Just like the Golden State itself, Disney California Adventure park has a melting pot of different foods and drinks to discover. It is home to more than 50 restaurants, eateries and dining experiences!
To help you decide where to dine during your visit, here is a guide to the types of food and beverage options at Disney California Adventure — with a side of expert tips. From on-the-go bites to upscale dining and everything in between, something is sure to satisfy your taste and budget.
On-the-Go Snack Carts and Market Stands
Snack carts and market stands scattered around the park make it easy to pick up a refreshing soda or quintessential Disney treat throughout the day. Churros, Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzels, popcorn, ice cream and turkey legs are just some of the budget-friendly, handheld eats you can find at these locations.
Quick-Service Restaurants
These casual eateries are fast, flavorful and budget-friendly! Quick-service restaurants accept orders at a walk-up counter, and many also offer mobile ordering through the Disneyland app.* At California Adventure, there’s a range of cuisines to choose from: Mexican street tacos, Asian-inspired dishes and even out-of-this-world Super Hero eats.
Some choices can be an especially great value because they are generous for one person or shareable between two people.
Once your food is picked up, you have the flexibility to enjoy your meal at the restaurant’s seating area or take it on the go. When I visit the parks with a group and we all crave something different, we’ll place mobile orders at separate restaurants and meet somewhere to eat together. A win-win for everyone!
Quick-service restaurants to try:
Other must-try snacks include:
Table-Service Restaurants
Table-service restaurants — also known as sit-down restaurants — offer multi-course meals and a leisurely break from the day’s activities. If you have the time, it’s worth booking a reservation (or a few!) to savor a filling meal and the beautiful park atmosphere. Many locations offer kids menus with choices littles ones will enjoy.
Reservations are encouraged in advance of a visit and can be booked on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app up to 60 days in advance. Don’t have a reservation? On the day of your visit, you may be able to add your party to the walk-up list at select table-service restaurants using the Disneyland app (subject to availability).
Table-service restaurant recommendations:
Wine Country Trattoria is an outdoor retreat reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, featuring elegantly prepared Italian specialties and wines by the glass
Lamplight Lounge celebrates the creativity of Pixar Animation Studios over gastropub cuisine, signature cocktails and more; its secondary location Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining is an alfresco patio with some menu items you can only find there
Signature Dining at California Adventure
Signature dining is a must-do for foodies, and it’s a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion. California Adventure has a fine dining restaurant right on Buena Vista Street, Carthay Circle Restaurant.
Modeled after the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre movie palace in Los Angeles, this upscale locale transports you back to the Golden Age with sophisticated meals, retro cocktails and a romantic Art Deco interior. The seasonal menu features innovative dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Entertainment Dining Packages and Dessert Parties
Desserts and a show? Sign me up! Bookable dessert parties invite you to nosh on a selection of sweets and sips while you enjoy a show from a designated viewing area. The Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade Dessert Party at Sonoma Terrace features artisan cheeses, crackers and Pixar-inspired treats in a souvenir box — plus a selection of beverages. The World of Color Dessert Party includes artisan charcuterie and cheeses, themed macarons, mini cakes and more.
These experiences are worth it for the unique menu offerings and prime entertainment viewing areas.
California Adventure Dining Tips
Dining discounts: Magic Key annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members get special discounts on select food and beverages. To redeem your applicable discounts, make sure your Magic Key ID or Disney Vacation Club membership is linked to your MyDisney account.
Plan ahead with mobile ordering: Place your mobile food and beverage orders early in the day, so your meals can be prepared for you to pick up later on. This is especially helpful if you plan to dine during the typical lunch and dinner hours, when quick-service restaurants may be busier.
Complimentary bottle-filling stations: For fresh water on-the-go, refill your personal water bottles at three bottle-filling stations around California Adventure.
For more details, you can view the full list of restaurants and menus at Disneyland.com. To discover new and seasonal offerings, check out the Disney Eats section of the Disney Parks Blog and follow @DisneyEats on Instagram.
To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.
*Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
Dining and Cooking