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Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure is the hottest ticket at Disneyland Resort. This nod to everything Pixar animation is both immersive and delicious. Keep reading for a full review on both Lamplight Lounge reserved dining on the lower level and the walk-up only option around the back at the former Cove Bar.
I know you’re probably here for the Lobster Nachos and that’s totally cool because they’re totally delicious—but Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier has much more to offer than just the famous nachos. But first, a couple important questions if you haven’t been to Disneyland Resort in a bit.
Does Lamplight Lounge have Lobster Nachos? Yes! One of the first things Disney revealed to us as we said good bye to Cove Bar, was that Lobster Nachos would make a comeback at Lamplight Lounge. You can also customize these babies with various meats or vegetarian options.
Is Cove Bar closed? Yes, Cove Bar is now Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure’s Pixar Pier. Many of your favorite drinks and menu items have returned, including Lobster Nachos.
Is Ariel’s Grotto closed? Yes, Ariel’s Grotto is now Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure’s Pixar Pier. Click here to read about other character dining options at Disneyland Resort.
Lamplight Lounge Atmosphere
This is the number one spot any Pixar fan needs to visit when vacationing at Disneyland Resort. Grab your discount tickets here and start planning! Lamplight Lounge is a tribute to Pixar storytellers, and if you’re used to looking for “Easter eggs” in Pixar films, you’ll want to keep an eye out for them here, too.
The eclectic interior features an open indoor dining space with leather couches, comfy chairs and Pixar treasures everywhere! When you dine indoors, you may even snag a table along the exposed brick wall, sectioned off to feature various Pixar movies. We sat at the WALL-E wall and loved looking at the knick-knacks and momentos on display. 
Outside and around the back, it’s the familiar space formerly know as Cove Bar, now with a Pixar twist but still the same beatufitul views of Paradise Bay and Pixar Pal-A-Round.
Which tables have you sat at inside Lamplight Lounge? Each offers such a unique vantage point inside!
Lamplight Lounge Reservations
Do I need reservations for Lamplight Lounge? If you want the full Lamplight Lounge experience and the complete menu, you’ll want to book dining reservations 60 days out. At press time, Lamplight Lounge is still the hottest spot to get reservations. I called the very first day reservations were open and took whatever time they could give me for my visit. Later on when I tried to change it, there were no spots open. Use the Disneyland mobile app, or call (714) 781-DINE between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily (Pacific Time).
Can I visit Lamplight Lounge without reservations? Both the upstairs and downstairs lounges accept walk-ins but offer a slightly smaller menu. The indoor space is mostly for reservations only.
Lamplight Lounge Menu
When I first saw the menu online I was underwhelmed. I thought it lacked variety from other theme park food items and I wanted more Pixar-type dishes. Then I started to see the food pics pop up on my Instagram feed—and it was making me hungry! I still felt a little meh about the menu offerings when I arrived, but it’s the venue itself and the drinks that really amp up the game. But first, let’s talk food.
We ordered nachos, and since I was feeding a gaggle of kids I ordered them with chicken instead. You can really customize your nacho options here with steak, chicken or go vegetarian. We also ordered a kid meal slider, and the potato skins which I thought were lacking. They tasted like soggy hash-browns and wasn’t what I was expecting. 
There are plenty of other things on the menu I’d love to try next time, but with one a adult and a group of kids, I didn’t want to have one huge entree just for me. Instead we ordered a few things to share. I’m looking forward to trying the carne asada roll, chicken sandwich and spinach salad on my next visits. And if I can manage, the mini donuts that are only served indoors for dessert.
Lamplight Lounge Drinks
If you’re not here for the Lobster Nachos, my next guess is you’re here for the drinks. Cove Bar was famous for their cocktails and that’s one thing Lamplight Lounge has going for it as well. True to my style, I ordered every mocktail on the menu and we weren’t disappointed. My youngest ordered Goofball Island which is a fruit punch, lemonade and raspberry mixed drink. 
These cool dudes ordered the crowd-pleaser, Infinity Fizz with moutain berry Powerade, apple juice, cherry pearls and amazing effects!
The 2319 is of course a nod to Monters, Inc. featuring frozen strawberry purée, cream of coconut, pineapple juice and Coca-Cola®. Not pictured, we also ordered Mint to Be (because I can’t resist any drink with mint!) and Falling with Style to round it all out.
Now if you’re looking for drinks with a little more punch to it, you’ll find a huge variety of cocktails, along with draft, bottle and can beer selections. I love the Pixar connection with all the names!
Lamplight Lounge Gluten-free Food
I’ve covered gluten-free dining at Disneyland here, and at press time gluten-free options include:
- Gluten-free carne asada roll
- Gluten-free grilled chicken salad
- Gluten-free lobster nachos
- Gluten-free potato skins
- Gluten-free spinach salad
- Gluten-free ratatouille
- Gluten-free bun, burger
- Gluten-free kids bun with burger slider
Have you dined at Lamplight Lounge—continue the discussion on my Facebook page here.
Disneyland expert who also loves the beach, flip flops and pink nail polish.
I have never been to Lamplight Lounge but went to Cove Bar and I plan to go in November and have already made my reservation for lunch. I hope the Lobster Nachos are just like they used to be, because that is why we are going.
Awesome Roxanne, yes these are the same nachos you are used to! Delicious at every bite. Glad you got a reservation since they can be hard to snag.