Families - where do you guys eat?

[seobaina]

I'm just curious. Where do you all eat when you go to Disneyland? I've eaten at Ariels and Goofy's Kitchen, and I tend to go to Denny's etc. But a friend is going with 12 family members and was looking to book some places for dinner. Where do you eat when you go?

Thanks

 

[Canuck16]

On site or off site?

 

[rentayenta]

We just went to Disneyland with a party of 10. We ate everywhere we normally would but would get two tables if we didn't make a PS or they didn't have one long table. Naples in DTD could accomodate us at one table.

 

[ehrawn]

Wow. That's a lot of people to please. We've done the multi-family trip before, but only once did we do a Table Service Restaurant in the Park (Ariel's). It took a lot to get everyone to sit down together: wake everyone from their naps, get everyone dressed (especially the cranky toddlers), lode up the cars, park, ride the tram, walk to the gate, walk into the Park, get caught by the Parade, convince the little ones to eat while they could see the rides across the water, etc. We did do a dinner at House of Blues. We did it on a day that we weren't in the Park so it was a much more leisurely paced activity. Bottom line, in the Park, there's so many distractions and competing priorities, meals are difficult large-group activities, especially with children. However, family meals outside the park (DTD or, even better, in town) can be much more enjoyable.

 

[l4dyj8]

We went with a large group several years ago. About 10-12, 3 kids. My main advice would be to definitely reserve early to accommodate such a large party. I feel like we hit every possible place. Outside the park: Goofy's Kitchen, Surfs Up Breakfast at PP, Storyteller Café and Rainforest Café. In Park, Ariel’s Grotto and Blue Bayou. We didn't reserve Blue Bayou in advance. But walked up. It was a 4 day visit. The best they could do was the next day, mid afternoon. At the time, DH and I didn't have kids. So our experience may be different. But I feel the kids get a little restless being outside the park. Our breakfast at Surf's Up was extremely early. 7am. Made for a grouchy/less enthusiastic bunch. At the time (2009), with the exception of Ariel's Grotto, the kids menus were exactly the same. With the same coloring menu.

My advice, book only 1 or 2. Book early. For CA counter service, the Wharf or Carsland area would work perfectly for a group if they picked odd times. Everyone can pick what they want and sit at a large table at the Wharf. As for DL: maybe the BBQ Ranch area would be accommodating. But any other area, seating is limited or tight unless you do a reservations accepted place.

 

[sgrap]

Counter service area on the wharf has many options in one area. Our favorite is the Chinese chicken salad in the bread bowl, but teriyaki is great and there is Mexican food and maybe one other. This is in California adventure.

 

[Zeebs]

We are a group of 13 I have Goofy's and Riverbelle Terrace - Fantasmic Package booked. We are staying in a house so will eat a few meals there.

 

[nikkislaght]

we bring our own lunches in. and couple of times go off site to eat dinner.. bubba gumps.. cheese cake factory.. we eat at the pier in C/A, Flos. and we always try somewhere new each time..

 

[KeKy4]

We just do counter service, haven't done table service yet. But we like Plaza Inn, 2 chicken meals feed 4 of us (2 adults, 2 kids). Ask for a to-go cup to take your drinks with you, plus you get free refills! We also like Hungry Bear, just regular burgers/chicken sandwiches, etc but you can sit near the water and it's shady!
Download the Disney Magic Guide app, has all the menus plus prices!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Gotta give a huge shoutout for Taste Pilots Grill. The bacon bleu cheese burger is awesome and most kids can share burgers to save some money.

 

[sunflare]

Yikes! I was going to say Pizza Press offsite, but then I saw the number of people you have. However... it also may still work, as long as it's not a busy time, because seating is limited. There's something for pretty much everyone there, and a great craft beer selection to boot ;-)

 

[rentayenta]

I've read so much about Pizza Press lately. The food looks great. Where is in conjunction to the parks; is it walkable? We'll be at the ES South for two nights and the Hilton Anaheim two nights.

 

[figment_jii]

With a large group (12), I found CS to be easier to deal with in most cases, but we did have breakfast at Surf's Up and lunch at Big Thunder BBQ. Both were a lot of fun.

 

[Monica D]

We just had dinner with a party of 10 at Jazz Kitchen, Naples, and Rain Forest Cafe. All were accommodating with reservations and tables where we could sit together. We did a Fantasmic package one night at River Belle Terrace and they split us up into two tables. Other than that, we just tried to eat lunch or dinner a little early so we could grab enough seats for everyone to sit together.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We have gone a few times with a party of 11-12 (anywhere from 2-3 families). We were able to do all of the following, at regular meal times with reservations.

Jazz Kitchen
Naples
Blue Bayou (twice)
Big Thunder BBQ (twice, both times at two tables next to eachother)
Carthay Circle (twice)
Plaza Inn with Minnie

 

[seobaina]

Thanks all, I appreciate the feedback and will pass it on. What about other non disney places to eat? I tend to be a dennys/Ihop girl myself.

 

[becks59]

We like going to Mimis outside the park. It's walking distance and usually a good variety to please a lot of people. I've only gone with a small group so I don't know about reservations for a big group.

 

[Canuck16]

Thanks all, I appreciate the feedback and will pass it on. What about other non disney places to eat? I tend to be a dennys/Ihop girl myself.

There is a Denny's across the street from the parks.

We like The Cheesecake Factory or PF Chang's at the Anaheim Gardenwalk which we can walk to.

 

[GenGen22]

Thanks all, I appreciate the feedback and will pass it on. What about other non disney places to eat? I tend to be a dennys/Ihop girl myself.

There is a Buca di Beppo down the street. They are set up for large family dining.

 

[nolenbelledavis]

We at Bubba Gump's one night, they gave us our own little room, which was great with little kids.