The
Disneyland resort is very compact. Staying at the Grand Californian will mean you are are staying in a hotel that is connected to Disney's California Adventure. Many rooms overlook the park without any barriers obstructing the view. We didn't have a park view but from our room into the park usually about a minute! The hotel is also part of Downtown Disney with many rooms over the top of the shops and restaurants. Disneyland is about a 3-4 minute walk away. Everything is extremely convenient. Be aware that Disneyland resort is in the middle of suburbia though and is not like visiting WDW. Also prepare for your first view of the castle down Main St as it is very diminutive compared to WDW.
As fars as food goes here is my list.
My favorite places to eat at the Disneyland resort are....
In Disneyland... there are only two full service restaurants and one is really little.
Blue Bayou (full service) for atmosphere. This is similar to the San Angel Inn at Epcot but I think the atmosphere is even better. The food is decent though not spectacular except for the Monte Christo sandwich at lunch.
Carnation Cafe is a cramped and small sidewalk cafe on Main St. with sanwiches Salads and soups.
The Plaza Inn (Counter service) is much bigger than the one at WDW and is more comperable to the Crystal Palace but not the same style. It has good food and a very pretty place to eat.
Redd Rockets Pizza Port (counter service) has an okay atmosphere, just okay pizza but good pasta and salads.
The French Market (Counter service) Has had good food and a nice atmopshere with all outdoor seating.
Over at Disney's California Adventure...
Ariel's Grotto (Full service) is a character meal in a nice "undersea" setting or you can sit out on the deck with a view of the Paradise Pier area. I like the food here and the character interaction has been good.
Taste Pilots Grill (Fast food) had a great breakfast that is no longer served. I have heard they have good burgers here.
Cocina Cocina (Fast food) has Mexican food that was fine though nothing spectacular.
Pacific Warf Cafe (fast food) received raves, from our large group at Christmas, for the bread bowl soups and salads, I was over at the Mexican food place!!!
At the Hotels...
Disneyland Hotel...
I have eaten at Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast and it is always fun with loads of great food. This is a large contemporary affair on par with Chef Mickey's and 1900 Park Fair.
Hook's Point was a very nice atmosphere with really good food.
I have not tried Granville's Steakhouse but have heard it is very good. It has been around for quite a long time.
At the Grand Californian I love having lunch or dinner at the Storyteller cafe. It has a very pleasent atmosphere though no storytelling.
Napa Rose is the expensive place at the GC but I have not tried it yet. It is very beautiful looking inside and has views into DCA.
I have not tried any of the Restaurants at Downtown Disney. They have a House of Blues, ESPN Club and Rainforest Cafe but I have read better reviews of the other lesser known places such as Catal, Ralph Brennen's and Naples.
Hope you have a wonderful time.
