Our last construction update at Downtown Disney District saw the early stages of roof installation at Din Tai Fung. When we checked back in this week, we found even more progress on this structure, as well as some other new details in Downtown Disney District.
Construction Progress on Din Tai Fung
Construction walls are still up around Din Tai Fung, but we can see some progress being made on the building’s structure. At our last update, framing for this hipped roof was newly installed.
New signs on the construction walls tout the upcoming restaurant’s offerings.
The wall reads “Opening in 2024” above a spread of food.
This panel has examples of some of the offerings that will be available when the restaurant opens.
This panel indicates that the restaurant brand is a 5-time Michelin-awarded brand.
This panel’s soup dumplings inform Downtown Disney District guests that the restaurant is “steaming soon.”
Signs With Downtown Disney District History By Decade
Across from the Monorail station, new signs on this wall tell the history of Downtown Disney District by the decade.
The story begins with the Disneyland Hotel, which opened in October 1955.
According to the sign, the hotel “offered such deluxe, modern amenities as black-and-white television sets and air conditioning in every room.”
Early photos and artwork of the Disneyland Hotel are printed on the signs around the text blocks.
In 1961, the Disneyland Monorail was extended to the Disneyland Hotel, providing hotel guests with a direct connection to the park.
Beginning in 1962, the Disneyland Hotel began to expand with the first of three towers.
The Sierra tower (now the Dreams tower) was 11 stories with 150 rooms, an external glass elevator, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. When it opened, it was the tallest building in Orange County, although Matterhorn Mountain inside Disneyland was still the highest manmade structure.
The history skips ahead to the 2000s, when Downtown Disney District opened on January 12, 2001, as part of a major expansion to Disneyland Resort that also included Disney California Adventure.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also opened in January 2001, while Disney California Adventure opened the next month.
The historical recounting is followed by concept art of the new areas of Downtown Disney District.
The reimagined west side of Downtown Disney District includes a new stage and grassy plain for relaxing.
Construction Walls up Near Security Entrance
Construction walls are up next to the security entrance by ESPN Zone.
The walls form half of a rectangle.
Around the side is fencing instead of more walls. Green scrims were rolled up at the top of the fencing when we visited.
Past barriers, we could see two large dumpsters, wheelbarrows, and a construction vehicle, but no visible work.
For the first time, guests can currently enjoy snowfall in Downtown Disney District, near Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, and Tortilla Jo’s. The snow falls every half hour from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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