The Best Disneyland Drinks Guide
Often times people ask me, “What do you do at Disneyland since you go so much?” My answer almost always includes a drink and some food or treats.
No, I am not an alcoholic. But, I do love to indulge in a beverage while walking around the crowds of people at the happiest place on Earth. Plus, Disney does an awesome job with festivals multiple times a year to try new and exciting drinks and food. As a Disneyland Annual Passholder, it’s nice to be able to go for a few hours, go on one ride or two, have a drink, and bounce after. So as someone that has had their fair share of Disneyland drinks, here’s my honest drinks guide through Disneyland. Note: you won’t find beers on this list.
Best Drink at Disneyland’s California Adventure: The White Linen
Located at Carthay’s Circle; Secret Menu
You won’t actually find this on the official menu, because it’s on their secret menu. The main ingredient: gin. To be honest, I didn’t originally order this because of that reason. The drink comes with 2 cucumbers on the glass to make it look like Mickey ears! And I was pleasantly surprised at how light it felt. Pair it with Carthay Circle’s Brussel Sprouts…they are by far the best thing on the menu.
To be honest, you can’t go wrong with most drinks at Carthay Circle. Make sure to score a reservation in the Disneyland Parks App. Otherwise you might be stuck waiting for a table for just as long as you would a ride.
Best Drink at Disneyland Park: Yub Nub
Located at Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Price: $42
Not only does the Yub Nub get my vote for best drink, but also it probably should get the award for most expensive drink I’ve paid for. BUT you get the awesome souvenir ceramic cup that will eventually change. On the bottom of my cup says “Series 1” so they’re bound to have more of these. The drink is quite fruity (but not overpowering), that’s something similar to a Tiki drink, but without directly tasting the alcohol. The bartender will warn you about the “eyeballs” which actually is passionfruit drizzled on top. And to top it off, it’s a HUGE drink.
I’ve asked many others about their favorite drinks at Disneyland, and a lot of them remarked a drink at Oga’s Cantina. Regardless, if you’re looking to get boozy I would highly recommend heading to Oga’s to try one of their many alcoholic drinks. Another fan favorite is The Outer Rim which is a delightful margarita that’s not too sweet.
Best Drink at ALL OF THE Disneyland Resort: Tropical Sunset
Located at Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel; Secret Menu.
If you can’t tell, I’m all about the secret menus. This drink actually used to be on the Trader Sam’s menu, but has been long gone. You’ve got to make sure you ask an experienced bartender, because the new ones won’t know what you’re looking for. The taste is your typical light, fruitful, Tiki drink without an overpowering alcoholic taste. For the price (about $13), amount of alcohol and unbelievable taste, it’s an all-around home run.
Not all of Trader Sam’s drinks are home runs, but most drinks on this menu are better than any in Disneyland California Adventure (outside Carthay Circle). No joke there.
Most Underrated Drink: Magical Star Cocktail
Located at the Hearthstone Lounge inside the Grand Californian Hotel
In my opinion, people forget that you can have a drink at this amazing hotel. Growing up when I went to Disney World, we always stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and this hotel has that same chill and wilderness nostalgia. It’s a completely different vibe than the parks and makes for an awesome break. I don’t drink whiskey, so there wasn’t many options here’s except for this one and it was delicious AND strong.
Most Overrated Drink: Lamplight Lounge’s Mimosa Flight
I can’t express my disappointment in this drinks. I LOVE mimosas. I got a reservation for this exclusive brunch over 3 weeks in advance in excitement to try this flight, and I didn’t especially like a single mimosa in this flight. It’s $21 and comes with 4 flavors (left to right): Peach/Mango Puree and Creme de Peach, Watermelon, Orange Juice and Ginger, and Grapefruit and St. Germain. Skip this expensive, disappointing flight.
The Drink I Wish Was Year-Round: The Mimosa flights During Festivals
Found during the Festival of the Holidays AND Food & Wine Festival.
More than anything do I wish the Lamplight Lounge either took this flight directly or learned from the flights during special events. The specific flight pictured above is from the Festival of the Holidays, which was really great. They even stepped it up months later for the Food & Wine Festival with a flight that consisted of: Hibiscus, Tropical and Mixed Berry. I literally still dream of that Hibiscus mimosa to this day.
Other tips to know when drinking at Disneyland
Consider skipping the Lamplight Lounge. What used to be the fun Cove Bar with an amazing “secret menu,” is now an overpriced and subpar bar with a long wait.
If there’s a festival going on, definitely make an effort to go and try some drinks. Some of the best food and drinks I’ve had there is during the different festivals like Food & Wine.
Don’t be afraid to leave the confines of the park for a drink. The park can get really crowded and it’s okay to run away to Trader Sam’s at 2p for an afternoon drink.
Always ask if there’s a to-go option for your drink if you have to go.