Everything we ate and experienced at Disneyland’s seasonal festivities

When I was a kid, my parents were only able to take my siblings and I to a Disneyland trip once, but just recently I had the opportunity to go back and experience the magic all over again while also diving into their holiday season festivities.

It was pouring rain when my colleague Brenda Verano and I arrived at the park, but did a few drops stop us from having a happy, magical day? Not a chance! 

Our Media Day experience kicked off in the Magic Kingdom Ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel, where we warmed up with rich hot chocolate, enjoyed lively performances, posed for photos with the Three Caballeros in their festive outfits inspired by their 70th Celebration and enjoyed a special preview of what the parks had in store.

After leaving the hotel, we visited Disney California Adventure park to enjoy the Sip and Savor Pass that gave us the opportunity to try six items listed on their foodie guide map and of course we tried a couple of their Latino-inspired dishes, pastries, drinks and more.

Our first stop was at the Studio Catering Co. where we tried the Beef Brisket Slider, which included smoked onions and horseradish ketchup on a pretzel roll. I rated this item a 7/10.

As someone with a sweet tooth, I had to make our second stop at the Terran Treats by the Avengers Campus, where I tried their Strawberry Basil Churro. It had strawberry sauce, basil dust and whipped topping. I rated this item a 9/10.

Now that Christmas is approaching, of course we had to try their Barbacoa Tamal de Res with Oaxaca cheese, tomatillo salsa and crema and see if it was Latino-approved. At first I had my doubts about this item because I've never had a barbacoa tamal in my life so it was definitely something new. But it definitely passed the test … it was delicious. I rated this item 10/10.

Our fourth stop was for the Café de Olla Carajillo Cocktail, which included Spanish liqueur, Joffrey’s Mexico Origin Coffee, whole and condensed milk and house-made spiced piloncillo syrup topped with a chocolate dulce de leche sweet cream and garnished with a mini pan dulce. As someone who likes their coffee on the sweeter side, the  coffee was too strong for my taste but I did appreciate the presentation and the pan dulce. I rated this item a 5/10.

Other items on their holiday menu also include:

Fresas con Crema Churro: Classic churro topped with fresh strawberries and condensed milk.

Pumpkin-spiced Horchata Cold Brew: A non-alcoholic beverage.

Tacos Dorados de Camarón: Two shrimp tacos fried to a golden brown topped with zesty slaw, salsa roja and salsa macha, served with Spanish rice and refried beans.

Al Pastor Torta: Toasted Telera bread, marinated pork, avocado spread, chorizo beans, lettuce, pickled red onions and a grilled pineapple slice served with tortilla chips.

Esquites Loaded Chips: Chile-lime chips smothered in corn kernels, cotija cheese, chile-lime seasoning and crema.

Chocolate Cake Flan: Layers of flan on chocolate cake with caramel.

Buñuelos Biónico: Fried tortilla chips coated in cinnamon and sugar, loaded with fresh fruit, toasted coconut and sweetened condensed banana milk.

My colleague and I also visited “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” for their holiday entertainment, décor and a dash of Disney magic, which is showcased through January 7, 2026.  The “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” location also offers a fabulous fiesta street party, hosted by the Three Caballeros, which features performances, including authentic folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, drummers and incredible 12-foot-tall mojiganga papier-mâché puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a special appearance by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their fiesta best.

On January 6, the resort will also host a Three Kings Day celebration in Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure Park, paying tribute to the Three Wise Men’s visit to the Nativity.

Even with our stomachs full of sweet holiday treats, we made sure to squeeze in a few magical rides before leaving. Having never visited the parks during the holiday season, the experience felt especially meaningful and a reminder that sometimes we all need a place to reconnect with and heal our inner child.