Dining recommendations

[dayvewc]

62 days until I leave for my first West Coast Disney experience!!

But where would anyone recommend I plan for dining?

I'll be traveling solo, and will do most of my meals either quick-service or in my room. (Cereal for breakfast, quick microwaveable meals for dinner, and snacks for lunch on days I don't QS in the parks).

I would, however, like to plan a couple of "nice" meals during my stay.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

PS. I like just about every type of food I've ever tried, but I do tend to prefer American Style, and generally find that buffets are the best value.

 

[figment_jii]

Do you drink? I ask because I really enjoy the Carthay Lounge and if you're dining solo you could (potentially) sit at the bar and chat with the bartender while you ate. Otherwise, there are tables, so you could just order the small plate items. It's table service(ish); in that there are servers that take your orders and bring the food to you.

There aren't really a huge number of buffets at DLR. The only ones that come to mind are usually character meals (e.g., breakfast at the Plaza Inn, Surf's Up and Goofy's Kitchen). I think Storytellers has a hybrid a la carte/buffet menu at dinner. Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is all-you-can-eat family style BBQ (very good).

 

[dayvewc]

Do you drink? I ask because I really enjoy the Carthay Lounge and if you're dining solo you could (potentially) sit at the bar and chat with the bartender while you ate. Otherwise, there are tables, so you could just order the small plate items. It's table service(ish); in that there are servers that take your orders and bring the food to you.

There aren't really a huge number of buffets at DLR. The only ones that come to mind are usually character meals (e.g., breakfast at the Plaza Inn, Surf's Up and Goofy's Kitchen). I think Storytellers has a hybrid a la carte/buffet menu at dinner. Big Thunder Ranch BBQ is all-you-can-eat family style BBQ (very good).

I do drink, but not lots or often.

Buffet is not a requirement, just based on my experiences at WDW the buffet normally seems to be the better values.

I've done most of the character meets at WDW, so not overly interested in doing those while at DL, but if there are some that just stand out above the crowd I'm willing to do so. I always enjoy the interactions I've had with the different characters.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll put the Carthay Lounge on my list. Now lets see if any one else chimes in.

 

[Astylla]

For one of the best meals I recommend Steakhouse 55 at DLH. It is wonderful - just be aware that meals come ala carte but we've never had a bad time in at least 4 visits.

Storyteller's cafe for dinner buffet is AMAZING. Me and my husband gorged ourselves last time and there was no lack of choices even for a picky meat and potatoes guy my hubby is.

We love Plaza Inn for counter service - fried chicken is the best.

 

[figment_jii]

I do drink, but not lots or often.

I only asked about the drinking because I tend to think that people that sit at the bar are drinking while talking with bartender. I don't drink much, so I actually have little experience sitting at the bar; my family always sits at one of the tables.

Buffet is not a requirement, just based on my experiences at WDW the buffet normally seems to be the better values.

I think buffets can be a good value because you usually have a wide variety of options to choose from and you can eat as much as you want. However, the quality of the WDW buffets seem to really vary. At DLR, almost all buffets are breakfasts, which is not usually a great value. DLR does have a lot of good CS options, so I would probably look into eating at those, opposed to a buffet at DLR.

I've done most of the character meets at WDW, so not overly interested in doing those while at DL, but if there are some that just stand out above the crowd I'm willing to do so. I always enjoy the interactions I've had with the different characters.

Most of the DLR character meals have fairly standard characters (you've probably met most of them at WDW), but the two that jump out are the breakfasts at Storyteller's and Plaza Inn. Storytellers features woodland animals...so you meet Chip & Dale, along with characters like Meeko, Koda (Brother Bear), etc. Over at Plaza Inn, it seems like a random mixture of characters, but I've read reports that said it includes characters like the Fairy Godmother.

I've never been, but another place that people talk about is the Cove Bar in DCA. Over in DL, I really like Cafe Orleans and some tables have a great view of NOS (good for people watching while you eat).

 

[squidlet]

If you're looking for dining in DL itself, try the Blue Bayou. For atmosphere it can't be beat -- make sure to request a waterside table. A patio table at Cafe Orleans is also a good choice -- it's fun to sit outside, people watch and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[Hojoanaheim]

For QS, I really like Plaza Inn. They have a pretty good selection; pasta, salads, and CHICKEN. Their chicken is really good! Nothing like it in WDW.

Good eats,
Kriss

 

[Lilly Belle 84]

Cafe Orleans is a favorite of ours, the Pommes Frittes and beignets are delicious. The patio is lovely, it's a great people watching spot

 

[KelsiesMommy]

Plaza Inn- fried chicken dinner
Cafe Orleans- Pomme Frites and I personally love the salad there- DH loves the gumbo and everyone else the Monte Cristo
Carnation Cafe- fried pickles and baked potato soup
Cove bar- lobster nachos and/or tri-tip sliders
Corn Dog Castle- 'nuff said

 

[gottalovepluto]

Blue Bayou: there is no dining experience equivalent to eating inside of Pirates of the Caribbean (it's in the swamp part, you can't hear the song!) as previously mentioned request a waterside table (and be willing to wait for it to open up). It's a table service restaurant. (Btw, if you want the Monte Cristo I recommend ordering that from Cafe Orleans as it's cheaper there.)

Mint Julep Bar: grab a bag of the Mickey Beignets for a snack one day (located between NOS train depot & the French Market) I like to eat them while riding the train (get extra napkins!)

In general we feel we get the most "bang for our buck" food wise in DL. The portions are large, the quality good. (Exception being Carthay Lounge in DCA which is a MUST, it's great to visit when you're on your own.)

We love a good buffet but in all honesty we haven't found one we love at DL, there are too many other "unique" experiences with great food. Carnation Cafe is the most "American" table service, it's right there on Main St. Allears.net has menus if you want to see if you'll like the food or just get more excited for your trip!

 

[GoBears 1980]

For nicer meals other than Blue Bayou I'd eat outside the parks at Downtown Disney.

For a buffet like place I'd look at Fire & Ice at the GardenWalk.

https://www.fire-ice.com/locations/anaheim-ca/

The Sunday Gospel Brunch at The House of Blues is great.

 

[DahliaRW]

I wouldn't do just the lounge at carthay, eat in the actual restaurant. Food is amazing! If you sit outside you can people watch below on buena vista street or even watch the pixar play parade if you schedule a corresponding time.

 

[dayvewc]

Ok, so basic plans right now are as follows:

Flight leaves Memphis, TN at 1:30 pm CST arriving at LAX @ 8:30 pm PST (with layover in Houston, TX for a couple of hours) on Saturday March 21.

I have a 1-night stay at a local hotel for Saturday night (I had originally planned to travel on Sunday, but got a better flight deal leaving on Saturday), then check-in at the Grand Californian early Sunday morning and hit the parks, learning the layout and getting a feel for the pathways, with dinner reservations at Steakhouse 55 at 7:30 pm.

Monday, plan to concentrate on DCA with a reservation for Carthay Circle Restaurant at 4:40 pm (must remember to ask for view of parade route).

Tuesday, plan to concentrate on DL with a reservation for a late lunch at Blue Bayou at 2:30 pm (must remember to request waterside seating).

Wednesday, DCA in the morning for EMH (I do get that as a DGC guest, right?) but this is also souvenir shopping day, so lunch at Rainforest Cafe at 1:45 pm. (One of my favorite restaurant chains of all time).

Thursday, DL in the morning for EMH (see clarification question above) with lunch at Cafe Orleans at 2:30 pm (must remember to ask for patio seating, and to try the Monte Cristo here).

So, as far as the feedbag is concerned , does this look like a decent plan?

Thanks