## Ditch the Dole Whip, There’s a New Mouse in Town! Calling all Mickey Mouse munchies! The Disney Food & Wine Festival is back in town, and it’s bringing a symphony of sweet sensations. From beloved classics that will have you shouting “Hakuna Matata!” to never-before-seen treats that’ll make you say “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”, this year’s festival is a sugar-coated dream come true. Get ready to dive into a world of culinary delights, because we’ve got the scoop on all the fan-favorite sweets and exciting new offerings that will have your taste buds doing the Mickey Mouse shuffle!
Festival Overview and Highlights
Foodies are expected to flock to the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival this year, with familiar favorites and brand-new food and beverages to taste. The annual event, which began March 3 and runs through April 25, features sips and snacks from 12 festival marketplaces as well as culinary entertainment, demonstrations and unique bookable experiences for the home gourmet or the cocktail enthusiast.
Tastes and treats are priced at $14.99 and under, with popular items from last year’s event, like Mickey Mouse-shaped macarons, made with Snickers candy bar pieces, and house-made strawberry horchata returning to the menu. New dishes like plant-based bulgogi fried rice with kimchi and an elote paleta, made with sweet corn and parm crema, are also on the menu.
Sip and Savor passes, with eight tabs that can be redeemed for food and nonalcoholic drinks at participating marketplaces and dining locations within the park, are available for purchase and good through the duration of the festival.
Must-Try Items and Recommendations
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Indulge in Mickey Mouse-shaped macarons, house-made strawberry horchata, and new desserts like plant-based bulgogi fried rice with kimchi. These sweet treats are a must-try at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.
Another popular sweet treat is the grilled peach toast, topped with a savory ricotta-mascarpone spread and arugula salad. This dish is a gourmet charcuterie vibe, with juicy grilled peaches and folds of dry-cured prosciutto.
Savory Delights and Snacks
Enjoy flavorful options like smoked honey-habanero chicken wings, grilled peach toast, and Cubano sliders. These savory delights and snacks are a must-try at the festival.
The smoked honey-habanero chicken wings are a popular item, with a crispy outside and juicy inside. The heat of the habanero is balanced by the sweetness of the honey flavor.
Beverages and Specialty Drinks
Savor nonalcoholic drinks like blackberry-lavender lemonade and try glow-in-the-dark options with added glow grapes. These beverages and specialty drinks are a must-try at the festival.
The blackberry-lavender lemonade is a unique and refreshing drink, with a fresh fruity flavor from the blackberry purée and a mellowed out tart lemon juice.
Insider Tips and Strategies
Navigating the Festival Marketplaces
Learn about ordering and payment procedures, as well as tips for avoiding long lines and finding the best deals. Order from one line, then take your receipt to the pick-up line to collect your food.
Pro tip: order and pay for your food before you get hungry and come back to collect your snacks when you are ready to eat.
Using Sip and Savor Passes Effectively
Discover how to maximize your passes and redeem them for the most value. Try using your Sip and Savor pass to try new drinks and treats at the festival.
The Disney Food & Wine Festival Experience
Beyond the Festival Marketplaces
Explore the various restaurants and quick-service eateries within Disney California Adventure that offer special bites and treats. Many of the full service and quick service restaurants offer special bites too.
Some locations even offer tasting-size portions, redeemable with a Sip and Savor pass.
Special Dietary Options and Considerations
Learn about the available options for guests with dietary restrictions and preferences. Disney California Adventure offers various options for guests with dietary restrictions.
Making Memories and Enjoying the Atmosphere
Discover ways to enhance your experience, from taking in the sights and sounds to enjoying live music and events. The Disney Food & Wine Festival is a must-try event for any foodie.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to the Disney Food & Wine Festival, it’s clear that the event has left a lasting impression on fans of all ages. From fan-favorite sweets like the iconic Mickey-shaped waffle cones to innovative new treats like the “space-themed” desserts, the festival has showcased the best of Disney’s culinary creativity. One of the most significant takeaways from this year’s event is the emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, with many vendors opting for compostable and recyclable packaging. This shift towards environmental responsibility is a welcome change, and one that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the way we think about food festivals and sustainability.
The implications of this event are far-reaching, extending beyond the confines of the Disney parks to the broader food and beverage industry. As consumers become increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, it’s likely that we’ll see a wave of similar initiatives and innovations across the board. The Disney Food & Wine Festival has set a high standard for what is possible when creativity, sustainability, and innovation come together. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to think about the new and imaginative treats that will be unveiled at next year’s event, and the ways in which they will continue to delight and inspire fans.