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Disney Makes Groundbreaking Relocation Announcement: U.S. Departure Confirmed, Mexico Welcomes New Headquarters

Disney Mexico
Credit: Inside the Magic

If we told you that there was an official Disney expansion in Mexico, one that Mickey Mouse himself attended for the opening, one that is heavily themed to all things Disney but it was never advertised or discussed, would you believe us?

A person in a Mickey Mouse costume is standing outdoors in front of a pastel-colored building with blue trim, extending their right arm. Mickey is dressed in his signature red shorts with white buttons, yellow bow tie, and black jacket.

Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

When Disney opens a new location, it tends to get a massive amount of coverage, from different Disney blogs to social media posts, often from Disney themselves.

Take the most recent debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World. The Princess and the Frog attraction has a massive opening ceremony, which the entire creative team and the film cast attend.

Disney made multiple posts leading up to the event and even was the first to drop the official POV video of the ride on YouTube. Of course, a new ride at Magic Kingdom is a big deal, but typically, a new Disney addition is.

Another non-attraction or theme park example is the new Storyliving communities. As announced in 2022, Disney is expanding its presence in America beyond its parks, offering more than just meticulously themed lands and attractions. Soon, guests will have the opportunity to experience Disney magic around the clock with the introduction of the new Storyliving communities currently in development.

The first of these communities, Cotino, will be located in California’s sunny Coachella Valley. This project is being developed by Disney Imagineers in collaboration with DMB Development, known for its expertise in large-scale planned communities. Disney cast members will be employed in Cotino, bringing the same legendary guest service from the parks to this new residential experience.

These updates have received multiple blog posts and YouTube videos to share progress and updates on the evolving construction.

Disney’s Animation Cafe, in Mexico City, however, barely has any information available on it, but it looks incredibly magical and perfectly Disney all the same.

A girl in a red dress happily kisses Mickey Mouse on the nose at Disney, with other visitors and the castle blurred in the background.

Credit: Disney

Located in the heart of Coyoacán, on the second floor of Liverpool Perisur, ANIMATION CAFE offers a unique culinary experience unlike any other. This restaurant is a gateway to the Disney animation process, where each dish tells a different story, each bite evokes a memory, and each visit becomes an unforgettable adventure.

Specializing in international cuisine with healthy options, ANIMATION CAFE not only delights the palate but also inspires and entertains. The ambient music, inspired by Disney films, creates a magical atmosphere that perfectly complements the culinary experience.

The décor, filled with references to animation classics and screens showcasing the animation processes of iconic moments, transforms every meal into an immersive experience.

Catering to both the young and the young at heart, ANIMATION CAFE brings the magic of Disney to life, creating moments of joy and wonder for all guests. Each dish is an edible work of art designed to transport you to your favorite Disney movie, turning a simple meal into a memorable experience.

The dining location has a giant Sorcerer Mickey, tons of animations all over, and Mickey-shaped food. There is also food themed to The Lion King, Big Hero 6, Lilo and Stitch, and more. First, your order on a screen to choose your meal before taking a seat in the cafeteria style dining hall.

After eating, you can also partake in an animation experience, much like The Animation Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests can even meet Mickey Mouse himself in a chef outfit after they dine, much like guests at Disney World, Disneyland, and the other Disney parks can when they attend a character dining meal.

Popular influencer Meli Castro was there for the grand opening, where Mickey Mouse himself cut the debut ribbon. Below, you can take a look at the overall experience that guests will enjoy.

@caa.lu

Si eres amante de Disney tuenes que conocer este increible lugar 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 se llama #AnimationCafe y esta en @Liverpool México

♬ Disney-style fanfare-style BGM – harryfaoki

Globo shared, “This cafe opened its doors to the Mexican people on May 15, and for all of us who have already had the opportunity to attend, it is undoubtedly a completely magical place as you can imagine, just as if you were inside the world of Disney ; if you grew up with movies like ‘ The Lion King’ , ‘ Lilo and Stitch ‘ or ‘ The Little Mermaid ‘; or if you simply want to get away from the routine of CDMX for a moment, Animation Cafe is waiting for you. It is quite an experience.”

A meal at Animation Cafe ranges from $300 to $400 pesos, so the approximate expense per person is $500 pesos.

Carlos Marín Rangel, Director of Liverpool commented:

“We have joined forces once again to create a space where Disney’s narrative and creativity merge with the exceptional service and quality that characterise Liverpool.” On the other hand, Luis Lomelí, VP & GM Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Company Mexico, said: “The opening of Animation Café, in addition to reflecting The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to offering quality experiences, also represents a unique space where families can immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun.”

A large statue of Mickey Mouse dressed as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from "Fantasia" stands prominently in a modern, brightly lit dining area with empty tables and chairs. The background features floor-to-ceiling windows and colorful wall art.

Credit: Animation Cafe

Animation Cafe is located on the 2nd floor of La Zona Gourmet at Liverpool Perisur and is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Reservations can be made on the establishment’s website.

The dining location will surely be a call to Disney fans who have been on a Disney Cruise Line voyage, having experienced one of the dining options, Animator’s Palette, or those who have stayed at Art of Animation while visiting Walt Disney World for those classic animation vibes.

Many are shocked to see Disney put their efforts into a new location, confirming that Animation Café will not be coming to the U.S. theme parks anytime soon.

Did you know about Disney’s new Animation Café? 

About Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.