If there’s one thing Disney does best (besides the rides, theming and shows), it’s the food. From churros and Mickey-shaped delights to seasonal specialties and foodie favorites, Disneyland has turned snacking into an attraction of its own. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or just visiting for the day, eating your way through the park is part of the experience.
Disney is delivering food that goes beyond the standard for theme parks. Both in quality and flavor, Disney’s food is half the reason to visit. If you are dining at quick service, one of their restaurants or casual dining spots, there are tons of delicious options for all flavor profiles and diets!
In recent years, Disney has significantly leveled up their plant-based options for those looking for vegan or vegetarian friendly food. (Psst…get the ronto-less wraps in Galaxy’s Edge. By far my favorite vegan option in the parks)
During the holiday season and the food and wine festival, California Adventure pulls out all the stops with their food booths boasting multicultural cuisines, often doing culinary fusions. (Don’t miss the poblano empanadas during the Food and Wine Festival)
They will even dabble in food gimmicks by having strange options that people buy just to try them. I’m looking at you, frozen guacamole ice cream bar!
When it comes to a day at the park, I rarely go to restaurants because my time is focused on getting on as many rides as possible. But it is nice to get off your feet and sit down at a restaurant.
Today we will be highlighting my recent dining experience at California Adventure’s Lamplight Lounge.
Lamplight Lounge
Lamplight Lounge gets its name from the iconic Pixar Logo. The interiors are dedicated to the art of animation. A chandelier of sketches will greet you as you make your way down the winding staircase into the restaurant. The walls are adorned with more art highlighting Pixar’s animation. You’ll see movie posters from around the globe, concept art and sketches along with a classic bar aesthetic of brick walls and sleek lighting. Sitting inside is a lovely choice if you are looking to escape the hubbub of the theme park.
There are also beautiful views that await you in their outdoor seating. There are two floors of outdoor seating, both are on the water with beautiful panoramic views of Pixar Pier and the surrounding lands. While the downstairs seating is attached to the restaurant, upstairs, on the boardwalk is a separate location called Lamplight Lounge- Boardwalk Dining.
During the afternoon, the Boardwalk Dining is a great place to stop if you want a cocktail and elevated bar food. Lobster Nachos?! Yes please!
Back in the main portion of Lamplight Lounge, this restaurant is great for lunch and dinner with items like burgers, Thai seafood pasta, herb-roasted chicken and prime rib.
Brunch Dining
But we loved our brunch experience at Lamplight Lounge the most! Unique breakfast cocktails dazzle the menu and tastebuds. Served alongside coasters featuring different animated works of art were a nice touch!
There is plenty to choose from for food as well such as a brunch burger, French toast, chilaquiles, potato flautas, steak and eggs and smoke salmon egg white omelet. Check your app for any menu updates! I recommend getting seasonal donuts for the table. They are small and delectable and the perfect addition of something sweet.
Cocktails
We tried a large variety of brunch cocktails. A classic and a crowd pleasure was the mimosa flight. There were 4 different flavors, and they change seasonally. We had a classic orange, watermelon, pineapple mint, and raspberry ginger. Each one was delicious and refreshing on that warm summer morning.
The Cinamon Toast Cocktail was our most unique cocktail. Made with vanilla vodka, hazelnut liquor, cinnamon spice liquor and cinnamon cereal-infused milk. It tasted exactly like you would imagine, like drinking the milk after your cinnamon toast cereal and adding alcohol. The flavors elicit so many memories of childhood breakfast that this cocktail feels transportive. Disney captured being a kid again not only in their theme parks, but in this cocktail as well.
Cobra Hiss is a cocktail for those wanting something smokey! Mezcal and cucumber lead the forward taste of this cocktail with citrus bringing in the aftertaste.
Sunrise Spectacular tasted like a mimosa but with bourbon instead of champagne. It was a very fresh cocktail especially for a bourbon base. Orange and pineapple juices really bring out the brightness and brunch flavors.
Beer, wine and hard seltzers are also available. But I would recommend trying a cocktail at this location. You can’t find a lot of these cocktails anywhere else so take the opportunity to try them.
There are also plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from for those who do not wish to partake in alcohol.
The downside of this location is that you won’t find any specialty coffee beverages like one would expect of a brunch location. I was disappointed not to be able to get a cappuccino but luckily, right nearby on the other side of the bridge was the coffee cart. I walked over, grabbed a cappuccino and rejoined my party at their table.
Pricing and Reservations
This location is moderate pricing, typically ranging from $15-$35 a person. Obviously, this will all depend on what you purchase but that is the average. Cocktails start at $17 and go up from there.
Reservations are required to dine at this location. Be sure to book ahead if you’d like to dine at either Lamplight Lounge or Lamplight Lounge-Boardwalk Dining. If you don’t/can’t make reservations, you are always welcome to visit either location to see if the walk-up list is open. On peak days, don’t expect them to be able to add you to the list. But there is no harm in seeing if there is any availability. You can even check via your Disneyland app to see if the list is open.
You may be asked to try again later, or you may experience a wait-time. Luckily, you’re right across from shopping if you want to spend your time waiting there.
While dining at Lamplight Lounge is pricier than quick service, the jump in price is only by a few dollars. This restaurant and bar are worth the extra few dollars to be able to enjoy a nice dining experience. The staff are great, the restaurant is lovely, and the joy of sitting down and having excellent service cannot be overlooked when you are on your feet all day.
Treat yourself and take a little time out of your day to fully enjoy your experience.
