Good Place To Eat Lunch in DL?

[viluvsdisney]

We're looking for a moderately priced, good meal for lunch. It will be just my 7 yr. old and myself. On a recent trip to WDW, we all decided that the food has taken a terrible turn. It has consistantly gotten worse over the last 4 years. During our last trip, the pizza at the resort hotel was SO BAD - the kids wouldn't even eat it So, we're hoping that someone can lead us to a decent meal in the park - that won't break the bank or jepordize the rest of the day (if you know what I mean) Thanks in advance!

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

I really like the Hungry Bear in Critter Country. It's counter service but the burgers are decent and the atmosphere is very relaxing, especially if you sit on the deck with a table right by the rail and look out over the Rivers of America.

 

[eduk8r26]

I like the Carnation Cafe on Main Street. Kids can make their own PBJ sandwiches and the adult sandwiches are very good. Plus if you sit by Main Street, it's fun watching everyone walk by.

 

[Snow Brite]

I dont think we have ever had lunch in the park! How funny is that? We either eat a huge breakfast and then dont want lunch and wait until dinner or we go back to the hotel for a rest and grab lunch at DTD on the way.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Pizza port is pretty good- one of the kids options is ravioli with either alfredo or red sauce, and a piece of garlic bread, and a drink. Its a pretty good size meal, I've ordered it for myself.

Plaza Inn and the French market both have pretty good friend chicken, as well as some other options.

Riverbell terrace has good chowder in a bread bowl (there is a walk up window in NOS that has it too). They also have BBQ that I've heard is good, and will probably have some this trip.

The only place I avoid is Village Haus in Fantasyland. I've always had bad luck there, and am not willing to give it another try. Other people say its ok.

You might want to check out www.dlresortinfo.com for menus and prices.

 

[Churro]

Well all the food there is just about the same quality pretty much anywhere. So on that note, why not get some good entertainment while you eat?? If you go to the Golden Horseshoe for the 11:50(?) or 1:00 showing, you can get food like burgers, chili in a breadbowl, and chocolate cake and watch a very funny show while you eat! If you stand in line about 20 mins early you can get a good seat by letting one person sit while you wait in line for your food.

 

[Wendebird]

Actually Churro, Golden Horseshoe has changed it's menu & no longer serves burgers, chili, etc. It's basically chicken fingers, fish & chips & mozzarella sticks & if I may say so, it's not very good either. What were they thinking?

My favorite places for lunch in DL (not DCA?) are French Market in NOS, Carnation Cafe' on MS, R2P2 (Red Rocketts) & the Plaza Inn at the hub.

At both the Plaza Inn & R2P2, my dd7 & I split a pasta meal & are full! At the Plaza it's the penne pasta with the chicken pesto alfredo sauce & at R2P2 it's the Count-Down Chicken Fusilli.

Also, you simply must eat at the Blue Bayou, oh wait, shoot, it won't be open when you go due to the Pirates rehab. Shoot!!

One of my favorite snacks is spicy beef skewers at Bengal BBQ. Those & tiger tails, yummy!

Be sure to grab a Dole Whip while waiting for the Tiki Room. (No Zazu & Iago here!)

 

[Amy&Dan]

We're looking for a moderately priced, good meal for lunch. It will be just my 7 yr. old and myself. On a recent trip to WDW, we all decided that the food has taken a terrible turn. It has consistantly gotten worse over the last 4 years. During our last trip, the pizza at the resort hotel was SO BAD - the kids wouldn't even eat it So, we're hoping that someone can lead us to a decent meal in the park - that won't break the bank or jepordize the rest of the day (if you know what I mean) Thanks in advance!

You will be happy to know that the pizza at Disneyland is MUCH better than the pizza at WDW! Its not gourmet but its edible and pretty tasty. My kids won't eat the pizza at WDW either, I think its the fake, nasty cheese they put on it! Redd Rocket's has pretty decent pizza and its a buffeteria meaning you can see everything and know if it looks like something your kids will eat. I think their pasta and salads are really good. I find the counter service options to be better at Disneyland with better atmosphere than the cs options at WDW. They don't have nearly as many sit downs as WDW however. I also second the French Market and the Plaza Inn as well as Carnation Cafe (which is full service but very reasonable). Have a great trip! And I see you are from Denver too!

 

[brenda1966]

I'm from Denver too!

I think all the suggestions above are good. For me, eating is not a priority so I always do counter service. My time is just more precious than finding good food so maybe my expectations for food quality are not that high but I've found all of these to be just fine: Bengal BBQ -- ate here twice last time. The counter service at Frontierland overlooking Rivers of America -- my daughter liked watching the ducks. I even found the counter service in Fantasyland (Pinoccio) to be okay.

P.S. We did do the princess lunch at DCA and I found the salmon BLT to be delicious. I'm not sure everyone else was as impressed with their food though.

 

[Glynis]

I'll second the Hungry Bear in Critter Country. The barbeque chicken salad is really good, and the kids meals come in darling little boxes. My kids kept theirs as souvenirs to put their crayons, etc. in. Kids meals come with the regular burgers fries, corn dog nuggets, chicken nuggets, etc. Nothing spectacular, but I thought the fries were yummy!

If you go to the Plaza, definitely share a meal. Portions are HUGE! The pasta is really yummy, as is the chicken. The roast beef is really tender and flavorful, too.

 

[iceskatejen]

Golden Horeshoe still has the chili. I for one was thrilled when they switched over to the chicken strips. I do think they're good and as a person who doesn't eat beef, it makes it a lot easier for me to find something to eat in DL. The first show is at 11:15 now, btw.

 

[shellncesar]

Hello,
They have really good gumbo and clam chowder in new orleans square by pieces of eight. Also, I discovered last summer this counter service in tomorrow land across from the club buzz show. They have lunch sandwhiches like turkey on this really good foccia bread. i thought it was delicious. I also like the river belle terrace, bengal bbq, and dole whips ( which is a pineapple sorbet type thing but is still a must. I know they have them in WDW but these are more simple and more delicious imo) I think that is about it for Disneyland. In cali adventure there is the warf eateries that are good and the pizza place near cali screamin. check those out. In DTD try tortilla joes counter service for quick and cheap mexican food. it is super good. enjoy!!

 

[HunnyPots]

I was less than impressed by DL food when I was there in January. I was having a burger craving at lunch and hoped to find something like Pecos Bills with the toppings bar; no such luck! I ended up with a burger from Club Buzz that looked really good but was cold, dry, and flavorless.

I did enjoy a few things at DTD. Napolini has GREAT pizza by the slice and Tortilla Jo's has really good nachos. And DTD is so close it is nothing to walk over for lunch. Just get your hand stamped at the park exit and turn right as you walk out and you are there!

Enjoy your trip to DL...
I wanna go back!

 

[kelmac284]

No one has mentioned the mexican restaurant next to Big Thunder Mountain. I think they have pretty decent food. Both mexican AND tex mex. I also like the Terrace or whatever it is called next to Haunted Mansion. They have a few decent items usually.

I do NOT like the Plaza Inn at all and I got sick after eating at Red Rockets.

I personally feel in general the food at DW was FAR superior than disneyland but it is OK.

 

[Churro]

Actually Churro, Golden Horseshoe has changed it's menu & no longer serves burgers, chili, etc. It's basically chicken fingers, fish & chips & mozzarella sticks & if I may say so, it's not very good either. What were they thinking?

My favorite places for lunch in DL (not DCA?) are French Market in NOS, Carnation Cafe' on MS, R2P2 (Red Rocketts) & the Plaza Inn at the hub.

At both the Plaza Inn & R2P2, my dd7 & I split a pasta meal & are full! At the Plaza it's the penne pasta with the chicken pesto alfredo sauce & at R2P2 it's the Count-Down Chicken Fusilli.

Also, you simply must eat at the Blue Bayou, oh wait, shoot, it won't be open when you go due to the Pirates rehab. Shoot!!

One of my favorite snacks is spicy beef skewers at Bengal BBQ. Those & tiger tails, yummy!

Be sure to grab a Dole Whip while waiting for the Tiki Room. (No Zazu & Iago here!)

Thanks for the update.....now I am disappionted!! I used to like the food there. In that case I second going to the Bengal BBQ. They are quick and pretty good. I hope the rumor they are leaving does not happen!!

 

[hlbtimes2]

I was less than impressed by DL food when I was there in January. I was having a burger craving at lunch and hoped to find something like Pecos Bills with the toppings bar; no such luck! :

Taste pilots grill in DCA had a topping bar. They also have burgers with great, interesting things - like blue cheese.

 

[SunshineOR]

I second Bengal BBQ. It's our favorite for cheap and quick lunches/snacks. The only bad thing about it is that it's right in a high-traffic area with very little seating. Plan to take it somewhere else to sit down and eat. We love the food though and will be so upset if it's not there the next time we go!

 

[thelionqueen]

We absolutely LOVE The Plaza and Carnation Cafe.

At DTD the Napolini take out for pizza and sandwiches is delicious and affordable. Have fun!!

 

[Wendebird]

No one has mentioned the mexican restaurant next to Big Thunder Mountain. I think they have pretty decent food. Both mexican AND tex mex. I also like the Terrace or whatever it is called next to Haunted Mansion. They have a few decent items usually.

I do NOT like the Plaza Inn at all and I got sick after eating at Red Rockets.

I personally feel in general the food at DW was FAR superior than disneyland but it is OK.

Very recently (December I believe) they have totally revamped the menu at Rancho del Zocalo & not for the better. They even took away my beloved fish tacos.

Another GREAT place to eat for cheap in DCA is Whitewater Snacks. It's inside the GCH near the pool. You can order a kids meal & not be able to finish it. Awesome, awesome place to get away from the business of the parks & relax.

 

[Beca]

The Storyteller's Cafe at the Grand Calif. is my FAVORITE all-time Disney restaurant!! DH and I go there for lunch whenever we are at DL. The Achiote chicken sandwich is AMAZING!!!

DH and I usually split the sandwich, there is plenty for both of us, and it usually costs us less than two entrees in the park. Plus, you overlook the pool at the GC...the scenery is BEAUTIFUL!!!



Beca