Hold onto your Mickey ears, because Porto’s Bakery is finally bringing its mouth-watering Cuban pastries to Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort — but it's not all smooth sailing for the bakery's much-anticipated grand opening. After years of teasing, delays, and some serious head-scratching over what was going on behind the scenes, it's official: Porto’s Bakery will soon begin construction at the former La Brea Bakery site in Downtown Disney.
But don't get too comfortable just yet, because this move could cause a domino effect, and it looks like Earl of Sandwich might be in for a major shake-up as well.
Here’s What Went Down
Disneyland just filed demolition permits for the former La Brea Bakery, a beloved spot that was taken down in early 2023 to make room for Porto’s. The permits outline the destruction of the 2,600-square-foot building and a couple of nearby Disneyland ticket booths — all to make space for a fresh new look that’ll hopefully be worth the wait. And this isn’t just about knocking down old walls — it’s a major revamp for Downtown Disney, one of the most popular entertainment spots in Anaheim.
But hold up. The construction plans aren’t exactly happening overnight. The official announcement from Porto’s came back in 2022 at the D23 Expo, where they promised a 2025 opening. But, surprise, surprise — that didn’t exactly go as planned. Fans were not thrilled when the construction paused, leaving many wondering when they'd finally get to sink their teeth into that famous potato balls and guava pastries.
The Earl of Sandwich Drama
Now, things get really interesting. While Porto’s has been on hold, Earl of Sandwich swooped in like a hero, setting up a temporary location in the vacant La Brea Bakery space. But, as we all know, nothing stays the same in Disney’s ever-changing world. The original Earl of Sandwich restaurant was demolished in 2022, along with a bunch of other spots like AMC Theatre and Starbucks West. Now the sandwich chain is opening a new two-story location near the Downtown Disney performance lawn, complete with a quick-service counter, sit-down restaurant, and a rooftop bar. Yeah, you heard that right — rooftop bar. That’s gonna be lit.
The construction is already underway, and insiders say a topping-off ceremony is coming soon, meaning the new Earl of Sandwich will be ready to go by the end of 2024. But let’s face it, nothing ever stays in one spot for long at Disney, so this little sandwich saga is just one part of a much bigger Downtown Disney overhaul.
What Does This All Mean for Downtown Disney?
Well, it’s clear that Porto’s Bakery will be a major addition to Downtown Disney, especially for those who love pastries and savory Cuban treats. The space used to house La Brea Bakery, but now it’s all about bringing Porto’s famous Cuban sandwiches and pastries to the masses. And with the major renovations going down, fans are expecting a complete redesign of the area.
But here's the thing: This might be more than just a simple bakery opening. Downtown Disney is about to get a major facelift — and Porto’s is only the beginning. With Earl of Sandwich making a comeback in its new location and other new dining options on the way, the competition for stomach space in the district is heating up.
So, while we wait for construction to begin, we’re left wondering if this massive shake-up will create more drama behind the scenes. Will Porto’s live up to the hype? Will Earl of Sandwich steal the show with its new digs? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Downtown Disney is about to be the most delicious spot in Anaheim.
What do you think? Are you counting down the days until Porto’s finally opens? Drop your thoughts below and let us know if you’ve got a favorite spot in Downtown Disney!
