Like many folks, two passions fire up my life beyond my family: food and Disney. When roaming the expansive parks, often covering over 10 miles a day, proper nourishment is essential. Beyond beloved theme park classics like popcorn and corn dogs, both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park boast a wide range of delectable options that could hold their own at any standard restaurant. Here's my convenient compilation of preferred grub from these parks.

Starting at Disney California Adventure is Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, located in San Fransokyo Square. You'll witness a bustling atmosphere inspired by Disney’s Big Hero 6. Try the quesabirria tacos loaded with hearty beef, painstakingly slow-cooked with spices. These tacos might have you melted into your chair, forgetting your park journey. While not quite Jalisco, Mexico, where birria comes from, these crispy, cheesy bites come close. Don't forget the savory consomé for dipping.

Cross over to Disneyland's New Orleans Square, where beignets offer a unique take on Cafe Du Monde's iconic sweet bread. Unlike their crisp, cake-like cousins, these beignets are lighter and incredibly fluffy. Topped with the perfect amount of powdered sugar, they make a perfect breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or after-dark dessert.

Next, drop by Bengal Barbecue at Disneyland's Adventureland. Simple yet satisfying, try their seasonal wild boar sausage served with a cucumber tomato salad, miso aioli, and grilled lavash. The sausage is impeccably juicy, and while the lavash is average, the miso aioli‘s umami flavor more than makes up. Accentuate your dining experience with a creamy Thai Tea Slush with honey boba, generously topped with a frothy cold foam.

At Disney California Adventure's Pixar Pier, the Lamplight Lounge awaits. Indulge in a cheese dip done right – a splendid mix of warm ricotta, cheddar, roasted peppers, and caramelized leeks. Savory pork belly bits elevate this dip, paired perfectly with toasted sourdough crostini strong enough to scoop up a bit of everything. It's a treat best enjoyed with company or savored solo.

The Aunt Cass Cafe in San Fransokyo Square, Disney California Adventure serves a dessert that takes me back to my Asian grocery store adventures with my grandparents. The uniquely flavored taro paired with bread pudding is a delight. Perfectly moist without being overly spongy, the bread pudding gets its light sweetness from the taro. A decadent coconut vanilla sauce ties together the flavors, garnished with chewy boba pearls to add a tantalizing texture to every mouthful.

Finally, savor a taste of simplicity at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure's fruit carts. Your trip would be incomplete without a Disneyland pickle. The first visitor to buy a pickle at the Main Street fruit cart gets a "first pickle" pin. Latecomers can still enjoy the garlic-rich, mildly spicy pickles as a refreshing snack. This is a pickle experience like no other – juicy, tart, and bursting with flavor.