Want to visit the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival with your family? We're sharing our favorite treats and activities to enjoy with your kids in tow!
Thank you to the Disneyland Resort for hosting our visit.
If you follow along with our Instagram stories…..then you know Lydia and I had QUITE the adventure this weekend. I've been DYING to visit the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, and totally missed it last year. This year? I was bound and determined to make there on opening weekend. Which meant, it was a family event. This year there are a ton of family friendly activities and food selections included in the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival……perfect for days with the kids. Side note, there are also a BUNCH of great adult oriented areas and events, my husband and I are planning to head back for an evening date soon (he's OBSESSED with visiting the Festival Beer Garden).
Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival: A Family Guide
What to Eat and Drink:
There are 13 festival marketplaces participating in the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival this year (plus the Festival Beer Garden). We checked them all out, and found some GREAT options for foodie parents and kids. Our FAVORITE items both came from kiosks located on the path between Carthay Circle and the Obelisk (aka the area where you'll find the Jumping Jellyfish ride). There are more booths on the Hollywood Backlot.
Strawberry Patch: The Strawberry and Coconut Rice Frushi is TO DIE FOR. Lydia (who is pretty much the pickiest eater on earth) insisted that we wait in line twice to get more Frushis. This dessert sushi roll is filled with strawberries and topped with the most delicious sauce. It's a MUST try (and this stand had the longest line…..so get there right at the 10:30 kiosk opening if you can)! We also loved the Strawberry Pineapple Float with Strawberry Popping Pearls…..this strawberry drink tastes like the perfect marriage of a boba tea and a dole whip. It's refreshing and sweet, and those popping pearls add just a touch of fun.
Garlic Kissed: I'm not going to lie, I was a little worried that the garlic flavors would be too overpowering for Lydia. She loved Creamy Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble so much, that I'm considering adding garlic to the homemade mac and cheese recipe she eats for dinner at least once a week. It's delicious, and perfect as a smaller lunch option. The Black Garlic Soy-Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi was MY favorite item we tried. It's tangy and the pork belly is delicious…….this one is definitely more of a grown up entree.
What to Do:
Annual Passholder Corner: The annual passholder area for the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is located on the Hollywood Backlot close to Stage 17. Be sure to grab your Festival button!
Jr. Chef: The Jr. Chef area and class are MUST DOS for visiting the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival as a family. This area fills up quickly and the class is first come, first serve….but it's worth getting there a little early to snag a spot! Kids can decorate their own chefs' hats, and wait to join the class. During the Jr. Chef class, small groups of children get to participate in a real chef school led by one of their favorite characters!
The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival ends April 12th, so be SURE to visit Disneyland Resort before it closes this year!
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