Disney Village to Add Casa Giulia Restaurant, New Retail Stores in 2026

Disney Village will expand its dining and retail portfolio in 2026 with the launch of Casa Giulia, a new Italian restaurant operated by :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, alongside two retail concepts including :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} and Disney Wonders. The openings are part of an ongoing transformation of :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

The development includes a two-storey restaurant scheduled to open by the end of 2026 and two new boutiques rolling out between May and summer 2026. The additions are positioned to enhance the destination’s foodservice and shopping mix, aligning with broader upgrades across the entertainment district.

Casa Giulia to Anchor New Dining Expansion

Casa Giulia will be introduced as a family-oriented Italian restaurant concept, offering a two-level dining format. The venue will include an outdoor terrace with a seating capacity of 120, forming a key component of its dine-in offering.

The menu will focus on traditional Italian cuisine, with dishes prepared using seasonal ingredients. The concept emphasizes classic offerings served in a high-volume, casual dining format tailored to a broad visitor base.

In addition to the main restaurant, the concept includes a fast-service component branded as Giulia Express. This section will provide takeaway and quick-service options, including pizza by the slice, focaccia, Italian pastries, and ice cream.

Giulia Express will feature both indoor seating and a separate outdoor terrace with 40 seats, expanding the operational flexibility of the restaurant across dine-in and takeaway segments.

Retail Expansion with First Pelé Soccer Store in Europe

As part of the retail expansion, a Pelé Soccer boutique is scheduled to open at the end of May 2026. Located next to the existing Sports Bar & Lounge, the store will mark the brand’s first entry into the European market.

The concept is dedicated to football merchandise, offering a wide assortment of products including jerseys, accessories, and vintage-inspired items. The store builds on the brand’s existing presence in international locations such as New York City and Disney retail destinations in the United States.

The introduction of a sports-focused retail concept reflects diversification within Disney Village’s commercial mix, targeting both international tourists and sports enthusiasts.

Disney Wonders to Reinvent Retail Experience

A second retail concept, Disney Wonders, is expected to launch in summer 2026. The store will be designed as an immersive retail environment, incorporating themed zones based on major entertainment franchises including :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}, :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}, and :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

The layout will feature visual storytelling elements integrated into the store design, including themed façades and interior installations. Two central chandeliers will display a total of 40 art pieces representing characters and locations from across these franchises.

Additional design features include illustrated scenes from :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} integrated into checkout areas, with selected elements incorporating animated effects to enhance the in-store experience.

The concept aims to combine retail with experiential design, creating a format that encourages longer dwell time and repeat visits.

Ongoing Transformation of Disney Village

The upcoming openings form part of a broader redevelopment strategy for Disney Village, which continues to undergo phased upgrades in 2026. The addition of new dining and retail formats is intended to modernize the destination’s offering and increase its appeal to a wider audience.

The inclusion of both full-service and quick-service dining formats within Casa Giulia reflects a mixed-use approach to foodservice, accommodating varying customer needs throughout the day.

Similarly, the introduction of differentiated retail concepts—from sports merchandise to immersive entertainment-themed stores—indicates a shift toward more specialized and experience-driven offerings.

Existing outlets within Disney Village, including the Sports Bar & Lounge, Royal Pub, Earl of Sandwich, and Petite Rosalie, continue to operate alongside these new additions, providing a mix of dining and leisure options around Lake Disney.

The phased rollout of Casa Giulia and the two retail stores is expected to continue through the remainder of 2026, contributing to the repositioning of Disney Village as a combined dining, retail, and entertainment destination within the broader resort ecosystem.