Dining @ Disneyland ~ DISers Reviews

[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."

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.

 

[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
- from the looks of things I'd better bring considerably more money than we did last time

 

[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! 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. 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?

 

[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. 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
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.
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!

 

[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.

 

[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!)