to life. This transformation is expected to be completed by the 2024 holiday season.



Yes, the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in California is currently undergoing a massive, multi-year transformation that is highly visible to visitors in 2026. This "reimagining" project involves the demolition of older structures, such as the former AMC Theatres and Earl of Sandwich area, to make way for a more modern, open-concept "West End" district. This new area features a large open lawn for events, mid-century modern architecture, and a curated selection of new dining and shopping experiences, including the highly anticipated Din Tai Fung and the Porto’s Bakery location. In early 2026, several new concepts like Paseo and Céntrico by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán have already opened to the public. The goal of the project is to evolve the district from a traditional outdoor mall into a vibrant "community space" that serves as a destination in its own right, rather than just a pass-through to the theme parks. Construction is being handled in phases to ensure that a majority of the district remains accessible to guests throughout the 70th-anniversary celebrations occurring across the resort this year.

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The Downtown Disney renovation will reimagine the west end of Disneyland's outdoor shopping mall with a new midcentury modern design inspired by the Palm Springs area near Walt Disney's vacation home.

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Renovation, expansion, and renaming On March 14, 2013, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs announced that Downtown Disney would be redesigned and renamed as Disney Springs. The 3-year renovation and expansion project would include 150 new tenants, two parking structures, and a near-doubling of mall area.

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The former Downtown Disney AMC location will be home to a Din Tai Fung soup dumpling restaurant and a new Earl of Sandwich along with other shops, a stage for musical acts and a grassy open space for special events.

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Back in 2023, Disney announced during Star Wars Celebration that there would be more stories and characters and all new adventures coming to Star Tours in 2024. And now we know at least one of those new stories and characters will be Ahsoka, as seen in the new Disney+ series bearing the same name.

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Unlike Disney Springs, Downtown Disney isn't big enough to plan a visit for an entire day, but it is worth visiting for at least a morning, afternoon, or evening. Weekends and evenings are typically busier, so it's best to keep that in mind, especially when booking dining reservations.

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The new ToonTown is a sprawling enhancement project which has added more green space, trees, interactive play elements, and a new interactive fountain.

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You don't need a ticket to access Downtown Disney. One of the best things about Downtown Disney is that it's completely free to visit. You can people watch and window shop to your heart's content.

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Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind are prohibited. Smoking marijuana or other illegal substances is not permitted at any time. For the comfort of all Guests, the theme parks, the Esplanade between the parks and the Downtown Disney District are smoke free.

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Disney Springs Shopping, Dining & Entertainment in Orlando, Florida.

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Size Comparisons Downtown Disney, on the other hand, doesn't even compare to Disney Springs regarding the total area it encompasses. It is much smaller, more intimate, far easier to navigate, and more reliable for finding everything you're searching for quickly and easily.

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Magic Kingdom holds a special place in our hearts as the best Disney World park. Its nostalgic rides, captivating parades, and spectacular shows make it truly unbeatable.

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In 2023, The Walt Disney Company kicks off “100 Years of Wonder,” sometimes also called “Disney100.” The year-long event honors the centennial anniversary of the date brothers Walt and Roy Disney founded the company in 1923. Disneyland Resort in California serves as headquarters for the party.

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Don't worry – we have several nearby theatres you can visit, including AMC Anaheim GardenWalk 6 just down the street with epic upgrades like premium recliners!

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