In a move that’s sure to excite foodies and Disney enthusiasts alike, Porto’s Bakery is finally breaking ground on a highly anticipated location in Downtown Disney, next to Disneyland Resort. What started as a dream for fans of the famed bakery’s Cuban pastries is finally becoming a reality, as Disneyland files demolition permits for the space previously occupied by La Brea Bakery. With permits officially in the works, construction on Porto’s is expected to kick off soon — after years of anticipation.
The Transformation of Downtown Disney
Located just a short walk from the gates of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney has become a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Over the years, the district has seen significant changes, with new and exciting locations opening alongside old favorites. The addition of Porto’s Bakery is poised to further enhance the area’s appeal, offering a much-needed sweet treat stop for both Disneyland visitors and locals alike.
This isn’t just about food — it’s about transforming the very experience of strolling through Downtown Disney. The area is undergoing major renovations to meet the evolving tastes of Disney visitors, and Porto’s Bakery is a big part of this makeover. The 2,600-square-foot space that once housed La Brea Bakery is now ready for demolition as part of the project, clearing the way for the bakery’s anticipated opening.
A Delay That Left Fans Waiting
The journey to bring Porto’s Bakery to Downtown Disney has been a long one. Originally announced in 2022 at the D23 Expo, the bakery’s arrival was expected to begin construction in 2025. However, plans were delayed, leaving many fans wondering if the highly anticipated project would ever come to fruition.
In the meantime, the La Brea Bakery space closed in early 2023, and for months, the area remained dormant. During that period, Earl of Sandwich came to the rescue, stepping in with a temporary location at the former bakery site. While it was only a short-term solution, Earl of Sandwich offered guests a familiar taste while they waited for Porto’s to open its doors.
The Temporary Sandwich Stop and New Plans
In 2022, Disney had already begun work to overhaul the west end of Downtown Disney, demolishing several older structures, including the original Earl of Sandwich. This cleared space for future plans, including the addition of more shopping and dining options. To tide over guests, the sandwich chain opened a second temporary location in a mobile trailer near the Star Wars Trading Post in 2024.
The new permanent location for Earl of Sandwich is now under construction near the performance lawn, with plans for a two-story restaurant that will feature a quick-service counter, a sit-down tavern-style dining area, and a rooftop bar. A topping-off ceremony is set to take place this week, marking a major milestone in the development.
Theme Park IQ shared the information on X, “BREAKING: Disneyland has filed a permit to demolish the former La Brea Bakery (currently Earl of Sandwich) building as well as two ticket booths (#7 and #8). This is where the new Portos Bakery location will be.
Permit entry:
DTD – La Brea Bakery/BLDG #K – Ticket Booths #7/8 – Demolition: 2,610 sq ft bakery/restaurant with utilities to be capped and foundation to be removed. 865 sq ft ticket booth #7 with utilities to be capped and foundation to be removed. 865 sq ft ticket booth #8 with utilities to be capped and foundation to be removed.”
BREAKING: Disneyland has filed a permit to demolish the former La Brea Bakery (currently Earl of Sandwich) building as well as two ticket booths (#7 and #8). This is where the new Portos Bakery location will be.
Permit entry:
DTD – La Brea Bakery/BLDG #K – Ticket Booths #7/8 -… pic.twitter.com/uxloMqDznl— Theme Park IQ (@ThemeParkIQ) April 12, 2025
Big Things Ahead for Downtown Disney
Now that Porto’s Bakery is officially moving forward, there’s a lot to look forward to for Disney fans who love both delicious food and vibrant experiences. With the addition of Porto’s, fans can expect to indulge in some of the bakery’s most popular items, like their Cuban sandwiches and pastelitos, right in the heart of Downtown Disney.
This move also signals that the area’s overall transformation is on track. As Disney continues to enhance both the guest experience and the variety of offerings within the district, expect more exciting changes to unfold. The future of Downtown Disney is looking bright, and Porto’s will undoubtedly become a must-visit stop on any Disney trip.
