Going to Disneyland for the First time!!

[bufffalo2181]

This is our first trip to Disneyland (we are regularly at WDW) is there anywhere we shouldn't miss eating at?

 

[BrianL]

Woo hoo! You're going to love Disneyland! It's a little different than WDW, but great it it's own way. Make sure not to ignore rides that may seem the same, because they may be different!

As for food, if you want a nice sit-down meal, I recommned Cafe Orleans. My favorite places include Pacific Wharf Cafe with Boudin soudough bread and the bao buns at the Tropical Hideaway. Award Weiners is above-board too, and French Market can be a good, hearty lunch. Don't miss some exclusive treats like Matterhorn Macaroons from Jolly Holiday, or Bignets or a Mint Julep in New Orleans Square. Generally the food is better at DLR, especially the quick service stuff.

Enjoy!

 

[Kit Jackson]

The beignets and Mint Julip New Orleans Square are wonderful. My next recommendation is more about atmosphere/experience than the food, Flo's V8 Cafe in CarsLand/DCA. The themeing is fantastic. Each room has a slightly different theme. The portions are also huge so you can easily share with someone else traveling with you. The Tropical Hideaway has some fun DoleWhip flavors and other things to eat as well.

 

[DisTXMom]

Cafe Orleans (monte Cristo sandwich, Bengal Barbecue meat skewers (quick service), Blue Bayou sit near the water inside Pirates of C

 

[ktlm]

If you are going to be there on Fri, Sat or Sun, and get lucky enough to get a reservation, the Lamplight Lounge Brunch is really good.

We agree with the above of Cafe Orleans. You can order a Mint Julep there, but unless things have changed they don't have beinets right now, so after lunch or dinner (or any time), you have to go around the corner to the Mint Julep bar to get the Mickey head beignets.

 

[bufffalo2181]

Thanks all. Seems like I will have to try Cafe Orleans. We are going to try and hit all the rides even if they have the same name/theming as WDW.

 

[mdmost]

The bread bowls at Pacific Wharf are pretty good. If you can get a Carnation Cafe reservation, that's a fun restaurant to sit at if you request the cafe seating area. Jolly Holiday is great for treats and breakfast items.

 

[Apiary]

It’s really hard to get reservations for most restaurants. But the quick service is good and downtown Disney is right there.

 

[Dudekiwi]

If you don't get a reservation for a restaurant you want to try, just go up to the host/hostess and see about being put on the wait list. For example, if you want to have lunch at Carnation Café, get there at 11:30 or preferably earlier and let them know you want to get on the wait list. They usually have a person outside around this time. They will take your cell number and send you a text when your table is ready. It will be about a 30-45 minute wait. I know you can do this at most locations that require reservations.

Regarding the beignets, I say don't waste your time on the ones at Disneyland. At least that is my opinion. The best ones on property are at Jazz Kitchen Express in Downtown Disney. Along with their regular ones, they always have a limited time flavor. Currently it is Snickerdoodle. If you happen to be at DLR when they have their Mardi Grad flavored one, I highly recommend them. For the best ones in the area, you have to cross the street to Anaheim GardenWalk and go to Huckleberries. They have the best beignets. They are only open for breakfast and lunch which I also recommend. I have tried 5 different items on their breakfast and lunch menus and they have all been delicious.

 

[disneylover102]

Pym’s Test Kitchen is great!

 

[bufffalo2181]

If you don't get a reservation for a restaurant you want to try, just go up to the host/hostess and see about being put on the wait list. For example, if you want to have lunch at Carnation Café, get there at 11:30 or preferably earlier and let them know you want to get on the wait list. They usually have a person outside around this time. They will take your cell number and send you a text when your table is ready. It will be about a 30-45 minute wait. I know you can do this at most locations that require reservations.

Regarding the beignets, I say don't waste your time on the ones at Disneyland. At least that is my opinion. The best ones on property are at Jazz Kitchen Express in Downtown Disney. Along with their regular ones, they always have a limited time flavor. Currently it is Snickerdoodle. If you happen to be at DLR when they have their Mardi Grad flavored one, I highly recommend them. For the best ones in the area, you have to cross the street to Anaheim GardenWalk and go to Huckleberries. They have the best beignets. They are only open for breakfast and lunch which I also recommend. I have tried 5 different items on their breakfast and lunch menus and they have all been delicious.

Good to know. Thanks!