Disneyland Dining Info

[kelskars]

We are planning a trip to DL in October. While we have been to WDW several times over the last few years and have no problmes planning a trip. I don't even know where to begin at DL. At WDW we love to eat at the Whipering Canyon Cafe. Does anybody have any recommendations where to eat at DL?

 

[funnygarcia]

From what I have read of tohers who have experienced WDW and THEN DL .. you will likely find that the retaurant choices in DL are more limited.. also no need for PS EXCEPT for Blue Bayou and any of the Character Dining venues.

I've only been to DL/DCA .. my top choices are:
DL:

Blue Bayou (inside Pirates) -one of the few seated/waited on places, make reseravations 30 days in advance, Lunch is cheaper, ask for first possible seating, when you arrive be a bit early and request water side seating.. if you need to wait--- do it! It's worth the wait to sit by the water. Splitting a meal is fine and that is what I usually do as the portions are large. Lots of people rave about the Monte Cristo.. it was good but I enjoyed my SIL calamari (appetizer she ordered as meal) and my DH clam chowder much more than the Monte Cristo which seemed too heavy of a meal.

Rancho del Zocalo - mix of Tex Mex and BBQ offerings.. HUGE portion sizes, feel free to make requests / substutions, free refills, the line is chaos but they have CM there to help you get in the right place according to what you are ordering. Very yummy!

Carnation Cafe - Main street- lovely outdoor cafe , sit down/waited on, no reservations, nice breakfast.
Riverbelle Terrace- near ROA - nice place to have breakfast, Mickey Pancakes or the eggs and potatoes meal are the best. Sit and watch the river traffic outdoors and the peaceful quiet as most people are busy at the front of the park in the morning.

DCA:

Taste Pilot Grill:
Next to Soaring- burgers an dfries but think of them as restaurant style burgers not fast food types. They have a top your own burger bar of salad greens, salsa, pickles. The chicken burger is yummy!

GC Hotel:
white Water snacks - haven't eaten there yet but many rave about the prices (cheap) , portion sizes (large/ shareable), location (quiet), and the food is freshly made with your order.

DTD
Rainforest Cafe-- no brainer there..
Haagen Dazs- MMMMMM
Wetzel's Pretzels- cheap snacks and fairly good cup of lemonade.

Character Dining:
GOOFY"S KITCHEN - located in DLH - lots of charcaters and more food then you could imagine.

Have fun!!

 

[Chicago526]

funnygarcia,

I'm not the OP, but thanks for the above! I knew about Blue Bayou but not about the water seating. Also the other tips are great, I can't wait to try them out in a few weeks!

 

[MamaKate]

I second Goofy's Kitchen @ DLH- The most fun I have had at any character meal (including WDW).

Also, Storytellers Cafe at Grand Californian has a wonderful breakfast buffet.

Another than that, I think funnygarcia pretty much covered the best.

 

[disneychrista]

Just an FYI Priority Seatings are required for both Blue Bayou and Goofy's Kitchen, recommended at a Storytellers. Visit Disneyland.com for a list of other places where Priority Seatings are recommended.

You can make seating arrangements by calling (714) 781-3463.

 

[Snurk71]

I'm not positive, but I think when we ate there a little over a year ago they did the first seating according to when you made your PS - not when you checked in. We had made our PS close to the trip time and were one of the last ones seated (far away from the water). It took quite a while to fill up the restaurant for the first seating.

We asked about a water table. It was way too late for us on the first seating. But the seater said it might be another 20 minutes or so and we could probably have a water seat. We didn't wait though.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

We went to the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney last week and just loved it! I would highly recommened it. I also love the Blue Bayou. It's worth the extra wait to get by the water. Those are the two must do's IMO! Have fun on your trip...we just got back on Monday and I'm already missing it!

 

[YCFAN]

Blue Bayou is definitely my favorite. It's a little dark in there (for reading menus) but it makes the atmosphere magical. I love seeing the boats go by. My only complaint would be the tables are a little close together. On a hot day it's a true joy to experience.

 

[MamaKate]

Originally posted by Snurk71
I'm not positive, but I think when we ate there a little over a year ago they did the first seating according to when you made your PS - not when you checked in. We had made our PS close to the trip time and were one of the last ones seated (far away from the water). It took quite a while to fill up the restaurant for the first seating.

We asked about a water table. It was way too late for us on the first seating. But the seater said it might be another 20 minutes or so and we could probably have a water seat. We didn't wait though.

The only time they seat according to when the PS was made is for the first seating of the day. After that, they sit you at whichever table is available first & you can easily request a waterfront table.