Dining @ Disneyland ~ DISers Reviews

[Mary Jo]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/flowerface.GIF <font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=navy>Please post your reviews of the various restaurants and eateries at Disneyland.

What's your favorite place? Which place has the best ambience for your family, and why? Share your memorable experiences with us.

[nickglover]

Blue Bayou - We were there September 12, after having to re-schedule from September 11. We thought the food and the atmosphere were both excellent. We both had the spice-encrusted pork loin with potatoes and green beans. The pork was excellent - spicy and moist. The potatoes were superb - probably because they were made with cream! They were similar to scalloped potatoes with cream and onions. The chef stopped by, and after we commented on how good they were, he came back with the recipe for us. We enjoyed our meal very much. The only thing they could improve upon would be the bread they provided - nothing to write home about. The atmosphere was great - cool and quiet.

[c&m]

We were just there last week and ate at the Blue Bayou and Goofy's Kitchen. Though the ambience was wonderful at the BB, we particularly enjoyed Goofy's Kitchen. There was a variety to choose from. The roast lamb was good that night. My DD loved their spaghetti with red sauce from the kids buffet. She ate so much that night. We were quite impressed this time with their food (last time we went in '98, we were shocked at how bad the food given how much we paid!). The characters came out, danced around, greeted at the tables, and the kids loved it! Though the meal was still pricey, we enjoyed it overall and thought it was worth it.

[LuvTigger]

Monday, October 8, 2001

We walked through Fantasyland and ended up in Frontierland where we had lunch at the Rancho del Zocalo. I think there was a 10% coupon with our funbook that came with the package, but I forgot to use it. This looked like a sit-down restaurant, but was actually buffeteria style. There was a woman inside the entrance directing people. One counter was for the barbeque items, the other counter for Mexican, with one line being for certain items, I think burritos and nachos, and the other line for other stuff. The Mexican looked really good, but Aaron wanted barbeque, so I went along. Aaron ordered the chicken fried steak sandwich with gravy and lettuce and tomato on the side ($9.99), and I ordered the BBQ Combo which had a big piece of chicken and 2 ribs with beans and something like cornbread with peppers and cinnamon (really good!)($11.99). Both plates came with lots of cole slaw and fries. We shared a drink ($2.19). I liked Aaron's sandwich, but mine was just "okay." I was looking at everyone else eating Mexican and decided that we should do that next time. Our total here ws $25.98.

[LuvTigger]

Tuesday, October 9, 2001

We had a noon reservation for Blue Bayou and checked in around 11:45-11:50. This place was a mad house. I think they need to work on how they handle things here. The restaurant didn't open until noon, and even though people arrived early, they don't open the doors until Noon. There were over 100 people waiting, and they were trying to call out people's names, and people had to worm their way through the crowd to get in. Once we got in, it was fine. We weren't close to the water though, about 3 rows (out of 4-5 total) away, and it seemed to be noisy.

We each ordered an iced tea ($2.29) and started with the calamari with a creamy mustard type sauce ($8.49). It was good, but didn't seem as freshly made as in the past. I think it's because they were serving calamari with their special, and maybe they pre-made a bunch of it? Aaron and I shared a Mardi Gras Salad. I thought they would split it for us, but they just brought us a separate plate. I did NOT like the house dressing which was described as a cross between French and Italian. Although I like spicy foods, this was too spicy and overwhelming. I think it would've been better with a milder dressing. The salad was mixed greens with tomatoes, and I think maybe some cheese. I don't remember it well, probably because I was not fond of it. Aaron ordered a special seafood sampler ($15.99) with dirty rice and really good steamed veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, baby corn), salmon, 2 spicy shrimp on a skewer, 3 fried oysters, and calamari with sauce. It was really good, particularly the shrimp. I ordered the prime rib ($17.99) with creamy horse radish, which was also really good. The scalloped potatoes that came with it were excellent! I also had the same steamed veggies, except mine came served inside a roll. Total without tip was $56.48.

[Tantor]

It is just so romantic!!

[madcoco]

We dined at Ariel's Grotto DCA for the 1st time last week. We had a 1130 A.M. opening PS. We were sent to the inside podium and were the 3rd party to check in. People who didn't have PS were checking in at the inside podium only to be sent back out side to be handled there. It was a little confusing. They still were not seating anyone at 1140. A family who checked in in front of us went up to check the status and we overheard the CM say "We will be seating you shortly as soon as the rest of the staff gets here."
We were seated at 1150 A.M indoors at our request. Ariel was out front and got a quick picture with DD As we sat down, here comes Minnie followed by Chip, Dale then Goofy. The place was only partially full. I guess they don't fill it up to capacity like some character meal places do. Or based on our seating delay, maybe really short staffed? It was a 2 course price fixe menu. You get an soup/salad and entree choice.$14.99 DW had the salad DD and myself had the French Onion Soup. DW chose the Fish and Chips DD the cheeseburger and fries. I chose the Chef's special which was a Penne Pasta with a tomato based sausage and mushroom sauce. Had a glass of Pinot Noir to go with it. Can't remember the Vineyard but it was decent. The meal was served with some good Sourdough rolls. The salad was fresh and the onion soup tasty but missing a nice and gooey layer of Gruyere Cheese on top. Cheeseburger was well done as ordered. Fish and Chips was served with Malt Vinegar and DW said they were pretty good. The Penne Pasta was done Al Dente(hate over cooked pasta) Even with the sausage added, the sauce could have used some more spice.
Did not do dessert but they bring a plate of Cotton Candy to the table and it somehow vanished.:teeth: Besides the slight confusion of checking in at the podiums, We enjoyed the meal. The character interaction was excellent and a PAP discount of 15%
pirate:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/pcdd92af42667f307ace4d12bf6db5383/f75ecc5f.jpg

[Tink's_Club]

Both me and my hubby love the Blue Bayou and Goofy's Kitchen restaurants. At the Blue Bayou the atmosphere is fantastic, as for the food, the Monte Cristo sandwiches are really good (served only at lunch time) and the Jambalaya is one of my husbands favorites. Goofy's Kitchen is a very fun experiencing and with the buffet you get a great selection of several dishes...Try the Pot Roast with aus jous sauce, Yummy!:tongue: We try and go every time to one or the other when we visit... Just talking about it is making me hungry......:bounce:

[Disneyland_emily]

Is there a BAD place to eat at DL?

DCA- My favorite is the Cocina Couwhatever back by the Mission Tortilla place their steak nachos are great and not bad for the price.

Taste Pilots is pretty good and my 2nd fav burger joint at DL

Hotels- I really enjoyed my dinner at Storytellers (had the chicken sandwich) and I enjoy Goofys (although I do go for the company and not the food- but its still quite good) Whitewater Snacks is excellent- I got the kids meal chicken and it was plenty enough for me.


DL- LOVE the plaza Inn 3 cheese chicken alfredo, more spendy but worth it, also the Chicken Fusicilli at R2P2 (Redd Rocketts) is excellent and now that foods back at Club Buzz/Tomorrowland Terrace its my fav chicken/burger joint, The campfire fries and the nachos at Rancho De Zocolo (aka Not the Casa) are pretty good and cheap (well disney cheap) Blue Bayou was excellent the two times I ate there (had the Monte Cristo and the Chicken spinach thing) The Pooh breakfast was very good- Also (when open) Bengal BBQ is almost perfect (yet spendy) with their Banyan Skewers and a Dole Whip at the Tiki Room just adds to it :)

The only place I dont recommend at DL (well I havent eaten Fast food in NOS) is Village Haus- but it has been 10+ years since I ate there so I hope its gotten better....


Okay I'm HUNGRY!
-em

[denyd]

Since my DW & I normally have a 2 1/2yo DS, we're somewhat restricted in dining areas.

A nice little place for lunch is next to the Snow White show in across from Small World. They serve a nice bratwurst sandwich on a thick roll with sauteed sauerkraut & peppers. It's out of the way and there's very little foot traffic in the area. They've got mini-grilled cheese sandwiches for the kiddies. For the healthly food eaters, there's a fruit or salad pack in Toontown you can pick up and bring to the area. You're able to hear most of the show.

For dinner, I like the Pizza Palace in Tomorrowland, again off the beaten track and they serve a very nice Chicken Caesar salad & a couple of nice pasta dishes. For a family with a couple of teens, a large pizza ($30) is a pretty good deal.

On those special occasions (no DS), we opt for either the Napa Rose or The Vineyard Room are at the top of the list.

[tinkerbell13]

They have a yummy turkey Sandwich and I always get the 1/2 sandwich/soup combo for around $8. They also have the PB and J kids meal where the PB comes on the bread and the kids get a bunch of stuff on a painters palette to finish the sandwich. Jelly, choc chips, marshmallows, raisins. My DD loves that.

[cryssi]

I love the roast pork with root beer apples at the Blue Bayou! Mmm, and mint julep. :)

The corn dogs on Main Street are also so good (likewise from DCA...we actually just had a Hot Link Corndog! ...yum)

I also am a BIG fan of Fantasia ice cream, pumpkin fudge, churros, MM soft pretzels, and of course DL popcorn! :teeth:

Taco salads from Rancho del Zocalo.

Clam chowder, gumbo, and beef stew in a bread bowl!

Pizza salads from Pizza Port!

Tiger tails (but make sure they give them to you grilled...)

um, I'm sure I can think of more, but that's my list for now! :)

[Buttercup26]

Blue Bayou - love that place!
Goofy's Kitchen - a must for the kids on every trip
Bakers Field Bakery - yummy desserts & coffee

[SillySymphony4me]

Blue Bayou is fantastic, as always, though it is sad to know the mint juleps are now dispensed from the same machine as the coke. Neverthe less, the ambience cannot be beat. Rancho de Zocalo has excellent food, and the decor is stunning. A cast member told me that everything was brought in from Mexico - there's a wooden door from a church, a fountain, beautiful pottery, iron and tile work throughtout, and the Morovian stars covering the ceiling in the dining room are not to be missed at night.

The best deal in the park is the turkey leg available from kiosks here and there. It's delicious and $6. Ask for a bag and it's lunch and dinner.

Cheers,
Lisa

[Amberle3]

We ate at the Blue Bayou and Pizza Port. Twice at Pizza Port actually.

Blue Bayou We went on Christmas Day, made a PS as soon as they were available about 5 weeks ago. There were three of us (Myself, my mother and DFi). We were a little disappointed that they were on the dinner menu all day because of the holiday - hello higher prices! DFi had some kind of shrimp dish (BBQ shrimp, 24.99), mom and I shared the prime rib (26.99). Sharing is a good tip - the portions are large, especially for lunch, and it leaves room for dessert after! Speaking of which, we all shared a creme brulee for dessert (5.99). We also ordered an additional salad since we were splitting the meal (5.49). Beverages were a coke, a cofee and a mint julep (2.49 each for the coke and coffee, 2.99 for the mint julep). The meal was wonderful, our sever (Alex) was very friendly and attentive, and of course you can't beat the atmosphere. I'm very glad we made a PS, becauase the lobby was packed when we left. Total for 3 people, after AP discount: $65.42.

Pizza Port Same three people as above, except this was our arrival day. Mom and I each had the chicken fusilli (7.99 each) and should have shared it, neither of us finished it, and DFi had spaghetti (no meatballs, 7.29). 3 sodas. Fusilli was pretty good, DFi ate the spaghetti but didn't rate it very highly. Total for 3 people after AP discount: $29.81

Pizza Port Take 2! We hadn't planned on eating here again, but mom and I took DFi's nephews (DN5 and DN6) to the park. DFi was sick and stayed back at the hotel! Of course the kids wanted pizza for lunch, so off we went. This time mom and I smarted up and each ordered a kids meal (5.99 each), which came in a nifty plastic lunchbox (which we sent home with the kids) and included a kid-sized drink and a little bread stick. DN5 wanted cheese pizza (5.19), DN6 wanted pepperoni (5.49), they each had milk (1.99) and I picked up an order of bread sticks (3.99) and a holiday rice krispy treat (3.29) to share. Everything was pretty good, portions were good and it was quick. Total for 4, after AP discount: 31.92

[hellow]

We were in DL this Christmas, and our favorite meal was the Storyteller's Character breakfast at the Grand Californian. Characters were Kenai & Koda, Chip & Dale, Meeko, and the Forest Ranger (very funny). The food was excellent, and you can order Mickey Waffles and pancakes along with the buffet. They did a good job of moving the characters to each table, and we never felt rushed.

(We also did the Plaza Inn Princess Breakfast. The food was good, but the character interaction was a little chaotic. The princesses went to a few tables inside and then went outside, and sometimes missed an entire side of the restaurant. Then everyone went out to chase them down--definitely not as well organized)

All of us enjoyed the Blue Bayou as well. We did lunch as the lunch menu is quite a bit less expensive than dinner. :bitelip:

[newfamilyman]

We ate at the new Lilo & Stitch character breakfast at the PCH Grill in the Paradise Pier hotel yesterday. While it easily won the worst food at any character breakfast we have experienced, the character exposure was the highest. For whatever reasons (location, lack of awareness on the part of customers), there were only five or six tables occupied on Sunday morning, and there were about that many characters--Lilo, Stitch, Goofy, Pluto, and Daisy Duck. Before you could get through too many bites of the breakfast buffet, a new or repeat character would stop by.

[BurleyGirl]

Please expound on your breakfast experience, as this is the one character meal we had decided to do, since our son likes Stitch. However, not sure character interaction wins over food, and when you pay that much, you'd like to enjoy the food as well. (We've done the Pooh character brkfst at WDW, which was wonderful.)

[newfamilyman]

The PCH Grill itself is located in what feels like a hotel ballroom in that there are no windows. Also, there is only a limited buffet option, and you don't have a view of the kitchen, like you do at Goofy's Kitchen. While there was a cook making cook-to-order omeletes, many of the stations at Goofy's Kitchen were missing, so the options were limited. The characters, on the other hand, spent a lot of time mingling. At one point, because they had covered all the tables, some of them were dancing and goofing around with eachother. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

[BurleyGirl]

Thank you for responding!

[phyllis1966]

Bumping this up - anyone want to add some reviews?

[zipDdoodah]

Blue Bayou - It has become a tradition for us to eat lunch there on every trip. It's so romantic and just a fun break from the day where you are taken to another place from the hustle and bustle of the park (that is, after you survive the zoo at the podium before you are seated). I always get the Monte Cristo, and everybody else always ends up trying it because they order something else and then say, "I should have ordered that." pirate:

Napa Rose - Very expensive but worth it. Beautiful restaurant, great food, good wine, and good service.

Storyteller's Cafe - Love both the breakfast buffet and dinner. Comfortable restaurant with good food. They had some awesome almond croissants at breakfast that were to die for! The buffet was smaller than other character buffets, but it seemed like the quality of the food made up for it. It was like a several really good dishes rather than a whole bunch of mediocre dishes.

Churro Stands - Let me say from experience, there are WAY more churro stands at DL than at WDW, and they taste so much better at DL!! I am a huge churro fan, and I was bummed on our last trip to WDW when I couldn't find churros to satisfy my fix. When I finally found one it was stale and chewy. There's nothing better than meandering through the park with the heavenly scent of sugar and cinnamon in the air. It's one of the many fragrances at the park that make up the "magic" of Disney for me. :wizard:

[momzilla59]

Yet another vote for the Blue Bayou. We were there years ago and it was one of the highlights of the trip. (Of course my Real vote would be for Tahitian Terrace, but that's another thread)
I'm planning on going there for my birthday dinner this trip princess:
- from the looks of things I'd better bring considerably more money than we did last time :rolleyes:

[CableKC]

Do you have to stay at a Disney Hotel ( as in DCA or DL Resort ) in order to go to the Charecter Breakfasts?

I am taking my 10 month old and my In-Laws are taking their 4 year old and I thought that it would be a good idea to go.

Also...where is the Goofy Kitchen?

Is it at the DL Resort?

[almostGoofy]

No, you don't have to stay at the hotel to go to a character breakfast. Locals go all the time. Just make sure you make a reservation.

[iceskatejen]

Goofy's Kitchen is in the Disneyland Hotel.

[CableKC]

Thanks all.....it sounds like there is a Princess Breakfast and the one at Goofy's kitchen.

Any recommendation on which one to go to for a 4 year old girl?

[phyllis1966]

We're going to DL in June and have booked Storytellers Breakfast (with Chip & Dale at the Grand Californian) and Lilo & Stitch Aloha Breakfast (at the Paradise Pier hotel), as well as Goofy's Kitchen! DD is almost 6 now - when she was 4, she enjoyed any character meal we took her to (and she still does)!

[CableKC]

For Goofy's kitchen....what's the best time to reserve Breakfast?

Did anyone find that the later you went....the more people there were?

[Al's Jasmine]

Our first time eating at Goofy's Kitchen was in January of this year, and we always make a point to eat there for brunch now, when we visit. Our stays have mainly been during the weekdays and off season, so the park usually opened around 10am. We found it sufficient to have a 9am ressie for my husband and I. Now that we are reaching peak season and before long (esp. on the weekends) the parks are opening earlier so you can expect most people to eat later because they want to make park opening. Goofy's Kitchen is open by 7am, so I could be totally wrong and indeed the earlier you go the more people because the park is opening earlier as well.

I don't even get what I just typed! :rotfl: BUT, regardless I think making advanced PS made a big difference in when we got a tabl, whether it was early in the morning or during a peak time like 10am.

My review of the restaurant? My husband and I LOVE IT! The food is okay for buffet (it isn't like Las Vegas style but it's decent!). My favorite is the omelett bar where the chef loads up an omelett with whatever fixins' you want. I also enjoyed their asparagus and their dessert selection was very good. I recommed the stuffed french toast located in the dessert section. SOO GOOD. :bitelip: And, as usual they have the customary and very neccessary mikey shaped pancakes and waffles. We didn't get a lot of waiter/waitress attention because you get your own food, but rest assured that there IS someone there to fill up your drinks and they are always taking your dirty dishes off your table. It was great to know that the price you pay includes your tip, but we always leave an extra 2 bucks for the busers.

[phyllis1966]

It was great to know that the price you pay includes your tip, ...


I didn't read this anywhere - it's good to know ahead of time!

[grandmotherof10]

Does anyone have a phone number to book character dining or do you just call the hotels direct? :confused3

[Al's Jasmine]

The number to book any ressie for DLR, DLH, DTD, GCH, PPH, and DCA is 1-714-781-DINE (3463). It is automated so it will guide you through the system and then you will be able to speak to a live person about making reservations. You may have to try several times because they may be swamped with calls so don't get discouraged if for some freak reason you are on hold for awhile (ahem..like I was yesterday haha).

I forgot to mention in my review, the most important part..the character interaction! They were ALWAYS passing by and at our table. And if they don't go to your table, just ask your waiter and it will get solved. Even with two adults and no childfren, they still made it feel magical for us. They do a cute little "show" every 30 mins or hour or so. The experience is worth the money, I think.

[SueTGGR]

We are planning out or trip for later this month, June. We are already set for Goofy's Kitchen. :thumbsup2 We are trying to make a later breakfast after we get in for our early entry. I'm sure we will need a break! Also, don't forget to mention Goofy coming out & doing the Macarena with everybody infront of the kitchen area! That is always my favorite :banana:
We also have a reservation again at the Granville Steakhouse that is tucked in to one side from Goofy's kitchen. Great food & great service. They are good with or without the kids with us. :love:
Now any other suggestions? Especially since they have most of NOS closed up with all the remodleing going on for the POC new movie opening.
I'm finding more & more new good places in downtown Disney each time we go, too.
Thanks ahead of time! :wave:

[dlander]

We always enjoy the French Market! The fried chicken is excellent and they have a BBQ sandwich that is so yummy! The Plaza Inn has a wonderful pot roast (we just had that last night). We love Granville's! I hardly ever hear anyone remark on it. Wonderful ambiance and the steaks are terrific. Oh and make sure to have pancakes at River Belle Terrace, they are the best! Alright now I am hungry. :rotfl:

[pppiglet]

We love the burgers and fries at Hungry Bear restaurant. You can always find a seat too. Then off back in the corner is the small candy store by Pooh ride that has triple chocolate brownies that are excellent. (although we bring them home and warm them in the microwave before eating!)