Disneyland is building even more places to drink

September 5, 2018, 12:29 PM · Disneyland just can't stop building bars, can it?

Today, the resort announced the addition of two new bars to its hotels, following last week's announcement of its first-ever bar inside Disneyland Park, in the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge land.

The Disneyland Hotel's Tangaroa Terrace will expand into the Tangaroa Terrace Bar & Grill, adding an outdoor bar and a walk-up window for coffee and Dole Whips. The restaurant will close for the refurbishment on Sunday and will reopen sometime around the middle of January next year.

At the Grand Californian, Disney will add a new poolside bar next spring. No word yet on the specific beverages and appetizers that Disney will serve here, but Disney will be adding table and lounge seating next to the pool for bar patrons.

Grand Californian poolside bar
Concept art courtesy Disney

Also at the Grand Californian, Disney is refurbishing White Water Snacks, which will reopen later this year with "a fresh new look." Hearthstone Lounge will offer grab-and-go food to help carry load for White Water Snacks while it is closed.

The guest flow through White Water Snacks always struck me a bit weird, and it's been probably the least-charming space to sit within the entire hotel (which still leaves it miles ahead of your average hotel restaurant). But the breakfast burrito is amazing, and the nachos have been a great get-away-from-the-crowds mid-day snack, so many fans recommend this quick service location anyway. Here's hoping it gets even better with a redesign.

Replies (6)

September 5, 2018 at 1:02 PM

White Water Snacks has always had a great burger, better than in the parks, although I think the park burgers have improved. Adding bars at the hotels is not a big thing, not like serving alcohol inside Disneyland.

September 5, 2018 at 2:03 PM

I'm sorry but I have to come into defense for White Water Snacks.
It's one of my families favorite spots to eat & the food is actually delicious and affordable. Sitting outside is on the border to Grizzly Peak & always feels like your eating in the woods.
The only things I can agree with you is the guest flow, as it can seem a little dark/abandoned in that area at night.

September 5, 2018 at 3:18 PM

Best Kept Secret at DLR: The inexpensive and delicious All-American Breakfast at White Water Snacks.

September 6, 2018 at 12:05 AM

A ton of new drinking places. Wow.

September 6, 2018 at 7:28 AM

Think they should keep alcohol out of a family environment park. I can just imagine the lines getting obnoxious with some drunk in it waiting for an hour only to puke on the ride and having to close it down for cleaning. I think disney is making a big mistake.

September 6, 2018 at 9:25 AM

Glad to read Tangaroa Terrace is getting some TLC, especially outside. Seemed like most of the space outside Trader Sam's was wasted as it wasn't clear table service was available there. Hopefully the new outside bar will make it easier to handle the overflow crowd when Trader Sam's is full.

I love White Water Snacks. Best hidden restaurant inside DLR. Looks like grab-n-go, but has good made-to-order food.

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