One of the biggest causes of Disney Fanatics’ anxiety — at least, as it pertains to their Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort vacations — stems from the knowledge that Disney theme parks or districts can make Disney Guests fall in love with certain places or experiences and then swiftly take them away forever (Splash Mountain, anyone?).
This means that it’s always hard to feel safe when it comes to Disney attractions, Disney Resort amenities, Disney Character Meet and Greets, and so much more — and Disneyland Guests are about to face another sharp reminder of that uncertainty as one of the oldest Downtown Disney restaurants closes forever!
The Disneyland California Downtown Disney District restaurant called Catal Restaurant (which also includes the popular Uva Bar) is on its way out permanently.
This Patina Group restaurant has been in Downtown Disney since 2001, making it officially one of the oldest offerings that have still been operating — but alas, that long-held status is about to be no more!
As a California restaurant, it was no surprise that Catal focused on Mediterranean fare, like paella and seafood. It’s also no surprise that the Uva bar served Spanish cuisine alongside its signature cocktails.
The Disney Parks Blog confirmed last year that these offerings would be closing down forever in order to allow for an “exciting new addition” called Paseo and Céntrico, which will switch over to a Mexican theme and be led by a Michelin-starred chef by the name of Carlos Gaytan.
The cocktails are also supposedly going to become tequila cocktails, specifically.
According to the blog post, the new version of Downtown Disney will be decorated in a style that takes “inspiration from Southern California mid-century modern architecture” and includes “vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region.”
The new restaurant will reportedly be accompanied by an airy “central courtyard bar and dining area [that] will offer guests a multi-sensory journey to the heart of Chef Gaytan’s homeland.”
Catal and Uva close on April 14! Are you going to enjoy this Mediterranean restaurant and bar one last time before then?