Dining advise for a DL newbie

[Maxpowers]

Hello All,

I'm taking my wife to DL for our 10th anniversary 5/18-21 (Thurs-Sun), it will be out first time out there (and it's a surprise!). I need some advice on dining reservations. I understand that I don't really need to make them that far out, but the planner part of me wants to make them as soon as possible (that plus I'm excited about it). My question is what time of day is best to make your reservations and still be able to get the most out of the parks? I know I want to do Napa Rose and Blue Bayou. I was thinking Napa Rose on Sat @ 7PM and maybe the Blue Bayou Thursday night at 6 or 7 PM as well. I'm thinking leaving Friday open to just go with the flow.

Would love to hear from DL vets thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[cruisehopeful]

Make the reservations as soon as you can. You can always cancel later if you change your mind. I make the mistake of thinking about, talking to the other people in my group, waiting to hear back, etc, and end up missing out on what I wanted to book.

I haven't eaten at the 2 you mentioned, but based on what I've read here it sounds like Napa Rose is the favorite. They do have another option called Chef's Counter, that you have to book over the phone for $100/pp where each course is made specifically for you. Most people say that takes about 3 hours.

Blue Bayou has a couple choices, too. In addition to the regular menu, they have an option where you can book a parade package. The menu for that is more limited and it gives you access to a special viewing area for the parade. You have to reserve that specifically if you want the parade viewing area.

Eat when you want to. I don't like to eat that late, myself. The parks are extra busy between 1:00pm - 7:00pm, so I like to eat in that window and use the earlier and later times for going on rides.

 

[VandVsmama]

The 60-day dining reservations window just started for your trip, so you could conceivably call today if you wanted to in order to make a reservation for 5/18 or 5/19. You'll have to wait a day or 2 to make reservations for Sat or Sun.

I think your idea of eating at BB and Napa Rose is a good one! I've never eaten at Napa Rose, but I've heard that the food is really really good. If you're thinking of also seeing the Main Street Electrical Parade during your trip, you could do the MSEP dining package at the Blue Bayou for dinner. However, sometimes with dining packages, you won't be able to make the reservation until 6 weeks before the trip because Disney waits until they publish the park entertainment calendar (which also posts the park hours). the MSEP package at BB costs ~$62/adult, I think.

 

[GatorChris]

After numerous visits to DL over the last 4 years, I learned a lesson a few weeks ago. With the bigger crowds coming daily to DL, reservations still aren't a necessity each night....until Friday evening. That's when the whole SoCal population decided to show up at the parks. The counter service places will have 60 minute waits. The sit down places will be at 90 minutes. So definitely grab a reservation for Friday evening.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Agree with making 3 reservations. Seeing as you have BB and NR I recommend Carthay Circle for Fri evening. I haven't been to NR but my last trip we went to Carthay for the first time and it was amazing. It was the best meal I've ever had at Disneyland, every part of the meal was excellent!

 

[BriannaRuth]

We did Chef's Counter at NR last year and it was one of the best meals I've ever had. Go. We did it on a non-park day because it takes a long time. Like over 2 hours.

Don't forget you can also do BB for lunch. It's a little less expensive that way and if you like Monte Cristos, its the only time you can get one as they don't serve them at dinner. We always do lunch rather than dinner at BB because it's still dark inside either way. Personally I like the lunch reservation because you can make it for around 1 or so when you're starting to get worn out and it's a nice rest.

If you're looking for a 3rd restaurant, consider WCT if you like wine. Their wine list is a lot of fun, with many "Disney-related" wines. Like Fess Parker. They also have wine flights, but keep in mind that the WOC packages don't include the regular wine list or the regular menu. We also like going here at lunch. There's a nice patio with shade.

 

[tarheelalum]

Please note even if you make reservations you may have to wait 20 or 30 plus minutes past the time of your reservation to actually get seated depending on crowd levels.

 

[robert_j]

How much of a nuisance is it to come and go between Napa Rose and the parks on a crowded summer day? I am thinking about going to Napa Rose, but don't want to find that I have a long line for security getting back into the parks. Can I use the California Adventure entrance to go back and forth? (I am not staying on Disney property.)

 

[Nonsuch]

How much of a nuisance is it to come and go between Napa Rose and the parks on a crowded summer day? I am thinking about going to Napa Rose, but don't want to find that I have a long line for security getting back into the parks. Can I use the California Adventure entrance to go back and forth? (I am not staying on Disney property.)

No nuisance at all
The entrance from GCH to DCA is adjacent to Napa Rose, and very convenient. This entrance often has long lines at park opening and is restricted to DLR hotel guests (perhaps only GCH guests) until 11AM, otherwise open to all. After the morning rush, there is seldom any line at this entrance.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

For the OP, if you want a table by the water at BB, book an earlier time. The best bet for a waterside table is to book a table for lunch as soon as the restaurant opens. After that and for dinner, you may have to wait anywhere from 20-40 minutes if you want waterside seating. If where you sit doesn't matter, then that will give you more flexibility with your reservation time.