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Not long ago, the notion of drinking inside Disneyland was a pipe dream, more improbable than firing Idina Menzel for a third installment in the Frozen franchise.
Until May of 2019, you could only buy booze in one place inside Disneyland — at the ultra exclusive Club 33.
Times have changed.
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Between California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disneyland itself, the house that Mickey built is now home to more than 30 bars, lounges and kiosks that serve beer, wine and cocktails.
The best part? You can visit many of these places without a buying a ticket to the theme park.
Here's a look at some of our favorite drinks and bites, but just keep in mind that menu offerings (and prices) can and do change. And if you don't see your desired drink on the menu anymore — ask nicely. A friendly server might be able to pull some off-menu strings for you. (Tip nicely, too.)
Inside Oga's Cantina at Disneyland.
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Disneyland
Oga's Cantina
Don't want to drop tens of thousands of dollars and spend more than a decade waiting for a drink at Club 33? You finally have other options inside Disneyland. When Galaxy's Edge opened in May 2019, we not only got a life-size Millenium Falcon, we got Disneyland's first bar, Oga's Cantina. Every time the door slides open, high-energy tunes spill out. Once inside, you're transported to a bustling watering hole on the planet Batuu.
Strange creatures stare down at you while you sip drinks such as the Outer Rim, a combo of Patron silver tequila, acai liqueur, lime juice and fruit puree that's rimmed with black salt, or the Fuzzy Tauntaun, a peachy libation topped with a mild numbing foam. Refuel your speeder with a Jet Juice, which packs a big punch thanks to bourbon, chili liqueur, acai liqueur, grape juice and lemon juice.
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The T-16 Skyhopper (left) and the Fuzzy Tauntaun (right) cocktails at Oga's Cantina at Disneyland. At last check, the T-16 was no longer on the menu, so ask for it by name. You might get lucky.
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Oga's is fun for adults and kids. Non-alcoholic drinks include the Blue Bantha, which comes with a sugar cookie. The menu features a few small snacks such as the Happabore Sampler charcuterie plate.
Thanks to DJ R3x, you might hear a Modal Nodes tune from another infamous Star Wars cantina, and the bartenders encourage the crowd to sing along. Keep your eye out for a Mandolorian easter egg, located above the bar.
Since Oga's Cantina is located inside Disneyland, it has more rules than the other bars on property. You have a 45-minute time limit and can only order two drinks during your visit, so choose wisely. Also, the cocktails are premixed so you can't customize your drinks or request anything not on the menu. Reservations are strongly recommended. You don't need a park ticket to make one in advance and you can book them up to 60 days in advance, either online or in the Disneyland app.
Blue Bayou Restaurant
In May 2021, when Disneyland reopened its iconic Blue Bayou restaurant next to Pirates of the Caribbean, it had a new addition to the menu — alcohol. The New Orleans-inspired spot offers wine and beer but if you're going for strength, the Hurricane is your best bet. Bacardi Reserve Ocho and Myers's Original dark rum are mixed with orange juice, passion fruit puree, grenadine and lime juice. It's a pirate's life for anyone who drinks one. Like Oga's Cantina, Blue Bayou enforces a two-drink maximum.
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The Zombie at Lamplight Lounge at Disney's California Adventure.
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Disney's California Adventure
Lounges
At Lamplight Lounge, the alfresco dining area of the Carthay Circle Lounge and Alfresco Tasting Terrace (all of which are located in California Adventure), you can enjoy gin and tonics, mojitos and Vietnamese beef lettuce wraps and Bao Buns. The downside? It can be hard to find a seat at any of these spots during peak times.
Lamplight Lounge
In 2018, when Paradise Pier was rethemed as Pixar Pier, Ariel's Grotto and the Cove Bar were combined into a new venue, the two-level Lamplight Lounge. Dining on the ground floor usually requires a reservation but the top half, Lamplight Lounge - Boardwalk Dining, is perfect for walk-ins. I prefer it upstairs because it feels like you're sitting on a pier and you can soak in the sights. I like the Final With A Fix, made with tequila, mezcal, raspberry liqueur, Cointreau, lime juice and agave. But my favorite drink, the Zombie, isn't on the menu (maybe because it's so strong). You have to ask for it. When you do, you'll get spiced rum, coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice and a floater of Bacardi 151. It was $15 last time we checked, and it's the best bang for your buck in California Adventure.
The drinks at Lamplight cost $1 or $2 more than the mixed drinks found at Disney's quick service eateries but they're worth it. Plus, when you're done at Lamplight, you can get a cocktail (or any drink) to go. The bartenders take requests and the venue has a substantial beer and wine menu.
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With the exception of brunch, you'll find the same drink menu upstairs and downstairs. Larger entrees aren't available upstairs but you can order the same appetizers in both spaces. I recommend the lobster nachos, which you can also get with barbacoa.
A mimosa flight at Lamplight Lounge at at Disney's California Adventure.
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For those who want to dine downstairs, your best bet is brunch, which is served Friday to Sunday from opening until noon. The mimosa flight is delicious, surprisingly strong and only available during brunch.
Carthay Circle Lounge
The exterior of this restaurant and lounge is modeled after the Carthay Circle Theatre, which opened in mid-city Los Angeles in 1926 and hosted the premieres of Gone With the Wind and Snow White. It closed in 1969 but lives on at California Adventure, where its namesake restaurant oozes Jazz Age glamor.
Reservations are strongly recommended but a walk-up waitlist is available at certain times during the day. Check with the hostess or the Disneyland app for waitlist openings.
The Tequila Daisy cocktail at the Carthay Circle Lounge in Disney's California Adventure.
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Once you're in, the Tequila Daisy is one of my favorite drinks anywhere on property. Smooth and perfectly balanced, it's like the margarita's older, more sophisticated cousin, adding violet liqueur and egg whites to the standard recipe. The throwback vibe extends to drinks like Side Cars, Negronis and Manhattans. There's also a full wine and beer menu
Quick service spots
"Quick service" is Disney's way of saying, "Don't expect a waiter. Grab your food and go." Some quick service eateries serve only alcohol while others also offer food. Most have mobile ordering, which means you can order ahead via the Disneyland app then pick up your food and drink. Mobile ordering has become a staple for Disneyland. I suggest placing orders as far in advance as possible. Be prepared to furnish your ID upon pickup, if you've pre-ordered alcohol.
The mango-fueled X-Periment at Pym Tasting Lab on the Avengers Campus at Disney's California Adventure.
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Pym Tasting Lab
Opened in June 2021, the Avengers Campus brought us a new watering hole! Pym Tasting Lab, with bartenders decked out in lab coats who serve drinks in keepsake beakers, is a fun addition to California Adventure's quick-service lineup. The X-Periment has Patron Silver tequila, mango and habanero syrups along with mango-filled boba. The Honey Buzz 2.0 contains Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Whiskey and lemonade and honey syrup. The lab also currently offers 10 beers on menu, including Garage Brewing's Marshmallow Milk Stout. I love the ambiance with the Avenger's Theme playing and the Quinjet in the distance. You might also spy one of your favorite Marvel superheroes walk by. If you can't snag a mobile order, have no fear. There's a standby line.
Pym Test Kitchen
Food is the star of the show here but you order a Surf City Pale Ale from Four Sons Brewing, a spiked kombucha from Flying Embers or a beer mimosa. If you love Snickers, try the outstanding Choco-Smash candy bar.
A Michelada (left) and a Pineapple Michelada at the Hollywood Lounge in Disney's California Adventure.
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Hollywood Lounge
Tucked away at the end of Buena Vista street in Hollywood Land is a walk-up bar that offers Modelo and other beers, micheladas, margaritas and seasonal cocktails. Most drinks are premixed but the servers hand-pour the liquor so Hollywood Lounge is my go-to mobile-order spot when I want a quick cocktail and don't feel like sitting in a lounge. Sometimes, the mobile-order line is nearly as long as the regular one. Roll the dice and take your pick.
Smokejumpers Grill
This quick-service burger place near Soarin' in the Grizzly Peak area features standard theme park fare and a small selection of beer and wine. It also boasts a hidden gem, the Frozen Coca-Cola. Although the slushy Jack and Coke concoction (heavy on the Jack) is premixed, it surpasses its frozen margarita brethren. On a warm day, it's perfection. There's also a version spiked with Captain Morgan Rum.
Sonoma Terrace
The area near Wine Country Trattoria is a nexus of booze. The restaurant is surrounded by bars including Sonoma Terrace, which has a robust selection of beer, wine and hard cider. It also makes a few premixed cocktails. The best part? There's plenty of seating and you can mobile-order so you have a cold one waiting for you.
Mendocino Terrace
Situated below Alfresco Tasting Terrace, this walk-up bar serves more than 20 wines on menu and a few beers and cider.
A Mickey Mouse pretzel at Bayside Brews in Disney's California Adventure.
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Bayside Brews
Head to Bayside Brews in Pixar Pier to get your fill of beer. Perhaps you'd like to try Ballast Point's Grapefruit Sculpin IPA or sip a Karl Strauss Aurora Hoppalis IPA. Bayside will also make you a michelada or they can whip up a seasonal margarita.
Rita's Baja Blenders
If you're craving an icy margarita and you're short on time, this is your best bet. Choose between strawberry or lemon-lime and, if you want a little more booze, upgrade to a Grand. These margaritas are fine when you're running against the clock but for a few dollars more, you can get a fresh, hand-mixed cocktail at one of the lounges.
Pacific Wharf Distribution Co.
Commonly known as the Karl Strauss beer cart, it's located in the Pacific Wharf area and delivers six kinds of Karl Strauss beer as well as Mickey-shaped pretzels.
Paradise Garden Grill
This quick service food location has ample seating and a limited drink menu — a few beers, a blackberry soju cocktail — but it's perfect for those watching the clock. Grab a drink and a Pork Belly Banh Mi for a delicious snack.
Seasonal festival marketplaces
Disney's California Adventure normally hosts three annual festivals, each with a unique selection of seasonal food and drink, but the park had put its festival lineup on hold. Well, things are slowly getting back to normal. Here's proof. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 3 through April 25, featuring craft brews, signature cocktails, curated bites, chef demonstrations, live music and more.
Other various restaurants and quick-service places that serve alcohol in DCA
- Wine Country Trattoria Restaurant.
- Lucky Fortune Cookery.
- Flo's V8 Cafe.
- Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill and
- Award Wieners (limited beer menu).
At Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Downtown Disney, you can get cocktails such as a Tokyo Tea and a Pink Paloma in standard, 16-ounce glasses (left) or in portable 22-ounce tumblers (right).
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Downtown Disney
With nine different eateries, each with its own bar, you should be able to find something to quench your thirst in Downtown Disney. The venues are often packed during lunch (around 12 p.m.) and dinner (6 to 8 p.m.), so keep that in mind as you plan your day. I've highlighted a few of my favorite spots.
A Pink Paloma at Splittsville Luxury Lanes in Downtown Disney.
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Splitsville Luxury Lanes
My go-to watering hole in Downtown Disney is Splitsville. You don't need a reservation and it's easy to find a spot at the bar. The playlist melds top hits from ABBA to Ariana and they have tons of TVs so you can catch the game. Plus, power outlets line the bar, so it's a good spot to charge your phone while you revive. It is also fairly easy to find a seat here at peak times.
Splitsville has an ace up its sleeve — two premixed cocktails that are far better than your typical park offerings. They're strong and made with quality ingredients. You can purchase a 16-ounce glass of either of them for $16 or buy a 22-ounce tumbler for $22 and get refills for the same price as the 16-ounce. No other place on Disney property offers that deal. I always bring my tumbler, just in case I need a Pink Paloma or a margarita pick-me-up. Their loaded fries, which are reminiscent of Shake Shack and feature queso blanco, bacon and ranch, can feed three adults and are worth $19.
Tortilla Jo's
This Mexican restaurant has the best margaritas on property. I love the refreshing Pineapple-Cilantro Margarita. Every margarita I've tried here is good, although they'll set you back in the $16 range. Since you're already shelling out that much, make any of them a Cadillac margarita by adding a Grand Marnier topper for a few dollars more. You'll get a much stronger drink and, in the words of Homer Simpson, "You can't go this far and then not go further." The street tacos and enchiladas are tasty companions to the drinks. There's a tiny, five-seat bar in the back but it's easy to get a reservation here so I suggest waiting for a regular table.
A Ballast Point beer sampler.
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Ballast Point Brewing
Specializing in a wide variety of IPAs as well as lagers, kolsches and porters, this beer drinker's haven has more than 30 brews. It also has more than 20 wines. Alas, no mixed drinks. Ballast Point serves Bavarian pretzels, burgers and fries. During dinner hours, you could face a two to three-hour wait so it's best to visit earlier in the day. There's first-come, first-served seating on the second-level patio but finding an open table is a challenge.
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
If you're looking for a strong drink, the Cat-5 Hurricane lives up to its name thanks to two kinds of rum and a floater of Don Q 151. You'll probably want to eat something with that. Try the Dippin' Tots, which are parmesan-herb tossed tater tots with sriracha and mayo, the Pasta Jambalaya or the Blackened Chicken "Mac and Cheese."
UVA Bar
Location, location, location. UVA has one major draw, it's in the center of Downtown Disney. Their margarita and Long Island Ice Tea are standard. Their carne asada fries are tasty but come in a fairly small portion. If you're there during the week, ask about happy hour. At last check, they had a happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. with select cocktails for $9 to $10 .and $2 off any pint of draft beer.
Naples Ristorante e Bar
Naples had renovated shortly before theme parks shut down due to the pandemic. The airy outside bar is a relaxing place to escape the crowds. Standout drinks include the Naples Sangria and the Gin + Honey, made with Botanist gin, grapefruit juice, prosecco and honey. Their calamari is a tasty starter and their pizzas are delicious.
Other restaurants with bars
I tend to stick to my favorite haunts but here are two other options available in Downtown Disney for beer, wine and cocktails:
- Black Tap Craft Burgers
- Catal Restaurant
The Craftsman's Garden at the Craftsman Bar in the Grand Californian Hotel.
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Grand Californian Hotel
GCH Craftsman Bar
You don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the Grand Californian's pool bar. It's one of my two favorite places to eat and drink on Disneyland Resort property. The drinks are top notch, just like at Carthay Circle but without those prices. Their Grand Mai Tai is the best iteration of this cocktail I have ever tasted. I also love the Pineapple Ginger Margarita, the Yuzu Daiquiri and the mezcal-based Craftsman's Garden. To fortify yourself, I recommend the beef or chicken nachos, which are large enough to feed three hungry drinkers. The Craftsman has an impressive beer and wine selection for a pool bar and drinks are available to-go, although you can't take them off hotel property. You can make a reservation to sit on the patio and a walkup list is sometimes available. I prefer the bar because I love watching the expert bartenders make drinks.
The Paloma at the Hearthstone Lounge in the Grand Californian Hotel.
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Hearthstone Lounge
To the left of Napa Rose Restaurant, just past the Grand Californian's lobby, you'll find Hearthstone Lounge, a large room with high ceilings and subtle, Mickey-themed lighting. With a casual atmosphere and protection from the elements (unlike the Craftsman), this is my go-to spot on rainy days or bustling sunny ones. My personal favorite is the Paloma, a delicious fusion of tequila, grapefruit juice, lime and soda water. Hearthstone also offers more than 40 beer and wine options. There are TVs above the bar and for big sporting events, they bring in larger screens. Yes, you can get your drinks to-go as long as you remain on the hotel's property.
The Shipwreck and Zombie cocktails sit atop a table at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.
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Disneyland Hotel
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar
This cozy spot is the second of my two favorite bars on property. A tropical hideaway where the fictional Trader Sam has crammed mementos from his many voyages, it has a swell outdoor patio but inside is where the action happens. If you're a first-timer, the Krakatoa punch causes a volcano to erupt, the Uh Oa, a flaming, rum-based drink meant for two people, inspires the wrath of the Tiki Gods, and the Shipwreck on the Rocks leads to… take a guess.
For those who care less about spectacle, the Angolada is a heavyweight thanks to Navy-strength rum, cream of coconut, angostura bitters and fruit juices. Trader Sam's is also where you'll find the rummy version of the famous Dole Whip as well as semi-secret, off-menu drinks such as the Ka-blu-ee (Sam's version of a Blue Hawaiian) and the Child (aka the Baby Yoda cocktail). Trader Sam's also offers noshes including Tonkotsu ramen and sweet-and-spicy chicken wings. If you're looking for a smaller bite, the Panko-crusted Long beans are delicious.
The Child cocktail at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel channels Baby Yoda.
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The venue now opens for indoor seating at 4 p.m. You'll need to check in next door, with the hostess at Tangaroa Terrace, to sit either outside or inside at Trader Sam's. You should definitely arrive before 4 p.m. (If you want to grab a drink earlier, head next door to the outside bar at Tangaroa Terrace.) Kids are welcome at Trader Sam's until the pool closes, usually at 8 p.m., then the interior becomes 21+ although you can still sit with your family on the patio. There's currently a 90-minute time limit when visiting Sam's.
The Dole Whip with rum (left) and the Piranha Pool (right) at Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill at the Disneyland Hotel.
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Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill
Tangaroa Terrace is a quick-service food spot where you can order most of the drinks from Trader Sam's. The exterior window opens at 11 a.m. It's a great option if you've already experienced the tiki bar and just want one of its drinks or if you're at the Disneyland Hotel before Trader Sam's has opened.
Updated January 24, 2023 at 8:38 PM PST
An earlier version of this story was published in July 2021. It has been updated throughout to reflect changes to menu offerings, venue openings, pricing and more.
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