The Top 9 Things You Can't Miss at Disneyland's Food and Wine Festival

The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is back and better than ever. The 2018 event runs from March 2 through April 12 and is one of the best experiences of the season — especially for foodies. I got to experience all the fun this year and rounded up nine of my favorite things to see (and eat). Grab your tickets, and make sure to get your appetite ready!

01
Fun Events For Kids
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

Fun Events For Kids

Disney makes sure to offer something for everyone of all ages at the festival, and that includes your little ones. You can stop by the Hollywood Backlot Stage for the Jr. Chef Experience with Chef Goofy. Kids participate with Goofy and friends to make a magical oatmeal cookie. It's a nice break for parents and a fun time for all. The kids even get to leave with a treat! This year's festival also includes chef hats for kids, which can be stamped at each kiosk so the kids can be a part of the action.

02
Celebrity Chef Live! at the Hyperion Theater
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

Celebrity Chef Live! at the Hyperion Theater

Most of the things at the Food and Wine Festival are included with your park ticket, but this signature event is worth the extra cash. The Live! at the Hyperion experience features celebrity chefs Guy Fieri and Robert Irvine sharing their favorite recipes and stories from the kitchen. Join them for this special and exclusive experience, during which they demonstrate how to prepare a dish in this intimate setting and follow it with a tasting. Check schedules for this experience, and make sure to get your tickets early, as it is sure to sell out.

03
Family-Friendly Seminars
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

Family-Friendly Seminars

If you're interested in learning how to cook family-friendly meals at home, join chefs as they bring you farm-fresh recipes that are fun and easy to make. These free seminars are also offered at the Hollywood Backlot Stage, so check the schedule throughout the day, and don't miss this fun time!

04
The Strawberry Patch
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

The Strawberry Patch

This new booth was one of our favorites at the festival! The Watsonville strawberry pie was my favorite. I'm not ashamed to admit I ate three. The strawberry frosé was also delicious, although it's just for the adults. But they do have a nonalcoholic strawberry-pineapple float as well. Don't miss the strawberry and coconut rice "frushi" with yogurt wasabi sauce, either.

05
More Food You Won't Want to Pass Up
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

More Food You Won't Want to Pass Up

There were so many mouthwatering treats to try that I couldn't help but try them all. The Creamy Mac and Cheese with garlic bread crumbles from Garlic Kissed is a must!

06
Dietary Restriction-Friendly Options
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

Dietary Restriction-Friendly Options

The festival also caters to those with special dietary restrictions. There are many items on this year's menu that include gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad — Brushed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, this salad is a returning fan favorite that is easy to make. I'm not usually a big asparagus eater, but this really knocked my socks off. I was pleasantly surprised and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for vegetarian options.

Spiced Oumph! on Pita With Avocado Hummus and Garlic Sauce — This dish has a level of power to match its name. Similar to a shawarma, this vegan dish is sure to give your spirit a little oomph of its own.

White Cheddar Lager Soup in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Boule — This vegetarian option will warm your heart. I like bread bowls because they make me feel like I'm getting a little extra and there's nothing to clean up after!

Verlasso Sustainable Salmon Peruvian Poke With Cucumber-Lime Salad and Aji Verde Salsa — This dish may have a very long name, but it packs a lot of flavor, so it needs it! This gluten-free option is available at the Peppers Cali-Ente marketplace kiosk.

07
Mimosas and Wine and Beer, OH MY!
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

Mimosas and Wine and Beer, OH MY!

It's in the name, so you know there's plenty of it! The wine at the festival definitely flows. One of my favorites that I tried was the mimosa flight at Nuts About Cheese in the Hollywood Land Backlot Stage. You can't miss the Beer Garden, with some of the best California craft beers, located in Paradise Gardens. Try the wine at Uncork California, which has eight options available and flights to try samplings of them all!

08
Annual Passholder Perks
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

Annual Passholder Perks

The Annual Passholder Sip and Savor Pass has returned again! For the price of $45, Annual Passholders can purchase the pass, which includes eight tickets to be used toward food or nonalcoholic beverages for the length of the festival. I especially like this because I am a passholder, and I like that I can save a little money but also enjoy everything the festival offers. It's definitely worth it if you use the coupons on the $6-$7 items. You can stop by the AP corner, located in the Hollywood Land Backlot, and pick up your AP Collector Pin and get a photo!

09
Did We Mention the Food Yet?
POPSUGAR Photography | Dana Alyss

Did We Mention the Food Yet?

There are 13 marketplaces, in addition to the Paradise Garden and Grill, with over 30 sweet and savory items combined with over 60 beverages — including wine, spirits, and nonalcoholic beverages. There are around 20 fan favorites returning from last year's festival. You're sure to find something that will feed your appetite, so make sure to head to the festival, which wraps up April 12!