It’s that time of year again! From March 3 – April 25, California Adventure’s biggest annual festival will take over much of the park. This event happens daily, with no extra/separate ticket required – so you can visit at any time so long as you have a regular park ticket and reservation.
Source: Disneyland Resort
This year’s lineup includes entertainment, the usual tastings and snacks, and some new activities:
- Soarin’ Over California – Throughout the festival’s run, Soarin’ Around the World will revert back to its original show, Soarin’ Over California.
- Marketplace – Food kiosks will line Pacific Wharf and Paradise Gardens Park, offering different selections of snacks, drinks, and event merchandise. You can see the full list of vendors here.
- Culinary demonstrations – Visiting chefs will make regular appearances on the waterfront stage, cooking a variety of recipes. It’s basically a live cooking show! (note: this is only available on weekends)
- Cocktail party – Head over to Sonoma Terrace for a specialty event menu with different California themed cocktails, craft brews, and snacks.
- Family fun – Keep your eye out for activity tables, kid-friendly demos, and interactive experiences to get even the littlest members of your family excited about the festival.
- Live music – Throughout the festival, bands and live performers will entertain crowds both on pop up stages and in Paradise Gardens.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
While the majority of the festival is included with the price of your park ticket, you can also purchase special ticketed experiences during the festival. This year’s offerings include:
- Carthay Circle winemaker receptions – These private receptions offer guests the chance to explore different California wines paired with complimentary menus. Throughout the tasting, winemakers share stories behind the wines, tasting notes, and the thought behind the chosen menu. Tickets cost $150 per person.
- Wine, beer, and mixology tasting seminars – If you’re not looking for a curated dining experience, you can also check out the tasting seminars. Like the winemaker receptions, these events offer tastings – but it’s just drinks here! Try a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails as you learn more about the art of mixology. There are way too many seminars to list in this post, but you can check out the full lineup here.
- Hotel winemaker & mixology class experiences – Like the seminars, these private experiences are interactive and include paired food with your tasting. You can choose from a mixology class at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar or a wine pairing at the Hearthstone Lounge. Tickets start at $159 per person.
Source: Disneyland Resort
For more information about this year’s festival, check out the official event page here. And for a sneak peek at the tasty treats coming to the park, check out the official foodie guide here.