First night dinner-non theme park option

[trampslady]

Where would you send a couple without children (who still like to have fun and are total Disney freaks, but never been to Disneyland, only WDW) for their first night dinner? We aren't looking for "dress up" food, but would enjoy a nice intro to Disney with good food.

 

[hlbtimes2]

There are so many great options. It really depends on what you are looking for. There are great places in all three of the hotels, plus the places in downtown Disney. I would start by taking a look at www.dlresortinfo.com It will give you a great idea of what is offered and what you are looking at for prices.

Napa Rose is great for an upscale meal, it at the GCH. Steakhouse 55 (formerly Granvilles) is a nice places if you are looking for a nice steak or seafood meal. Storytellers is a little more casual, and offers a dinner buffet or menu service. Goofys at the DLH is a character buffet, and is open for dinner. That might be a fun way to really get the Disney feel. We dont eat a lot in downtown Disney, so I can't give many personal recomendations. We usually stay in the parks rather then take the time to leave to eat.

 

[honeymom]

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in DD

 

[MATTERHORN]

I would do Hook's Pointe and meander around the grounds or Storyteller's Cafe and hang out at the bar/fireplace for a while afterwards. Nice and relaxing, don't have to be dressy for either!


Andrea

 

[staley7580]

JAZZ KITCHEN!!!!!!! Yum, Yum!

 

[TwingleMum]

I was thinking about this myself last night and I think what I'm going to do is go to Goofy's for a character dinner the 1st night.

 

[DevilDuckie]

I would do Hook's Pointe and meander around the grounds or Storyteller's Cafe and hang out at the bar/fireplace for a while afterwards. Nice and relaxing, don't have to be dressy for either!


Andrea

Ditto! Go early enough that you can play with the boats outside after dinner!

 

[GreenGirl8]

If you just want a bite to eat, I love going to Croc's Bits and Bites. The food is standard "Fast Food" type stuff, but it is made to order. There is a bar in that area as well that you can sit and have a drink at. You can grab a bite and then walk around the hotel area.

If a sit down restaurant is what you are looking for, I would suggest ESPN Zone. The food is very good and there are games upstairs that the kids can play. This is probably our most frequently visited restaurant in Downtown Disney. It is loud, but fun.

 

[got2travel]

Any option in Downtown Disney has pretty good food. But per your words you are Disney freaks and want an introduction into Disneyland. I'd say go to Goofy's Kitchen. It's in the Disneyland hotel. It's a character meal so you'll feel like you're in the parks. (Think Chef Mickey's). I just posted in the Goofy's dinner thread that I wasn't that impressed with the food, but for atmosphere this is your place. Then after dinner, wander around the Disneyland Hotel. There's a bunch of great memorabilia scattered around.

 

[poconoboatniks]

Storytellers or House of Blues

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

Jazz Kitchen upstairs was nice for adults.

 

[GailT]

I am trying to figure out when it is DL cheapest season for the GC hotel.?

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I was thinking about this myself last night and I think what I'm going to do is go to Goofy's for a character dinner the 1st night.

I go to Goofy's Kitchen every time I go to Disneyland on the eve before I hit the parks...I go with or without kids...its great fun and the food is good

 

[Dukland]

For us, I'd do Goofy's Kitchen. It's totally fun.

But for strictly food, I'd find something in Downtown Disney. They have a lot of options there.

 

[Wendi2000]

Yamabuki... it's my favorite!!! YUM!

 

[samkj]

Goofy's Kitchen!

 

[AskTheChief]

Dh and I loved the Jazz Kitchen, upstairs balcony. Great for people watching in DTD.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Our favorite is Jazz Kitchen. Nice restaurant and the food is really good. The Jazz Kitchen is located in Downtown Disney, and has a nice balcony where you can enjoy your food if it is nice outside. Also, if you time it right, after dinner (late dinner), you can watch the top of the fireworks as they go off @ Disneyland.

I also like Hook's Pointe at the Disneyland Hotel. It is themed for Neverland, but it is very tastefully done. They have a delicious appetizer with baked garlic & brie (yum). They also have a wine cellar, if you'd like to go there afterwards, or you can sit outside at the Lost Boy's Bar and enjoy nice atmosphere outside.

Like said previously, you can also go to Goofy's Kitchen, located at the Disneyland Hotel, and enjoy a buffet dinner.

I also enjoy the Storyteller Cafe for casual dining. That was our family favorite until the Jazz Kitchen. You can either order off of the menu or dinner buffet.

I haven't tried Yamabuki's yet, but I think we're going to eat there to celebrate my birthday this year. It gets high reviews.