Lamplight Lounge opened to delighted guests on June 23, 2018 in Pixar Pier–Disney California Adventure Park’s reimagined new land. It offers table-service dining, gastro-pub cuisine and panoramic views of Paradise Bay. The decor ­is a tribute to the storytellers who have created the beloved Pixar feature films and shorts we have all become so attached to over the years.

Spoiler alert: The food is awesome. So are the drinks–both the boozy kind and the not-boozy kind. If you’re thinking about going for a meal or drinks during an upcoming visit, here’s what you need to know.

Whether you’re upstairs or down, there are no “bad seats” at the Lamplight Lounge.

The Lamplight Lounge has two outdoor dining areas.

Most guests are DYING to eat on the “top” patio formerly home to the Cove Bar. Sure, the upper patio is nice, but the lower patios also very nice (formerly home to Ariel’s Grotto) and during our review visit in the middle of the afternoon during a busy summer day, it was virtually EMPTY. (Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s bigger.) Meanwhile, guests were waiting for seats up above. We still got fabulous pictures and enjoyed scrumptious drinks.

Sunrise Spectacular cocktail. Delicious and refreshing if you are a whiskey lover.

Consider calling to make your reservation, as opposed to going online.

We made our reservation online, and while the special requests field is available to enter things you want the restaurant Cast Members to know, there’s nothing quite like speaking to a reservation Cast Member when you book. That way you can ask questions about special seating requests and talk about the best options for your dining experience. For example, will you need extra space to accommodate a stroller? Do you have a food allergy? Do you have mobility issues or a bad back? In these cases, they may not recommend some of the sofa- and club chair-style seating or request a table with a lot of space around it. To make reservations over the phone, call (714) 781-DINE. Your dining experience isn’t going to be cheap, so you might as well make it the best it can be.

You may not even need a reservation!

Although we had a reservation for Lamplight Lounge, the restaurant had plenty of seating outside and at the bar. The bar is HUGE and you can purchase the same drinks and food while grabbing a stunning view of Paradise Bay. I am always so hesitant to make dining reservations because I am terrified of missing them and then getting charged the no-show fee per person. From now on, during adult trips, I’ll be seeing if I can grab a quick seat at the bar or downstairs patio for a bite or drink – no reservation.

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The Lamplight Lounge is great for date night/day or a gals’ day out.

The Lamplight Lounge is visually stunning and kids are certain to LOVE all of the incredible art installations throughout the restaurant and there is a kids’ menu, but in my opinion, Lamplight Lounge is best for a date day/night or moms’ or gals’ (or guys’) day out. With such great food and drinks, you are going to want to sit and savor the cuisine and view, and your kids are likely not going to want to stick around as long as you will.

Lamplight Lounge menu as of Summer 2018. Subject to change without notice.

You can get your drink to go.

While it obviously makes sense that you can have an alcoholic beverage at Disney California Adventure Park since beer and wine are sold at several locations, it had never dawned on me that I could order a non beer or wine drink at a place like Lamplight Lounge and “get it to go.”

You can use your annual pass discount at Lamplight Lounge… Sort of.

You can use your annual pass discount on food and mocktails. Yay! You cannot use your annual pass for a discount on alcoholic beverages. Boo.

Mocktails for mommies! Mint-to-be and 2319. Both SO GOOD! The mint is very understated in the Mint-to-Be. They are both very refreshing.

Ask for Amir.

While, in true Disneyland Resort fashion, all of the staff at the lounge was very, very attentive, we ended up ordering drinks after our meal on the downstairs patio from a server named Amir. Trust us when we tell you that he is worth asking for. You tell him what kind of drink you’re “into” and I swear he’ll bring you exactly what you’re craving. Plus, he was just great, in general, and we are big fans of “great people” here at Babes In Disneyland.

What is your tip for those who haven’t eaten at the Lamplight Lounge? Let us know in the comments below!