Walking into the newly opened Buena Vista Street, one of the first things you see (if the Red Trolley is not parked at its station) is Mortimer’s Market.
Designed as a place to pick up some “healthier” snack options, Mortimer’s hits you before you have the chance to grab a churro or popcorn!
Mortimer's Market
Mortimer’s Market Back Story
The “story” behind Mortimer’s is that this fresh fruit and veggie stand was run on Buena Vista Street by “Mortimer McKenzie.” Mortimer was said to be a small man with a high voice; friendly and unassuming, with an enthusiastic personality.
A certain young animator might have found inspiration for a very famous character here…
Shelving Decor & Beverage/Fruit Cooler
For those who don’t know the story of how Mickey Mouse was created, he was originally called “Mortimer” Mouse! Walt’s wife thought that Mickey might be a better name, and the rest is history…
And before we jump into atmosphere and eats, I wanted to share another fun part of Mortimer’s and the rest of Buena Vista Street! To bring the story of Walt’s first few days in 1920’s California even more to life, Imagineers have introduced a wandering troupe of characters, or “citizens,” to interact with guests…
Citizens of Buena Vista Street
And these “citizens” of Buena Vista Street play a role at Mortimer’s too. While I was perusing the market, this friendly police officer walked through to ask all the cast members how “biz was going” on this “fine afternoon.” It was hysterical.
Officer Clyde Blue Checking in on Business at Mortimer's
He then proceeded to hang out in front of the market and write some “tickets” to people who were doing good deeds or just looking nice. I literally saw him give a ticket to someone for having a “good hair day!” My friend Amanda’s daughter was written up for “Exemplary neonatal vehicle navigation.” Hysterical.
Behave yourself & You might just get written up for it!
Now, back to your regularly scheduled review!
Atmosphere
Mortimer’s is pretty small, but it is packed with fun decor.
Vintage food cans, “Branded” crates of fruits & veggies, printed aprons, food scales, and even a bin of “vintage” Buena Vista Bugle newspapers adorn the shelves of the quaint market.
I zoomed in on the Buena Vista Bugles to notice the headline & date. The papers are dated May 4th, 1927, with the headline from the grand opening of the Hollywood Tower Hotel; the inspiration for the Tower of Terror. After doing a little research, I found that the actual year of the hotel construction was 1929, but still a fun decor detail!
Buena Vista Bugles Announcing the Opening of the Hollywood Tower Hotel
Because I was curious, I also did a little research on the labels used on the canned food displays. I found that they are actually replicas of brands that existed during the mid-late 20’s.
Mortimer's Market Shelf Decor
So, “Kirk Sweet Potatoes” were real… Cool!
Kirk Brand Sweet Potatoes Display
So was Butterfly Brand Red Salmon…
Butterfly Brand Red Salmon Display
AND Elkay Cocoa too! I love the details that go behind every little item Disney Imagineers place into our view.
Elkay Cocoa Display
The branded fruit and veggie crates were a fun touch too!
Mortimer's Market Branded Crate of Lettuce
Branded Carrot Crate
Branded Banana Crate
More Canned Food & Crated Corn
I hope they end up selling these fun Mortimer’s Aprons!
Mortimer's Market Branded Apron
Drinks n’ Eats
Mortimer’s Market carries a variety of beverages and snacks. To drink, you can grab chilled water; Coca Cola products including Vitamin Water, Fuse, and PowerAde; and a variety of juices, tea, and even coconut water!
Dasani & Smart Water are Available at Mortimer's
Soda, Vitamin Water, Fuse & PowerAde
Ice Cold Coca Cola
Orange Juice, Lemonade, Zico Coconut Water, Juice Boxes & Tea
For snacks there are lot of “healthier for you” items to choose from. You can buy fresh fruit like oranges, apples, and bananas by the piece.
Fresh Fruit by the Piece
Or if you are looking for something refreshing and chilled, grab some watermelon, a berry bowl, pre-sliced apples, mango slices, or pineapple spears. There are also chilled veggie cups with ranch dip, hummus/pita chip packs, grape cups, and of course the famous Disneyland Resort giant dill pickle!
Watermelon, Berry Bowls, Sliced Apples, Sliced Mango & Pineapple Spears
Veggie Cups with Ranch Dip, Hummus with Pita Chips, Grape Cups & Dill Pickles
Mortimer’s also carries “healthier” dry snacks such as Apple Fruit Crisps, Craisins, & Craisins Trail Mix.
Apple Fruit Crisps, Craisins, and Craisins Trail Mix
Overall
What I love about Mortimer’s is that fact that it’s so well-integrated into Buena Vista Street.
You really feel like you’ve been taken back in time and are shopping at a local mom and pop type market. Even the advertisement on the Red Trolley makes it seem quaint.
Mortimer's Market Red Trolley Ad
While Mortimer’s might not be the first stop for many folks in Disney California Adventure, it’s another indication that Disney’s working to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies, better-for-you snacks, and even more options for hungry guests.
Plus, I love that the themeing is spot on and there are so many hidden elements to discover!
How do you feel about the Disneyland Resort offering “healthier” snack stops? Would you ever consider passing on a churro or popcorn for some fresh fruit?
Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!
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Bravo to Disney for continuing to be progressive about offering a wide array of healthier food/snack options! After reading your wonderful review, I think I would visit Mortimer’s just to get a glimpse of Officer Clyde Blue in action. He sounds like he needs his own show– and those ticket reasons are hilarious.
Thanks for the review Heather! So very neat- can’t wait to see Buena Vista Street- and I want to get a ticket 🙂
Now all I need to do is book my ticket to California!
I love all the healthier options! It’s so much easier to eat ice cream for lunch if I’m having fruit for snacks. 😉
Great review! Such a quaint location. I love the police officer and his tickets – that would make a fabulous souvenir! On the newspapers: are you saying they got the year wrong? That’s really curious, the imagineers rarely get anything wrong!
We just visited the market the other day and it is a great option for families who want a quick snack and are more health-conscious. The hummus and veggie cups hit the spot.
@Tammi – He roams all of Buena Vista Street, so be on your best behavior! ; )
@Canada88 – Book that ticket!!!
@Jaia – Great point!
This looks very cool! But that’s a lot of sq ft and theming for a fruit cart.
@Zachary Maybe it’s the opening date for the Disney universe HTH instead of the real one in LA which did open in 1929. They also look very different even before the remodeling by lightning.
I’m all for eating healthy, and it’s such a cute looking place…but I still have a hard time eating food from the ‘outside’ while at Disney.
While waiting inline for my Margarita at Fairfax Fair in Hollywood Studios, I secretly commended people that were actually buying the healthy stuff while at Disney (and I’m a healthy eater outside the park).
@notchris I thought of that too…anyone know when the Disney universe HTH was supposedly built?
@Zachary – Not saying anyone got anything wrong, just reported on when the hotel actually was actually built. Someone on twitter told me that they think the headline actually says “Opening next year” or “Opening Soon” but I can’t tell from my photo. Will have to see if I can get a better photo…
@NotChris – Thanks for that Disney “universe” info! ; )
@Heather Sievers Gotcha! Just don’t get yourself kicked out for standing on the coolers, getting just the right angle on those newspapers…LOL!
@Zachary – I’d do anything to answer a reader’s question! Just don’t want to end up in Disney Jail!!! ; )
They should be hung upside down by their little toes for selling water for $2.79.
I think it is great to offer this type of food … but $1.79 for a banana??!! (OMG) Disney sure does love their profit margin! LOL 😉