DLR Dining

[zanzibar138]

Finding this very interesting, I had hoped a WOC dining experience would get us a good spot. I have Fibromyalgia and am wondering how I'm going to cope with all the walking so had hoped we could get a sit down spot rather than fighting for a standing spot. I think for this reason we will book the Fantasmic dessert or I can see all the standing leading to a miserable next day. I don't care where we sit as long as we sit.

The F! dessert package will definitely get you a chair If you're not concerned about being in the last row (of 3), you can just show up when the seating is ready, check in and sit straight down. Unfortunately WOC and the fireworks have NO seating (although if you're willing to stake it out for hours before hand, you could probably see the fireworks from a bench in the area). On the other hand, if you're getting the F! package, and the fireworks are on after F!, you will be allowed to stay seated for the fireworks show. It's not he best view, but at least you would have a seat

I'm not familiar with that condition, but if it's bad and you think it may affect your ability to enjoy the parks, it might be worth considering hiring a wheelchair. Then you wouldn't have to fight for position at any shows, you would be able to just sit in your wheelchair and watch from the wheelchair accessible area.

 

[BecBennett]

Personally the closest I came to having a bad meal any of the times I've visited DLR was Hungry Bear, but that was on the old menu and it turns out I don't like Funnel Cake

Carnation Cafe was awesome.
Blue Bayou has great atmosphere and I go back for that alone, but the food is a bit of a let down.
Naples has the best pizza I have ever eaten.
Ralph Brennan has amazing meals and lovely atmosphere.
Wine Country Trattoria was lacking in the atmosphere but that was in 2008 and might have changed now.
Napa Rose at the Grand Californian is super fancy.
Steakhouse 55 was amazing, it was a la carte though, which made it a bit expensive.
Bengal BBQ has really tasty skewers, but personally I found them a bit expensive for what you got.
Rainforest Cafe reminds me of Hogs Breath, I don't mind it, even though a lot of people seem to put it down.
ESPN - I can't really remember anything about this place However by reading back through an old review I did on the place I really enjoyed it and wanted to go back again!

I know I've eaten at more places, but at the moment I can't think of any

I know it's close to the Park Vue and looks really convenient, but I really don't recommend IHOP. For the price you pay it's pretty crappy food, but a lot of people recommend Mimi's which I think is just down the road a little.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I might pass on the sandwich.

BecBennet, thanks for the rundown of the places you've dined at. I keep looking at Ralph Brennan as the Sunday Jazz Brunch looks great. I just wish everything didn't come down to a best use of time.

I don't regret my decision to shorten my time at DLR in order to properly see Yellowstone, but gosh do I wish I had at least one more day up my sleeve.

 

[PrincessInOz]

You made the right decision Wanderlust. Getting to Yellowstone is a lot more involved than getting to DLR. You may not ever head back towards Yellowstone; but you'll always hop into LA (and DLR) for any trips to the US.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Finding this very interesting, I had hoped a WOC dining experience would get us a good spot. I have Fibromyalgia and am wondering how I'm going to cope with all the walking so had hoped we could get a sit down spot rather than fighting for a standing spot. I think for this reason we will book the Fantasmic dessert or I can see all the standing leading to a miserable next day. I don't care where we sit as long as we sit.

Your option might be to get a scooter or wheelchair. Then you'll be able to sit down.

 

[zanzibar138]

You made the right decision Wanderlust. Getting to Yellowstone is a lot more involved than getting to DLR. You may not ever head back towards Yellowstone; but you'll always hop into LA (and DLR) for any trips to the US.

I agree. DLR is practically on the way to anywhere else in the US It's worth spending the time to go out of your way and see some more of the country.

 

[ssour]

ESPN - I can't really remember anything about this place However by reading back through an old review I did on the place I really enjoyed it and wanted to go back again!

Oh I forgot about this one. DH really liked it here, again pretty good value for money. Typical American foods, nothing fancy but well cooked and tasty. We had a bit of a wait here but the arcade is upstairs and of course the buzzers work there.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

You made the right decision Wanderlust. Getting to Yellowstone is a lot more involved than getting to DLR. You may not ever head back towards Yellowstone; but you'll always hop into LA (and DLR) for any trips to the US.

Thank you for being the voice of reason and reminding me that I made the right choice

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I agree. DLR is practically on the way to anywhere else in the US It's worth spending the time to go out of your way and see some more of the country.

And thank you to you too

 

[BecBennett]

BecBennett, thanks for the rundown of the places you've dined at. I keep looking at Ralph Brennan as the Sunday Jazz Brunch looks great. I just wish everything didn't come down to a best use of time.

Yeah I can understand this, the last time we went to DLR I intentionally booked all dinners at closing time so I didn't miss any park time. This was in May, so the parks closed early but no one else was happy with this decision

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Your option might be to get a scooter or wheelchair. Then you'll be able to sit down.

I agree. I'm not familiar with your condition either, but it sounds like seating and night time shows don't go together well at DLR. Do what it takes to looka fter yourself.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Oh I forgot about this one. DH really liked it here, again pretty good value for money. Typical American foods, nothing fancy but well cooked and tasty. We had a bit of a wait here but the arcade is upstairs and of course the buzzers work there.

Cheers. I'll check it out

 

[TulipsNZ]

I don't regret my decision to shorten my time at DLR in order to properly see Yellowstone, but gosh do I wish I had at least one more day up my sleeve.

I hear you on this, I keep thinking oh if I had just one more day, I've given up some Disney for a more relaxed LEGOLAND and zoo experience.

 

[TulipsNZ]

I agree. I'm not familiar with your condition either, but it sounds like seating and night time shows don't go together well at DLR. Do what it takes to looka fter yourself.

I'm not that bad, I just try to take care of myself by not pushing things when I don't have to.

 

[hellosue]

My Daughter as Autism and if the only way I can see WOC is get her a Wheelie then I think it is worth it .... she doesn't want to be seen in one but I said I will strap her ankle so it looks like she has a sprained ankle instead.... So do whatever you have to, to see as much as you can. Did you know that Disney is very Disability friendly and Fibromyalgia is classified as a disability in the USA. You can go to guest relations and try for a Disability Access Service Card, it helps if you have a Doctors letter outlining your ability to get around.... eg: pain suffered from standing to long etc.

 

[Rebekkap]

My Daughter as Autism and if the only way I can see WOC is get her a Wheelie then I think it is worth it .... she doesn't want to be seen in one but I said I will strap her ankle so it looks like she has a sprained ankle instead.... So do whatever you have to, to see as much as you can. Did you know that Disney is very Disability friendly and Fibromyalgia is classified as a disability in the USA. You can go to guest relations and try for a Disability Access Service Card, it helps if you have a Doctors letter outlining your ability to get around.... eg: pain suffered from standing to long etc.

I don't believe having a letter helps at all - in fact from everything I've read and from my experience getting one for my aunt when I went with her, they don't ask you for anything and they're not allowed to under the Americans with Disabilities Act. WOC has a disabled section, with benches. I think from memory you needed a fastpass as well.

 

[zanzibar138]

My Daughter as Autism and if the only way I can see WOC is get her a Wheelie then I think it is worth it .... she doesn't want to be seen in one but I said I will strap her ankle so it looks like she has a sprained ankle instead.... So do whatever you have to, to see as much as you can. Did you know that Disney is very Disability friendly and Fibromyalgia is classified as a disability in the USA. You can go to guest relations and try for a Disability Access Service Card, it helps if you have a Doctors letter outlining your ability to get around.... eg: pain suffered from standing to long etc.

Disney are known for their willingness to help those with disabilities. However, they no longer have the DAS system. The new system is the GAC (Guest Assistance Card). Anything that is mobility related (eg standing for long periods, walking, stairs etc) is not covered any more, and they will just tell you to get a wheelchair. When you turn up at the attraction with the wheelchair, the CM there will help you, but if the line is wheelchair accessible, you will just wait in line with everyone else since you are able to sit down.

Check out the DISabilities thread for more detailed information on the GAC.

 

[Montanabel]

Sorry, I think I have jumped into this thread a bit late, but for my two cents:

Cafe Orleans - the pommes frites are great (the serving is large) and its nice to sit outside and watch the people walk by (it overlooks the Rivers of America).

Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel - lots of characters and the desert selection is fantastic (I like it better than Chef Mickey's at WDW).

Rainforest Cafe at DTD - my kids loved this place and DH was pretty impressed too. Lots of food but it seems to pretty popular and each time we have had to wait to get a table.

If you are after quick service, I quite liked Village Haus (DLR), Taste Pilots' Grilll (CA) and Broadwalk Pizza and Pasta (CA). Tast Pilots' Grill has a 'topping bar' if you need to add to your burger. The pizzas at Broadwalk are really good and they have a lovely large outdoor seating area which is at the quiet end of Paradise Pier. Sometimes the 'green army soldiers' from Toy Story come over and do a bit of a show for people eating their lunch. Only goes for a few minutes but its fun.

Outside the parks, I have to second the recommendation for the Cheesecake Factory. Best milkshakes I have ever had in my life and the range (and taste) of cheesecakes is staggering.

 

[shushh]

I was telling DH about this sandwich the other night, and telling him how everyone raves about it. He was interested to hear whether any fellow Aussies/Kiwis rave about it, or whether it's just people in the US? Off the top of my head, I didn't think I'd ever heard an Aussie/Kiwi review of it. Maybe it's more to their tastes than ours, because it's just doesn't sound appetizing to me! It's the dusting of sugar that really gets me. Sugar on a deep-fried meat and cheese sandwich Fellow Aussies/Kiwis, if you've tried this sandwich I'd be interested to hear your opinions! (Sorry for hijacking your thread Wanderlust!).

Me me me! My blog stops just at Disneyland unfortunately and I haven't had a chance to update...

We love it. So much so that we came back again the next day for more!! Maybe the trick is to have small portions?!? We shared one plate amongst 5. There are also other good options at Cafe Orleans if the monte Cristo doesn't appeal

 

[Meemoo]

With less than a month now until dining bookings open up for my trip, I'm feeling very indecisive about where to make my 2 or 3 bookings. I think I have my mind made up and then I read a review and change it.

I'm keen to hear your experiences and recommendations for DL, DCA, and even Downtown Disney, restaurants. Not just in terms of food quality, but also theming, ambience, and value for money.

I should mention that we are limited somewhat when it comes to budget. While Blue Bayou and dinner at Carthay Circle look great, it's just not an area of the trip where I'm prepared to stretch the purse strings.

Also, I have breakfast included as part of my hotel rate at Park Vue Inn, and a character breakfast booked a few days later at Aulani. So with this in mind, I wasn't planning on paying extra for a character experience at DLR. However, if people think this decision is short-sighted, I am open to feedback.

Thanks everyone.

Depending on what you want to get out of your character breakfast, for myself I plan on having my character breakfast at DL next time rather than Aulani, which we will be doing a combined trip of the 2. The character breakfast at Aulani only has a few characters, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, that is all usually. You can meet chip n dale and Donald Duck around the hotel grounds but I have never seen them in the breakfast. I also felt the food was better and more choice at something like Minnie's Breakfast in the Park at DL. The Aulani breakfast is a different experience though, as Aunty will interact with your kids encouraging them to take part in dances and play instruments and parade around the restaurant, so it does depend what you want from your experience in character dining.