New Downtown Disney District Stage and Grassy Area Opens at Disneyland Resort

Shannen Ace

New Downtown Disney District Stage and Grassy Area Opens at Disneyland Resort

Shannen Ace

New Downtown Disney District Stage and Grassy Area Opens at Disneyland Resort

After we got our first real look at the new stage in Downtown Disney District last week, it is now open and hosting performers to entertain guests in the evening. The grassy plain in front of the stage is also open for guests to stand and sit on, with some seating available, although construction continues behind nearby walls. This new section of Downtown Disney District is called Parkside Market.

Parkside Market Stage in Downtown Disney District

Second Story Bar Parkside Market Downtown Disney District Disneyland Resort

The name Parkside Market was announced last month, with the above concept art showing a retrofuture-style white stage with a wall running behind it that features touches of color. The tower running through the stage roof, which was installed later in October, was designed by Nikkolas Smith. It pays tribute to the work of pioneering architects of color in Southern California during the mid-20th century with unique geometric patterns in the sculpture, evoking the famed mid-century buildings they created.

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Now the stage is fully open and we saw a band performing for the evening crowd. There are cacti in a planter around Smith’s sculpture tower.

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The stage, tower, columns, and roof are all a sleek white.

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There are stage lights on the ceiling of the stage.

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The wall to the side has a geometric pattern with Mickey heads highlighted in different colors.

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The area’s new trash and recycling cans feature the same geometric pattern with hidden Mickeys.

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In front of the stage is a large grassy space.

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There are some white circular chairs with orange cushions.

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Slanted white columns have lights to illuminate the space.

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There are also lights in the ground near trees.

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The seats were mostly pushed to the edges of the grassy space.

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The center is raised with small hills.

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Palm trees also line the area.

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Another white roof covers chairs and tables at the opposite end of the space from the stage.

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Parkside Market will also include Seoul Sister, Sip & Sonder, GG’s Chicken Shop, and a second story bar.

Other future plans for the District include Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles; Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico; and the California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries from Porto’s Bakery and Café.

This Downtown Disney District reimagining has been ongoing for the last few years; however, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced this year an 18-month completion timeframe, which roughly sees the District embracing its fresh face by the end of 2024.

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