I just returned from A Touch Of Disney and I have so much to share with you! In case you didn’t know, A Touch Of Disney is a limited capacity, ticketed experience being held at Disney California Adventure Park beginning March 18th- April 5th. Keep reading for all my tips and pictures from the event! You can check out my time there in the highlight section of my stories on Instagram.
From the Disney Parks Blog, “It’s time to experience some of the sights, sounds and flavors of the Disneyland Resort with A Touch of Disney, a new, limited-capacity ticketed experience that begins March 18 at Disney California Adventure park. A Touch of Disney offers some of the world-famous food and beverages from around the resort, plus a chance to see Disney characters, shop for the latest Disney merchandise and pose at unique photo locations.”
Sounds amazing, right? Let’s take a look at this new Disney experience and what you can expect if you decide to visit. Disneyland is reopening April 30th! For current info on Disneyland reopening dates and guidelines, check out this post.
Top Tips
Here’s my top tips for A Touch Of Disney.
- Arrive about 30-60 minutes early. They will open the gates and start letting people in the parks about 11:30am(Event starts at 12pm)
- Wear Sunscreen! I got sunburned.
- Water bottle refilling stations are not available. You can ask for free cups of water at any of the locations serving beverages.
- No lockers are available.
- Hang onto your dining gift card! If lost, it will not be replaced.
- You can leave and renter the event. You’ll just need the paper ticket they give you when you enter the first time to reenter later.
- 8 hours goes quickly! Even without rides there is so much to see and do.
Dates
A Touch of Disney will debut on March 18th, 2021 and will run Thursday- Monday(closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) through April 5th, 2021.
12pm- 8pm.
Tickets
Pricing for guests 3 and over is $75. Limit 8 tickets per person, per experience date. Tickets for the event are SOLD OUT.
Ticket includes:
- Parking for the experience at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure beginning at 11:30 AM
- A $25 A Touch of Disney Dining Card redeemable for food and nonalcoholic beverages at select dining locations within the Disneyland Resort (not valid for alcohol purchases)
- Unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos captured during day of the experience.
Dining
Get ready to enjoy some Disney classic foods! If you’ve been missing Dole whips and churros you are in luck! Guess what? The famous Monte Cristo sandwich straight from New Orleans square will also be available. This is just the tip of the iceberg! You can find the compete Foodie Guide here. There will be so much to choose from. Make sure you arrive hungry.
My favorite things to eat were the Monte Cristo Sandwich from Smoke Jumpers Grill. The Carbonara Mac and Cheese from Golden Dreams. The Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls from California Craft Brews. And the Bengal Beef Skewer with Sweet Zulu Sauce from Cocina Cucamonga. We ate so much food! The Very Very Berry Mickey Waffle also scored high on my list. I love a good waffle and it’s even better if it’s Mickey shaped!
Open Air Market
There is an “Open Air Marketplace” set up with food carts(much like during the Food and Wine Festival). Most items are served snack size. This is great news because it means you’ll be able to try more things. Many of the selections are only available during seasonal events, so this is pretty special. Here’s a list of the mobile ordering options from the Marketplace.
- Disney D-Lish – Sink your teeth into new twists on classic sweets like the Very Very Berry Mickey Waffle.
- California Craft Brews – Quench that thirst with craft beer and enjoy an appetizing bite!
- LA Style – Feast on favorite southland food-truck flavors like the Pork Belly Bánh Mì.
- Golden Dreams – Tempt taste buds with sweet & spicy chicken wings from Trader Sam’s and wash them down with a strawberry rose lemonade.
- Uncork California – Try a mimosa flight and nosh on an assorted California cheese plate.
- Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo – Rally for bites like chicken gumbo and the grilled beef tenderloin slider.
Snack Carts
Churros, popcorn and other delicious snacks and treats are available throughout the parks. Don’t worry, you won’t go hungry! Here’s what is available.
- Willie’s Churros – Buena Vista Street
- Popcorn Near Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining – Buena Vista Street
- Cappuccino Cart – Pacific Wharf
- Vending Cart – Performance Corridor
- Vending Cart – Refreshment Point
- Popcorn at Pixar Pier – Pixar Pier
- Poultry Palace – Pixar Pier
- Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – Grizzly Peak
Mobile Ordering
Disney is encouraging mobile ordering during the event. It helps with social distancing, you can pay without any physical contact and it will save time. There’s really no downside! You can mobile order right from your phone using the Disney app.
Simply open the Disneyland mobile app, select “+” and tap “Order Food.”
You can use your A Touch of Disney Dining Card with mobile ordering. To do this, during checkout, you’ll add your card under Payment Methods. Only one A Touch of Disney Dining Card can be applied per order, but can be used in combination with an accepted credit or debit card. My $25 gift card got me 3 items.
Other Dining Options
Along with the food carts, there are some other dining experiences available. Some of these restaurants may require a reservation, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly.
- Sonoma Terreace– open for mobile ordering
- Carthay Circle Lounge– open for al fresco dining
- Lamp Light Lounge– open for al fresco dining along the water front
- Award Wieners– open for mobile ordering
- Smoke Jumpers Grill– open for mobile ordering
Retail
Select retail options are open, including many of the shops along Buena Vista Street. Looking for the latest and greatest Disney merchandise? This will be the place to find it! The following retail locations are open.
- Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
- Elias & Co.
- Off The Page
- Disneyland Resort Backlot Premier Shop
- Julius Katz & Sons
- Kingswell Camera Shop
- Trolley Treats
Photo Ops
Photographers are all around the park to capture your picture in front of iconic spots, but be on the look out for some new photo worthy spots. All of your photos will be available on the photo pass that’s included with your admission ticket.
Character Sightings
Mickey and many of his friends are out and about greeting guests in a socially distanced manner. Don’t be surprised to find Lightning McQueen and Mater in Carsland or Joy and Sadness on Pixar Pier. You never know when your favorite character will turn up!
Safety
Disney will have safety measures in full force. Here’s what you can expect.
- Temperature and security screening- All guests are required to undergo temperature and security screenings prior to entering the event.
- Enhanced Cleanliness procedures- Increased cleaning procedures in high-traffic areas such as handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.
- Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations- Will be located throughout the park. Please use them!
- Face coverings- Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Physical distancing- Temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing.
I don’t know about you, but I’m super happy about this event and see it as a huge step forward in opening the parks. I’m going to be attending(assuming I can get a ticket). What do you think? Will you be attending? Need a hotel for your visit? Check out my partners at Get Away Today for the best prices and incredible customer service! For up to date Disneyland reopening info, check out this link. If you’re needing a full Disney experience and are considering DisneyWorld, check out my complete DisneyWorld planning guide!
