Disney has officially confirmed the end of an Anaheim staple, marking another shift in the evolving landscape of Downtown Disney District.
For years, Downtown Disney has steadily moved away from its early-2000s mix of retail and fast-casual dining. The district has instead leaned toward chef-driven restaurants and more curated dining experiences. Construction walls, rotating pop-ups, and phased reveals have become familiar sights for regular visitors.
Those changes have accelerated recently.
The west end now features restaurants such as Céntrico, Paseo, and Din Tai Fung. The new Parkside Market food hall features Seoul Sister, GG’s Chicken Shop, and Parkside Market Coffee, recently renamed from Sip & Sonder.
Permanent Closure Confirmed For Earl of Sandwich
The Earl of Sandwich on the east side of Downtown Disney will serve its final guests today.
Its closure allows construction to begin on the highly anticipated Porto’s Bakery. A smaller pop-up Earl of Sandwich near the Star Wars Trading Post will remain open for the time being.
NEW: The Earl of Sandwich on the east side of Downtown Disney District will permanently close after business today. The closure will allow for construction to begin on the upcoming Porto's Bakery.
The pop-up Earl’s location near Star Wars Trading Post will remain open.
NEW: The Earl of Sandwich on the east side of Downtown Disney District will permanently close after business today. The closure will allow for construction to begin on the upcoming Porto's Bakery.
The pop-up Earl’s location near Star Wars Trading Post will remain open. pic.twitter.com/JT4vfmOnE5
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 7, 2025
But it's not all doom and gloom.
A brand-new, two-story Earl of Sandwich is already in development at the opposite end of the district. The expanded location will include a new gastropub concept called Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby. Disney has not yet announced the opening date for either addition.
The Earl of Sandwich Tavern has also closed, effective at the end of yesterday's operating hours. The closure of the table-service restaurant was not previously announced, likely catching many longtime visitors by surprise.
Earl of Sandwich is known for its hot sandwiches, soups, and salads, with menu favorites like the Holiday Turkey sandwich earning a dedicated following.
The brand maintains additional locations across Disney resorts, including Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, meaning many guests recognize the chain’s offerings even before stepping inside.
Do you like visiting Earl of Sandwich at Disney?
Earl of sandwich is the best and fast service outside of the parks I love their holiday sandwich and also their soups
We love going to Earl of Sandwich every morning in Downtown Disney before entering the park for a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee and just sitting and watching the people going in. We have been doing this every few years we go to Disneyland. It’s our ritual. Sooo sad now we won’t be able to do this.