For years, Disney has been the reigning champion of immersive theme park experiences, but cracks in the castle walls have started to show.
Skyrocketing ticket prices, ongoing guest frustration, and claims that Disney has lost its “magic” have left the company scrambling to regain favor.
Meanwhile, Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is on the horizon, threatening to shift the balance of power in the theme park industry.
A Bold Move In the Face of Competition: Disneyland Gears up for New Expansions
So how does Disney plan to win back guests and reassert its dominance? The answer lies in a sweeping expansion at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District, bringing in new storefronts, innovative dining experiences, and unexpected collaborations. But will this be enough to counteract the growing competition?
NEW: lululemon and Nectar Life are coming to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. Disney says lululemon will be located in the former ESPN Zone building and a Nectar Life popup will open this spring prior to the store opening near Avengers Reserve later this year. – @ScottGustin on X
NEW: lululemon and Nectar Life are coming to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.
Disney says lululemon will be located in the former ESPN Zone building and a Nectar Life popup will open this spring prior to the store opening near Avengers Reserve later this year. pic.twitter.com/N6NgiK1ymO
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 1, 2025
With Universal’s Epic Universe set to open next year, Disney is clearly feeling the pressure. Rather than rolling out another price hike or adding a temporary promotion, Disneyland is doubling down on revitalizing its entertainment and retail offerings. A wave of new businesses is heading to Downtown Disney, offering everything from luxury athletic wear to handcrafted beauty products and gourmet dining.
One of the biggest surprises in this expansion is the announcement of a new lululemon store, a brand synonymous with high-end athletic apparel. The store, which will be housed in the former ESPN Zone building, is set to offer an extensive collection of fitness gear, accessories, and activewear tailored for yoga, running, golf, and more. This move follows the recent Disney x lululemon collaboration, suggesting Disney’s deeper push into the lucrative wellness and lifestyle market.
A Taste of Innovation: Bopo Go! and Michelin-Star Dining
Joining lululemon is Nectar Life, a boutique bath and body brand specializing in vegan, plant-based, and handcrafted beauty products. Fans of self-care will be able to enjoy customized fragrance experiences and a DIY soap mini-bar, creating a truly interactive shopping experience. A pop-up shop will open this spring before the store’s official debut later this year.
Downtown Disney’s culinary lineup is also expanding, featuring Bopo Go!, a new café concept created by the minds behind Bopomofo Café. This modern take on boba tea will serve high-quality drinks made from real fruit, organic ingredients, and ceremonial-grade matcha from Japan. Inspired by Asian convenience stores, the café will also offer unique snacks and imported treats, setting itself apart from the usual quick-service options.
Disneyland shared a new look at concept art for Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, two new dining spots from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori coming to Downtown Disney District.
Disneyland shared a new look at concept art for Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, two new dining spots from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori coming to Downtown Disney District. pic.twitter.com/R7oAmPVOd5
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 1, 2025
Meanwhile, Disney is upping its game in fine dining with the arrival of Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, both led by Michelin-starred chef Joe Isidori. Arthur & Sons promises premium cuts of beef and fresh seafood served in a sleek, sophisticated setting with a dedicated bourbon bar. In contrast, Pearl’s Roadside BBQ will channel the nostalgia of a vintage filling station, featuring North Carolina-style smoked meats, house-made sauces, and craft cocktails infused with moonshine. With its spacious patio and inviting ambiance, Pearl’s is poised to be a crowd favorite.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture for Disneyland Ahead of Epic Universe
Disneyland Resort’s latest expansion is about more than just new stores and restaurants—it’s a calculated strategy to shift guest perceptions. The company is working to counter recent backlash about its high prices and evolving brand identity by offering experiences that blend exclusivity, customization, and culinary excellence.
This also signals a shift in how Disney views Downtown Disney. Once considered a simple shopping and dining district, it is quickly transforming into an extension of the Disneyland experience itself—one that doesn’t require a pricey park ticket to enjoy. As Universal’s Epic Universe looms, Disney is making it clear that it won’t go down without a fight.
With these major developments on the way, the question remains: will guests embrace this new era of Downtown Disney? Will these fresh offerings be enough to entice visitors away from Universal’s next-generation theme park? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Disneyland Resort is pulling out all the stops to remain the ultimate destination for magic, memories, and now, Michelin-worthy meals.
