Disneyland, once a bastion of alcohol-free family fun, is now expanding its beverage offerings to include a range of alcoholic drinks across its Anaheim theme park, where Walt Disney famously banned anything stronger than a virgin mint julep. Today, even that iconic drink can be ordered with a splash of bourbon.
This week, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, located in the park’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, became the first quick-service restaurant in Disneyland to serve beer, wine, and hard seltzer to guests aged 21 and over with valid ID. Meanwhile, at Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A., visitors can now order an Old Fashioned, part of a broader trend toward integrating alcoholic beverages into Disneyland’s culinary landscape. The shift began in September 2023 with the addition of alcoholic drink options at the New Orleans Square eateries, Cafe Orleans and River Belle Terrace.
At Docking Bay 7, beer and wine are exclusively available during the evening’s Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering, and drinks are to be consumed within the restaurant. According to Disneyland’s guidelines, international visitors must present a passport to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Since Disneyland’s opening in 1955, the park had restricted alcoholic drinks to the exclusive Club 33 near Pirates of the Caribbean, largely due to concerns that alcohol could alter the family-friendly atmosphere. Disneyland made a significant policy change in May 2019 with the debut of Galaxy’s Edge, where Oga’s Cantina introduced the first widely available alcoholic cocktails, creating a themed space for fans to enjoy Star Wars-inspired beverages.
Docking Bay 7
The evening dining package at Docking Bay 7, a popular spot for watching Disneyland’s fireworks, now includes beer and wine options. Visitors are encouraged to check Disneyland’s schedule, as fireworks are not a nightly event.
Oga’s Cantina
At Oga’s Cantina, guests can explore unique themed drinks, including a $75 Rancor Beer Flight served on a Souvenir Board with Four Teeth. For those looking for something less pricey, the Naboo Sunset, featuring Blackberry Moonshine, is a recent addition to the menu at $19. Alongside these, the cantina offers a lineup of eight other alcoholic cocktails featuring vodka, rum, bourbon, and vermouth. Among the popular choices is the Jedi Mind Trick, a vodka-based cocktail that adds a playful nod to Star Wars lore. Rex, the droid who formerly piloted the Star Tours ride, doubles as the cantina’s DJ, enhancing the lively atmosphere.
Carnation Cafe
At Carnation Cafe, guests can order Fess Parker’s Chardonnay, a nod to the actor who portrayed Disney’s Davy Crockett, alongside Silver Palm Wines’ Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s North Coast. The menu also includes an Old Fashioned, Chandon’s California Sparkling Wine, a Mimosa, and a Spiked Pickle Lemonade.
Cafe Orleans
Opened in 1966, Cafe Orleans offers a scenic view of the Rivers of America and the Mark Twain Riverboat. This spot, once known for its virgin mint juleps, now serves them with bourbon, in addition to California wines like McBride Sisters’ Chardonnay and Mirassou’s Pinot Noir, plus two California beers, a lager and an IPA.
River Belle Terrace
River Belle Terrace, another New Orleans Square venue, features Nielson’s Chardonnay and Meiomi’s Pinot Noir from California, as well as its signature Wildberry Mule cocktail. Guests can also sample the Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, a hoppy amber ale from Torrance.
Across from Disneyland in Anaheim, California Adventure Park has served alcoholic beverages since its 2001 debut, with locations such as the Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier offering a full outdoor bar experience. With the availability of these expanded options, Disneyland is gradually reshaping its beverage policy, making the park a more inclusive destination for adult guests looking for unique, themed drink experiences.
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