General bellyaching, Lack of food options within the parks

[KrazyKat4DIS]

I mostly agree with the OP. The food at DL pales in comparison to the options at WDW. I am a pescatarian and so it's even more difficult to find something to eat.

I have found that DCA has more options as does DTD. However, nothing is really stellar, except for the treats. If Disney can do something right, it's junk food! woo hoo! I tell myself I am walking off the calories so it's ok. I usually end up just snacking the whole day.

BTW - I know several people, myself included, that have gotten food poisoning from the Plaza Inn. Anyone else have a similar experience? I still get a little sick walking by it. I definitely won't be "celebrating" there!

 

[TinkerbellTris]

No never had food poisoning at Plaza Inn, but my DH got it from ESPN in 2005. On another note, there is no comparison in food when you are comparing DL to WDW. WDW is huge and has a ton of award winning restraunts not to mention 2 more parks than DL. However the food option in DTD in Anaheim are very good options. You have La Brea Bakery who serves lunch and dinner and has a great new york steak plate and their salads are great, Naples who has the best italian food on premisis, Tortilla Joes that has great steak Fajitas and Nachos, also House of blues, Jazz Kitchen, Espn. There is something for every taste. The food is very pricey and thats something to note going into the vacation

 

[pixiewings71]

Yeah, sure it is. Last heard the Bank was to be the new gallery....
As far as the Rancho is concerned, its all right just bland, to me at at least.

The bank is where they currently process APs, this is going to be new gallery. The place at the end of MS (by Coke Corner, not Plaza Inn but can't remember what it was called) is going to be the new AP processing center. I do agree it would be a great location for a new place to eat but where would they do APs then? I can't picture anyplace that would be good for that. I do think that they gallery should go someplace else but I don't know where......

 

[Corpsebride]

BTW - I know several people, myself included, that have gotten food poisoning from the Plaza Inn. Anyone else have a similar experience? I still get a little sick walking by it. I definitely won't be "celebrating" there!

We had eaten at Plaza Inn twice and both times were really grossed out at the amount of salt they use in the food. We were so sick to our stomachs that we ended up leaving the park and were sick well into the next day.
Too bad too, the Plaza Inn is so pretty to look at and its comfy inside , especially when its cold out. The manager even admitted to us that he hadnt ever eaten there. We suggested that he give it a try to see what we were talking about. I also get a little queasy walking past it too!

 

[liz2d2]

I agree that DL has a better variety of restaurants inside and nearby the parks. I love dining at WDW (especially at the resorts) but you can't beat the convenience of being able to walk to tasty food at DL.

While I was eating my gumbo in DL last week, I kept having flashbacks to all those burger CS places with huge lines in WDW...

We ate at Whitewater Snacks for the first time. YUM-MY and so convenient. We cruised by long lines inside DCL and grabbed ourselves a sandwich. You can't beat that!

 

[Bunless]

The manager even admitted to us that he hadnt ever eaten there.

That's so not right. Dang.

Am I the only one who hates Taste Pilots? I thought that was the worst burger I'd had in three years.

I was curious so I was looking at the table service offerings at DL vs. WDW.
Unless you count the World Showcase at Epcot and the resort offerings, they're about the same as far as variety is concerned. Difference being, at DLR you can walk to all of those offerings instead of going through all the transportation issues.

DH and I can easily spend four days at DL and never eat burgers, pizzas, or dogs (ok, I eat a Corn Dog...but that's out of personal desire for the best corn dog in the world). There's still several places that we haven't eaten that we would love to (Uva Bar being highest among them).

 

[nunzia]

The bank is where they currently process APs, this is going to be new gallery. The place at the end of MS (by Coke Corner, not Plaza Inn but can't remember what it was called) is going to be the new AP processing center. I do agree it would be a great location for a new place to eat but where would they do APs then? I can't picture anyplace that would be good for that. I do think that they gallery should go someplace else but I don't know where......

How about back where it was before they made it into the big fancy suite that none of us will ever get to stay in?

 

[jemilah]

We only get to go 2 days next trip and can't fit in all the places we love in 2 days
I agree plaza inn was nasty last time we where there didn't get sick but way too salty!

 

[pixiewings71]

That's so not right. Dang.

Am I the only one who hates Taste Pilots? I thought that was the worst burger I'd had in three years.

I was curious so I was looking at the table service offerings at DL vs. WDW.
Unless you count the World Showcase at Epcot and the resort offerings, they're about the same as far as variety is concerned. Difference being, at DLR you can walk to all of those offerings instead of going through all the transportation issues.

DH and I can easily spend four days at DL and never eat burgers, pizzas, or dogs (ok, I eat a Corn Dog...but that's out of personal desire for the best corn dog in the world). There's still several places that we haven't eaten that we would love to (Uva Bar being highest among them).

You are correct, that isn't right. Sheesh, it should be mandatory that all managers eat at their restaurants.
BTW, are you sure you ate at Taste Pilots? Because we eat there a LOT, the burgers there are so good!!!!! I usually get chicken but DBF had a burger a couple weeks ago and man, it was goooooooood!!!!!!!

How about back where it was before they made it into the big fancy suite that none of us will ever get to stay in?

LOL Oh ya, right, where it used to be.....ya, so what do they use that space for now?

 

[TinkSassy]

I have to agree with the OP, just got back from a first trip to DL after years at only WDW. The options pale in comparison. The food we had was excellent - I was a little disappointed in Rancho (I think because we had a friend build it up too much).

I would have been really lost though if we hadn't been able to use the boards ahead of time. We were on a budget and that was challenging with knowing where the restaurants are and their menus. I'd hate to have walked in blind.

 

[Mike_M]

And speaking for a born and raised Californian the "mexican" restraunt by Thunder Mountain is bad....

As a fellow born and raised Californian, I have to agree that it's not the best Mexican style food I've ever had. However, having lived in a lot of places and states, I can honestly say that I've experienced much worse than Rancho and that it's 'Good enough' for a tourist version. I enjoy it when I go there.

I honestly don't think that it's reasonable to expect 5 star cuisine at a place that is serving up thousands of people per day. The larger the quantities, the blander the food usually gets and when you look at it that way, DLR food is actually pretty flavorful in comparison to other experiences I've had with bulk food options (Military food, need I say more).

I was pleasantly surprised by the food at The French Market last trip and had a pretty decent Burrito over in DCA at Cucamonga Mexican Grill. There is good food available; you just need to be open minded and adventurous.

 

[PinkBudgie]

That's so not right. Dang.

Am I the only one who hates Taste Pilots? I thought that was the worst burger I'd had in three years.

We ate there last summer and DH and I split their chicken sandwich. The chicken piece was small and the fries were good but not very many. The next day we tried the chicken sandwich at Whitewater. It was huge! We split that one and we were stuffed. It also comes with guacamole, which as any guacamole lover knows, is very uncommon or they charge extra. So Taste Pilot didn't impress us but we didn't try the hamburger. However, I can't believe it would be worse than the one at Hungry Bear.

I've been reading the section about places to eat in the UG to WDW. There are many places that sound very good, but I also get the idea that you pretty much have to have ADRs 180 days in advance or forget it. It sounds to me like dining at WDW is an event by itself and seems to interrupt the day. Even the CS sounds like it takes a very long time, I think because of their dining plan. I can't wait to try food at WDW but I'm glad DLR isn't so crazy. Since DTD and DCA were added, I think the food choices have gotten better. Sherry is right, it used to be crummy.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Since I've never been to WDW, I can't comment on their being better choices. From what I've seen & read....the choices are endless there.
Disneyland doesn't have that, but what they do have is very good. We just got back from a week long trip & if you read my trip report, it looks as if we only ate....which was not the case. We did try a ton of new places & were impressed by almost all of them.
For sit down: Carnation Cafe (breakfast was fabulous), Plaza Inn (haven't done this one ourselves), River Belle Terrace (had breakfast & lunch here & it's very good), Cafe Orlean's (our new favorite restaurant), Blue Bayou (loved our experience there, no complaints at all), Rancho del Zocalo (not our cup of tea...and we love Mexican food).....can't think of any others at DL.

At DCA: Wine Country (never been, but impressed with reviews & pics), Ariel's Grotto (yes it's a character meal, but we've had brkfst & lunch here & it was great)

At the hotels: too many to list...they have choices from steak to seafood to sushi rolls.

DTD: We've had wonderful sit down meals at ESPN Zone, Rainforest Cafe & House of Blues. Next on our list is the Jazz Kitchen.

So I feel there are good choices, you just have to be prepared ahead of time & take advantage of the priority seating.

Both parks, hotels & DTD also have quick service that is worth trying. Our favorites our the Hungry Bear & Taste Pilot's Grill.

If you have dietary concerns you can call Disney Dining who will assist you in finding restaurants that can accomidate you.

Don't give up on the food at Disneyland...just know we don't have the room for world-wide cuisine like WDW. Hopefully next trip, you'll find some favorites!!

 

[bumbershoot]

I mean they have a prime spot for a new restraunt at the end of Main Street if they would just move the annual pass center somewhere else.

Yeah, sure it is. Last heard the Bank was to be the new gallery....

So where, exactly, is the spot for the restaurant, in your opinion? I'm confused.


I like Wine Country Trattoria, I like splitting a vegetarian platter at Rancho, I adore the Vegetarian Gumbo at Royal Street Veranda and the Vegetarian Chili at Pacific Wharf Cafe...had something very delicious at the restaurant in PPH (hubby did too)...the Ratatouille at Cafe Orleans was borderline incredible... I'm pleased with the offerings, that's for sure!

Then again, I'm sure that most omnivores aren't choosing to eat the limited (but GOOD) vegetarian options that we eat.

 

[Lakewood]

So where, exactly, is the spot for the restaurant, in your opinion? I'm confused.


I like Wine Country Trattoria, I like splitting a vegetarian platter at Rancho, I adore the Vegetarian Gumbo at Royal Street Veranda and the Vegetarian Chili at Pacific Wharf Cafe...had something very delicious at the restaurant in PPH (hubby did too)...the Ratatouille at Cafe Orleans was borderline incredible... I'm pleased with the offerings, that's for sure!

Then again, I'm sure that most omnivores aren't choosing to eat the limited (but GOOD) vegetarian options that we eat.

At the end of main street next to adventureland.

 

[nunzia]

You are correct, that isn't right. Sheesh, it should be mandatory that all managers eat at their restaurants.
BTW, are you sure you ate at Taste Pilots? Because we eat there a LOT, the burgers there are so good!!!!! I usually get chicken but DBF had a burger a couple weeks ago and man, it was goooooooood!!!!!!!



LOL Oh ya, right, where it used to be.....ya, so what do they use that space for now?

The Gallery, which used to be above Pirates, was a lovely little place and was converted to the Dream Suite back in the Year of a Million Dreams campaign. It was given away to a lucky winner nightly. Now that the campaign is over I hear it is used by VIPs, Disney execs, etc. to stay in while at the park..and we thought Club 33 was exclusive.
I loved the gallery where it was..it had such character and charm.

 

[Queenbillabong]

You are correct, that isn't right. Sheesh, it should be mandatory that all managers eat at their restaurants.
BTW, are you sure you ate at Taste Pilots? Because we eat there a LOT, the burgers there are so good!!!!! I usually get chicken but DBF had a burger a couple weeks ago and man, it was goooooooood!!!!!!!



LOL Oh ya, right, where it used to be.....ya, so what do they use that space for now?

It's still a suite - like a VIP suite now.

So where, exactly, is the spot for the restaurant, in your opinion? I'm confused.

I THINK they are saying where the AP center will be moved to (Plaza Square - next to Coke Corner), not where it currently is (the bank on Main Street).

BTW - we love Wine Country Trattoria and Taste Pilot's - yum. Never had much opportunity to try out the restaurants in DTD as we have so many favorites inside the park........

 

[olivejuice]

I would like it if there was more than one vegetarian option at Blue Bayou. I like the mushroom cous cous but It gets old after like 3 bites. Other than that Im pretty happy that the rest of the Park has veggie options.

 

[mechurchlady]

The problem with the gallery was accessibility for strollers, wheelchairs and ECVs. The only way for a disabled person to enter the Gallery was to find a CM and have them tell you where to go then you waited until you went into an offstage elevator then through backstage areas until finally you were in the Gallery. Moms had to lug their kids up the flight of stairs.

There went a lot of customers and to maintain accessibility meant having CMs trained on what to do, having CMs escorting guests backstage, and CMs having to help guests find the entrance. It was a waste of manpower and it was frustrating for disabled guests and it required guests to be in backstage areas.

I rather have the gallery moved to the moon than see the bank destroyed. I would love nice dinners like at Ariel's and Epcot but the park has only so much space, is very old, and it would take a lot of money and time to put in a new restaurant. Bring back tahitian terrace please.

 

[bethy]

I adore DLR but have always been bummed out by the food. It's OK but I just have a hard time spending hard-earned money on it. We live in an area with with REALLY great restaurants so that probably influences my opinions. However we don't go out to eat that much at home because we're saving our money for vacations!

This is one reason we bought into the Villas at the Grand californian (among many reasons.) If I can't buy great food at the parks then I'd rather just provide more of my own food and spend less money overall.

I am so totally not a food snob. I actually prefer more basic food than that but I want it well-seasoned, appropriately prepared and a little more variety for it to be worth the money to me. And for some reason I just can't get into counter service. It's take out or table service for me.