Disney California Adventure spins up new Food Event – A Touch of Disney

Restrictions in Southern California are slowly relaxing and the Disneyland Resort is figuring out new ways to welcome back guests, even if the parks can’t officially reopen. “A Touch of Disney,” a new, limited capacity hard ticket event that will be hosted inside Disney California Adventure, is one such opportunity.

Not only will guests be able to enjoy some of the park’s iconic food and drink, with new and classic menu items, but there will also be photo opportunities and socially distant character greetings. A number of retain locations will feature specialty treats and Disney merchandise as well.

One side benefit of Disneyland adding this event is that the resort can welcome more cast members back to work. With A Touch of Disney and the reopening of Lake Buena Vista street, close to 1,000 cast members are expected to get the call.

What you need to know:

• The first night is March 18 and the event will run Thursdays – Mondays from noon to 8 p.m. through April 5
• Tickets are date specific and go on sale on March 4 on Disneyland’s website. Tickets will be released on a rolling basis until the experience ends, so keep checking back if the night you want to attend isn’t available yet. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
• Pricing starts at $75 a ticket and includes admission, parking for the experience at Mickey & Friends parking structure, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the day of the experience, and a $25 A Touch of Disney dining card valid towards the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol). (Note: Ticket prices are subject to change.)
• Sit down dining at Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining will be available. Reservations are required and can be made beginning March 11. Table reservations do not provide admission to A Touch of Disney and dining at those locations requires A Touch of Disney ticket that is valid on the same day as the table reservation. Reservations are recommended, and additional details will follow.
• Health and safety guidelines will be in effect.
• All attractions will be closed during this experience.

What to Expect

If you’ve been missing the magical Disney environment, you’ll feel at home the moment you step into the park.

Food options include tasty favorites and new creations

Expect some classics like churros, Dole whips, the Monte Cristo sandwich and new items. There will also be plant-based menu items available.

At A Touch of Disney, guests will find a selection of beloved food and beverage items from both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The menu includes a classic Monte Cristo sandwich, Dole Whip desserts, and the Mickey pretzel.

More creative items include torta de papas street tacos, or an item that’s usually found at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar: sweet and spicy chicken wings.

On the sweeter side, you’ll be happy to see a friendly churro or new carrot cake funnel cake fries. Many kid-friendly menu items also will be available, like the Chieftain chicken skewer imported from Bengal Barbecue, the PB & J roll from Lamplight Lounge and the “Route” beer float in Cars Land.

Wine, craft beer and specialty cocktails, along with non-alcoholic beverages, will be available at select marketplaces and dining locations.

Disney suggests taking advantage of contactless payment and mobile food ordering on the Disneyland mobile app.

Mobile order makes it easy to schedule when to pick up your favorite treats from the marketplaces, or from select participating locations including: Smokejumpers Grill, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Award Wieners and Cocina Cucamonga.

Atmosphere

Disney is mixing up a special soundtrack of your favorite Disney songs to be broadcast throughout the park. Be sure to listen as the announcer shares reminders about can’t miss experiences at the event.

Wave hello to Disney and Pixar characters

The event will include socially distant ways to wave hello to some favorite Disney and Pixar characters inside Disney California Adventure. As you stroll through the park, keep an eye out for Mater and Lightning McQueen in Cars Land or Joy and Sadness at Pixar Pier. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are part of the magic, too, and you might be surprised as some of their fun-loving pals show up in unexpected settings.

In addition, there will be fun photo spots, with some available only to guests who attend A Touch of Disney. For example, you may find a Pixar Play Parade float on display, or get up close with one of the colorful convertibles from Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, near Casa della Tires in Cars Land.

Disney PhotoPass photographers will be at select locations throughout the theme park to help you create new memories at Disney California Adventure during its 20th anniversary year. Unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the day of the experience are included with admission.

Downtown Disney District remains open seven days a week

Downtown Disney District will remain open seven days a week with unique shopping and dining that includes Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Naples Ristorante e Bar and LaBrea Bakery. Star Wars Trading Post recently opened in a new location as a destination for all things Star Wars. Check the Disneyland website or app for hours and details at Downtown Disney District.

Buena Vista Street will remain open as an extension of Downtown Disney District through March 14, and will be closed as of March 15. Beginning March 18, Buena Vista Street will become part of A Touch of Disney.

Health and safety measures designed for a magical Disney experience

Disney has organized the event with the health and safety of everyone in mind. A Touch of Disney has a limited capacity and will enforce enhanced health and safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies.

Guests may visit Disneyland.com/ATouchofDisney to learn important details about the experience and about health and safety measures prior to arrival, such as the requirement for temperature checks and for all guests, ages 2 and older, to wear an appropriate face covering. Guests will find everything they need to know before they go!

What is the Value?

The $75 ticket includes parking and a $25 credit toward food and non-alcoholic drinks. You’ll still be on the hook for other food and adult beverages.

Disneyland hasn’t forgotten its biggest fans . Legacy Passholders will enjoy a special opportunity at A Touch of Disney, with details to come on the Disneyland Legacy Passholder Facebook page.

With Disney California Adventure celebrating its 20th year, this is a unique opportunity to get a taste of the magic and satisfy your taste buds at the same time.