A Touch of Disney Event at Disney California Adventure Launches in March
Breaking news!!
Here in California we have been waiting for SOMETHING magical to reopen *cough* Disneyland Resort *cough* and we are taking anything we can get at this point. While the Downtown Disney District has opened and closed and reopened again during this pandemic, and Buena Vista Street opened during the holidays for limited outdoor dining and shopping, as a family we have not been on Disney property in Anaheim for over a year.
While Disneyland Park is not opening, I am ecstatic to share that Disney has announced a new limited-capacity ticketed event, A Touch of Disney opening at Disney California Adventure (DCA) on March 18th, in conjunction with DCA's 20th anniversary this year!
The Experience
A Touch of Disney will provide guests an opportunity to see familiar sights, taste and indulge classic flavors (hello churros and Dole Whips®!!) and perhaps try something new, too! I can tell you that I am most excited that they are going to have the Monte Cristo sandwich, and I hope they provide a gluten free version like they do at Disneyland Park. To be honest, I really hope they share as the time gets closer a full slate of the limited food offerings and of course gluten-free and allergy friendly menu items.
Shops will be open throughout the Park, including Bing Bong's Sweet Stuff on Pixar Pier, which my kids are probably the most excited about! I have to say I can't wait to just walk through the esplanade and hear the score allowing the magic to overwhelm me. There will also be outdoor carts with specialty items, including themed-balloons.
Who misses the sounds of Disneyland? I seriously do. I am listening to the 2013 Disneyland soundtrack as I write this. I do my best work to magic music. The entire experience is underscored by a specially curated soundtrack of reimagined Disney songs broadcast throughout the park. I sure hope they release that playlist to keep us going until the entire Resort is open.
Intro Ticket Pricing $75
Guests ages three (3) and up will require their own admission ticket. This ticket price is subject to change any time, so be aware of that. One guest may purchase up to eight (8) tickets in one transaction (phew! Large families we don't need to make multiple purchases!)
Beginning March 4, guests will be able to purchase a ticket for A Touch of Disney for select days from March 18 through April 5, 2021. Tickets for this experience will then be released for dates on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Event days are Thursdays - Sundays from noon to 8pm.
So what exactly do you get for $75?
- Admission to DCA
- Parking at Mickey & Friends
- Unlimited photo downloads from your sessions at unique photopass locations throughout the park (yep, the PhotoPass CMs will be there!)
- No up close contact with characters but they will be out and about for guests to see from a distance
- some photo experiences are only for those with admission tickets for the event
- $25 dining credit
I've already been asked by people if I think that is a reasonable rate. Listen. The deprivation of magic for so many on the West coast is evident, our magical morale is low in CA, and let's be honest we all know that the price point doesn't matter, it is going to sell out QUICK.
Know before you go
As with anything it's always great to know what you're getting yourself into, what's expected from you and how to have the best time when you arrive at Disneyland Resort.
FOOD AND Table Reservations
There will be six themed spots in the park with classic and new foods to the Resort, and I even hear that Trader Sam's will have some delicacies and spirits on the menu. I can't wait to see how they will execute these themed spots, I would imagine very similar logistically as they have for previous food festivals. I think by spreading everything out, it will be a safer experience and will allow for better enjoyment for everyone. And bonus, yes, you can take advantage of mobile ordering in the Disneyland app as a ticket holder!
Beginning March 11, guests can make table reservations for Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle - Alfresco Dining but know that does not include admission into A Touch of Disney event and dining at those locations require the admission ticket. Did you hear that? LOBSTER NACHOS. I will test, quarantine and drive myself just for those nachos.
HEALTH & Safety Precautions
Just because DCA will be opening for this event does not mean COVID is gone or that you shouldn't be cautious. We are STILL IN A PANDEMIC. That being said, if you choose to travel please do so responsibly. I don't advise anyone outside of California to cross state lines unless you plan to quarantine per CDC guidelines and you have a negative viral test 1-3 days before travel. No matter where you are traveling from (down the street, NorCal or out of state) test after you've visited and self-quarantine after being around so many people in public.
Disney will be regulating strict protocols and they have enhanced health & safety measures, you need to understand that before you hit "purchase tickets." You will be required to wear a face covering. Additionally, each guest age 2 and older is required to wear a face covering and they will all undergo temperature checks. Fun fact: Disney is bringing back approximately 1,000 cast members for this reopening, so let's please do our parts to keep them safe!
So, what are your thoughts? Are you in California and are you planning to purchase tickets for this event? Do you think it's too early for Disney to reopen or host this event? Share your thoughts! Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@camilledashana) as I will be sharing from my stories updates as they are made!
