From In-N-Out burgers to Mexican-inspired tacos, plus a whole bunch of other delicious stuff in between, the Golden State is no stranger to quick, easy and affordable yet undeniably craveable cuisine. So, it’s no surprise that Disney California Adventure Park is also home to plenty of counter-service restaurants dishing up some truly tasty fast food at a price that’s also pretty easy on the wallet.
Not sure which spots are right for you and your group? Read on as we dig into the best quick-service Disney California Adventure restaurants, as well as why you should try fast food on your next trip to Disneyland. We hope you’re hungry!
What Is Quick Service at Disney California Adventure Park?
Just like the name implies, quick-service restaurants (also called counter-service restaurants) at Disneyland and California Adventure are your Disney destinations for a simple, speedy and relatively inexpensive meal. Think fast food, Disney-style.
Unlike at sit-down restaurants where you place your order with a server and then have the food brought to your table, quick-service dining means ordering at a counter (or through the Disneyland app, if you’re especially tech-savvy) before taking your feast-laden tray to wherever you’d like to eat.
Similarly, you can also expect what’s on the menu to be more on the casual side, from standard theme-park fare like burgers and pizza to slightly more elevated dishes such as bread bowls filled with cozy soups. Plus, just like the Golden State itself, you’ll also find plenty of globally inspired options. So, whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Asian or Mediterranean, California Adventure has got you covered.
How Much Is Fast Food at Disney California Adventure Park?
While a Disneyland vacation can be downright expensive, especially when traveling as a family, eating quick service instead of table service can be a great way to help keep costs low. These fast-food spots typically offer options for less than $15 per adult – a welcome reprieve from the $25 to $50 (or more!) you’d spend for a full sit-down meal. That being said, prices can vary substantially based on where and what you choose to eat.
Can You Buy Alcoholic Drinks at Quick-Service California Adventure Restaurants?
Yes! Unlike at quick-service restaurants next door in Disneyland, alcohol is available for purchase at counter-service eateries in California Adventure, from specialty cocktails to craft beers. In fact, boozy beverages are on the menu at all but three dining options on our list: Corn Dog Castle, Shawarma Palace and Studio Catering Co.
Why Choose Fast Food at Disney California Adventure Park?
Although fast food often gets a bad rap, there’s a whole lot to like when it comes to quick-service dining at California Adventure. Believe it or not, you don’t need to spend a whole lot of money for tasty eats and an immersive atmosphere. Here are some other things to keep in mind when deciding between a counter-service or table-service restaurant:
No Reservations Mean Greater Flexibility
As much as we love eating at Disneyland’s fabulous table-service restaurants, it can sometimes be tricky to snag a decent reservation time, particularly at the resort’s more popular spots. And while joining a walk-up list can come in handy, depending on how long the wait is, it can also be kind of inconvenient.
Luckily, no reservations are required to eat at quick-service restaurants in California Adventure. This gives you more flexibility during your day, a huge perk if you’re trying to squeeze in as many rides as possible. Not only are you able to stop for a quick bite whenever you feel like it, but you can even dine at strategic, less-popular times to avoid the crowds.
Mobile Ordering Streamlines Mealtime
You’re already standing in attraction queues all day long – why wait in line to order at restaurants, too? Offered at many quick-service locations, Disneyland’s mobile ordering service makes mealtime easy.
Rather than joining the masses to figure out what you want and then waiting for what feels like forever to finally get your food, mobile ordering lets you place your order ahead of time for your desired meal time. Then, once your order is ready, simply breeze past the crowds to grab your meal from a specific counter.
Placing your order while in line for a ride can be a simple way to skip the time-consuming hassle of figuring out what you want. Just be aware that, similar to reservations, more popular time slots can fill up. So, if there is a specific time and place you want to eat, make your order earlier to avoid any disappointment.
Shorter Meals Equal More Time in the Park
At many Disneyland table-service restaurants, dining isn’t just eating – it’s an experience. In other words, mealtime can get pretty lengthy if you aren’t careful. For those who are trying to cram as much as possible into their day, that can be a problem.
Fortunately, that isn’t the case with California Adventure quick-service restaurants. Just like fast food, dishes are prepared quickly and can often be eaten on the go. So, you’re only limited by how fast you can down your food. Add in the convenient mobile ordering service, and you can be fed, happy and on your way in no time.
13 Best Counter-Service California Adventure Restaurants
With quick-service Disney California Adventure restaurants found in almost every corner of the park, you’re never too far away from a yummy and relatively cheap meal. If you’re looking for speedy eats for your next visit, here are our top spots for fast food at California Adventure:
Avengers Campus
Pym Test Kitchen
In Ant-Man and the Wasp, Pym Particles are used to shrink or supersize all sorts of things. Now, thanks to the magic of Disney, Marvel fans at Avengers Campus can get a taste of the technology, literally (well, sort of). Tuck into creative bites like a panini sandwich that’s big enough for a large family to share or a salad crowned with a “Colossal Crouton.”
Cost: Breakfast – $11 to $13 per adult, Lunch and Dinner – $13 to $16 per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Ever-Expanding Cinna-Pym Toast, Pym-ini Sandwich (individual and family-sized), Not So Little Chicken Sandwich
Shawarma Palace
If fragrant shawarma could refuel the Avengers after defeating Loki, then it’s certainly filling enough to power you through a day at California Adventure. This simple food cart serves up a small but tasty assortment of handheld dishes perfect for a satisfying meal on the go.
Cost: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $13 per adult
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
What to Get: Impossible Breakfast Sha-warm-up, New York’s Tastiest, Impossible Victory Falafel
Cars Land
Cozy Cone Motel
Inspired by Sally’s automobile-friendly inn in Cars, the Cozy Cone Motel is an adorable counter-service spot serving an array of snack-worthy items, including favorites like popcorn, ice cream and churros. For something more substantial, head to the Chili Cone Queso stand for a portable bread cone stuffed with comfort food favorites.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $7 to $10 per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Bread Cones (Chili Cone Queso and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese), Churros
Flo’s V8 Café
For a fast-food meal with ambiance, you can’t beat Flo’s V8 Café. Styled after the classic drive-in restaurant from Cars, this retro-chic restaurant will have you feeling like you’re road-tripping down Route 66. Cruise through for cool vibes and diner-inspired fare the whole family will love.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $11 to $19 per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Flo’s Famous Fried Chicken, Ka-Cheeseburger, Flo’s Classic Shakes
Grizzly Peak
Smokejumpers Grill
For kid-friendly cuisine such as burgers and chicken tenders served with a side of Golden State history, drop into Smokejumpers Grill, a counter-service eatery made to look like an airplane hangar. While you’re there, be sure to check out some of the many design details sprinkled around the restaurant.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $11-$16 per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Chipotle BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Shakes
Hollywood Land
Award Wieners
When it comes to portable dishes, nothing beats the humble hot dog. Located just a short walk from Buena Vista Street, Award Wieners is a counter-service spot dishing up the all-American favorite loaded with toppings like bacon, chili and corn chips. For dessert, don’t miss out on seasonal iterations of another theme park classic: the funnel cake.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $9 to $15 per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Bacon Street Dog, Plant-based Philly Dog, Asada Fries, Seasonal Funnel Cakes
Studio Catering Co.
While there isn’t a lot on the menu at Studio Catering Co., what it lacks in options, it more than makes up for with flavor. Nestled near the Hyperion Theater, this bright red food truck serves tacos and baked potatoes with a worldly twist.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $11 to $12 per adult
Cuisine: Globally inspired American
What to Get: Al Pastor Loaded Potato (plant-based version also available), Thai Chicken Tacos
Pacific Wharf
Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
The Golden State is known for its Mexican cuisine. And while you can certainly find more authentic dishes elsewhere in California, those on offer at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill still hit the spot. Here, street tacos are available with an assortment of fillings, including carne asada, al pastor, trendy birria and vegan-friendly crispy potatoes.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $10 to $12 per adult
Cuisine: Mexican
What to Get: Street Tacos (especially QuesaBirria, Plant-based Tacos Dorados de Papa
Lucky Fortune Cookery
Asian food is another mainstay in Californian cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese, this counter-service spot is sure to please. You can even customize your ramen with an assortment of toppings. Place your order beneath twinkling paper lanterns, then make your way to the nearby patio to enjoy your meal.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $7 to $15 per adult
Cuisine: Asian
What to Get: Beef Bulgogi Burrito, Spicy Szechuan Chicken, Pork Ramen, Impossible Bánh Mì
Pacific Wharf Café
At Pacific Wharf Café, take a trip to San Francisco without ever leaving Anaheim. This quick-service restaurant cooks up an assortment of light bites like shrimp rolls and salads along with heartier dishes like soup or creamy macaroni & cheese in a quintessential sourdough bread bowl. Once you have your order, head to the sprawling patio for waterfront views while you eat.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $12 to $13 per adult
Cuisine: American, Californian
What to Get: Soup or Mac & Cheese in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, Asian Chicken Salad, Plant-based Asian Tofu Salad, Seasonal Bread Pudding
Paradise Gardens Park
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
For those traveling with picky eaters, nothing satisfies kids and adults alike like palate-pleasing pizza and pasta. This alfresco Italian joint has something for everyone (including freshly tossed, customizable salads), making it perfect for families. While there’s certainly nothing earth-shattering on offer, its convenient location near the Paradise Gardens Park stage helps make up for it.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $8 to $12 per adult
Cuisine: Italian
What to Get: Pizza (whole pies or by the slice), Five-Cheese Ravioli
Corn Dog Castle
Along with DOLE Whip and turkey legs, there’s no theme park food more iconic than the corn dog. Hand-dipped and fried until golden brown, these quintessential eats on a stick are a must. Over at Corn Dog Castle, guests can savor this carnival classic, as well as spicy hot-link and meat-free cheddar cheese versions.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $9 to $10 per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Original Corn Dog, Hot-Link Corn Dog, Cheddar Cheese Stick
Paradise Garden Grill
Things are always changing over at Paradise Garden Grill. This unique counter-service restaurant features seasonal menus inspired by the holidays and special events like the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. So, be sure to swing by during your visit to see what’s on offer. If you time your meal right, you can even eat to the beat during a live concert.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – Prices vary with seasonal menu changes, typically $15 or less per adult
Cuisine: Varies seasonally
What to Get: Sample new dishes throughout the year
Which California Adventure counter-service restaurants are your favorites? Are there any spots we forgot? Let us know in the comments! Wish you had a bigger food budget for your next trip to Disneyland? Make your dollar stretch further with our discount Disneyland and California Adventure tickets.
