Disneyland has long been considered ‘the Happiest Place on Earth’ for children and adults alike. But if, as a grown up, you’ve always secretly thought that a refreshing cocktail would make those long lines more bearable, rest assured you’re not the only one. Take a look at this guide to your happy hour oases hidden in this magical amusement park.
Hearthstone Lounge, Anaheim | Bar Area of Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar / Yelp
Fitting perfectly with the rustic decor of the hotel, the Hearthstone Lounge inside the Grand Californian offers a warm and inviting ambience in which to sip on your adult-friendly beverages. Sinking into a plush armchair with your Tennessee Honey will make you forget about the SoCal heat outside and transport you to the calm of a redwood forest. With an exit leading to Downtown Disney, it’s also a great place to take a break from browsing around the shops even if you don’t plan to go into the park. Indulge in a Scottish Raspberry Lemon Drop for something refreshing and surprising.
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, Anaheim | Napa Rose Exterior / Yelp
If the Enchanted Tiki Room, with its singing tropical birds, is your favorite Disneyland attraction, the grown-up version of you will squeal in delight inside Trader Sam’s. Stepping into this bar feels like a jungle getaway, and ordering certain drinks will even cause lightning to erupt from the decorative ceiling. While a bit on the smaller side, the outside patio with its tiki torches will get you in the mood for a fruity drink and some hula dancing. Try the HippopotoMai-Tai; with its colorful mix of rum and curaçao you may get just as tongue-tied as you do pronouncing that name.
Napa Rose, Anaheim | Cove Bar on Paradise Pier / Yelp
Nestled in between the Grand Californian and Downtown Disney is the upscale Napa Rose. For those unable to make the years-long waiting list for the exclusive Club 33, Napa Rose offers fine dining with a welcoming ambience that accepts guests whether they’re decked out in diamonds or Mickey ears. Wine is usually the beverage of choice in this woodsy restaurant, and with so many options to choose from, your best bet is asking for the wine flight with any of the meals. Another plus: you’re sent home with a box of complimentary chocolates.
Tucked away behind Ariel’s Grotto on Paradise Pier, Cove Bar is the perfect place to sip on something fruity and take in the colorful sights of Disney’s California Adventure. The outside patio makes it easy to take in the panoramic pier view and ideal for a sunset photo op. If you’re in the mood for something strong, ask for the Zombie, an off-the-menu cocktail with at least three different rums that’ll have you living up to its namesake. For an especially Disney-centric drink, order the Magical Diamond Cocktail in honor of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary.
While Uva Bar may not have any Disney-themed drinks, the Disney innovation is still present at this open-air bar. You get a 360-degree view of the shops in the bustling Downtown Disney District, thanks to its central location, and a glimpse of the evening fireworks display if you’re lucky. Try Uva Bar’s take on a michelada, a tomato and lime Latin drink that gets an upgrade with those ingredients frozen into a ‘Diablo Pop.’ Simply drop the pop into your choice of beer and enjoy the citrus-y goodness.
