Pixar Play Parade

We have never been the family that grabs a spot on the curb hours before the parade. Our family typically visits during slower times, so finding a spot has never posed much of a problem. We arrived at Disney’s California Adventure one afternoon and noticed the Pixar Play Parade was scheduled to begin at 5:00pm. We grabbed a bite to eat at the Pacific Wharf Cafe and then headed to find a spot to watch the parade. There was plenty of room on the street so we sat down. I looked across the street and saw the Wine Country Tratorria. I told my husband I was going to go and take a peak (code for: I’m going to see if they have drinks there). What a pleasant surprise as I entered the Sonoma Terrace, right next to the Wine Country Tratorria.  Not only were there drinks to be had, but beautiful tables with great views of the parade route. I spotted an empty table next to a few folks and asked if it was taken. They said no, and in true form of Disney magic, they offered to save it for me as I retrieved my family.

The food menu at Sonoma Terrace is quite small, but who doesn’t love a meat and cheese plate with a glass of wine or a Bavarian pretzel with a craft beer?  Speaking of beer and wine, that portion of the menu had a good amount of choices. My husband went with a California Craft Beer and I enjoyed a lovely Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast.

Meanwhile, the kids had endeared themselves to our table neighbors and we all settled in to enjoy our great view of the parade. The kids loved seeing all their favorite Pixar Characters and we loved our view of the parade from somewhere other than the curb with our adult beverages. You may have to secure your prime parade viewing spot at Sonoma Terrace earlier than we did, but I would highly recommend it on your next visit. If you would like free help planning and booking that visit, don’t hesitate to contact me!