By Nicole Nalty
Starting March 10, you can enjoy culinary creations inspired by flavors and ingredients from throughout California at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. There’s so much to see, do, and (most importantly!) eat, you’ll want to make multiple trips––and maybe take a walk around the park in between sampling some of these delicious delicacies. Read on to see what’s in store during this celebration of California cuisine.
The Food
The festival returns this year with 15 marketplaces serving up delicious eats throughout Disney California Adventure park. Celebrating California-grown ingredients, you’ll find marketplaces like I Heart Artichokes, Olive Us, Bacon Twist, and Lemon Grove, just to name a few. We’re particularly excited about Nuts About Cheese (because, well… we’re nuts about cheese), and we have to try the garlic-rosemary and avocado oil ice cream pop at Garlic Kissed. Use this complete guide from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog to plan out your must-eats.
Aspiring and veteran cooks can enjoy culinary demonstrations from local, visiting, and Disney chefs daily during the festival. Plus, you’ll get to taste a sample of the dish prepared during the 30-minute demonstration! See who’s cooking and purchase tickets here.
The Wine (and Beer!)
Taste your way through California wines at Uncork California, and savor wine and sangria at Wineology. Beer enthusiasts can sample the best of local breweries at California Craft Brews and craft beer and beer cocktails at The Brewhouse. Outside of the festival’s marketplaces, industry experts will be on hand daily throughout the festival for a selection of wine, beer, and spirits education and tasting seminars, where you can enjoy a tasting and learn more about your favorite beverage. You can find the full schedule of wine education and tasting seminars here, and the full schedule of beer and spirits education and tasting seminars here.
For a special treat, enjoy a four-course dinner with wine or beer pairings at a special Winemaker Dinner or Brewmaster Dinner. Winemakers or brewmasters will speak about each beverage and its pairing and, with courses designed by the Disney Executive Chef Team, it’s sure to be a delicious dinner!
The Chefs
Spend some time in the kitchen with celebrity chefs for “In the Kitchen with…,” a special 60-minute culinary demonstration, Q & A, and autograph session. Chefs scheduled to appear include Guy Fieri, Robert Irvine, Cat Cora, Duff Goldman, Emily Ellyn, and Keegan Gerhard. Click here to see the full schedule and purchase tickets.
A Festival with Character
Little ones can test their skills with a Junior Chef experience at Paradise Park––led by none other than Chef Goofy, of course––or jam out with Chip ‘n’ Dale during Jammin’ Chefs in the Paradise Gardens area.
Sweet Souvenirs
Head home with more than just a satisfied appetite… check out this year’s commemorative merchandise! You can find Chef Mickey whipping up something special on a variety of items, including glasses, tees, and a limited-edition pin.
