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Disneyland isn’t a destination merely for the kid set. The happiest place on Earth was initially intended by Mr. Walt Disney (61 years ago) to be a family affair, catering to all. While little kids are thrilled by pretty much everything at Disney, one way to make big kids ecstatic is to offer us a refreshing cocktail (or two or three). It can be a bit challenging to get drinks in the park, since Disneyland itself is notoriously dry (save for option number three below), but there are several epic places sprinkled around the Disneyland Resort to get your day drink on. Find six of our faves below.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
Located at the Disneyland Hotel, this kitschy tiki bar serves up big surprises with their booze (erupting alcoholic volcanos anyone?) and is full of funky old seafaring knickknacks — some of which come to life. For example, if you order Shipwreck on the Rocks (bourbon with freshly muddled lemon and mint with agave nectar), a ship enclosed in a huge bottle actually wrecks. The bar itself is tiny, so don’t be surprised if you have to stand in line to get in. (Photo via Disneyland)
Carthay Circle Lounge
For an elegant 1930s vibe, head over to the Carthay Circle Theater in California Adventure. The exterior is modeled after the begone Hollywood movie palace, The Carthay Circle, where Disney’s Snow White premiered back in 1938. The place drips with old Hollywood glam. There’s fine dining upstairs, and downstairs boasts a small bar and lounge serving up craft beers, cocktails, and small plates of yumminess (like their Vietnamese twice-cooked beef taco). (Photo via Disneyland)
Le Salon Nouveau at Club 33
The legendary (and super exclusive) Club 33 is the only place in Disneyland-proper that you can get a drink. But you can’t just waltz in here and order a Manhattan. You either have to be a member or go with a member (not only is membership WAY pricey, but there’s also a years-long waiting list). If you do happen to know the right people and get in, make sure to spend some quality time in the bar. Paintings transform before your eyes, musical instruments play at their own accord, and the servers make a killer drink. (Photo via Disney Parks Blog)
1901 Lounge
Club 33 members, and ONLY Club 33 members have access to the exclusive 1901 lounge in the Carthay Circle Theater in California Adventure. Named for the year Walt Disney was born — 1901 — this intimate bar is a place to chill and sip craft cocktails while being surrounded by classic artwork from Walt Disney Studios and tons of photos of Walt Disney and early animators. Overstuffed leather chairs, eclectic touches, and soft lighting combine to give a den-like feeling. Fancy. (Photo via the Disney Parks Blog)
Cove Bar
With its stunning views of Paradise Pier, Cove Bar is an ideal place to spend the afternoon if you’ve spent the morning riding all the new roller coasters in California Adventure. Drink al fresco on their large terrace, where you’d swear you were at a seaside boardwalk. Besides a large selection of beers and wines, they serve up colorful cocktails that pack a punch and high-end nibbles like lobster nachos and tri-tip sliders. (Photo via Disney Parks Blog)
Hearthstone Lounge
You’ll find this cozy lounge nestled in a corner of the gorgeous lobby of the Grand California Hotel. With rich woods, arts and crafts touches, and beautiful oil paintings, this is a perfect place to unwind after a day of hard-core park action. If you want to get extra cozy, grab your drink and snag a rocking chair by the roaring fire in the rustic lobby nearby. (Photo via Disneyland)
