DDW does Disneyland! - 6/28 Complete w/ Grand Finale of WDW Food Photos!

[jerseytinkerbell]

I'm hooked already! Great start!

I have not been to Disneyland since 2005, so I can't wait to see/read about all the changes I am missing out on.

Also, loved the Donald Duck Hollywood star pic!

 

[emmysmommy]

Perfectly put! At park open there are two groups of people... those running for the RSR FP line and those going directly to the ride. I don't wait in the FP line since you can typically get in line with a 15 minute wait and then go get a FP for another round. (oh, and early AP admission dates were handy this winter so we could go twice on RSR before park open!)

Did you get new tires or get a piant job? There are two ride scenarios for RSR.

I love that they announce for people to walk after they do rope drop and you see people power walking the first 20 yards or so and then start to pick up the pace until yep, they are moseying down the road at a jog.

The Cove Bar... can't wait to see what you ordered!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Hi Vicki! I'm so excited to get started on some reviews again. It feels like a really long time that I've been preoccupied with school work (and while this summer will still be busy, I'll at least have evenings and weekends to check in here). Also, while I was catching up on some Live Update pages I'd missed, I saw some good news from you. Congratulations on the job! P.S. now that I have my summer work schedule, we're definitely trying to make something in mid-August happen.

If mid August includes the 16th, I will save a couple of seats on our Illuminations Cruise for ya!

Thank you for the job congrats. It is definitely a relief! Got my employment package in the mail on Saturday so it seems really real now!

Looking forward to the rest of your DLR review. We loved it in 2010 but that was before Carsland and alas before I met Brenda & Em! I do hope to get back some day though!

 

[CaliBear]

well, this is exciting. A DDW food review in DLR! Great start and looking forward to more!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Oh I am so excited to read along with this one !!

Your photos are stunning as always

Can't wait to hear what your first ever Disney adult beverage was

Thanks so much for stopping by, Linda! I'm really glad to hear that you like the photos, since sometimes I worry that my point-and-shoot and iPhone 4S might be inadequate.

I haven't been online for quite a while to check out the dining reviews because I started a new job and I can't get on at work and my phone is having major issues. But I'm able to sneak on today only to find a new DDW review!! I'm so excited. And then I leave for vacation for 10 days on Wednesday so I'll have to catch up when I get back. Beautiful pictures so far and I'm super excited to read this as I'll be taking a trip to DL in August for the Disneyland Half Marathon. I pretty much know nothing about DL so your review has come at a perfect time!

Hi Tracy - so nice to see you here again! Sounds like things are really busy on your end (sorry to hear it's been difficult to get online because of work ), but I'm glad that this report will actually be helpful to you. And good luck with training for the half-marathon!

I'm hooked already! Great start!

I have not been to Disneyland since 2005, so I can't wait to see/read about all the changes I am missing out on.

Also, loved the Donald Duck Hollywood star pic!

Thanks so much for joining in again! I'm really happy that you're enjoying it so far. There's just so much to say about DLR (especially with the expansion complete), and I'd love it if this review encouraged some people to check out all the fantastic things DLR has to offer.

Perfectly put! At park open there are two groups of people... those running for the RSR FP line and those going directly to the ride. I don't wait in the FP line since you can typically get in line with a 15 minute wait and then go get a FP for another round. (oh, and early AP admission dates were handy this winter so we could go twice on RSR before park open!)

That's a great idea - hitting RSR first and then getting FP for it! I only rode it twice (once on the first morning and once on the final morning) because I didn't feel like waiting spending a lot of time in line. Early admission for AP holders sounds like great! I actually upgraded my WDW annual pass to the Premier Passport for this, so early entry for AP holders would've been awesome.

Did you get new tires or get a piant job? There are two ride scenarios for RSR.

Both times I rode it on this trip, I got Ramone's paint job! Would've liked to see the other scene (which I've heard is better), but it's not a big deal. It's something to look forward to whenever we return.

I love that they announce for people to walk after they do rope drop and you see people power walking the first 20 yards or so and then start to pick up the pace until yep, they are moseying down the road at a jog.

Yep, that's just the way it always goes. It's even worse with the Cars Land rush because they tried to funnel everyone into a single file line, so people were practically stepping on each other because they were trying to get closer to the front.

The Cove Bar... can't wait to see what you ordered!!

I'm hoping to have my Cove Bar review up later this evening!

If mid August includes the 16th, I will save a couple of seats on our Illuminations Cruise for ya!

Thank you for the job congrats. It is definitely a relief! Got my employment package in the mail on Saturday so it seems really real now!

Looking forward to the rest of your DLR review. We loved it in 2010 but that was before Carsland and alas before I met Brenda & Em! I do hope to get back some day though!

Our plans for August would probably include the 16th, but it's a pretty complicated situation. I'll send you a PM to explain it, but meeting up would be great!

Yay for the employment package arriving! It's so nice to get past the uncertainty stage. I was dealing with that over summer internships, so I can only imagine the stress when it's concerning full-time work (that comes next year for me ). And I hope you can make it back to DL eventually!

well, this is exciting. A DDW food review in DLR! Great start and looking forward to more!

Thanks so much! It makes me happy to hear people are enjoying the report, even though there's less of an emphasis on the food. Don't worry, though - some food is coming up!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

First of all, I hope you're all having a great Memorial Day! I've used my day off to get this update up earlier than usual.

Cove Bar is a place that I’ve had on my hypothetical Disneyland ‘list’ for a while. Whenever I’ve looked at Disneyland dining discussions, the Cove Bar’s lobster nachos always make an appearance. Plus, the bar has a convenient location near Paradise Pier’s entrance, and it’s always looked like a relaxing place for a bite.

All of the seats at the counter were taken, so the hostess asked me if I’d be fine with a table. Not a problem – I was actually hoping for a table anyway. Right away, she walked me to a table with this view:

Wow! It couldn’t get more perfect than that.

Actually, it did get better, as soon as the “Instant Concert!” began over Paradise Bay.

Here’s the food menu – there are quite a few seafood options here (which I appreciate, since I stopped eating red meat and pork about four months ago).

Cove Bar has some specialty drinks, as well:

With a picture-perfect setting, it seemed like a perfect time to try my first Disney drink. One of the Cove Bar's specialties, the Sideshow Novel-Tea (Absolut Wild Tea Vodka, Iced Tea, Strawberry Purée, and Fresh Lemon Juice) was calling my name, and I was still marveling over the view when my drink arrived.

I really liked it, which wasn't a surprise since I love both strawberries and tea. Perhaps it was a bit too sweet, but it was very refreshing overall.

The food choice was actually much more difficult. Sure, those lobster nachos have always looked and sounded great, but I was in the mood for something lighter. That left me deciding between the fish tacos and the citrus-marinated shrimp cocktail (and it was still really hard to turn down those lobster nachos!).

In the end, the fish tacos won. They're topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, radishes, and chipotle crema.

I'd read mixed reviews of these tacos ("tender but too bland", "flavorful but too dry", etc.), but I really liked them. They could've used more cilantro (since I think everything could use more cilantro), but the tortillas were soft and I enjoyed the mild fish with the crunchy cabbage and radishes. To top things off, there were four lime wedges on the plate, and I used every last drop of the delightfully acidic lime juice. Fish, cilantro, and lime - perfection.

As you can see, Cove Bar was a hit for me. The Novel-Tea and fish tacos really hit the spot, and they were just what I needed before enjoying a few more rides. In fact, one of my favorites in the park is very close to Cove Bar...

California Screamin'! The ride is not only a solid coaster with on-board audio, but it's also a great place to get some cool photos of the park.

This next one is one of my favorites from our DL trip. You can see the Little Mermaid show building, the Grand Californian, Soarin', the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Grizzly Peak, Carthay Circle Theatre, Pacific Wharf, Cozy Cones, Tower of Terror, and even the Cars Land rock work. From up here, it's easy to see what a great park DCA has become.

Coming up: more gallivanting around the park

 

[emmysmommy]

What a great spot to dine and enjoy a cocktail. That's a killer view. (Because of your teaser photo we walked by there today but at 11:40 the bar wasn't open yet.)

Your fish tacos look delicious! I'm a cilantro lover too so you can never get too much of that. But what's so awesome is (forgive the mother in me!) you enjoying your first Disney cocktail!! Our little DDW is grown up! I couldn't resist. Anyway, what a lovely place to enjoy your meal. Did you notice Goofy directing the water show? It has a nice soundtrack accompanying the fountains.

Front row for Screamin' = Great view!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

What a great spot to dine and enjoy a cocktail. That's a killer view. (Because of your teaser photo we walked by there today but at 11:40 the bar wasn't open yet.)

Your fish tacos look delicious! I'm a cilantro lover too so you can never get too much of that. But what's so awesome is (forgive the mother in me!) you enjoying your first Disney cocktail!! Our little DDW is grown up! I couldn't resist. Anyway, what a lovely place to enjoy your meal. Did you notice Goofy directing the water show? It has a nice soundtrack accompanying the fountains.

Front row for Screamin' = Great view!

Agreed - Cove Bar completely exceeded my expectations with its unique menu and fantastic views. Too bad it wasn't open yet when you walked by - you'll have to stop by again sometime. Another thing I liked about Cove Bar was how welcoming and laid-back it felt. It wasn't just adults enjoying beverages - there were plenty of families grabbing a bite as well.

Hahaha it still seems so weird that I've had my first Disney cocktail (and that it wasn't at WDW). But Cove Bar was a fantastic choice (I was hoping for Cove Bar or Trader Sam's! Trader Sam's will appear later). And nope, I didn't notice Goofy because I didn't look in the direction of Paradise Park! It's just another thing I learned about after our trip.

Screamin' is great (and front row was so cool!). I like how Screamin' serves the same purpose as Rock n' Roller Coaster (launching coaster with at least one inversion), but they both have their own special qualities. RnRC is faster and in the dark, it has more unique inversions, and the on-ride photo is taken at a great time (the launch!). Screamin' gets points for its classic wooden facade and the incredible views, but I wish the on-ride photo were taken during the huge drop (which RnRC doesn't have ).

 

[happy2012]

I'm enjoying the reviews so far!!! Now you have me wanting to go back to DLR!! I would love those fish tacos w/ cilantro, yummy!!! I would have used up all the lime too! Seems like a perfect California meal. BTW, I'm wearing a tee that says I love California, right now!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

The Cove Bar, another reason to return to DLR! We didn't even know it was there on our trip. Those tacos look wonderful! I have just started branching out with fish and seafood and fish tacos are something I really want to try. I am also in the "can't get enough cilantro" group.

Great pics from California Screamin'. I don't do thrill rides so that is one view I would never have seen!

 

[BlovesC]

I've never been to DL and know next to nothing about it, other than it looks gorgeous in pictures! Your VIEW was unbelievable..what an amazing spot for a meal! And your choices are right up my alley, they look and sound delicious!

And I love that front row coaster shot...and really want to ride that now. Someday I'll have to get out there to experience the park that started it all!

 

[MrsB1228]

Great update and awesome photos! The fish tacos look delicious but I don't think I'd be able to resist the siren call of the lobster nachos, yum!

So glad your first Disney adult beverage was a success, it certainly looks wonderful!

 

[Poohs100AcreWood]

I love those tacos! I get them everytime I go.

What camera do you use? Your pictures are gorgeous!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I'm enjoying the reviews so far!!! Now you have me wanting to go back to DLR!! I would love those fish tacos w/ cilantro, yummy!!! I would have used up all the lime too! Seems like a perfect California meal. BTW, I'm wearing a tee that says I love California, right now!!

Agreed - the fish tacos are just so fitting for SoCal. And I need to get a California T-shirt eventually so I can be reminded of California even when I'm not there.

The Cove Bar, another reason to return to DLR! We didn't even know it was there on our trip. Those tacos look wonderful! I have just started branching out with fish and seafood and fish tacos are something I really want to try. I am also in the "can't get enough cilantro" group.

Great pics from California Screamin'. I don't do thrill rides so that is one view I would never have seen!

Seafood is awesome! Raw, steamed, grilled, marinated in lime juice - it's just so versatile. Glad you've started enjoying it more - fish tacos are definitely a great meal! (especially with tons of cilantro)

And even if you don't do California Screamin', a similar view might be available from Mickey's Fun Wheel! But be sure to choose the stationary gondola - I tried the swinging one and it probably was the scariest Disney ride I've ever been on.

I've never been to DL and know next to nothing about it, other than it looks gorgeous in pictures! Your VIEW was unbelievable..what an amazing spot for a meal! And your choices are right up my alley, they look and sound delicious!

And I love that front row coaster shot...and really want to ride that now. Someday I'll have to get out there to experience the park that started it all!

DL is such a great place. More compact than WDW, but with so many great things to see. I hope you can make it out there eventually! Since you like the look of the fish tacos and DCA's coaster, DCA alone would justify it (and then there's Walt's park right next door!)

Great update and awesome photos! The fish tacos look delicious but I don't think I'd be able to resist the siren call of the lobster nachos, yum!

So glad your first Disney adult beverage was a success, it certainly looks wonderful!

Yeah, those lobster nachos are still tempting me. They really sound like something that should be replicated in WDW!

I love those tacos! I get them everytime I go.

What camera do you use? Your pictures are gorgeous!

It's so nice to see another fan of those tacos! And for pics, I use a Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS and occasionally my iPhone 4S. Thanks so much for the kind words on the pics!

 

[jedijill]

Can't believe I missed this. Putting Cove Bar on my to do list.

Jill in CO

 

[butiflfeet]

I was so excited to see you're doing DL reviews! We'll be taking our first trip there in just a few more months.

The Cove Bar looks really good. I can't wait to try it! It should be a nice reward for running the Dumbo Double Dare over Labor Day weekend

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Your drink picture with that view of the park in the background is fantastic! Looks like something right out of a travel guide. Love it!

The tacos look delicious. I'm with you, love cilantro! The more the better.

 

[wilma-bride]

Woohoo, a new DDW dining review - and a DL one at that. This is a treat

Love that you are now old enough to drink (legally) at Disney (in fact everywhere), congrats Here's to plenty of DDW cocktail/drinks reviews - as well as the food of course.

 

[Linda67]

How on earth did I manage to miss the Cove Bar on both of my DL trips??!!

OK - so there's the excuse to go back

 

[wilma-bride]

OK - so there's the excuse to go back

Oh, like you NEED an excuse

P.S. Have you told Mr Linda67 about March yet