Yes. I am a Walt Disney World aficionado. And a longstanding EPCOT Food & Wine Festival snob. It’s taken me awhile to bite, but I finally made it out west to sample the Disneyland version. Here are my top takeaways from the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival.
Top Takeaways From Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival
We’re not in the Sunshine State any more… Not only was it 50 degrees and rainy during our March visit, this Golden State Disney festival has a unique vibe in other ways.
Distinct California Taste
Locally-sourced is the theme here. Every bite and sip comes with a West Coast (Best Coast?!) story. From “Avocado Time” to “Berry Patch.” you can easily close your eyes and instantly know where you are.
Beer Rules!
Ironically, despite its wine country reputation, I found it far easier to find a local craft beer selection than a cold Chardonnay. I found the Festival Beer Garden to be quite the haven. This beautiful hidden setting offered tasty brews (20 at from California Craft Brews)and live music under the gazebo. What a gem! And after all, Wine Country Trattoria is always a tried and true go-to.
Muy Caliente
As should have been expected from its Southwest geography, a great many flavors packed a spicy punch! I made the mistake of throwing back my Chipotle-Pineapple Bourbon Sour to extinguish the fire of my Chile Relleno Empanada with Arbol Pepper Salsa featuring Cacique® Oaxaca and Cotija Cheeses. ¡Ay!!
The Impossible™ Brand Is Impossible to Escape
Soooooo many vegetarian options at Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. Unfortunately, Disney has clearly partnered with Impossible™; this is one of the UNhealthiest food options you can find here. Don’t get me started about the fillers, calories, and binders they use. Choose fresh whole fruits and vegetables if a vegan/vegetarian route is your choice. PLEASE.
Or- stop by the vegetarian Avocado Time. Perhaps if you are truly a purist, the very first entirely vegan Marketplace, Paradise Garden Grill, will meet your approval. Choose from 5 distinct options there! (But think of me and just don’t select those Impossible Gyro Fries… )
Limited-Time Disneyland Restaurant Offers
If you dig (and we had to), you will find some special event offerings at the Disneyland restaurants.
- Lamplight Lounge
- Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (limited time rum flight fits the bill!)
Several Downtown Disney District spots feature unique, limited-time menu items. Find them at:
- Naples Ristorante e Bar
- Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
- Ballast Point Brewing Co.
- Splitsville Luxury Lane
My Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Winners
This one was soooooo easy.
- BBQ beef brisket slider featuring Fiscalini Farmstead smoked cheddar with dill pickles on salt and pepper brioche (Cluck-A-Doodle Moo).
- Wine Float Cocktail: Tequila, Triple Sec, Agave and Lime & Orange Juices with a Red Wine Float (Paradise Garden Grill)
Options that the EPCOT International Festivals Do Not Offer
- Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Sip and Savor Pass
Purchase this commemorative credential, lanyard, and pass with 8 tabs that can be redeemed for nonalcoholic beverages and select food options across 12 Festival Marketplaces and 10 other dining locations ($59 and $54 for Magic Key holders). Though the pass can be used throughout the duration of the festival, all tabs expire on April 25th. We personally did not see value in the pass, but locals surely could save money with this offer unique to Disneyland!
- Order Food at Any Marketplace and Pickup At Another
This stellar feature could not only save time but mileage on those tootsies!! After I circumnavigated the park, I decided on my favorites. I then went to the nearest booth and placed my order(s). After all, sometimes your food and drink are not sourced from the same booth. I could then saunter at leisure to retrieve my items. LOVED this pace and ease. (Are you listening Walt Disney World?!)
All this and the limited return of Soarin’ Over California?! YES please…
Disneyland VS Walt Disney World
Clearly, there are pros and cons to this smaller Disney food and wine festival. But after all, what could be bad about an event with “food” “wine” and “Disney” in the title?!
