Drinking in and around the Happiest Place on Earth

Sunsets + beer = happiness

While drinking inside Disneyland is limited to visits to the exclusive Club 33, it's neighbor Disney California Adventure has several options for partaking in tasty adult beverages. From outdoor carts, a bar with amazing sunset views, to a swanky lounge, there is something to suit nearly everyone's tastes.

My personal favorites are Carthay Circle Lounge, the Cove Bar and Sonoma Terrace.  Carthay Circle Lounge is a great place to hide away for a bit to either avoid the summer-time heat or crowds.  It is dark, quiet, and has several areas for both large and small groups to enjoy snacks and drinks.  Since the Cove Bar is going to be rethemed as the Lamplight Lounge, in conjunction with the transformation of Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier, it will be interesting to see what changes will be made to this fan-favorite bar.   
The Sonoma Terrace focuses more on bottled beers and is usually far less crowded than both Carthay Circle Lounge and the Cove Bar.  The majority of all of the bars, lounges, and beer carts open at 11 a.m..  Flo's V8 Cafe is the exception to this, since they are open for breakfast.  So, you can have a beer with your breakfast while enjoying the scenic views of Radiator Racer Springs.

HippopotMai-Tai

Not only are there drinking establishments within the confines of Disney California Adventure, but there are also numerous options located in the on property hotels as well as various locations throughout Downtown Disney.  One of my favorite places to visit is Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, located in the Disneyland Hotel area.  The drink menus at all of the bars both inside Disney California Adventure as well as the Disneyland Resort Hotels are generally the same.  One of the exceptions, though, is Trader Sam's.  Trader Sam's is a small, tropical indoor tiki bar.  The decor is fantastic, there are so many small details that are easily overlooked.  While sitting inside enjoying tiki drinks, it is easy to forget that you are surrounded by a massive hotel and two theme parks.

Cheers!