For many Disney fans, meals are almost as much a part of the magic as the rides, shows and parades.
Everyone has a favorite Disney food, whether it’s churros from a Main Street joint or the cult-favorite Ronto Wraps in Galaxy’s Edge. And don’t forget that Dole Whip, which you’ll find in every corner of the park.
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For me, it’s the beignets from Beignets Expressed, next door to the Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. No visit to Disneyland (DIS) is complete without one of these hot, powdered-sugar-dusted confections. A beignet or two, along with a hot cup of coffee, has always been the ideal way to start the day before going into the park.
One of the best things about the Downtown Disney District is that it provides something different from what you find inside the park, including quick-service chains, upscale sit-down restaurants, and coffee shops.
I’ve had great meals in Naples, the Italian eatery, and spent more than one night at the ESPN Zone (RIP) so my husband could watch a game or seven.
Downtown Disney is in the midst of a makeover, a “reimagining” in Disney parlance, with the addition of new shops — including a new Lululemon — and some new restaurants.
The changes have put the fate of some of the district’s popular, longtime eateries in flux.
Downtown Disney has a range of restaurants and shops that appeal to visitors and locals alike.
Image source: Kirk Wester/Shutterstock
Earl of Sandwich closing
Earl of Sandwich, known for its hot sandwiches and passionate following, is set to shutter its Downtown Disney location next month. The closure, disclosed via a WARN Act filing, will lead to the layoff of 167 workers starting July 28. These job cuts will be complete by August 10, according to the California Employment Development Department.
The restaurant had been operating out of a temporary spot in the former La Brea Bakery building — a location it took over in 2023 after La Brea’s closure as part of Disney’s ongoing Downtown Disney remodeling project. That building is now set to be demolished to make room for Porto’s Bakery, a Cuban pastry and sandwich chain with a huge Southern California following.
This isn’t the first time Earl of Sandwich has disappeared from the district. The original location closed in 2018 during earlier phases of redevelopment but made a surprise return as a pop-up in 2022.
Related: Disneyland closing beloved attraction, adding huge replacements
A new permanent, two-story Earl of Sandwich restaurant is under construction and will include a ground-level quick-service counter and an upstairs table-service restaurant called Carnaby Street Tavern, complete with a rooftop bar.
An opening date has not been announced, but a previous announcement said Carnaby Street Tavern building will open in late 2025.
In the meantime, Earl of Sandwich fans can still visit a smaller pop-up version near the Star Wars Trading Post. The pop-up location will remain open when the original venue closes during construction of the new two-story Earl of Sandwich, according to a statement on the Disneyland blog.
Restaurant closures near Disneyland happen a lot
While Disney pushes forward with its multiyear transformation of the Downtown Disney District, local restaurant operators — both inside and outside the resort bubble — are experiencing the same struggles as restaurants across the country.
Foot traffic has become less predictable post-pandemic, and international tourism is in flux due to President Trump’s proclamations. This uncertainty affects the flow of business to restaurants that rely on consistent daily volume.
Construction has also taken a toll. Ongoing renovations and the expansion of Downtown Disney have disrupted normal walking routes and blocked visibility for some shops and restaurants.
Related: Disney World makes families a generous offer
In addition to the Earl of Sandwich closure, other businesses affected by the transformation include AMC Theatres, Starbucks West, and Sugarboo & Co.
Beyond Disneyland’s boundaries, nearby restaurants in Anaheim’s Resort District — especially those along Harbor Blvd and Katella Ave — have faced rent increases, staffing shortages, and inflationary pressure on both food and beverages.
Despite record-high ticket prices at Disneyland, profit margins for adjacent small businesses remain tight. Some closures, like La Brea Bakery and Catal Restaurant, have made way for buzzworthy concepts like Porto’s and Din Tai Fung.
For guests who count on reliable, affordable options before or after their park day, the shrinking roster of quick-service choices could make that savory sandwich just a little harder to find.
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