Help with adversion to eating at DCA

[Rhonna]

We just can't seem to want to eat at any locations at the DCA park.

We aren't really interested in the quick service locations or character meals.

Please note, our favorites at DL are table service locations. Atmosphere, quiet areas, etc. (But not super duper expensive like Napa Rose.)

At DL park we always go to Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans and Carnation Cafe.

One exception is we have to have a corn dog and coke at the little read wagon.

At DTD we really like the courtyard at Ralph Brennan's for dinner. We like a quiet, late lunch at Storyteller's Cafe too.

At WDW it is so easy to find our favorites at the resorts, parks, etc. In CA, even with DTD it feels like their isn't as many choices in the sit down category.

I'm excited to try Flo's V-8 cafe and Carthay Circle restaurant (once because of the high prices!)

We did walk up to the Wine Country Trattoria and checked out the menu but somehow it just didn't seem appealing even though I hoped it would be.

What are your favorite sit down restaurants at DCA and why?

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Before June 15 there was just Wine Country Trattoria and Ariel's Grotto (and I guess Cove Bar is considered a sit down). We actually like lunch/dinner at Ariel, but it's a character meal and you are paying for that. The only other "sit down" place now is Carthay Circle. I honestly can't tell you what we usually eat at DCA....

 

[A Small World]

I really enjoyed eating here on our last trip

http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/men_grill.htm

Although not table service the food was served on real plates with real cutlery and the area where we sat to eat it was very nice and peaceful

 

[JadeDarkstar]

were gona do desert at flos and lunch at cct and thats it at cars land. the rest is our norm at dl stage door cafe or village hus (witch we loved last trip in may)

 

[Rhonna]

Before June 15 there was just Wine Country Trattoria and Ariel's Grotto (and I guess Cove Bar is considered a sit down). We actually like lunch/dinner at Ariel, but it's a character meal and you are paying for that. The only other "sit down" place now is Carthay Circle. I honestly can't tell you what we usually eat at DCA....

I guess that explains it. There haven't been a lot of choices at DCA.

 

[Rhonna]

Can you eat at Wine Country Trattoria without having the WOC package? Does it get crowded because of that?

I realized we only walked up to the terrace - we didn't go inside to see what it was like. I can't find any pictures of what the inside dining areas are like.

 

[FourM's]

Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta are two of our favorite new counter service places. They are both down at the end of the pier. I haven't heard very many people talk about them since they opened. I'm glad to see "A Small World" enjoys them too. Try the BBQ chicken flatbread pizza and lemon cheesecake at the Boardwalk Pizza, mmmm!

 

[mmlover74]

@Rhonna: Yes, you can eat at WCT without the package. If you go to allears.net, they will have the menus for the package and the regular one too...besides all the restaurants. I look at the menu items first before deciding where to eat. It allowed me to eat things I preferred instead of always Pizza port for my son. With his allergies, my hubby's pickiness, and my "I can eat anything" we have to find something to suit all 3.

 

[pixiewings71]

In DCA we eat at Taste Pilots Grill, Award Weiners (but not often, I'm not a big fan of dogs), Cove Bar, Luckey Fortune and AG. We haven't eaten at the new pizza/pasta place yet. We have eaten at WCT but we aren't fans, that was probably 3-4 years ago tho so it might be much better now.....

 

[chrissiecutie]

OP- we try NOT to eat at DCA. Prior to CarsLand, DCA was a half-day park for us. So it was super easy to head in after breakfast at the hotel and hop to DL for lunch.

With that being said, I have eaten at Taste Pilots and Award Weiners but only because they were offering the same corndogs sold at the Main St cart- we love those!

Taste Pilots is ok. I do NOT like the atmosphere, too busy. We went there because DS wanted mac & cheese and it was close to where we were at the time.

I'm excited to try both Flo's and Boardwalk. Is Boardwalk anything like that other pizza place that used to be there? And for us, we will be passing on Carthay Circle. Too rich for my blood.

 

[Delilah1310]

Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta are two of our favorite new counter service places. They are both down at the end of the pier. I haven't heard very many people talk about them since they opened. I'm glad to see "A Small World" enjoys them too. Try the BBQ chicken flatbread pizza and lemon cheesecake at the Boardwalk Pizza, mmmm!

we were struggling with where to eat at DCA also on our trip about 1 month ago.
We also were pleasantly surprised by Paradise Garden Grill and the Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta options.
Our kiddo had his heart set on a hot dog, so we grabbed one over by the fun wheel and then walked over to this area and choose two nice entrees for DH and I.
very high quality for counter service ... I would return.

hope this helps.

 

[Rhonna]

@Rhonna: Yes, you can eat at WCT without the package. If you go to allears.net, they will have the menus for the package and the regular one too...besides all the restaurants. I look at the menu items first before deciding where to eat. It allowed me to eat things I preferred instead of always Pizza port for my son. With his allergies, my hubby's pickiness, and my "I can eat anything" we have to find something to suit all 3.

Thanks. Do you know if it's crowded because of the WOC package patrons?

 

[cmwade77]

Honestly, if you don't want Character Meals, then Ariel's is now out; although, the food is really good there.

Carthay Circle is excellent and if you want to enjoy it a second time while spending slightly less, you could do a light "meal" of appetizers in the lounge.

I would seriously consider some of the counter service locations at both parks these days, as they are definitely not just hamburgers and hot dogs any more.

The following are all great choices at DCA:
Flo's V-8 Cafe
Board Walk Pizza
Paradise Garden Grill

As for WCT, check out both the non WOC menu and the WOC menu, they both have different items and honestly, I don't like the WOC menu at all, but the regular menu is great.

Another great option is to go out the GCH entrance and eat at White Water Snacks (yes, it is counter service, but it is good) and/or Storytellers, you can use this entrance as long as you have been inside DCA at least once, you were eating at one of the hotels and the park is officially open, even if you are not staying at one of the hotels.

Some other counter service locations that should not be overlooked just because they are counter service locations are:
Hungry Bear Restaurant
Plaza Inn
Village Haus
Tangaroa Terrace

These are not the same quality as other counter service locations these days and honestly they are great options.

 

[SFMommy]

I have also never had a decent meal at DCA and am excited to try Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta after looking at the menus on All Ears. When I look at the DCA map on the Disneyland website, I can't find them. Where exactly are they located? Near what rides/attractions?

Thanks!

 

[KateDrake]

Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta are two of our favorite new counter service places. They are both down at the end of the pier. I haven't heard very many people talk about them since they opened. I'm glad to see "A Small World" enjoys them too. Try the BBQ chicken flatbread pizza and lemon cheesecake at the Boardwalk Pizza, mmmm!

I love Paradise and Boardwalk as well! They are relatively new, so they may not have been available on your last visit. I really liked both.
Somewhere else you may want to try is Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel. I haven't tried it yet, but I've heard it's great! You can also order food from the Terrace while at Trader Sam's Tiki Bar...

 

[mmlover74]

Thanks. Do you know if it's crowded because of the WOC package patrons?

We were there in May and many empty tables. So definitely not overcrowded.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Definitely would add my vote to boardwalk pizza and pasta. It is never crowded when I've been there and the food is relatively good. The garden area is nicely shaded with a lot of trees and live music as well.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I really enjoyed eating here on our last trip

http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/men_grill.htm

Although not table service the food was served on real plates with real cutlery and the area where we sat to eat it was very nice and peaceful

I have also never had a decent meal at DCA and am excited to try Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta after looking at the menus on All Ears. When I look at the DCA map on the Disneyland website, I can't find them. Where exactly are they located? Near what rides/attractions?

Thanks!

be careful guys not to use another websites menus because you could get in trouble...DIS has their own menu page:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/dining/menus.cfm

Maryjo, if you are watching...see i done good...i should get a big gold star for that one

As for WCT, check out both the non WOC menu and the WOC menu, they both have different items and honestly, I don't like the WOC menu at all, but the regular menu is great.

i didnt know there was a different menu...the only thing showing on DIS is one menu...how can we get the menu for WOC???



Some other counter service locations that should not be overlooked just because they are counter service locations are:
Hungry Bear Restaurant
Plaza Inn
Village Haus
Tangaroa Terrace

i just want to point out to the OP that none of these restaurants are in DCA..i just didnt want to confuse you and have you looking all over the park for them lol...they are in DL except for Tangaroa Terrace and that is at the DLH hotel

 

[Rhonna]

Thanks everyone. We used Tangaroa Terrace several times in May since we stayed at DLH. It was a quite limited menu we thought and of course is fast food.

I think we will stick to our plan in DCA and try Flo's and Carthay Circle. Still not sure about the Trattoria. We do like our favs in DL and DTD so I think we will have enough places next trip. Also Carnation Cafe will be open then.

 

[mystic_path]

DCA mostly has had counter service eateries, but LOTS of outdoor eating areas, where Disneyland park has lots of indoor options, and it's older with the true CLASSIC Disney feel where DCA is so new, airy, and fresh feeling. I rather enjoy the Wine Country Trattoria and find it a nice place in the evening to go and have a glass of wine and relax. Ariels Grotto which is for Princess meals is good but would have been better suited for you before when it had the WOC dining area with no meet and greets going on. But they replaced Ariel's with the Carthay Circle and that is getting wonderful reviews. It sounds like something you may wanna consider trying.

Personally the new boardwalk area is really nice and lots of places to sit. It makes you feel seperated from the rest of the park for awhile, and sometimes you have Spanish singing entertainment down there which gives the area a nice feel to it.