Hey, Disney Parks friends! As much as I adore a full day of attractions, snacks, shopping, and all the happy chaos that comes with a Disneyland Resort vacation, I also think there is something really special about finding those little moments that break up the rush. Sometimes it’s a quieter dinner reservation, a seasonal tasting event, or one of those limited-time experiences that feels a little more unexpected than your usual park day. It can be the perfect way to reconnect with someone in your group who might not be the biggest Disney fan, or even just a fun excuse for locals to enjoy the Disneyland Resort area in a fresh and different way.
If you happen to be near Downtown Disney on September 12th, Naples Ristorante e Bar has a new event that sounds like such a fun addition to your itinerary. In celebration of the restaurant’s 25th anniversary, Naples is hosting the Ultimate Slice Showdown, a live pizza competition where guests can watch the top five finalists present their original pizza creations to a panel of judges. Even better, Naples is inviting fans to get involved before the event by submitting their own dream pizza combination of sauce, cheese, and toppings for a chance to become one of those finalists. The grand prize winner will have their pizza featured on the fall menu and receive a $500 Naples dining voucher, while all finalists will have their pizza featured as a Napolini Pizza of the Month and receive a $150 Naples dining voucher. If you’ve ever thought, I could absolutely create the perfect pizza, this might be your moment.
And if you’re more interested in tasting than competing, the event itself sounds like a pretty delicious way to spend an afternoon. The Ultimate Slice Showdown tasting event will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Naples Ristorante e Bar in Downtown Disney. Guests will be able to sample the finalist pizzas while a panel of expert judges decides on the winning slice, with select beverages also available for purchase during the event. Tickets are listed at $30 per person here, and with space limited, it feels like one of those small-scale foodie events that could be a really fun break from the usual theme park routine, especially if your vacation crew includes anyone who perks up more at the words pizza tasting than rope drop.
I love the idea of adding something like this to a Disneyland Resort trip because it gives the whole day a different rhythm. Instead of sprinting from one Lightning Lane to the next, you get this little pocket of time to sit down, try something new, and enjoy a special event that feels a bit more local and a little less expected. It’s also the kind of experience that works just as well for Annual Passholders, locals, or Disney-adjacent visitors who want a taste of the magic without committing to a full park day.
If you ask me, those are the experiences that can make a Disneyland vacation feel even more memorable. Yes, the attractions and entertainment are always going to be the heart of the trip, but those extra sprinkles of something unique can turn a busy day into one that feels a little more personal. So if you’ll be around Downtown Disney on September 12th, this might be the perfect excuse to swap a quick-service lunch for an afternoon of pizza, judging, and a little anniversary celebration at Naples.
