Buying Beer At Disneyland: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can buy beer at Disneyland. In fact, you can buy a variety of alcoholic drinks, including cocktails and wine. However, this hasn't always been the case.

When Disneyland opened in 1955, its founder, Walt Disney, prohibited the sale of alcohol, famously saying, No liquor, no beer, nothing. [It] brings in a rowdy element...that brings people that we don't want and...don't need. For a long time, the only place to buy alcohol was the exclusive Club 33, a private club with a reported membership fee of $25,000.

In 2019, however, Disneyland Park introduced alcohol at three locations: Blue Bayou Restaurant, Oga's Cantina, and Club 33. You'll also find alcohol for sale at Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney.

Where to buy beer at Disneyland

If you're looking to buy beer at Disneyland, you're in luck! There are several locations throughout the park where you can purchase a refreshing pint. Here's a guide to help you find the best spots for a beer during your visit.

Blue Bayou Restaurant

The Blue Bayou Restaurant, located in New Orleans Square, was the first place in Disneyland to serve alcohol to regular guests when it reopened in 2021. Here, you can enjoy a few select beers along with some wine and the famous Hurricane cocktail. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its Cajun-Creole cuisine and a view of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats floating by.

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina, located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, is Disneyland Park's first official lounge. In addition to creative mixed drinks and wine, they also offer beer on tap. The cantina is designed to transport you to a bustling watering hole on the planet Batuu, complete with strange creatures and high-energy tunes. It's a fun spot for both adults and kids, with non-alcoholic options like the Blue Bantha, which comes with a sugar cookie.

Club 33

Club 33 is an exclusive, members-only club located above the Blue Bayou Restaurant. For a fee of $25,000, members can access Le Salon Nouveau, an elegant secret bar overlooking New Orleans Square. This was the original Disneyland bar, and it remains a magical place for a drink if you can secure an invitation.

Carthay Circle Lounge

The Carthay Circle Lounge, located on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park, offers an impressive drink menu that includes classic cocktails, after-dinner drinks, beer, and wine. The lounge is styled after the Golden Age of Hollywood, with a delightful open-air atmosphere reminiscent of European cafés. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy a beverage, whether you're looking for a refreshing beer or a sophisticated cocktail.

Bayside Brews

For a more low-key beer experience, head to Bayside Brews in Pixar Pier. They offer a variety of brews, including Ballast Point's Grapefruit Sculpin IPA and Karl Strauss Aurora Hoppalis IPA. You can also mix things up with a michelada or a seasonal margarita. It's a perfect spot to grab a beer and a Mickey Mouse pretzel while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Pixar Pier.

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

If you're a true beer enthusiast, make your way to Ballast Point Brewing Co. in Downtown Disney. With over 30 beers on tap, they offer a wide array of options, from thick and malty brews to hoppy IPAs. You can also enjoy some SoCal cuisine on their rooftop patio while you sip on your favorite beer.

In addition to these spots, you can also find beer at various lounges, kiosks, and quick-service restaurants throughout the park. So, whether you're exploring Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, or Downtown Disney, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cold one during your visit.

Alcoholic drinks at Disneyland restaurants

Alcoholic drinks are available at several restaurants in Disneyland. Here is a list of some of the top spots to enjoy a drink with your meal:

Blue Bayou Restaurant

The Blue Bayou Restaurant, located within the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, offers a unique dining experience with its bayou setting and colourful lanterns. The restaurant serves beer, wine, and the popular Hurricane cocktail, a New Orleans staple. The Blue Bayou is one of the few locations inside Disneyland Park where alcoholic drinks are available, and it is a great spot to enjoy a drink and watch the Pirates of the Caribbean boats float by.

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina is a Star Wars-themed bar in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, serving up a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine. The cantina is loud and crowded, reminiscent of a bustling watering hole on a distant planet. While seating is limited, it is a fun and immersive experience for Star Wars fans.

Carthay Circle Lounge

The Carthay Circle Lounge, styled after the Golden Age of Hollywood, offers a delightful open-air atmosphere and an impressive drink menu. The lounge features classic cocktails, after-dinner drinks, beer, wine, and tasty mocktails for those with kids or non-drinkers. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy a drink in a classy and elegant setting.

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

Trader Sam's is a tropical hideaway inspired by the Jungle Cruise, serving up rum-based drinks and other tropical cocktails. The bar features unique special effects and cheesy jokes from the skipper servers. It is a fun and immersive experience, perfect for those who want to escape to a tropical paradise.

Lamplight Lounge

The Lamplight Lounge, located in Pixar Pier, is a popular spot for drinks and dining. The lounge offers a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and breakfast options. While reservations are recommended for the lower level, the Boardwalk level is walk-ups only, making it a convenient spot to grab a drink without the wait.

In addition to these top spots, there are also several other restaurants and lounges throughout Disneyland that serve alcoholic drinks, including Club 33, Pym Tasting Lab, GCH Craftsman Bar, Napa Rose, and more. Each location offers a unique atmosphere and drink options, providing a variety of choices for guests looking to unwind with an adult beverage during their visit to the park.

Disneyland's rules on drinking

History of Alcohol at Disneyland

Walt Disney himself was opposed to the idea of serving alcohol at Disneyland, famously stating, "No liquor, no beer, nothing. Because that brings in a rowdy element... I feel [guests] don't need it." For many years, the only place to purchase alcohol within Disneyland was the exclusive Club 33, a private club with a lengthy waitlist and a hefty membership fee.

Current Rules and Locations

In 2019, Disneyland made a significant change by allowing the sale of alcohol to regular guests at three locations within Disneyland Park: Blue Bayou Restaurant, Oga's Cantina, and Club 33. However, it is important to note that guests cannot walk around the park with their drinks and must finish their beverages inside the restaurant or lounge. This rule is specific to Disneyland Park, as guests at Disney California Adventure are allowed to walk around the park with their drinks.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages Served

The types of alcoholic drinks available vary by location. Here is a breakdown of what is typically offered at each spot:

• Blue Bayou Restaurant: Beer, wine, and the Hurricane cocktail, a New Orleans-inspired drink.
• Oga's Cantina: Beer, wine, and unique Star Wars-themed cocktails like the Fuzzy Tauntaun and the Outer Rim.
• Club 33: A full bar with a wide range of options, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
• Disney California Adventure: A variety of beer, wine, and mixed drinks, including margaritas, mimosas, and cocktails like the Zombie and Tequila Daisy.
• Downtown Disney: A range of alcoholic options, including cocktails, beer, and wine, at various bars and restaurants.

Rules for Drinking at Disneyland

While the rules around alcohol have relaxed at Disneyland, it is important to drink responsibly. Guests are typically limited to two beverages per person at table-service restaurants, and drinking in line or while riding attractions is not permitted. Additionally, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol into the park, although outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.

In conclusion, while Disneyland has expanded its offerings of alcoholic beverages, it is important to be mindful of the rules and consume alcohol responsibly. The availability of drinks varies by location, and it is always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

The best bars at Disneyland

Oga's Cantina

Oga's Cantina is located inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and is the only place you can order alcohol inside Disneyland without joining the highly-exclusive Club 33. The bar is styled as a bustling watering hole on the planet Batuu, with strange creatures staring down at you as you sip on your drink. The cocktails are premixed, and you can only order two during your visit, but it's still a fun experience for adults and kids alike.

Carthay Circle Lounge

The Carthay Circle Lounge is part of the all-new Buena Vista Street and is styled after the Golden Age of Hollywood. It offers a delightful, open-air atmosphere reminiscent of quaint European cafes, with a selection of global-inspired dishes and an impressive drink menu that includes classic cocktails, after-dinner drinks, beer, wine, and mocktails. The decor is classy and elegant, making it one of the best bars in all of Disneyland Resort.

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar is a tropical hideaway with a Jungle Cruise theme, complete with unique special effects and cheesy jokes from your skipper server. The bar serves up stiff, rum-based drinks, including the famous Dole Whip with rum. It also offers semi-secret, off-menu drinks like the Ka-blu-ee (Sam's version of a Blue Hawaiian) and the Child (aka the Baby Yoda cocktail).

Lamplight Lounge

Lamplight Lounge is a popular spot for a drink, offering gin and tonics, mojitos, and Vietnamese beef lettuce wraps and Bao Buns. It has an alfresco dining area and is located on the second floor of the Pixar-inspired building that used to house the Cove Bar. While it can be hard to find a seat during peak times, the upstairs Boardwalk Dining area is perfect for walk-ins.

GCH Craftsman Bar

The GCH Craftsman Bar is an open-air pool bar located at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, with daytime sunlight and live music in the evenings. The food and drink menus are superb, featuring elevated bar bites and craft cocktails like the Vanilla Mango Mule and Prickly Pear Rosé.

Honorable Mentions:

• Hearthstone Lounge: A short walk from the Grand Californian Hotel lobby, this lounge offers fruity cocktails, beer, wine, and hard cider, along with elevated bar bites.
• Pym Tasting Lab: A glorified drink kiosk with innovative alcoholic potions like beer cocktails and boba-spiked brews.
• Blue Bayou Restaurant: Located inside Disneyland, this New Orleans-inspired spot offers a slim selection of wines, beers, and the signature cocktail, the Hurricane.
• Napa Rose: A world-class wine bar located inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, known for its extensive wine collection and world-class cuisine.
• Ballast Point Brewing: A beer drinker's haven with over 30 brews on tap and more than 20 wines, located in Downtown Disney.

The history of alcohol at Disneyland

Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland has been a place of wonder and joy for children and adults alike. However, the availability of alcoholic beverages within the park has been a topic of debate and evolution over the years.

In the early days of Disneyland, the park's founder, Walt Disney, had a strict no-alcohol policy. He famously said, "No liquor, no beer, nothing. Because that brings in a rowdy element. That brings people that we don't want and I feel they don't need it." This stance was likely influenced by his concerns about attracting the wrong crowd, as he wanted to maintain a family-friendly environment.

For many years, the only place to purchase alcohol within Disneyland was the exclusive Club 33, a private club with a hefty membership fee. Club 33 has been serving alcohol since it opened its doors in 1967, but it is inaccessible to most visitors.

In 2019, Disneyland made a significant change by allowing the sale of alcohol to regular guests at three locations in the park: Blue Bayou Restaurant, Oga's Cantina, and Club 33. This marked the first time that non-members could purchase alcoholic drinks at Disneyland since its opening. However, there are still restrictions on where guests can consume these beverages. Unlike Disney California Adventure, guests cannot walk around with their drinks and must finish them inside the restaurant or lounge.

Oga's Cantina, located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, is a popular spot for adults and Star Wars fans. It offers a range of cocktails, beer, and wine, along with a unique, immersive experience. The Blue Bayou Restaurant, on the other hand, offers a limited selection of wines, beers, and the New Orleans-inspired Hurricane cocktail.

Outside of Disneyland Park, there are several other locations within the Disneyland Resort where adults can indulge in alcoholic beverages. Disney California Adventure, which opened its doors in 2001, has always served alcohol and allows guests to walk around with their drinks. The resort also includes Downtown Disney and three hotels, all of which offer a variety of alcoholic options.

While the availability of alcohol at Disneyland has evolved over time, the park still maintains a balance between offering adult beverages and preserving a family-friendly atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to drink responsibly, and the park provides a range of options to suit different preferences and tastes.

Frequently asked questions