Disney Fun for the Whole Family—Yes, That Includes Parents!
When most people think of Disneyland Resort, they picture kids in mouse ears and long lines for character meet-and-greets. But as a parent, your Disney day doesn’t have to revolve solely around your little ones’ fun. At Disney California Adventure, there’s plenty of magic, treats, and even adult beverages to enjoy! You can sip a beer flight at Bayside Brews, indulge in Trolley Treats’ mouthwatering desserts, and relax in scenic spots like Elysian Arcade—all while your kids are having just as much fun.
Disney California is one of our favorite parks to visit because it offers so much flexibility for parents travelling with young children. It offers the perfect mix of fun for kids webbed in with pockets of adult fun too!
I’m going to walk you through a parent-approved Disney day that balances family-friendly attractions with some well-deserved adult enjoyment.
Start Your Day with a Family Plan—Without the Stress
Before we dive into the fun, here’s a quick tip: Planning your Disney day is key to maximizing fun and minimizing stress. That’s where my Disney Day Trip Planner comes in! This printable PDF is simple, fillable and one page that’s designed to help families stay organized, on schedule, and prepared for every magical moment.
👉 Click here to get your Disney Day Trip Planner now!
Bayside Brews – Cheers, You’re at Disney!
Once the morning buzz settles, make your way toward Paradise Gardens Park where you’ll find Bayside Brews. This stand is a hidden gem for adults looking to unwind. Order a beer flight and sample a rotating selection of craft brews—many from California-based breweries. It’s perfect to share with another adult in your travelling party. It also helps make the Disney day and money spent feel so worthwhile, as working parents it’s often hard to find ways to incorporate nice adult time into our trips so this offers the perfect opportunity.
Whether you’re into IPAs, lagers, or seasonal ales, there’s something refreshing on tap for you.
Parent Tip: While you sip, grab a soft pretzel for the kids or for yourself. The nearby shaded seating area is peaceful and perfect for a break before more attractions. I always like to think of this as a budget-friendly activity
San Fransokyo Square – Photo Ops & Kid-Friendly Fun
As you make your way through DCA be sure to stop by and enjoy the playful scenery, There are so many wonderful opportunities to take family pictures. San Fransokyo Square is one of the most visually striking areas in California Adventure. This reimagined land blends the charm of San Francisco with the futuristic fun of Big Hero 6.
Parents will love:
- The gorgeous bridge with panoramic views.
- Street art murals for Instagram-worthy photos.
- The immersive, cinematic atmosphere.
Kids will love:
- Meeting Baymax.
- Exploring Aunt Cass Café.
- Watching interactive animatronics at the fishing pier.
It’s a win-win! Let the kids explore while you capture some beautiful family memories against a picture-perfect Disney backdrop.
Trolley Treats – Sweets for the Whole Family
As you enter Buena Vista Street, make your way to Trolley Treats, a charming bakery brimming with Disney-inspired goodies. The churro toffee, caramel apples, and seasonal cupcakes are not just for kids—they’re adult-approved indulgences too.
We personally like to make this our last stop before heading out of the park or when we need a coffee and snack break.
The baked good designs are changed frequently often with seasons, holidays or special events changing. I made sure to grab the large seasonal cookie and it was something the three of us enjoyed sharing. My daughter on the other hand, the five-year-old must always have her cake pop.
Parent Tip: Grab a few treats to-go and head toward Elysian Arcade, a shaded, quieter spot with plenty of seating. It’s the perfect nook to sit down, relax, and savor your sweets while the kids get a break from walking. It also makes a great photo spot thanks to the vintage-style architecture and soft lighting.
Relax & Recharge by Elysian Arcade
By mid-afternoon, everyone needs a break. Return to Elysian Arcade, grab an iced coffee or another snack, and enjoy some downtime. This area offers quiet seating, beautiful vintage décor, and access to nearby shops and restrooms.
There’s a bit of seating located outside Trolley Treats and sometimes I just like to sit out here and enjoy my baked treat and enjoy the moment.
It’s also a great place to review your Disney Day Trip Planner, check off activities, and prep for the rest of the day!
Other Parent-Approved Tips for Enjoying California Adventure
- Schedule Rides Around Downtime: Use Genie+ for rides like Monsters, Inc. or Toy Story Midway Mania and plan snack breaks in between.
- Visit Animation Academy: Relax indoors while drawing Disney characters—fun for all ages!
- Use Rider Switch: Take turns on thrill rides like Incredicoaster or Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Catch Live Shows: Enjoy the atmosphere with street performances like Five & Dime or the Disney Junior Dance Party.
Plan Smarter, Not Harder with Our Day Trip Planner
Want to experience everything without the overwhelm? My Disney Day Trip Planner was created for parents just like you—moms and dads who want to enjoy Disney, not stress through it.
Includes:
- Hour-by-hour planning pages
- Snack and meal wish list
- Ride planning
Final Thoughts: Disneyland Isn’t Just for Kids—It’s for You Too!
As a working mom with a young child, I’ve learned that visiting Disneyland doesn’t mean putting my needs on hold—it means finding those magical little moments that we all enjoy. Whether it’s sipping a craft beer, indulging in Trolley Treats, or snapping selfies by the San Fransokyo bridge, Disney California Adventure offers the perfect balance of fun, food, and family time.
So next time you plan a Disney day, remember: you deserve a little pixie dust too. ✨
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