Disneyland & Southern California (5-night) DLR Restaurants

[DVCinderella]

Does anyone know which restaurants the DLR Welcome Dinner on Day 3 and the Farewell Dinner on Day 5 are usually held at? We are staying 2 extra nights post-adventure, and I want to make dining reservations at restaurants other than the ones ABD frequents, so that we get to experience as much of DLR as possible. Recommendations are warmly welcomed!

 

[Steven G]

As you may or may not know, this trip has changed over the years based on feedback from guests, as well as policy changes from Disney. Thus where you go can easily be changed from trip to trip.

I have been on the trip 3 times over years. The very last time I was there, it was the disboards podcast version so that was also modified fr9m the norm.


So take below for what’s it worth.

The welcome dinner at DLR, the last two times I was there was NOT with the group. They gave you a special Disney voucher that gave you up to a certain amount at any restaurant in the parks. I think it was $50 per person. The first time I was there it was I believe River Belle with group.

The farewell dinner has also changed, but I think you can assume it’ll be a DCA eatery, ie either Cathay Circle or Lamplight Lounge. It’s been both for me.

 

[floribr1]

On our ABD last year (May 2023), the welcome dinner at DL was at Storyteller's Cafe. The farewell dinner was Lamplight Lounge. They also provided us breakfasts at the Plaza in DL and at Goofy's Kitchen.

Have fun! You will love this ABD.

 

[ecorr724]

On our ABD last year (May 2023), the welcome dinner at DL was at Storyteller's Cafe. The farewell dinner was Lamplight Lounge. They also provided us breakfasts at the Plaza in DL and at Goofy's Kitchen.

Have fun! You will love this ABD.

In August, 2023 it was exactly the same.

 

[Steven G]

I correct my statement after checking my pics and notes from previous trips. The first time was River Belle, the second time was Storyteller's, the third was the voucher ($40, not $50). The vouchers happened on the second day of the second trip, I got those mixed up (the second trip was modified because Star Wars Galaxy's Edge had just opened a month or two before). The vouchers was done by request of the Disboards Podcast team.

I think it's safe to assume that StoryTeller's will be the welcome dinner in most cases, and Lamplight Lounge will be the Farewell dinner.

Please note that first trip I had was about 8 years ago, and the trip was quite different back then.

 

[Rowlf the Dog]

On our ABD last year (May 2023), the welcome dinner at DL was at Storyteller's Cafe. The farewell dinner was Lamplight Lounge. They also provided us breakfasts at the Plaza in DL and at Goofy's Kitchen.

Have fun! You will love this ABD.

Last October the same.

 

[OKW Lover]

On the trips we've been on (all DIS exclusive) they transitioned to the voucher rather than an actual dinner at DL. They did that at the request of the DIS based on experience from earlier trips. It seems that everybody wants to hit the parks when they arrive at DL rather than spend time on a sit-down meal.

Again, that was a customized experience and may not apply to your trip.

 

[Sigal21]

Looks like Storyteller's Cafe is a hit for the welcome dinner, and many enjoy Lamplight Lounge for the farewell. If you're staying longer, try exploring other DLR restaurants for a fuller experience.

 

[Mathmagicland]

If you want to experience an original park restaurant, book at Carnation Cafe on Main Street. Small place with simple food but very popular, walkups very rsre and only with a long wait. Walt ate here often. Patio seating is great during parade time but hard to get as you can eat and watch the parade go by. Oscar, longtime 60 years cast member, worked here & had a huge local following. Very big deal when he retired. I go here on many of my park visits.

https://www.ocregister.com/2017/09/27/disneylands-longest-employee-chef-oscar-martinez-retires/

 

[Steven G]

I love Carnation Cafe too!

 

[jimmymc]

The Disneyland meals included are normally Storyteller's Cafe for your welcome dinner, Minnie and Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn on Disneyland day, Pym Test Kitchen for breakfast on DCA day, Lamplight Lounge for your farewell dinner, and Goofy's Kitchen as your final breakfast.

For dining reservations, I like to try and get Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans as something unique from Disney World, which I go to more often. For something higher end, I'd recommend Carthay Circle or Napa Rose. You could also try for a Fantasmic dining package, since that's not included in the AbD.