Nestled in the heart of the newly opened San Fransokyo Square at Disney’s California Adventure Park is Aunt Cass Café, a quick service restaurant serving up American and Asian-inspired dishes in a charming setting reminiscent of the Big Hero 6 animated film.
A Bakery Café in San Fransokyo Square
Aunt Cass Café replaces the former Pacific Wharf Café and carries on the tradition of serving soups and sandwiches in sourdough bread bowls baked fresh daily by Boudin Bakery. Fans of the original café will be happy to know that the signature sourdough loaves, rounds, and baguettes are still available for purchase.
The theming ties into the story of Aunt Cass, the loving guardian of young inventor Hiro Hamada in Big Hero 6. Guests dining at her café are transported to the fictional hybrid city of San Fransokyo, which blends Japanese and San Francisco culture. The menu likewise features a fusion of flavors from Japanese and American cuisine.
Atmosphere and Seating
Upon entering Aunt Cass’s Café, visitors are immediately transported into a harmonious blend of San Fransokyo’s bustling city vibes and Aunt Cass’s warm, homely environment from the “Big Hero 6” movie. The café has been meticulously crafted to exude an ambiance that feels both familiar and enchanting, a testament to the ingenuity of Disney’s Imagineers.
Architectural Design: Drawing inspiration from the movie’s unique blend of San Francisco and Tokyo architectural aesthetics, the café presents an eclectic façade. The entrance boasts a large signboard reminiscent of neon-lit Tokyo streets, while the overall structure leans more towards San Francisco’s Victorian townhouses. The blending of these two styles provides an immediate sense of the duality that San Fransokyo represents.
Interior/Exterior Settings: Inside, the café is a visual treat. The walls are adorned with framed pictures of Hiro, Baymax, and other beloved characters from the movie, offering glimpses into their adventures and evoking a sense of nostalgia. In some corners, you’ll find Aunt Cass’s personal touch, with family photos and memorabilia from her culinary journey. Colorful menu boards behind the counter display the offerings, including a special Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough for Halloween.
The seating layout is both intimate and communal. There are cozy booths for families and friends to huddle together, while larger communal tables with chic bar stools cater to bigger groups or guests looking to strike up a conversation with fellow diners.
One of the interior’s focal points is the open-concept kitchen, allowing guests to watch as chefs craft their dishes. This design choice not only pays homage to Aunt Cass’s own kitchen from the film but also adds an interactive element to the dining experience, enveloping visitors in the tantalizing aromas and the hustle and bustle of a working kitchen.
There is indoor and outdoor seating available, with a nice view of the waterfront. The outdoor tables are shaded by umbrellas, providing a pleasant spot to enjoy your meal.
Ambiance and Lighting: The lighting at Aunt Cass’s Café perfectly complements its décor. During the day, large windows allow natural sunlight to filter in, casting a soft glow over the wooden tables and creating a lively, cheerful environment. As evening sets, ambient lighting takes over. Warm, dimmed lights paired with neon accents evoke the vibrant nighttime scenes of San Fransokyo. The occasional flicker of a faux neon sign or a soft-glowing Baymax lamp adds to the charm.
Soundscape: Background music is carefully curated to enhance the overall atmosphere. Expect to hear soft jazz tunes intermingled with contemporary beats, representing the cafe’s dual cultural influence. Occasionally, familiar melodies from the “Big Hero 6” soundtrack might waft through the air, eliciting smiles from fans.
Fusion Food and Drink
The menu features a range of sandwiches, salads, and soups served up in those famous sourdough bread bowls. New additions include the Curry Beef Bowl, San Fransokyo Clam Chowder, and Soba Noodle Salad.
- Curry Beef Bowl – Beef, carrots, potatoes and onions cooked in a classic curry served over rice in a bread bowl [$12.49]Â
- San Fransokyo Clam Chowder – Creamy clam chowder with bacon, potatoes and white miso in a bread bowl [$12.49]
- Soba Noodle Salad – Chilled soba noodles with tofu, edamame, carrots and corn [$12.49]
- Shrimp Katsu Sandwich – Panko breaded shrimp patty with spicy mayo [$13.99]
- Japanese-style Fluffy Cheesecake – Light and airy matcha-flavored cheesecake [$6.99]Â
For drinks, guests can sip on specialty lemonades like the Honey Lemon-ade, as well as cold brew coffee, tea, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Mobile Ordering and Payment
Aunt Cass Café offers mobile ordering through the Disneyland app, allowing guests to skip the line and go straight to the designated pick-up area when their food is ready.
Discounts
Disneyland Magic Key holders get a 15% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages at Aunt Cass Café. No other discounts apply at this location.
Location
Nestled in the bustling hub of California Adventure Park, Aunt Cass’s Cafe is conveniently situated, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the park or seeking a delightful gastronomic break. Detailed theming and aesthetic designs transport guests right into San Fransokyo, merging the vibrant world of Big Hero 6 with the immersive magic of Disney.
Hours of Operation
Aunt Cass Café is open daily during normal Disney California Adventure park hours, which are typically 10am to 10pm. Actual hours may vary by day and season, so be sure to check the park hours on the day of your visit.
History of the Café
The inception of Aunt Cass’s Café is a testament to Disney’s commitment to merging cinematic magic with real-world experiences. As “Big Hero 6” became a global sensation, Disney saw an opportunity to bring the world of Hiro, Baymax, and, of course, Aunt Cass to life. Thus, in collaboration with culinary experts and Disney Imagineers, the concept of Aunt Cass’s Café was born.
Choosing California Adventure Park as its home was no random decision. The park’s ethos of celebrating the diverse landscapes and culture of California perfectly complemented the fusion of American and Asian flavors the café aimed to deliver. Since its opening, Aunt Cass’s Café has emerged as a beloved spot, not just for fans of the movie but for anyone seeking a delightful dining experience.
The original Pacific Wharf Café opened with Disney’s California Adventure in 2001. It quickly became a guest favorite for its sourdough bread bowls, chowder, and scenic location along Paradise Bay. In 2023, the café was reimagined and renamed Aunt Cass Café to tie into the new Big Hero 6-themed land. While the location and signature bread bowls remain, the refreshed menu adds more diversity with Asian-inspired offerings. Even in fictional San Fransokyo, the warm hospitality Aunt Cass is known for shines through in this charming café by the bay.
Tips for Dining at Aunt Cass Café
- Arrive before peak mealtimes if possible, as the line can get long at busy times.
- Mobile order ahead while you’re waiting in other lines to maximize your time in the park.
- Ask for the curry beef or clam chowder bread bowls – they’re guest favorites!
- Save room for the Japanese cheesecake if you have a sweet tooth.
- Request outdoor seating for waterfront views, but keep an eye out for seagulls!
- Bring your Magic Key discount card to save 15% on your meal.
Conclusion
Whether you’re on a quest to relive the magic of “Big Hero 6” or simply in search of a scrumptious meal, Aunt Cass’s Café promises a culinary adventure like no other. With its extensive menu, delightful ambiance, and the classic touch of Disney magic, it’s a must-visit spot in California Adventure Park. So, the next time you find yourself in the park, let Aunt Cass treat you to a meal you won’t soon forget.
