Eating at Cal Adventure

[Nobbi]

Hey, everyone!

Although we live in the SF area, I am an old WDW fanatic with EPCOT being my favorite: you can eat and drink around the world!

In December we'll be spending a weekend in the "Southland" and we have never been to California Adventure. My main question is: where to eat? (My epcot faves are Bistrot de Paris, Akershus, and San Angel, if that helps.)

Also any attractions to go to first?

I feel so silly. I'm a WDW expert on the west coast and know almost nothing about the Anaheim location.

...but in April it's off to D-Paris!!!

Nobbi

 

[year2late]

Don't miss Soarin'. Arrange your visit to maximize fastpass use for this ride. You will want to go on more than once.

We came back a few weeks ago and they opened the DCA gates at 930 (rather than 10) and Soarin was open then too. We rode a few times before the FP machine opened up.

By the way.........another Alameda resident here....

We tend to eat sit doen meals at Storeytellers in Grand Ca Hotel, Rainforest, ESPN, Goofy's kitchen at DLH. I have a 9 year old and those are nice compromises.

Don't forget to nab a meal at Blue Bayou in DL!!!!

 

[daannzzz]

There is nothing at DCA to compare with the restaurants of World Showcase at Epcot except maybe for upstairs at the Vinyard. It is more of an expensive place ala the Bistro. I have not eaten there. Downstairs at the vinyard which is called the Trattoria, I think, was just okay. I like Ariel's Grotto but it is nothing like World Showcase. The Storyteller Cafe at the GF (just a couple minutes walk from DCA) is good but but serves a menue consisting of Pizza, burger, steak, spaghetti and salads and sandwiches. Napa Rose is the nice restaurant at the Grand Californina and it overlooks the park. The other restaurants at DCA are counter service.
Do see Soarin' over California first. Also make sure to spend some time in the Animation exhibit. It is different from the one in Florida and the main lobby is really great.

 

[jordanyosh]

For some odd reason being at DCA reminds me of WDW more than being at DL reminds me of the MK at WDW. Who knows....

Attractions not to miss: Soarin, The Animation Lobby, Grizzly River Run(better and longer than Kali), California Screamin. If you like shows, Aladdin and Golden Dreams are good to see.

Nice sit down restaurants are harder to find at DCA or for that matter, DL. The majority of guests are local and aren't generally willing to shell out the money to eat a nicer meal. I haven't eaten at the Vineyard Room, but have heard some good things about it.
The nice restaurants are at DTD which is right between DCA, DL and the DL resorts. Catal is nice, as well as Naples. We like the Napa Rose at the Grand Cal and Granvilles at the DLH. If you like San Angel at the WS, maybe you'd enjoy the Blue Bayou at DL.

Good luck and happy eating.

 

[Nobbi]

Thanks for all the suggestions!



Nobbi

 

[SimbaSue]

We were disappointed in the food at DLR compared to WDW. We did very much enjoy the Vineyard Room. It was much better than the Napa Rose. We also liked the Blue Bayou, especially the hot apple dessert. Fantastic! Enjoy! Sus