After what feels like an eternity of waiting, the much-anticipated Porto’s Bakery is officially making its way to Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort! This iconic Cuban bakery, beloved by Southern California locals, will be taking over the space previously occupied by La Brea Bakery, bringing its irresistible pastries and savory Cuban dishes to the heart of Disneyland’s shopping district.
If you’re a fan of Porto’s signature potato balls, guava pastries, and Cuban sandwiches, this is the news you’ve been waiting for. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Porto’s location, and what it means for Downtown Disney.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
Porto’s Bakery first announced plans to open a location in Downtown Disney back in 2022, much to the delight of Disney fans and food lovers alike. The opening was initially slated for 2025, but the project has faced several delays, pushing back construction and frustrating eager fans. However, it’s now confirmed that the bakery is finally set to begin construction at the end of 2024 — so we won’t have to wait much longer to sink our teeth into their famous treats.
Goodbye, La Brea Bakery
The transformation of Downtown Disney continues, with the demolition of La Brea Bakery, which closed its doors in early 2023. This long-standing establishment, known for its artisanal bread and casual dining, is making way for Porto’s, which will occupy the 2,600-square-foot space.
Disneyland has filed the necessary permits to demolish the old bakery and remove the existing utilities and foundations. With this change, Downtown Disney will be one step closer to its exciting new dining and entertainment options that continue to evolve with the park’s vision.
What’s Coming Next for Porto’s?
Porto’s Bakery is known for its delicious Cuban pastries, including their signature potato balls, cuban sandwiches, and rich desserts like guava cheese rolls. The new location will offer a similar menu to Porto’s other popular locations, but this Downtown Disney spot will undoubtedly feature some unique offerings as well. This move is expected to bring a massive culinary boost to the district, which already boasts some delicious options like Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and Catal Restaurant.
The Earl of Sandwich Situation
While Porto’s Bakery might be the main event, there’s another interesting change taking place in Downtown Disney. In the meantime, Earl of Sandwich has set up a temporary location where La Brea Bakery used to be. Earl of Sandwich has long been a popular choice for quick bites in the district, serving up its signature sandwiches to hungry park-goers.
However, this temporary setup is only a stopgap. The original Earl of Sandwich restaurant was demolished in 2022 as part of Downtown Disney’s overall renovation. But don’t worry — a new, two-story Earl of Sandwich is under construction near the Downtown Disney performance lawn. This new location will feature a quick-service counter, a sit-down restaurant, and even an upstairs bar for guests looking for a place to relax. Construction is progressing, and the new Earl of Sandwich is expected to open later this year.
What Does This Mean for Downtown Disney?
With all these changes, Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation. Porto’s Bakery is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, and we can expect even more exciting announcements in the coming months. Disney is making it clear that they are committed to elevating the guest experience with new dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s a lot to look forward to.
As Porto’s Bakery takes the place of La Brea Bakery, and Earl of Sandwich gets ready for its grand reopening, Downtown Disney is set to become a dining destination to rival the best eateries in Anaheim. With unique offerings, tasty Cuban delights, and plenty of new spots to check out, the future is looking delicious for Downtown Disney!
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more information about Porto’s and the ongoing renovations at Downtown Disney unfold. Be sure to stay tuned for the opening date and any special offers that might pop up when Porto’s finally opens its doors!
