As a seasoned Disney enthusiast who’s been to the Happiest Place on Earth more times than I can count, let me tell you that the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure is an absolute delight! This year, it’s not just about the magic, but also about the mouthwatering treats that have made my taste buds dance with joy.
In its early days, what is now Disney California Adventure was planned as a West Coast counterpart to Epcot at Disney World. However, this initial vision didn’t fully materialize. Yet, in several aspects, Disney California Adventure (DCA) resembles Epcot, particularly in their shared focus on festivals. Indeed, both parks are often referred to as festival parks.
If you enjoy theme parks and savoring good food, then Disney California Adventure is definitely worth visiting! The DCA Festival of Holidays is currently happening, so you’ll find an abundance of mouthwatering dishes scattered all around. There are plenty of returning favorites as well as exciting new options to sample at the various festival marketplaces.
During my visit to Disneyland, I got a sneak peek at the array of dishes available while enjoying Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and here are some must-tries for this season! However, there is at least one option you won’t have to stress over.
Al Pastor Pork & Pineapple Slider – Winter Sliderland
As a food enthusiast, I absolutely adore sliders! They’re perfect for happy hours and an excellent choice for theme parks too. Their substantial size makes them a meal if desired, yet they’re conveniently portable for those busy park days. Since you’re always on the move at theme parks, these bite-sized delights are ideal because you can enjoy them while waiting in line, as long as you finish them before it’s your turn to hop on the ride.
At Winder Sliderland, you’ll find several choices, and I opted for the Al Pastor Pork & Pineapple Slider. If you’re sensitive to spice, this might not be your pick, but the tangy pineapple complements the spicy notes quite well.
Holiday Mash Bowl – Merry Mashups
If you’re someone who enjoys leftovers from Thanksgiving more than the meal itself, then the Holiday Mash Bowl is designed for you. Essentially, it combines all the elements of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner – turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce – into one tasty bowl for convenient enjoyment.
Hey there fellow gamer! You might think it’s strange to splurge on something that looks like scraps at first glance, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. It’s not just any ordinary dish; it’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-tempting! Plus, it pairs perfectly with a refreshing Glacier Margarita, as you can see in the picture above. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Chorizo Queso Fundido Mac & Cheese/Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese – Holiday Duets
At Disney Parks, macaroni and cheese has been a beloved classic, appearing in numerous variations over time. During Pixar Fest, Disney California Adventure introduced an innovative version of the dish, blending traditional comfort with a spicy twist. The Festival of Holidays presents its own pairing of mac and cheese that might not be as inventive, but is equally tasty.
You can order The Chorizo Queso Fundido Mac & Cheese or The Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese individually, or enjoy them together as a pair. Each dish is delicious on its own, and interestingly, the Chorizo Queso Fundido is vegetarian since it uses a plant-based sausage substitute. If you’re finding it hard to choose, consider opting for a combination platter that offers both dishes in half portions.
Café de Olla Cold Brew – Grandma’s Recipes
At some stage, you might find yourself wanting a beverage to accompany this scrumptious meal. There’s a wide variety to choose from. You could opt for cocktails or mocktails, or perhaps something warm if it’s not already hot in Southern California. One drink that I particularly enjoy and doesn’t require ID is the Café de Olla Cold Brew.
This beverage skillfully combines a coffee flavored with Mexican spices and rich cream, resulting in a perfectly harmonious drink. It comes accompanied by what DCA refers to as a “mini” sweet bread, but it’s approximately the same size as the cup. To enjoy the coffee, you’ll either need to eat the bread first or use a straw.
M&M’S® Peanut Butter Fudge Cake – Merry Mashups
You won’t have a true Disney Parks Food Festival experience without indulging in a sweet treat, but don’t fret! The Festival of Holidays has got your dessert cravings sorted. Among the new additions that you should definitely check out is the M&M’S Peanut Butter Fudge Cake.
If you adore both chocolate and peanut butter, this treat is sure to captivate you! Just be aware, it’s incredibly rich, so you might want to think about sharing, as a little goes a long way. I split one with four others, and even taking just 1/5th left me more than satisfied.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron – Favorite Things
It’s clear that DCA had a good understanding of things, as they rightfully called one of the booth’s “Favorites” – it housed my top pick from the Festival of Holidays, and let me tell you, the Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron was simply outstanding!
This dessert boasts a delightful Mickey-shaped chocolate macaroon, filled with vanilla cream, date cake, and a standout salted toffee sauce. It’s so tempting that you might find yourself reluctant to part with even a single bite – better safe than sorry, let everyone have their own!
Barbecue Pulled Pork Cornbread Bake – A Twist on Tradition
Among the offerings at the Festival of Holidays, one dish that didn’t particularly impress me was the cornbread casserole with pulled pork barbecue, often referred to as a tamale pie variant. Accompanying this dish is a serving of coleslaw on the side.
Let me clarify, the Cornbread Bake wasn’t something I disliked at all. It was perfectly satisfactory. In fact, it was my first taste at the Festival. However, given the abundance of exceptional offerings this year, I found it merely acceptable. Instead of spending your money or Sip and Savor Pass slot on it, I recommend trying something else that truly stands out.
For my money, there is nothing better than Disneyland at Christmas. It’s a joyful place to celebrate a joyful time. The Sleeping Beauty castle decorations warm the heart, while delicious food warms the soul.
The Disney California Adventure Holiday Festival commences on November 15 and continues until January 6, 2025. If you’re looking forward to sampling various dishes, consider purchasing a Sip and Savor Pass. You can buy a pass that covers four items for $32 or eight items for $63 (excluding alcoholic beverages). This pass encompasses all the food at the Festival Marketplace as well as small-sized samples from several dining spots across Disney California Adventure.
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2024-11-16 20:38