Main Street is a glow in pumpkin-lit perfection as the giant Mickey jack-o’-lantern returns for Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. And my oh my! Do they know how to hit the perfect balance of cozy fall vibes and sparkling spookiness.

The season this year from runs August 22–October 31, 2025, with Plaza de la Familia continuing at Disney California Adventure through November 2. It’s my absolute favorite time of year at (arguably) my favorite Disney park.

What’s new (and what’s back) in 2025

These headliners are the ones you’re bound to plan the day around. We’ve got classic ride overlays including: Haunted Mansion Holiday – come see how Jack has wrecked the mansions halls and this year’s gingerbread house design, Monster’s After Dark – as the sun begins to set Guardians of the Galaxy brings to life a new adventure where you and Rocket team up to rescue the crew after the collector’s monsters have been unleashed, and Radiator Screams – both Mater’s JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-o-Ween and some more seasonal charm to Cars Land (which is decorated to the nines!)

Halloween Screams

The Halloween Screams is also back, thank goodness, with nightly projection shows. Fireworks are limited to Friday – Sunday, this year. However, don’t be surprised if the fireworks specifically are canceled on any given night.

Since Disneyland is located so tightly amongst the Anaheim neighborhood (there are houses less than 3 blocks from the gates), the pyro schedule is subject to local noise ordinances. As well, with homes just a stone’s throw away Fireworks cannot be launched when there is any increased potential for wind to pick up the sparks. In Southern California we have Santa Annas, strong warm winds, throughout much of September and October.

How do I check my nights?

Open the Disneyland app or the Disneyland website’s Calendar/Entertainment page. Select your date, filter for Disneyland Park, and look for “Halloween Screams.”

The listing will explicitly note “with Fireworks” or “with Projections,” plus showtime (often around 9:30 p.m.). Double-check again day-of for weather impact or operational changes.

Why do people love it?

Because it feels like a storybook of spooky Disney. You’ll hear “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” “This Is Halloween,” and villain medleys while Zero (Jack’s ghost pup) makes a magical flight overhead—one of those gasp-and-point moments that lives rent-free in your camera roll. Projections ripple across Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, turning the whole hub into a theater. The combo of nostalgia, music, and just-right mischief is the heart of Halloween Time.

Where to watch

If fireworks are scheduled, the Central Plaza (hub) gives you the full castle canvas. For a little more elbow room, Rivers of America often features show projections with a great vibe, and crowd flow is gentler than the hub. Arrive early on fireworks nights; on projection nights you can slide in later and still have a lovely view. (All showtimes and locations subject to change.)

Haunted Mansion Holiday

“Nightmare Before Christmas” overlays the Mansion with pumpkin patch glamour, peppermint swirls, and that gingerbread-house scent in the ballroom that screams “it’s fall! Like, right now!” Lines spike fast, so if it’s a must-do, aim for rope drop or circle back near park close when lines usually slow. Evening rides add extra mood as New Orleans Square settles into shadow and lantern light.

Disney California Adventure Highlights

Cars Land is peak “cute Halloween.” Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween layer silly songs and cobwebby charm over gentle rides—perfect palette cleansers between big thrills. Stay put when the sun starts to set for the Cars Land lighting ceremony with a seasonal twist.

As twilight hits, steer toward Avengers Campus: Monsters After Dark jolts the evening alive with crunchy guitar riffs and a zippy rescue plotline that makes even non-thrill-seekers grin once they’ve done it.

If you’ve got little kids, save a daytime pocket for Mickey’s Trick and Treat in the Disney Theater. It’s a sit-down, interactive show that keeps kids engaged, gives grown-ups a break, and sends you back into the park with high spirits. Think giggles, not jump-scares. Just know that it is floor seating, and they sing a song called “I Want Candy” (not the one you’re thinking of). Then pass-out a health snack when you exit. So many tears.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2025

On select nights from August 17 to October 31, Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party takes over DCA. The party runs 6:00–11:00 p.m. with mix-in entry at 3:00 p.m., so you get extra park time before the lights go moody. Tickets include unlimited PhotoPass downloads during the event, the Frightfully Fun Parade (7:45 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. showings most nights), immersive Treat Trails, and the dreamlike Villains Grove walk-through. Costumes are welcome—just follow Disney’s guidelines.

Why people love it

Rarer villains, shorter waits on some attractions, and that “it’s our night” after-hours buzz you can’t replicate. If your group is heavy on characters and candy hauls, it is a fantastic splurge. But, with all that Disneyland resort has to offer with a regular park ticket I struggle to justify the cost.

Even if you’re not attending though, California Adventure is still a good bet during the day on party nights. Most guests avoid the park, since it closes early but the daytime ticket is the same price. Which means it’s pretty empty. I tried to film a Lightning Lane challenge in DCA last year, but mistakenly scheduled it for a party day and managed to knock out every ride within about four hours.

Plaza de la Familia (Aug 22–Nov 2)

Between headliners, let Plaza de la Familia slow your heartbeat in the best way. Over in Paradise Gardens Park, live musicians celebrate the spirit of Día de los Muertos. Guests can add remembrances to a memory wall, there are kids craft, and everybody hums along to the beat. It’s communal, and can reframe the whole day around family time.

Food belongs to the moment here, too. Paradise Garden Grill serves a limited-time menu that actually tastes like something you’d crave outside the parks: the Achiote Half Chicken (new), the Loaded Chicken Quesadilla (new), Al Pastor Tacos, a plant-based Carne Asada Wet Burrito, and the sweet-crunchy Buñuelos Biónico for dessert. Mobile order helps you catch a set at the bandstand without waiting in line.

Disneyland Halloween Foods for 2025

This year food offerings at the resort are stacked!. At Alien Pizza Planet, the Haunted Heatwave Pizza brings spiced blush sauce, cupped pepperoni, sausage, smoked bratwurst, red Fresno chiles, and a hot-honey finish.

The Spicy Blush Pasta hits the cozy-plus-zing lane if you’re team-fork. We like sharing plates so you can taste more and avoid the 3 p.m. crash.

Collectors, plan your hunt. A Cars Land Lighted Cone Sipper drops Aug 22, Mickey Mouse Ghost Bucket lands Sept 10, and Kuzco’s Poison Bottle Glow Cube arrives Aug 22 with a Magic Key Kuzco Poison Sipper on Aug 17.

Attending Oogie Boogie Bash? Lean into the indulgence. Award Wieners adds Chili-Cheese Fries (new), Flo’s V8 Café brings back loaded tenders and fries for late-night salt cravings, and Cozy Cone 1 pours a (21+) Ube Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Vodka. The Mayor Sipper is event-only and a very cute trophy for your kitchen shelf.

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

From August 29 to October 31, pick up a map and hunt cleverly hidden themed pumpkins across Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and the Downtown Disney District. then, trade your completed map for a prize. It’s simple, low-pressure fun that stitches your day together. (And you can actually grab that prize, whether you finish the map or not )

Hotels and Downtown Disney

The hotels get festive, too. At the Disneyland Hotel, Broken Spell Lounge debuts a Disney Villains-themed cocktail menu. While over at the Grand Californian, pumpkin carvers transform gourds in the lobby and a show-stopping confectionery display draws a happy crowd. Hotel guests catch treat trails on select afternoons, and seasonal character dining appears at Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers Cafe.

Practical magic: how to plan the day you actually want

Name your “big three.” For many families, that’s Haunted Mansion Holiday, Monsters After Dark, and Halloween Screams (with fireworks, if your date has them). Build everything else around those anchors and treat the rest as bonus magic. If you’re skipping Oogie Boogie Bash, choose a non-party night at DCA for longer evening hours. Use mobile order for high-demand snacks and novelties.

If your goal is breathing room, plan for late-August or early-September weekdays. You’ll swap a little heat for shorter lines and more space to wander. As Halloween weekend approaches, the energy gets buzzy and crowds get big. Neither is wrong; just decide your vibe and plan toward it.

This season runs on feeling. The castle aglow, the hub humming, and that moment when Zero sails into the night and everyone around you cheers. If you’ve already booked, you picked a banner year. If you haven’t, consider this your sign to circle a weekend and let cooler nights, warm lights, and time together do their quiet, happy work.

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Starting November 15 both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will sparkle with celebrations. Festivities will run through Christmas and New Years, ending January 6, 2025.

Dazzling Decor and Entertainment

Disneyland Resort goes all out with holiday decorations. From glittering ornaments to twinkling lights, and one larger than life Christmas tree. Sleeping Beauty’s castle has never been more magical than when it’s decked out in draping lights.

The Grand Californian Hotel will once again house the iconic, and gigantic, gingerbread house. Pixar Place Hotel is also introducing brand-new holiday decor that will leave you ooh-ing and ahh-ing.

Parades & Nighttime Spectaculars

“Believe…In Holiday Magic” the nighttime spectacular, will light up the sky at Disneyland Park every night. And yes, there will be “snowfall” along Main Street and other iconic spots like the Rivers of America and “it’s a small world” Holiday.

Over at Disney California Adventure, “World of Color – Season of Light” returns for the season. This nighttime spectacular adds a festive twist to the fan favorite, World of Color. The show is almost always packed! Make sure to reserve your Virtual Queue and return back to the viewing area at least 20 minutes early.

Yuletide Characters and Joyful Activities

Santa Claus will be visiting Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, once again! But, you can also submit your Christmas wishes at the Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel.

The Fab Five will debut brand new holiday costumes with a retro Victorian vibe. Minnie and Daisy look like holiday elves, while Goofy might have just walked off of the Matterhorn!

You won’t want to miss Chip & Dale’s Ornament Trail at Downtown Disney District beginning November 22. This seasonal scavenger hunt asks guests to locate the mischievous chipmunks ornament’s throughout the Downtown district with a special reward (whether you complete the game or not).

Holiday Overlays on Classic Attractions

“Haunted Mansion Holiday” opened in August and Jack will be staying around until the new year! “it’s a small world” Holiday will be back and all of Cars Land will receive it’s seasonal overlay. Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree are must do’s when visiting California Adventure this winter.

Festival of the Holidays: Diversity in Unity

Disney loves a good festival, and there’s plenty to celebrate at the annual Festival of the Holidays. Enjoy festive treats from around the world at Global Marketplace booths around California Adventure. This is my personal favorite Festival at DCA, the cocktails cannot be beat!

Exclusive Character Meals and Experiences

Mickey will be hosting a Holiday Pajama Party brunch at the Grand Californian. And Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel gets decked out for the season starting November 19. Reservations will open soon, so keep those browsers refreshed!

Guided Tours and Christmas Shopping Galore

The Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour shares stories of Walt Disney’s holiday traditions. It’s complete with treats and VIP seating for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”

And let’s not forget the shopping! You’ll find exclusive holiday merchandise that makes for perfect Christmas gifts—or perhaps a little something for yourself.

So there you go—everything you need to know to make your holiday season at Disneyland Resort extra merry and bright. Pack your Santa hats and tune up your caroling voices. It’s going to be a magical Christmas indeed!

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That’s because Disneyland just dropped a teaser trailer on Instagram. In the short clip we first see a clay vase with some ancient looking carvings. Followed by a control station adorned with both a fedora and a lab coat. Check it out:

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It’s Hades and Doofenshmirtz, right? We’re all agreed. But that leaves 2 big questions.

Who are they replacing? In previous years when new characters are added to Oogie Boogie Bash, they’re replacing someone who’s already there. Last year we saw Judge Doom in the treat trail that previously hosted Maleficent. There are tons of characters at Oogie Boogie Bash, which is just one of the ways it beats MNSSHP, so it could be anyone. Just venturing to guess, I’d say Hades replaces Madam Mim and Doofenshmirtz takes over Sid’s spot on Pixar Pier.

The Sword in the Stone is an absolute classic, but it’s not very well known anymore. And Sid is honestly terrifying. Last year there were more of us standing outside the line to watch than going through the line to get mocked by him.

Will Perry the Platypus be there? This was my first thought when I saw the teaser. It would make every penny of the ticket price worth it. We know that Perry costume is around because he made an appearance at the Disneyland After Hours Disney Channel Night. Is it likely, probably not – but let me dream.

There is so much to do at Oogie Boogie Bash. We can’t wait to see what else is new to this year’s party! Follow along with us on Instagram and YouTube as we venture out to this year’s event!

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But it wasn’t until a full month later that we would learn when tickets would go on sale. Oogie Boogie Bash ticket sales have earned a reputation in previous years for being unbearable. Potential guests could be stuck in the queue for hours. This year was different.

Inspire Magic Keyholders had first access to purchase tickets during an initial pre-sale on June 23rd. We purchased our tickets during this time, and it was easier than ever. A second pre-sale opened June 26th for all Keyholders, and on June 27 sales opened to the general public.

Despite the troublesome ticketing process, Oogie Boogie Bash is notorious for selling out in a matter of hours. It was shocking when that didn’t happen this year. In fact, it took 11 full days for all party dates to completely sell out.

So, why did it take so long this time?

There is, of course, an economical aspect to this all. Inflation is high, and prices for the event are higher than ever. Over $200 per person on select nights. And experiences exclusive to the party are diminishing.

When Oogie Boogie Bash first debuted in 2019, we had a stage show and a seasonal World of Color overlay called Villainous, which was quietly discontinued. And Mickey’s Trick and Treat show has been converted to daytime entertainment.

In fact, at this point, the only unique experiences at the party are the parade and character-included trick-or-treat trails. The good news is that visiting Disneyland and California Adventure as a daytime guest is better than ever.

The best Halloweentime offerings are available daily in both parks. From exclusive nighttime fireworks to expansive ride overlays and exciting character meet and greets. And all of it is included with a regular park ticket.

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Halloween at Disneyland begins on August 23rd, 2024! That’s right, Halloween is starting sooner than ever and we’re here for it.

Spooky season has grown in popularity in the last few years, so it’s no surprise that Disney is jumping on board. After all Disney World’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has started in August, since 2019! And they’ve got nothing on Disneyland’s festivities.

It might seem too early to some, to dawn a silly costume and sneaking candy from that giant bag you bought on sale to “save for the trick-or-treaters” (same). But it gives guests like you and me an even better opportunity to check it all out.

Check out our full Guide to Halloween Time at Disneyland, and let us know in the comments – is August too early to celebrate Halloween?

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Ticket Sale Dates: When to Set Your Alarm

Sales will begin on June 25th for Inspire Key holders and June 26th for all other Magic Keyholders. This is a big change from previous years when pre-sale opened to Magic Keyholders of all types on the same day.

Tickets open for the general public on June 27th.

According to Disney the waiting room will open each day at 8:45am PST and sales will begin no earlier than 9:00am PST.

How This Impacts Your Trip

Planning your Disney trip around the Oogie Boogie Bash allows you to experience the park in a whole new light, literally. The bash transforms the usually sunny Disney California Adventure into a spooky, glow-in-the-dark haven. It’s perfect for making some not-so-scary Halloween memories.

Why You Should Go to Oogie Boogie Bash

For those new to the Oogie Boogie Bash, here are a few highlights:

• Villains Grove: An immersive, walk-through experience in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail filled with iconic Disney villains.
• Mickey’s Trick and Treat: A family-friendly show perfect for the little ones.
• Frightfully Fun Parade: See your favorite spooky characters come to life.
• Treat Trails: Collect candy and treats along trails while encountering Disney villains.

Quick Tips Before You Go

Plan your costume early. Disney has specific guidelines, so make sure to check those out. Bring a small bag for treats. You’re going to want to haul all that candy back with you. Arrive early. Even though it’s a ticketed event, the lines can get long.

Check out our Full Guide to Oogie Boogie Bash.

For more updates, make sure you’re following all the latest Disney news! This year’s Oogie Boogie Bash promises to be bigger and spookier than ever, so don’t miss out!

Ready, set, scare!

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Obviously, we were there to see it all. Not necessarily try it all – there’s way too many options, but we gave it our best shot.

Impossible Chicken Parm Bites

Served with Tomato and Cheese Sauces and Grated Parmesan, is available at the Earth Eats booth in the Hollywood Backlot area. The dish features Impossible brand imitation chicken nuggets slathered in marinara sauce and loaded with cheese.

The texture of the chicken closely resembles the real thing; it’s moist and tender. However, the breading absorbs quite a bit of the sauce and could have been crispier.

The marinara sauce is simple and straight to the point. A little sweet, but not overly seasoned but not lacking in flavor. The cheese sauce adds richness and the fun of a good cheese pull.

This is a vegetarian option, not plant-based, which was a bit of a disappointment. Sort of like stopping halfway through a homework assignment because, ‘it’s good enough.’

Overall, we’re giving the Impossible Chicken Parm Bites 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a vegetarian option or who’s looking to try something new.

Impossible Beef Stroganoff

Another option from Earth Eats, the Impossible Beef Stroganoff consists of Egg Noodles Tossed in Mushroom Cream Sauce with Impossible Beef and Sour Cream. This was, not good.

The pasta itself is fine, albeit a bit overcooked. But something about the sauce completely misses the mark. I can’t put my finger on it exactly but I would guess that they’re using canned mushrooms or added too much sour cream.

Between the soft bite of the pasta and sour tasting sauce, this stroganoff earns just 2 stars. And one of those is simply because it’s another meatless option. Surprisingly the Impossible Beef was one of the best things about this.

Watermelon Cucumber Mojito

In a shocking turn of events, the all around favorite this year is the Watermelon Cucumber Mojito earning 5 out of 5 stars.

This cocktail is the perfect drink for a warm park day. It’s dry but refreshing, providing just the right amount of sweetness to make it an extremely dangerous option. The front of the drink has a soft floral flavor, while the back half is heavy on the mint.

Not-so-secretly hoping we see this one again next year!

Carnitas-Style Pork Belly

Surprising absolutely no-one, thick bacon is good. Yes, the Carnitas-Style Pork Belly with Esquites Mac Salad featuring Tajin Habanero tastes quite familiar and that flavor is pure comfort.

It’s comfort food, crispy on the outside but supple, juicy, and succulent in the middle. Biting into it the texture falls apart, melting in your mouth. True to the carnitas style, the pork belly has clearly been slow cooked to perfection. 5 out of 5 stars.

The mac salad on the other hand could use some help. There’s a mayonnaise based dressing that doesn’t really add much to the dish. It’s pretty bland and overdressed, even paired up with the rest of the dish.

Plant Based Baja-Style Fish Taco

Full disclosure, I ate this one and I have never liked fish. So in this completely unbiased review I will explain exactly why this is the worst thing I’ve ever eaten at Disney.

First of all – fish, or fake fish. As a seafood suffragette I can confirm that the texture of this plant based fish is on point. It tastes like chicken to start but the salty sea-brine flavor is not far behind. 0 stars, but if you like seafood or fish tacos, you’ll probably like this.

Coleslaw, pico de gallo, and a cilantro lime crema top the tacos. In all honesty I did not notice these at all, but would have greatly preferred to have just these items in a bowl and avoid the not-fish all together.

Spice Strawberry Cocktail

We love a good festival cocktail, don’t we?! The Spiced Strawberry Cocktail with pineapple, chile spices, tajin, and Chamoy hits the spot.

It’s a sweet and tangy beverage with a bit of a kick. You can taste the alcohol enough to know that it’s there, while still being an easy sipper. The Spiced Strawberry Cocktail reminds of the Pica Fresca candy from an ice cream truck. Or the Chile-Mango Dole Whip across the street at Disneyland’s Tropical Hideaway.

We’re giving this 4 stars. It’s delicious, but it’s pretty sweet by the end. Also, if you don’t like spicy food, drinks, or candy – you probably won’t like this one.

Blueberry Pancake Cold Brew

Made with Maple Syrup, Brown Butter, and a Blueberry Sweet Cream – the Blueberry Pancake Cold Brew is an interesting choice.

I’m all for efficiency, but I prefer my coffee and pancakes to be served in separate containers. It’s a delicious iced coffee with an unusual and unexpected twist. But, it’s on the sweeter side and that’s not just not our preference. 3 out of 5 stars.

Fig Matcha Latte

For the tea lovers we have the Fig Matcha Latte with Fig Oat Sweet Cream and Matcha Powder, which earns a respectable 4 out of 5 stars!

It’s got the earthy forward flavor you love about matcha, with a sweeter and flavorful finish. The Fig Oat Sweet Cream stands out both in taste and appearance, making for an utterly Instagram-able option.

We loved the off-beat nature of green tea over coffee for a mid-day caffeine fix. And the inclusion of another non-dairy option.

Mickey-Shaped Macaron with SNICKERS

Everything tastes better when Mickey shaped, it’s science. And the science did not let us down.

There’s so much to love about the complex macaron from Nuts About Cheese. From the crunch and crack of the crisp outer cookie to the luxuriously soft velvet ganache. This sweet confection is decadently rich.

Drizzled in chocolate sauce and doused in Snickers crumbles. The Mickey Shaped Macaron is a solid 5 stars.

Frozen Mangonada Beer Slush

The Frozen Mangonada Beer Slush might be the single thing we’re most excited about from DCA’s Food and Wine festival this year. Love the whimsy of a grown-up slushie with a, slightly, elevated taste profile.

It’s made with brewery X Baja Boi, mango purée, rock melon syrup, grapefruit juice, and mango-chamoy glaze. And it’s out of this world! To me, it tastes like a melted mango popsicle.

The beer doesn’t stand out much, which is a bit disappointing. But it makes this an easy drink and so refreshing on a hot California day. The Mangonada Slush earns 4 out of 5 stars for it’s icy indulgence.

S’mores Caramel Tart

Towards the bottom of our ranking list is the S’mores Caramel Tart with just 2 stars. While the components of the dessert are each delicious on their own, the sum of the parts isn’t any better than by themselves.

The gram cracker tart shell provides a sturdy and flavorful vessel for the sinfully scrumptious caramel and chocolate ganache. Which is thick enough to warrant a knife, in a good way.

A softer marshmallow would help this dish immensely. What you currently get on top is too tough and impossible to incorporate into a complete bite. We can settle for eating a yummy marshmallow on it’s own though, if we must.

Loaded Baked Potato

There are just ten marketplace kiosks at this years festival, but more participating locations around the resort than ever. Paradise Garden Grill, tucked back in the far corner of the park, is included in those.

First off – Paradise Garden Grill is a vibe. There’s live music throughout the day that routinely has guests on their feet dancing and singing along. Seating and tables are plentiful, and it really feels like stepping into a party.

And any good party needs an amazing menu. We tried the Loaded Baked Potato with Seasoned Impossible Steak Tips and BBQ Baked Beans. However, failed to read the item description and spent far too many minutes trying to figure out why it tasted like barbeque.

Once we actually realized what we had ordered, it all made sense – and was delicious. The Impossible beef tips are cooked tender with just enough bite to be convincing. A creamy cheesey sauce covers it all like a warm blanket, or hug.

And sweet and tangy baked beans are piled high. A crunchy cabbage slaw sits on top for additional texture and freshness. We absolutely love this one and give it 5 out of 5 stars. But it’s huge and sort of defeats the purpose of trying new things at a festival like this.

Pistachio Cheesecake

Last, but far from least, is the Paradise Garden Grill Pistachio Cheesecake with 3 out of 5 stars.

The silky center and tangy taste are everything good about cheesecake. But the flavor fell short with just a handful of pistachios sprinkled on top. We really wanted to love this one, too.

If you’re in the mood for something slightly sweet, without being overwhelming, this would be a great option. It is in the very back of the park though and I wouldn’t go out of my way to grab it.

Have you visited the DCA Food and Wine Festival this year? If so, what were your best of the fest?

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California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Coverage

There’s quite a few festival treats on their full menu, but one in particular that caught our eye. It’s the Loaded Baked Potato with Seasoned Steak Tips and BBQ Baked Beans. Topped with Cheese Sauce, Tangy Slaw and Green Onions.

One of the few entirely plant based options at DCA Food and Wine this year, it has a few surprises in store.

First off – this thing is HUGE! I can’t even imagine how much the potato weighed before being topped, but this plate felt like it was 5 lbs! With a $13.99 price tag to match. There is plenty enough to share with 2-3 people, possibly more if you’re trying to taste all the festival plates.

The Loaded Baked Potato is delicious. The interior is soft and fluffy, with a buttery taste on it’s own. The beef tips look like they have been cooked or stewed for a long time, as they’re nearly falling apart and melt in your mouth.

While the description lists BBQ Baked Beans as one of the toppings, the sweetness takes you by surprise. I’m not sure why I wasn’t expecting this, but it exceeded those expectations.

Overall, this is 4 out of 5 stars. The cheese sauce was a bit bland, and there was far too much of it. The potato was nearly drowning in queso – which sounds a lot better than it actually is, I promise. I would love to have an element of crunch as well, the texture is fairly one dimensional.

While this isn’t a must-have item at this years DCA Food and Wine Festival, it’s a good option to split with a group for a lower cost (per person).

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California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Coverage

New this year is the Earth Eats booth. Located in the Hollywood Backlot section of Hollywood Land. There are two vegetarian dishes available as well as a seasonal cocktail. We were there this weekend to try it all and let you know if it’s worth those precious Sip and Savor tabs!

Impossible Chicken Parm Bites – $8.50

The Impossible Chicken Parm Bites are drenched with tomato sauce and melty mozzarella. Topped with salty shredded parmesan cheese. It’s a creative take on this classic dish, elevating the Impossible chicken nuggets to a main course.

We were surprised by how closely the texture of the nuggs replicates the real thing. They are moist and tender with a crispy breading. The marinara is a simple sauce with minimal seasoning, adding a mild tang offset by the creamy richness of the mozzarella.

Shredded parmesan cheese is like the sprinkles on top. Providing a sharp umami flavor. This dish is vegetarian NOT PLANT BASED. While it contains Impossible meat replacement both cheeses are authentic.

It’s 5 out of 5 stars for the Impossible Chicken Parm Bites. Highliy recommend giving these a try if you like Chicken Parm, are interested in experiencing new meat alternatives, or have picky eaters/chicken nugget lovers in your group.

Impossible Beef Stroganoff – $9

Next up is the Impossible Beef Stroganoff consisting of egg noodles, Impossible beef tips, mushrooms, and a gravy-like sauce. Despite high expectations, we weren’t too crazy about this.

Interestingly, it seemed to be the sauce and/or possibly the mushrooms that stuck out in all the wrong ways here. The Impossible beef tips were great, though the texture is more similar to shredded beef than chopped steak. Though that could be due to how it this dish is prepared.

Noods are well cooked with a hearty chew and taste pretty good on their own. But something tastes just a bit off in this dish, a touch too acidic for the richness on the plate.

Again, this is not plant based but vegetarian. It does contain at least dairy (in the form of sour cream) in addition to the egg noodles.

We gave this dish 2 out of 5 star. It wasn’t what we expected and struggled to finish the small portion. You may like this dish if you are a big fan of Stroganoff in general. But I couldn’t recommend it to someone curious about alternative meats, because the dish overall was not great and could give you a bad impression for the wrong reason.

Watermelon Cucumber Mojito – $17

The real hero at the Earth Eats booth is the Watermelon Cucumber Mojito. Made with white rum watermelon liqueur, mojito and cucumber syrups, watermelon purée, and lime juice. And topped with a Tajin sprinkled watermelon spear.

On paper this sounds like it could be overwhelmingly sweet, but it was actually perfection. The balance of sweet, tart, and crisp with a kick of spice is perfect. This is the drink I want to sip on while lounging by a pool this summer.

It tastes light, but there’s a healthy portion of booze in this one that can creep up on you. This was 5 out of 5 stars for me and I really hope Disney finds a reason to keep it around after the festival ends. I can dream.

Earth Eats Overall Thoughts

The Earth Eats booth is a great addition to the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. I love that they continue to innovate and include dishes available within a variety of dietary restrictions. Earth Eats gets 4 out of 5 stars and is an absolute must-stop booth for the festival.

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The party begins April 26th and runs through August 4,th 2024. With the recent opening of the Pixar Place Hotel, the timing of this event just makes sense! There are so many new offerings to get excited about!

What’s New

Disneyland has gone all out on Entertainment for Pixar Fest with a new float cavalcade, stage show, fireworks show, and dance party!

Festival Marketplaces

In addition to new menu items available around the parks, there will also be SIX new Festival Marketplace booths at California Adventure!

The full menus are not yet available but we do know that each booth will inspired by a different Pixar film including, Luca, Ratatouille, Elemental, Turning Red, Soul, and Inside Out.

You’ll also have a chance to meet exciting new characters from recent films, including Ember and Wade from Elemental.

You Won’t Want To Miss Pixar Fest

Disneyland Resort has been increasing the number of after hours events for the last two years. Allowing guests to experience a new version of the parks, at an additional price.

Pixar Fest, and other festivals, help to breathe new life into parks without an additional ticket cost. And Pixar Fest has some of the most exciting new offerings of any festival (or after hours) that we’ve seen so far!

We’re especially excited about the new entertainment options, and Club Pixar coming to DCA’s Hollywood Land. There haven’t been too many details released just yet, but we’re hopeful the experience will be reminiscent of the Mad T Party.

Planning Your Visit

There is a ton to see and do at Pixar Fest this year! It’s always a good idea to make a plan for what you’d like to experience while you’re there. Be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Pixar Fest, for full details about everything!

Pixar Fest runs for for just over four months, overlapping with summer and many end of school year activities. California Adventure hosts Grad Parties for High School seniors on select nights in May and June.

You’ll see higher than average crowds on these days and California Adventure will close early.

Checking park hours on the dates you plan to visit, in advance of reservations, can help you to avoid these parties. A crowd calendar is also a great idea to try and avoid summertime peak.

Stay tuned as we get closer to the festival for more updates, details, and coverage!

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