Great food at DLR!
* Cafe Orleans is my favorite, far and away. The Monte Cristo, pommes frites (with the most amazing remoulade dipping sauce - ask for extra!), and Mickey beignets are wonderful! And don't forget the Mint Julep to drink!
* Carnation Cafe - I've heard Chef Oscar is to retire soon (if he hasn't already), so if he's still around, it's a real pleasure to meet the man who created the best Loaded Baked Potato soup on the planet! And if you're lucky, he'll even give you a copy of the famous recipe...
* Plaza Inn has the best fried chicken in the park. Just make sure you go hungry, as it's a lot of food!
* And I know you know all about the Blue Bayou...I've never had the pleasure of eating there, but I hear the food is good but the ambiance is spectacular (being as Pirates is my favorite ride).
Counter-service:
* Main Street Bakery
* Mint Julep Bar
This photo is of the one at Cafe Orleans, but the Mint Julep Bar serves the same thing in a to-go cup!
* Pooh Corner & Main Street candy shop
This was THE BEST chocolate covered strawberry I've ever eaten...
You can see the longing face of my eldest daughter in the reflection of this one...
OMWoooooooooooooooooooord!! Food Art Overload alert!!!
Jennifer, THAT WAS SOME FINE WORK, GIRL!!!!
And you have some great recommendations right there on that list!! Booyah!
Carnation IS on our list, and you can bet I'll try to talk to the chef!! That stuff if right up my alley!
A mint julep is one of the very few MUST-DOs on my list; never got to it while I worked there and always regretted it!!
Another creative entry in this Trip Report
Regarding the Walt Disney World Resort.
The glimpses were fleeting
As Main Street was...Main Streeting (work with me here)
Bringing happiness to all of us Disney dorks.
Very sorry to hear about your aunt. That must be difficult to watch and experience.
I am excited to hear about
Disneyland, though!

Stopher1 (real name: Christopher) is the resident DISDad expert on DL, having been a former CM there. He has a huge thread on the park you can find here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2718241
Actually that was pretty awesome!

Nicely done.. "Main Streeting"; if it wasn't a verb before, it certainly oughtta be now!

As for Disney Dorks, we're a fun lot; although yeah, dorky.
Thanks for the link to Christopher's stuff. Need to get my hiney off the threads here, and go plan!
To echo everyone else, great update! I love some of the detailed photos you were able to get - including the fire station pumpins. I went into the Fire Station for the first time in January - what a hidden gem! I loved seeing the patches from everywhere.
I understand the mixed feelings about DLR and am so sorry about your Aunt but I am excited that you will be getting some Disney magic soon! The furthest West I've ever been is Las Vegas so I have no advice for you.
Remember in my planning the goal was to hit up all the hidden gems I could. I realy got to do a whole lot of them and loved it! The piano player was also on my bucket list, and what an immense treat that was!! He spent 20 minutes talking to me about his job, and how much he loved it! He told me heh wished all the guests would appreciate his work more, and was amazed I stayed for all of it. It was just so cool to make him smile and show him how great and talented he was. And truly, this guy's a genious at what he does!!! I could go on and on at how special that interaction was,and how neat it made my day!!
I'm excited to be thinking about throwing in a mini-report here... that'll be fun!
I was just going to recommend the exact same place!
This is probably one of the sweetest places to stay, and it's on the same side of the park so no crossing busy streets. You wouldn't have to take the shuttle since it's not that far a walk. This hotel is still family owned and they give excellent customer service, gorgeous landscaping, even have a great continental breakfast setup out by the pool for you. If you find any place with reviews on this place there's almost never a complaint (except the one's who live to complain)
, all ya'll will love it there!
I'm excited about your trip to DL, I wish I could meet with you there.
The trip report update was pretty cute. Looks like a fun day. Just think, this trip won't be near as hot as the last one.
I'd say for rides, the new Little Mermaid ride is a must! I'm curious how different Soarin and ToT are compaired the WDW rides. I've never done CAL, so I couldn't tell you anything about it other than what I've read.
I need to call you about the CCI! Maybe later today, after I get dinner figured out and a bunch more laundry done....
I think i"m going to LOVE the CA weather after this crazy, crappy spring we've had here!! I'm sick to death of the cold and rain!
I hope my aunt can ride Soarin'!!
Check mousesavers.com. Mary has lots of discounts for DL including a place to get discounted tickets.
I've stayed at the HoJo and was very happy with it.
Jill in CO