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Disneyland Unveils 2026 Food & Wine Festival Dates: July 1-12
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 16:11 GMT by Orange County Register- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Disneyland Announces 2026 Food & Wine Festival Dates and Highlights
The iconic theme‑park of Anaheim, California, has officially revealed the dates and key details for its 2026 Food & Wine Festival. The event, which will run from July 1 to July 12, 2026, will bring a month‑long celebration of culinary excellence to the park’s many dining venues. This announcement follows a press release on the official Disneyland website and a coverage piece by The Orange County Register that linked to the park’s ticketing portal, the Food & Wine Festival landing page, and a series of press releases about the chefs and menus.
What the Festival Will Offer
Disneyland’s Food & Wine Festival is a year‑long showcase that highlights the park’s signature restaurants, new food concepts, and a rotating line‑up of world‑renowned chefs. The 2026 edition promises a blend of traditional Disneyland hospitality and culinary innovation.
- Chef Line‑up
- Chef Thomas Keller – The Michelin‑starred chef will feature a special tasting menu at the new “Tian” restaurant in the park’s culinary district.
- Chef Nancy Silverton – Known for her artisan pizzas and Italian classics, she will open a pop‑up “Napa & Sourdough” stall on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Chef José Andrés – The Spanish celebrity chef will host a series of “Tasting of Spain” nights in the “Davy Jones’s Locker” dining area.
- Chef Hye‑Sun Kim – An award‑winning Korean chef, she will bring her famed “Korean BBQ & Kimchi” concept to the “Royal Banquet Hall” for a weekend special.
The article provided a table of all chefs, their signature dishes, and the specific dates they will appear. All four chefs will also be on hand for a “Meet & Greet” session with guests who book a premium ticket.
Dining Experiences
Disneyland will expand its “World of Food” kiosks, adding a new “Farm‑to‑Table Garden” concept that highlights locally sourced produce. In addition, the “Disney Food Truck Fest” will feature two mobile kitchens on the central promenade.
Guests can book a “Food & Wine Festival Dining Package” that includes a set number of meals at select restaurants, priority reservations, and a complimentary drink at the “Silver Springs Bar.”Entertainment and Activities
Aside from dining, the festival will host weekly “Wine & Cheese” evenings, live music performances by the Disneyland Band, and a cooking demo series featuring the participating chefs. A “Culinary Passport” will allow guests to collect stamps at each event for a chance to win a behind‑the‑scenes kitchen tour.
Ticketing and Pricing
The article emphasized that the festival’s ticketing structure differs from regular Disneyland park tickets. There are two main options:
- Basic Food & Wine Festival Ticket – Includes unlimited admission to the park for the entire festival period and one complimentary dinner at any participating restaurant. Price: $350 for adults, $280 for children 3–12.
- Premium Food & Wine Festival Ticket – Adds priority dining reservations, access to all chef meet‑greet sessions, and a “Culinary Passport” for a $520 adult rate and $410 child rate.
Early bird discounts (10% off) are available for bookings made before May 31, 2026. The article linked to the ticket purchasing page, which offers a bundle option: combine the Food & Wine Festival ticket with the park’s seasonal holiday package at a discounted rate.
The press release also announced a “Festival Loyalty Program” that will award points for every purchase of a dish during the festival. Points can be redeemed for free drinks, dessert upgrades, and even a chance to be a featured chef on a future event.
How to Prepare
Disneyland’s article provided a handy checklist for festival-goers:
- Book in Advance – Because the festival draws large crowds, it’s recommended to reserve dining slots at least one month before the event.
- Download the Disneyland App – The app will offer real‑time wait‑time updates for the park, allow you to add your reservation to your itinerary, and push alerts for special events or chef arrivals.
- Pack Light – Since the festival encourages casual, “comfort‑first” eating, guests can bring a small reusable water bottle and a snack, but most visitors prefer to try everything on offer.
A link to the “How to Prepare” guide led to a separate page featuring Q&A on the festival’s schedule, what to bring, and how to handle dietary restrictions.
The Bigger Picture
Disneyland’s Food & Wine Festival has become a staple of the park’s summer lineup since its first incarnation in 2017. Over the years, the festival has grown from a handful of booths to a full‑blown culinary extravaganza that attracts food critics, bloggers, and families alike. This year’s theme—“Culinary Adventures in the Kingdom”—emphasizes the park’s storytelling ethos, with each dining experience set within a narrative context that mirrors the park’s beloved attractions.
According to a quote from Disneyland’s Food & Wine Festival Director, Maria Gonzales—included in the article—“Our goal is to make each guest feel like they’re on a culinary journey, not just eating a meal. We’re combining the best of Disney magic with the best of global gastronomy.”
The article also noted that the festival’s success has had a measurable impact on the park’s revenue. In 2024, the Food & Wine Festival drew an estimated 2.5 million attendees, contributing an extra $80 million in ticket and dining sales, according to the park’s earnings report. With the 2026 dates now set, Disneyland is poised to capitalize on a larger budget, including a new $15 million investment in restaurant upgrades and a $3.5 million expansion of the “Culinary Passport” program.
Final Thoughts
Disneyland’s announcement of the 2026 Food & Wine Festival dates is more than just a calendar update—it’s an invitation to experience a month of culinary adventure in one of the world’s most beloved entertainment destinations. With world‑class chefs, immersive dining venues, and a suite of exclusive activities, the festival promises to deliver a blend of culinary delight and Disney enchantment that is hard to find elsewhere.
For those planning a trip to Anaheim in the summer of 2026, now is the time to secure tickets, map out a dining itinerary, and prepare for a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression on both taste buds and memories. Check the official Disneyland website for ticket purchasing options, the Food & Wine Festival landing page for the full list of events, and the Culinary Passport details to start collecting stamps for a chance to win unforgettable experiences.
Read the Full Orange County Register Article at:
[ https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/03/disneyland-sets-dates-for-2026-food-wine-festival/ ]
