Boozing it up at Disney isn’t a new thing for us – check out some of our favorite specialty cocktails here. But the addition of an outpost of Ballast Point Brewing at Disneyland is headline news in our world!
This is the San Diego-based brewery’s eighth location and will be the first-ever on-site brewery at Disneyland. The brewing company is slated to open a “three-barrel research and development brewery” in late 2018 and will take up over 9,000 square feet of the Downtown Disney District. That’s real estate well occupied. Featuring a restaurant, tasting room and a beer garden, it’ll be more than just a brewery.
“Disney approached us with this opportunity. There are so many incredible breweries in the SoCal area, so we were really honored to be tapped by Disney,” said Marty Birkel, Ballast Point president, in a press release. “We couldn’t be more honored to work with such an icon in our great state and become the first brewer at Downtown Disney. We hope SoCal locals and visitors alike will enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, seasonal cuisine and good cheer (and beer) of our signature taproom experience.”
The menu will highlight seasonal, California-inspired fare and it’s reported that some of the recipes will incorporate Ballast Point beer. Some expected menu items include Baja-style fish tacos and house-made pretzels, and ingredients like local produce, line-caught fish and steroid-free proteins will be used as available.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ballast Point to Downtown Disney,” said Patrick Finnegan, vice president of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney, in a press release last month. “Our guests are constantly asking for new and innovative dining experiences, and Ballast Point’s selection of award-winning beers, locally inspired cuisine and friendly atmosphere make them a perfect fit.”
The brewery and beer garden will only be open to guests 21 and up, though the restaurant will be family-friendly. Special limited-edition beers will be available exclusively at the Disneyland location, though there will also be around 100 draft handles ready to pour Ballast Point standbys… because who doesn’t love their Sculpin IPA?
On the east coast, Disney World in Florida has its own brewery: Big River Grille & Brewing Works. It’s a family-friendly microbrewery that puts out six beers and classic American pub food. Their ales and lagers are all brewed on-site, like the Rocket Red Ale and the seasonal Sweet Magnolia American Brown Ale.
Regardless of which coast you’re on, Disney is continuing to be the happiest place on earth.
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks
