Looking for a unique dining experience near the Disneyland Resort? Look no further than RISE at the Westin Anaheim Resort. Located just across Katella with sweeping views of Disney California Adventure Park, it’s a spot you can’t skip if you’re looking for a spot with a little magic outside of the theme parks. We were recently hosted and had a fantastic experience from start to finish.
With outstanding service, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a view you have to see to believe, RISE has a lot to offer! Here are five reasons to visit this swanky rooftop lounge on your next trip to Disneyland.
1. You’ll Enjoy Quality Service
When you arrive at RISE, expect a warm greeting from the staff. The hosts were so welcoming, making us feel comfortable and warm by adjusting the heater to accommodate the cold evening air.
Our server, Lindsey, was so patient and attentive. She had great suggestions for the menu and offered modifications to make our dining experience more enjoyable. I cannot say enough good things about Lindsey and her impeccable service making this a quality dining experience. I wouldn’t expect anything less from the Westin Anaheim resort.
One of my favorite features Lindsey pointed out was the light inside our menu. The light made it convenient to look at the menu and see everything clearly!
2. The Food is Fantastic
We have to talk about the fantastic food options you’ll find here! RISE offers an eclectic mashup of California and Mediterranean sharable bar bites. Everything I ate was a 10/ out of 10. Each item I ordered was cooked to perfection, making this a delectable dining experience from start to finish.
What will you find on the menu? Here’s a peek at some of the tasty treats I tried, both savory and sweet, along with my thoughts on each:
The Baked Lobster Mac and Cheese, with lobster on the side. Photo by Adrienne White
Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese: Boursin Cheese, Citrus Crumb Gremolata, $22
Just think of creamy mac and cheese perfection. Lindsey offered to put the lobster on the side – which was a great option for my vegetarian friend dining with me. The citrus crumb topping gave this dish a nice texture.
The Neapolitan-inspired SoCal pizza. Photo by Adrienne White
SoCal: Oven Roasted Tomato & Green Onion, Avocado, Queso Fresco, Cotija Cheese, Lemon Zest, Cilantro Pesto, $20
The SoCal is exactly as good as it sounds. This pizza was so delicious with rich savory flavors. My favorite part was the oven-roasted tomatoes with the avocado slices. Each flavor was complimented nicely with the fresh thin sliced pizza.
The sweet Strawberry Almond Shortcake. Photo by Adrienne White
Strawberry Almond Shortcake: Vanilla Bean Cream, Macerated Strawberries, Micro Mint, $10
When it came to dessert, it was very hard to choose! I heard from Lindsey that this was a crowd-pleaser, so we had to give it a try. Let me tell you, this did not disappoint. Everything is so light and fresh. The vanilla bean cream mixed with macerated strawberries made this a balanced dessert with tartness and sweetness in each bite. I paired my dessert with a glass of bubbly (JCB No 21, French Sparkling, Brut, France $12), and it really hit the spot!
3. There’s an Array of Craft Cocktails and Mocktails to Try
The RISE Rooftop Lounge menu has so many fun drinks to try, from the signature RISE sangria to the whimsical Chocolate Wasted cocktail. There are so many fun drinks for adults to enjoy. The bartenders can also make a mean mocktail, too!
Here’s a look at what I sampled during my visit:
The Passion Fruit Martini. Photo by Adrienne White
Passion Fruit Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Passion Fruit Puree, Lime, $15
Let’s just say this was so nice I had to try it twice! I imagine this is a favorite on a warm summer day, but I had it in the evening and it was just as good. I also tried a drink from the hidden menu, the Lavender Martini; it was similar to this, with hints of lavender instead of passion fruit. Both versions were delightful.
The bourbon-based It’s Complicated cocktail. Photo by Adrienne White
It’s Complicated: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Liquor 43, Espresso, Old Fashioned Bitters, $16
Oh boy! This drink is strong, but all of the flavors are there. I really loved the hint of espresso coupled with the Woodford Reserve Bourbon. This wasn’t my favorite drink, but it’s still a sophisticated libation worth mentioning. If you love bourbon, definitely give this drink a try.
4. RISE Rooftop Offers Live Entertainment
On select nights, you’ll find live entertainment at RISE. When we went, there was a DJ playing pop hits and a mashup of Disney classics during the fireworks. There’s a small area to dance near the DJ, but most folks enjoy the music from their table. Live entertainment always elevates the experience for me, so this was a nice treat on a Friday night!
5. You’ll Enjoy Proximity to the Park with a Magical View
A look at just how magical the view from RISE is during Disney’s nighttime spectaculars. Photo by Adrienne White
RISE at the Westin Anaheim has one of the best views of Disney California Adventure Park. It’s located just across the street and is about a brisk 10-minute walk from the Grand Californian Hotel lobby. It’s the perfect place to wrap up a park visit or spend a night close to the Disney magic, with the extra perks of delicious snacks and sips. You can catch the fireworks from the rooftop location, peer across the streets at the views of Pixar Pal-A-Round and the peaks of Cars Land, and revel in the fantastic sights.
Once you make it to the Westin Anaheim, head to the elevator and go all the way up to the roof. When you arrive, look out at the breathtaking views of the Disneyland Resort. We timed our dining just right to watch the nighttime spectaculars – and we were able to see the pyrotechnics from Hurry Home (the Pre-Show to World of Color for Lunar New Year). You can see the water fountains of World of Color shoot up high into the air (as high as the Pixar Pal-A-Round ferris wheel). We also caught the fireworks from the newest Disneyland show, Wondrous Journeys. Eating a delicious dessert with a magical Disney view was the icing on top of the cake for us.
Plan a Visit to RISE Rooftop Lounge at the Westin Anaheim During Your Next Disneyland Trip
RISE Rooftop Lounge at the Westin Anaheim Resort is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Head over to the lounge’s website to secure reservations and review the dress code before your trip.
RISE has so much to offer, whether you’re a tourist, a local on a night out, a couple seeking a romantic dinner for two, or a family looking for something unique outside of the Disneyland Resort. This experience is one I’m still thinking about – and I may have booked another reservation just to experience the beauty of the lounge during the day! People come to RISE Rooftop Lounge for the specialty drinks and food, but they definitely stay for the friendly atmosphere and impeccable views!
