Hi Amanda, and welcome to planDisney! You’re not wrong to wonder if something special is going on at
Disney California Adventure Park—it always feels like the kind of place where you might turn a corner and stumble into a celebration, a show, or a surprise moment of magic. So let’s take a look at what might be happening around your visit!
While the official dates haven’t been announced just yet, the
Lunar New Year festivities traditionally return to Disney California Adventure Park beginning in mid-January, so it’s very possible the park is preparing for this vibrant celebration during the time of your visit. I’d keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog—those dates should be revealed soon.
Now, let’s talk about those
dining reservations! When I checked availability for January 15, 2026, I’m currently seeing lunchtime reservations open as of the time I’m writing this. Since dining reservations open 60 days in advance, it’s possible that when you looked earlier, the booking window simply hadn’t opened yet.
Availability can change throughout the day, but right now I’m seeing several options—including one of my personal favorites,
Carthay Circle Lounge. If you can, try for a patio table. It’s a lovely spot to relax, and if the timing lines up, you might even catch a performance by
Five & Dime as they make their way down
Buena Vista Street. Their jazzy set always adds a little extra magic to lunchtime.
Another popular option is
Lamplight Lounge over at
Pixar Pier. This one fills up fast, so it wouldn’t surprise me if reservations were limited. But don’t give up! I always recommend checking early and often—I’ve personally snagged a same-day reservation here just a couple of hours before dinner, so you never know when something might open up.
And Amanda, if you’re not able to secure a table-service reservation, don’t worry one bit—Disney California Adventure Park has some truly fantastic
quick-service options.
Pym Test Kitchen in
Avengers Campus is a standout for both flavor and fun. And if you’re a chocolate fan, do yourself a favor and try the Choco Smash Bar. It’s absolutely humongous and perfect for sharing… or for enjoying all on your own. I promise I won’t tell!
Amanda, I hope this gives you a helpful head start on planning a fantastic lunch at Disney California Adventure Park. If there's anything else we can assist with, please come visit us again here at planDisney—we’re always happy to help make your planning a breeze.
See ya real soon!
Cody