Wine Country Trattoria Lounge at Disney California Adventure

Last week, we ate at the Wine Country Trattoria in Disney California Adventure twice. Neither of our dining experiences were planned, but like most tired travelers, we were so exhausted that we needed a place to sit down. So instead of going to one of the cleverly named counter service restaurants (Such as "Award Weiners") we opted for the more expensive and more relaxing full service dining experience. Our two experiences were as different as night and day, so I'll write two reviews. One for the lounge, or the "Terrace Wine Tasting" as it's also known and one for the full restaurant experience. This review is for the lounge area.

Our first night at Disney was something we squeezed in at the last minute. After a long day sightseeing on The Queen Mary and at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, we couldn't resist heading over to Disney California Adventure when we got back to our Anaheim hotel room to see the much talked about "EleTRONica" and the new fountain show "World of Color". (Both of which I will also write reviews for and provide pictures of soon.) We got to DCA, as it's often called, around 5:00. We walked around and then watched the opening show for ElecTRONica. After that and a few rides, my husband and I hit a wall. We were grumpy. Majorly grumpy. Like most theme parks, Disney's California Adventure can get cramped, especially right now as it is undergoing extensive construction in a few areas leaving much of the normal walking room completely blocked off and jamming the flow of traffic to sometimes near unbearable claustrophobic conditions.

Of course, I'm being dramatic. Nothing is unbearable at a Disney Park. But when you're tired and you're in your late twenties and you're jet-lagged, something has to give. So we decided to go sit down at the Wine Country Trattoria lounge and have a cocktail and some appetizers. This tucked away little lounge may be, not to sound cliché, one of the best kept secrets in the park. It's third story level and open air seating allows you to look down on the park and gives you a great vantage point for the construction if you happen to be curious about what's going on behind the barricades. The peaceful distance also allows you to get some space from the crowds and takes you out of all the loud noise and close physical proximity to strangers you may not have adjusted to yet on your vacation.

Topping off the view, the cozy overhead heating they provide on chilly nights and the ultra clean and empty bathroom you have at your disposal when there is of course the food and beverages. I ordered an agave nectar margarita and the caprese salad and my husband ordered a Blue Moon beer and the bruschetta. Service was a little slow the night we were there, but in all fairness, we came to the lounge just a few minutes before it closed. So they were kind enough to take us and we didn't mind waiting on our server as he took care of other tables down on the floor. The longer we waited, the more we got to rest out tired tourist feet.

When the drinks arrived, they were expertly mixed. You'll be ruined for margaritas if you have one at the Wine Country Trattoria lounge. The appetizers were delicious and best of all, fresh. If you aren't used to fine dining, the small portion sizes may initially throw you. But remember, you are paying for quality food here, not over-processed quantity like most of us are used to at national chains. Not to sound like a snob, believe me, I can gorge myself on Olive Garden breadsticks with the best of them. But eating real food, tasting it fresh and simple, was just as good as any Disney magic you find on the rides or in the shows. The unexpected and uncommon textures and surprisingly light flavors (tangy balsamic reduction, fresh basil, and tender tomatoes) will be a welcome change.

The best part of our experience there was being able to relax and enjoy a more mature theme park experience. Disney Parks do an amazing job of catering to those of us adults who love to go to their parks but don't have kids yet. We were celebrating our five year wedding anniversary and the atmosphere at the lounge was quiet and romantic with soft lighting and gentle background music.

If you find yourself absolutely exhausted at Disney California Adventure but not ready to call it a day yet (You might as well stay until closing, you paid a hefty price for the entire day!) I would highly recommend the Wine Country Trattoria Lounge for a cocktail and a snack, but most of all, for a rest!

Bonus Tip: Make sure to snag a fast-pass for the new nighttime show "World of Color" and then head to the lounge the hour or so before your show starts. Or you can also purchase dinner packages at the Wine Country Trattoria's restaurant proper that will offer you an amazing view of "World of Color" while having a good meal. Simply walk up to the hostess stand at any point during the day (which is outdoors) and ask for details, but if you have your heart set on it...check in with them early to secure a reservation. Seats fill up quickly, but a dinner package is worth it if you're celebrating something extra special that calls for a little romance!