Avengers Campus opens up inside of Disney’s California Adventure on June 4th, and with it will come a slew of foods with fun and wacky twists.
The theme park crew did a lot of work with the Imagineering team to bring their food to life, according to a Q&A session with reporters, and it shows in pretty much every aspect of the culinary offerings.
Foodbeast got a chance to try out several of the new food items ahead of the land’s opening, and these were the eats that stood out the most to us.
Impossible Spoonful
The new restaurant in Avengers Campus, Pym’s Test Kitchen, is very liberal with choosing which items to shrink and expand to create a mind-boggling dish.
In this case, they have a cocktail fork stabbing a baseball-sized Impossible Foods Meatball, plus a smaller plant-based meatball, along with tiny pieces of pasta plus larger rigatoni, all of which are sauced up and served inside of a bowl-sized spoon.
It’s insane on visuals, but doesn’t skimp out on taste. The meatball, surprisingly, was quite juicy for a meat-free protein option.
Not So Little Fried Chicken Sandwich
Remember those viral two-finger gloves that people would use to eat fried chicken? This bun is essentially an edible form of those, and its size compared to the platter-sized chicken cutlet is comical.
That being said, if you do treat this like a Taiwanese Hot Star chicken filet, and hold the bun while chomping around it, this meal will deliver on flavor, especially with the heat and spices coming from the sauces drizzled on top.
Cosmic Cream Puff
This sweet treat surprised us with all of the little nuances it had. If held in the right sunlight, there’s plenty of sparkly sugar coating the top. When you bust it open, the raspberry cheesecake mousse inside has an extremely satisfying consistency.
When it comes to taste, you would expect a kaleidoscopic cream puff to be extremely sweet. However, the tang of the cheesecake helps keep everything balanced, and while it is still quite sweet, it’s not overwhelming.
Of course, these are just a few of the items available, as shawarma, giant pretzels, unique takes on Caesar Salad, and a slew of unique beverages are also awaiting those anticipating the Avengers Campus opening. Regardless of what you get, each dish is going to make you rethink how the classic it’s inspired by could be eaten.
Disneyland just announced the opening date of their new Avengers Campus, a section of the California Adventure theme park dedicated to all things Marvel.
With the announcement of the superhero area, which opens on July 18th, came a sneak preview of the different food options that will come in the park. Each of them is packed with all of the eye-catching, Instagram worthy treats you would expect from Disney, but with some unique and interesting twists as well.
The big restaurant in the area is the Pym Test Kitchen, which will focus on making foods in both giant and little sizes. We knew about this dining area beforehand, but we’re getting a look at some of the foods it will be selling for the first time.
An item that veers on the more shocking end is this Not So Little Chicken Sandwich. Think a German schnitzel-sized cut of chicken breast, but with flavors like teriyaki and red chili sauces slathered on top. The bun-to-cutlet ratio on this sandwich is pretty comical upon first glance.
Other items in the Pym Test Kitchen include a pasta dish made with Impossible Foods meatballs, both in giant and tiny form, served inside of a giant spoon with a tiny fork.
There’s also giant pretzels and elongated “Pym-Nini” sandwiches that you can order by the portion, or take an extra-long one for the whole squad to share.
Another eating option in the Avengers Campus is called “Terran Treats,” and it focuses on vibrant and eye-catching eats of all kinds. The only items we know about so far from here are a “Cosmic Cream Orb,” which is a creampuff stuffed with purple raspberry cheesecake mousse, and “Space Ration Churros.” These spiral-shaped churros come in the colors of the six Infinity Stones from Marvel and Avengers lore.
In a nod to the 2012 Avengers film, Disneyland has also confirmed that there will be a shawarma cart inside of Avengers Campus, serving up standard shawarmas with protein options like chicken and falafel.
We’ll obviously know a lot more details about the full food lineup when the park opens in July, but for now, the options that we’re seeing are definitely tantalizing.
Little by little, the world is becoming more vegan-friendly or aware of the lifestyle. With Disney recognizing that, they have gone above and beyond as of late to accommodate vegan’s dining choices at their theme parks. Because of that, PETA has named them the most “Vegan-Friendly Amusement Park.”
According to the organization, Disneyland offers vegan friendly dining options like egg-free waffles that are shaped like Mickey Mouse, a vegan gumbo dish, and even BBQ jackfruit sandwiches.
Earlier this week, Foodbeast’s Constantine Spyrou broke news that Disney California Adventure would debut a 100 percent vegan meatball sub at its Food and Wine Festival. The sub will be made with Impossible meatballs, which further solidifies their effort to make more plant-based options available at the parks.
BREAKING #FOODBEAST#foodnews: @Disneyland California Adventure Food and Wine FULL lineup is out. Craziest items so far: BUFFALO TURKEY LEG, @ImpossibleFoods No Meatball Sub (100% VEGAN CONFIRMED), Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls!!!
While PETA can be a bit off-putting to some with its notoriously aggressive marketing tactics and has been criticized for their in-your-face method of spreading their philosophy, their site is still a great resource for vegans and the vegan curious who need a little help finding good eats when out and about. If you need help finding vegan food in the wild, from Jack in the Box to Disneyland, PETA usually has your back.
For a full rundown of vegan options at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, PETA has a full list, categorized by each land.
In an effort to cut down the lines for food, Disneyland is taking a page out of the Costco playbook. The Happiest Place On Earth is looking at adding new pickup windows to their booths as well as implementing an advance ordering system.
Photo courtesy of Disneyland
According to the Orange County Register, about 15 different locations in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will have the feature soon. Locations considered for the initial release of advance ordering include the Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland.
You can still stand in line and order if you wish, but the new system will make it effortless to plan your meals for the day in advance. It works through Disneyland’s mobile app, where you can view allergy-free and regular menus, pre-pay with a credit card, and select a time window to pick up your food. During that time frame, head to a pickup counter at the food destination of choice to receive your meal. Orders can even be canceled and/or rescheduled through the app.
Costco currently has a similar model in place where you can order ahead and pick up at their kiosk windows. There’s even in-store kiosks being tested now by the wholesale giant to speed up lines even further.
Disneyland is still finalizing plans on the advance ordering system’s launch, but is looking to begin training employees on it soon. There’s no specific timetable for the release date as of right now. When it does go live, though, we’ll be able to spend less time waiting in line for food and more time on rides.
Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and Disneyland’s been celebrating with a massive feast of whole fried tilapia fish, each of which can easily feed two people.
Photo: Constantine Spyrou // Foodbeast
You can find the tilapia being sold at the Paradise Garden Grill, located next to Goofy’s Sky School at the back of California Adventure. The fish is scored and coated in rice flour before heading to the deep fryer. It comes with a mushroom soup, white rice, steamed veggies, and a citrus-chili vinaigrette to pour over the top of the fish before digging in. Packets of soy sauce and Sriracha are also provided to spice up and season your rice.
I recently got to try the whole fried tilapia, and the experience went beyond my expectations for a Disney food item. Their tilapia is likely cooked to order, since it took about 10-15 minutes to come out to the table (everything else at Paradise was out in a flash). However, the wait is well worth the meal.
The fish was cooked beautifully on the inside and easily flaked off the bone. Its texture was luscious, soft, and moist, and the mild flavor made it a suitable canvas for the bold, tangy notes of the vinaigrette. Overall, Disney’s execution of the tilapia was flawless. At $24.99 for a two-person meal, it’s also quite affordable when it comes to Disney’s food prices.
You can find the fish on the menu alongside all of DCA’s other Lunar New Year food offerings through February 18th, when the theme park’s celebration ends.
Each year, Disneyland puts on a Festival of Holidays in its sister park, Disney’s California Adventure. The theme parks are known to go all out for the holiday season, and the food, especially this year, is no exception.
In the few days that have transpired since the Festival of Holidays began, dozens of food porn-worthy photos have popped up across social media, showcasing the delectable dishes found across the thirteen different foodie booths inside of California Adventure. Judging on those and the details dropped by the Disney Food Blog, Santa Claus may get full before he even makes it to the cookies.
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A Disney Christmas almost requires visually stunning desserts these days. California Adventure delivers on those treats, especially when it comes to Yule Logs. This sycamore log sweet, found at the “Twist on Tradition” booth, features candied chestnuts and a clementine compote to evoke some of Jack Frost’s favorite flavors. At $5 per slice, your wallet will still have room for some souvenirs after copping this holiday sugar rush.
For this round of festivities, it’s clear that Disney’s got the low-down on the foods people are currently craving. Several beloved bites from the 2017 year, including Nashville Hot Turkey and Adobo Pork Belly, have found their way into multiple booths at the Festival of Holidays.
Queso, in the form of a chorizo queso fundido snack, is also making a Christmastime cameo at California Adventure. Track it down for a cool six bucks at the Chips, Breads, and Holiday Spreads booth.
California Adventure is known for serving up a plethora of flights, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages. Several holiday-themed cocktails and beer selections dominate the Festival of Holidays, including this Pomegranate Mule.
Other holiday twists can be found at eats throughout the park, and there’s a myriad of items, like the above Eggnog Macaron, that you’ll have to witness and savor for yourself. Check out Disney Food Blog’s post for the full listing, and try to taste as many as you can before the Festival of Holidays ends on January 7th.
Some of our most joyous times at Foodbeast come when we’re tasked with chronicling the new food the Disneyland team brings into the park. As an appropriate followup to our list of 26 Magical Foods To Eat At Disneyland, we’re now showing you the hottest foods (and drinks) available for the park’s well-celebrated holiday season.
Don’t you dare sleep on getting yourself a slice of Chorizo Pizza. Yes, Chorizo Pizza. With cotija cheese. And pico. And a tomatillo-cilantro crema drizzle.
Clarabelle’s in California Adventure also serves these items.
Hungry Bear Restaurant (Critter Country)
Pulled Pork Hot Dog (above): A seared hot dog topped with BBQ pulled pork, citrus slaw, fried jalapeños, fresh cilantro and served on a toasted roll.
Apple Pie Funnel Cake (above): Funnel cake topped with apple pie filling, caramel, powdered sugar and graham crackers.
Mint Julep Bar (New Orleans Square)
If you blink, you’ll miss it. The tiny Mint Julep Bar is near the back of the French Market. Usually there’s a line, so if you’re stuffed you’ll have plenty of time for your food to digest before indulging your sweet tooth.
Candy Cane Beignets (above): Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets dusted with a peppermint powdered sugar.
You can also find the Candy Cane Beignets at Cafe Orleans.
Penny Arcade (Main Street)
Sure you can’t get penny candies with inflation these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get dope sweets to fill your gut with. Like most candy stores in the Disney Parks, you can find tons of holiday-exclusive snacks and sweets. Here are some we bit into.
Olaf Cake Pop (above)
Gourmet Apple (above)
Olaf Marshmallow (above)
Frozen fans might be able to find the Olaf marshmallows and cake pops after the holidays. Frozen, after all, is still crazy popular.
Plaza Inn Restaurant (Main Street)
Located practically at the center of the park, across from the statue and next to Tomorrowland, is the Plaza Inn Restaurant. You can find delicious fried chicken and sweet waffles year-round, here.
Pumpkin Yule Log (available until Dec. 6): A spice cake stuffed with marmalade filling and pumpkin mouse. It’s topped with cream cheese and a chocolate ganache frosting.
Chocolate Coffee Yule Log (available Dec. 7–Jan. 6): A cake stuffed with coffee butter cream filling. It’s topped with chocolate crunch and chocolate ganache.
Another hidden gem tucked away behind The Golden Horseshoe. Lines here are usually shorter than most spots in the area.
Holiday Funnel Cake (featured): Funnel cake topped with brownie chunks, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. It’s sprinkled with powdered sugar and crushed candy cane pieces.
Disney California Adventure (the park with the coasters)
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta (Paradise Pier)
On the opposite end of Paradise Pier is a little remote Oasis Disneyland calls Viva Navidad! Though it’s only for the holidays, Disney throws a celebration of Latino traditions all day long. This includes awesome live music and performances surrounding Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and Paradise Grill.
Best of all is the food.
Chorizo Pizza (above): A thick crust pizza topped with cotija cheese, spicy chorizo, fresh pico de gallo and a tomatillo-cilantro crema drizzle.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Boudin Bread Cart (Pacific Wharf)
These look and sounded so awesome. Unfortunately they’re not yet available. Definitely going back for them.
Carnitas Plate (available Dec. 18–Jan. 3): Slow-simmered pork that’s marinated in garlic, onions and orange. It’s served with Mexican rice, refried beans and flour tortillas.
Cozy Cone Motel (Cars Land)
Look for the giant orange cones and you’ll soon find yourselves devoting these delicious pumpkin twists. They can also be found at Maurice’s Treats Snack Cart at Disneyland parked in the Fantasy Faire area.
Pumpkin Twist (above): A bagel twist with baked in pumpkin filling and spices.
Mad T Party (Hollywood Land)
Walking into the park, keep your ears out for some live music and eyes out for neon lights. There, you’ll find the Mad T Party and these spectacular treats.
Merry Mudslide
ACE Hard Berry Cider
Pacific Wharf Café (Paradise Pier)
Near the entrance of Paradise Pier, the Pacific Wharf Cafe features some of the most savory soups and bread bowls around. They kind of have to dominate the bread game seeing as how they’re right next to the bakery.
Turkey Pot Pie Soup (featured): Turkey, peas and carrots in a cream-based broth. Served in a sourdough bread bowl.
Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding (above): Pumpkin-flavored bread pudding topped with whipped cream, a sweet sauce and shelled pumpkin seeds.
Part of the Viva Navidad! mentioned earlier. Tons of sweet and savory comfort foods for you to enjoy.
Homemade Pozole: A mild chilie and pork stew made with hominy and oregano.
Street-Style Tacos: Three tacos filled with shredded beef or marinated pork. The tacos are topped with cilantro and diced white onions.
Buñuelos (above) – Golden-fried flour tortillas coated with cinnamon sugar. It’s served with cajeta, a sweet caramelized syrup made from goat’s milk.
Champurrado: Mexican hot chocolate made with masa harina for a thicker texture.
Sopes de Barbacoa: Fried cornmeal patties topped with chorizo beans, shredded beef and cabbage. The sopes are topped with cotija cheese and served with a side of achiote rice.
Sweet Pineapple and Raisin Tamales (above): Sweet tamales baked made with pineapples and golden raisins and served with a pineapple-caramel sauce.
Ceviche Plate (above): Fish and shrimp marinated in citrus, cilantro, chiles and onions. It’s served with tortilla chips.
Chicken Mole: A piece of roasted chicken drenched in a mole sauce and topped with cotija cheese. It’s served with cord salad and achiote rice.
Torta al Pastor (above): Marinated pork with chorizo beans, lettuce, avocado mash and Mexican crema served on a telera roll.
Schmoozies (Hollywood Land)
Holiday Harvest Smoothie (above): A blend of spinach, pineapple, banana, yogurt and orange guava juice.
Smokejumpers Grill (Grizzly Peak)
Gingerbread Man (above)
You can find the Gingerbread Man cookies, complete with mouse ears, at pretty much any bakery in both parks.
Chocolate fans, prepare to lose your minds! Disney fans, prepare to lose your minds! Disney has openend a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in its Disney California Adventure theme park.
With a Ghirardelli shop already in its Florida location, Disney took its chocolatey, ice creamy goodness to the west coast location.
Ghirardelli is based in San Francisco, so strategically, the soda shop was placed in Disney California Adventure’s San Francisco-inspired Pacific Wharf area.
Disneyland Resort president George A. Kalogridis, Disney California Adventure park vice president Mary Niven, CEO of Lindt & Sprüngli (Ghirardelli’s Swiss Daddy) Ernst Tanner, and of course Mickey and Minnie were all at the June 7 grand opening.
For those planning to visit the soda fountain, you’ll be glad to hear that, as in every Ghirardelli shop, complimentary samples of its chocolate are given to guests at the door.
To give a taste of what the menu would look like, the Ghirardelli Facebook page reads that, “Guests can enjoy signature World Famous Hot Fudge Sundaes, shakes, and floats, plus a delicious assortment of chocolates and beautifully wrapped gifts.”
It sounds like the Disney Soda Fountain located within the Los Angeles El Capitan movie Theater, but bigger, better and with more chocolate.
Ghirardelli was founded in California in 1852 by Domingo Ghirardelli and has shops and soda fountains across the U.S.
