It’s been almost a full year since the closure of Disney’s resorts in the US. And even though Walt Disney World opened back up over six months ago, there are still no signs of when the “Happiest Place on Earth” will re-open. In the meantime, Downtown Disney has re-opened for retail and some outdoor dining. Buena Vista Street has as well, Disney’s California Adventure’s version of “Main Street,” located behind the park’s gates. Guests have been able to get some of their favorite Disney Parks snacks, shop, and even visit an interactive WandaVision exhibit. With no reopening date in sight for rides or attractions, Disney has announced “A Touch of Disney,” a more formal special event set to take place at Disney’s California Adventure.
Exciting news! Experience some of the sights, sounds and flavors of the @Disneyland Resort with A Touch of Disney, a new, limited-capacity ticketed experience that begins March 18 at #DisneyCaliforniaAdventure park: https://t.co/m3FHTNXw7e pic.twitter.com/9jjbwXG16f
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) February 24, 2021
Rediscover The Magic of Disneyland at “A Touch of Disney”
A Touch of Disney is a new ticketed experience set within select outdoor areas of Disney’s California Adventure park. This limited-time special event will be held Thursdays through Mondays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM beginning March 18, 2021. Tickets will go on sale on March 4, 2021, and will be available for visits through April 5, 2021. Disney has stated that this is a limited-time experience and that tickets will be released on a rolling basis. Much like Park Pass Reservations, you will have to purchase the tickets for the date you wish to visit.
Details are still coming out, but Disney has shared that a “selection of iconic food and beverages” from Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure will be available. These include guest favorites such as DOLE Whip, Monte Cristo sandwiches, and more. Many of these items will be served snack size. Food and beverage locations such as Smokejumpers Grill, Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Award Wieners, and more will also be open. In addition, six “seasonal and creatively themed” marketplaces will be located throughout the park.
If you’re looking for more than a bite or are craving Lobster Nachos, you’re in luck. Table reservations will be available for both Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge beginning March 11, 2021, for alfresco dining only. Table reservations do not provide admission to A Touch of Disney. You will need to have a reservation and a ticket for the day you plan on attending. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended. We assume they will have some walk-up availability. Even if that is offered, there’s a good chance the waitlist will fill up in no time flat.
“A Touch of Disney” Ticket Pricing & Details
Tickets will be $75 for guests ages 3 and over. For this price, each ticket includes:
- Parking at the Mickey & Friends parking structure starting at 11:30 AM the day of your visit
- A $25 “A Touch of Disney” Dining Card you can redeem for food and/or nonalcoholic beverages within the Disneyland Resort (subject to restrictions)
- Access to limited areas of Disney’s California Adventure with the ability to see Mickey and some of his friends as well as some favorite Pixar characters
- Unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken the day of your visit
Downtown Disney will remain open to the public, just as it has been since it reopened. The only change will be that public access to Buena Vista Street will end on March 15th. It will be available only to A Touch of Disney guests beginning March 18th.
Wrapping Up the Magic
The Disneyland Resort’s closure has gone on far longer than anyone could have imagined back in March, 2020. This is just one more step to re-opening the parks while finding new ways to bring in revenue and offer guests a “touch” of Disney. The ticket price is a pretty steep cover charge – as you’re simply paying to have the ability to eat, drink and spend even more money. Including parking as well as a $25 credit helps a bit. Any diehard Disneyland fan who hasn’t gotten their fix by flying to Walt Disney World will certainly pay this price in a heartbeat. Here’s hoping it goes off without a hitch. It might just be the proof needed to convince the Governor of California to reopen the parks fully.
