First Time to DL

[Mich Mouse]

My husband has just surprised me with a trip to GC as a gift for receiving a Master's Degee!! I am so excited!

Since this is the family's first trip to DL (been to WDW many times) I am looking for some advice.....

What are the "do not miss" restaurants??..I found quite a few guide books with attraction information, but no guide books listing restaurants. We love all types of food, so anything goes.

We are arriving the day after President's Day...Is this considered a "Peak" time for DL? I was informed that West Coast schools do not have this week off as we in the North East do.

Also, What type of weather does mid-February bring? It has to be better than here, in freezing NY where it is presently snowing again.



Thank you for any information, tips or suggestions!

 

[Chumpson]

I am interested to hear the answer to this as well. I can't afford the GC, but I am sure you will have a GREAT TIME there. We are going in May and looking to save some money by staying at HOJOs so we can have more partaking of the nicer fares around.

Sorry I don't have much to add, but since I was the 8th viewer I thought I would at least post something.

 

[Grog]

The Blue Bayou is a "do not miss" as much for the atmosphere as the food.

 

[mobetsy]

Most likely weather for mid-Feb. is slightly overcast skies, with daytime highs in the mid-60's and nights around 40-45...much better than NY! However, it is also the most likely time of year for rain (which is still not highly likely, just possible), so be prepared for that with a good rain jacket w/ hood or hat and some shoes that will stand getting wet. Virtually no schools here get that week off, and I think it's a fabulous time for avoiding the crowds.

 

[lulubelle]

MichMouse,
I would suggest for a character meal either Goofy's at DLH or Storyteller's at GCH - and believe it or not, even as an adult - one character meal is a must. For lunch or dinner, many people like Catal in DTD, but we much preferred Hook's Point at DLH. Rainforest Cafe is a great place to experience, the food is "good", not great, but the atmosphere is awesome. But the very best culinary treat anywhere within a several mile radius of DL is....Napa Rose! It does book up, so I would call to make a ressie. They are very pricey but unique and delicious. In the parks, Blue Bayou should be experienced at least once and in DCA the only places I have really liked are kinda fast-foodish. Sorry. Have fun whatever you choose and CONGRATS on your educational achievement!

 

[ChairborneRangr]

WORD OF CAUTION

You mentioned your family has gone to WDW many times... Disneyland Resort is Dramatically smaller in overall size, scope etc. 3 resort hotels, no water parks etc.

That said... My personal opinion is that the Magic Kingdom in Disneyland is far superior in layout, decor, use of space etc. Fantasyland looks like a land, not a strip mall. Tomorrowland is also laid out much better. Too bad Space Mountain is closed. Imagine the WDW Space Mountian with a Rock-n-Rollercoaster type soundtrack. You will find many attractions that are spread out over several parks in WDW are all in the Magic Kingdom in Disneyland. Honey, I shrunk the audience, Star Tours, Indianna Jones (although it is a "Dinosaur" ride vehicle not a show) etc.

Also EVERYTHING is within 10 minutes walk from the front gate of MK, including each park DTD and all three resort hotels.

The dining options are more limited, but I'd certainly agree that the Blue Bayou is a must.

 

[HaleyB]

Food is not as big a deal in Disney Land as compared to Disney World. This is sort of funny, because California has some of the best chef's in the world. In fact I had no idea how high the quality in general was until I moved away.
I also like Blue Bayou- it is in the Pirates ride. Cool setting. Can't really think of anythin too great. I like to eat in DTD, which is extreamly close to the parks/hotels (as in 5-10 minutes on foot).

 

[IandGsmom]

Don't forget that you MUST have priority seating to eat at all the good sit down placed in the park. They don't take walk up anymore from my understanding.

 

[cantsitstill]

We go to DLR at least once a month and we always go to the buffet dinner at Storyteller's Cafe at the GC. It's on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring Prime Rib carved to order, a delicious pasta dish, Caesar salad, soup, usually salmon, baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese and Mickey chicken nuggets for the kids and the most scrumptious desserts - including bread pudding made with croissants amongst other things! Yummy! The atmosphere is great there, too. The price for adults is around $25 and $10 for kids under 12 - not to be missed!!

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

I really enjoyed the Wine Country Trattoria in DCA. It's a nice sit down place and you can eat inside or on the terrace. It's relatively inexpensive and has Italian sandwiches, soups and salads as well as a good selection of wine.

I wanted to try the Vineyard Room my last trip, but it is only open weekend nights and we missed it.

 

[daannzzz]

My favorite places to eat at the Disneyland resort are....
In Disneyland...
Blue Bayou (full service) for atmosphere. The food is decent though not spectacular except for the Monte Christo sandwich at lunch.
The Plaza Inn (Counter service). 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. 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 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.
Hook's Point was a very nice atmosphere with really good food.
At the Grand Californian I love having lunch or dinner at the Storyteller cafe.
Hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[funnygarcia]

My favorites
Riverbelle Terrace for breakfast- it's lovely to sit and watch the River of America and see pople just beginning to come to the area. Morning is the only time you will see the area so peaceful. You also can feed the little birds that will come to visit the table.
If you are lucky you might see one of the feral cats wandering along the river edge.

Rancho del Zocalo -- mexican and BBQ foods (counter service) nice to split with others- very filling.

Just under the gallery- to the side of Pirates entrance- is a walk up window. Can't think of the name.. but you must have the gumbo in bread bowl.. yummy , warm and fills you up when it's cool outside .

Make sure to stop and listen to Rod playing the piano at Coke Corner. Have some chili or a footlong chili dog. It's not an elegant meal but it's fun!

Be warned that many restuarants in the parks (during this slow time of year) are closed until lunch time and then close quickly after dinner hrs .
Some are open only on the weekends.