Dining Help Please

[Nancyg56]

My sister and I are going to DL in September, her DD is now in the CP so we want to visit her. I am used to planning, planning planning when we go to DW, especially our meals, but this trip is off site and next to impossible to plan. I still have no idea what days we will spend in the parks or when we can spend time with my niece. I am going to have to be okay with this, I guess but would like to have a few "Disney" meals. Is is as difficult to get seated without ADR's as it is in DW, and does it depend on the restaurant? I know that we would enjoy Napa Rose and think I may be safe in making an ADR if I need to.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for other meals? My sister still thinks I am crazy with the Disney thing but she has not been in about 19 years, so she has no idea how much has changed. I don't have any idea which restaurants would give her a feel for the diversity of Disney Dining in DL. Thanks for any help, I feel like I am drowning, trying to plan a trip with no plans

 

[lisah0711]

DL is a lot different that WDW because their simply are not as many choices. When we go I make one ADR (they call them priority seating at DL) for each day.

For example, since you haven't been for awhile you may want to go to Blue Bayou -- great ambiance. I get the 11:30 a.m. seating so we have a better chance for a waterside table and it's less expensive than dinner.

We also love Napa Rose at the Grand Californian. Wine Country Trattoria in California Adventure is nice, too. There are also several restaurants in DTD which is much closer to everything than it is at WDW. Can't tell you about any DL hotel restaurants because we haven't been in a long time.

Check out the menus on allears.net and make a couple of choices. You'll have a great time no matter where you eat!

 

[Nancyg56]

The problem I face is that I have never been to DL. I could manage DW without too many plans but I am way over my head in parks that I have never seen. Without knowing my niece's schedule planning is next to impossible.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Blue Bayou if you dont want a charcter meal id say this would be nice for you.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

I think Napa Rose is a great place to eat. I don't think I can recommend it highly enough. I went there in April and October, and was able to get ADRs by calling the night before.

For a character breakfast, I really enjoy Goofy's Kitchen at the DL Hotel. Its really busy though at times, but I like the atmosphere. I like that the tables are covered with paper for characters to autograph too. They have a huge selection of food and its all pretty tasty.

Blue Bayou is a great place just for the atmosphere, and you definitely have to try the Monte Cristo sandwich either at Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans. Blue Bayou is always packed and people are always in line to set up ADRs so call ahead.

There are also a lot of options in Downtown Disney, which unlike at WDW, is adjacent to the two parks. I like Naples for Italian food, but there's Rainforest Cafe, ESPN ZONE, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Tortilla Jo's, Catal and La Brea Bakery.

 

[Nancyg56]

I am hungry just thinking about it. I am also les stress now. i know that now all places are like DW, calling 180 days out but was worried we would be eating at IHOP all week an missing some of those Disney restaurants. Thanks very much.

 

[popsicle123]

It sounds like you like me and like to plan. The best thing I do is buy the Disney Gift cards. No shipping/handling/fees to purchase the cards if you buy at least one with $100 on it. This way I can pre-pay for most of the onsite food costs. Almost everyone, except the food carts, accepts them. Way better than those vouchers they offer. DTD won't except them though.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

food carts dont acept them?
hum maybe just get pre paid credit cards