Late arrival dining help

[spaceace510]

Hello All!
Ok, so my mom and i are flying in to LA from the Bay Area in mid-April. We haven't pick a flight yet, but we were thinking arriving at LAX at about 7:30. So we probably won't check in and get settled until 8:30? So i was curious what you guys would suggest for a dining option that night. We are staying at the Grand Californian.
Thanks for the help
Ben

 

[ballarinamom]

If you want to get into the Dsiney spirit right away, go to Goofy's Kitchen for Dinner. We love seeing all of the characters our first night. Or if you want easy and good, do Storytellers. You're also in Downtown Disney and that's lots of choices. Go to allears.net to check out the menus

 

[MPHARJ]

How late is Goofy's open our flight from SF to LAX arrives at 5:30 or so and then transfer to the hotel and all, my travel agent was going to book Goofy's for us that night. Will we be able to make it? This is in June.

 

[spaceace510]

I'll check out Allears. And when we've gone to WDW, we've always had a character dinner that first night, so i think we'll try that out that night. thanks!

 

[blue donkey]

You could just go downstairs to Storytellers. I love eating there, especially at off hours. I can just walk on in.

 

[fairycat]

Personally since you are dealing with driving from the airport and settling in I would suggest a walk up. I don't personally care for Storyteller's (I have only eaten off the menu), but others like it, so you might want to try that.

Jazz Kitchen is great for food and atmosphere. Its right on DTD.

Or my personal favorite for a relaxing nights meal is UVA bar. Its part of Catal but is outside in the middle of the DTD walk way. With the low shrubs you feel both seperate and a part of the whole DTD area. They offer simple good food at pretty reasonable prices. Drinks if you like and you can just sit under the stars and enjoy the night, since in June it will be stunning.

 

[CindyH]

I agree, I think someplace in Downtown Disney would work. You won't have to worry about making a reservation if your flight or trip is delayed, and you can just enjoy the atmosphere of DD.

 

[DevilDuckie]

Your flight lands at 7:30? I would not count on being at the resort before 10. After getting your luggage you either have to get a shuttle or a rental car and that can take some time at LAX.

 

[spaceace510]

can u tell me more about possible ways to get to DL from LAX. Is there something like Magical Express at WDW? Or is their some other company that offers shuttles or would it be better to rent a car?

 

[bumbershoot]

Grayline has the Disneyland Express, which isn't actually run by Disneyland at all. It's a bus. If you go to their website and book online, you can get a few bucks off each way.

There's also Super Shuttle, and even though I just priced it the other evening to/from LAX I don't know what the cost is (not bad, IMO). I think there's also Prime Time Shuttle, though I have never taken it (took Super Shuttle from Ontario and John Wayne airports and despite the cellphone talking and texting that was constant on the drivers' parts during the drive, they were pleasant and fast enough rides).

Or if you can find a good rate and you want a car, rent a car!

 

[spaceace510]

Thanks! everything is in walking distance in Disneyland right? (sorry, if the question sounds stupid, I'm used to WDW distances)

 

[got2travel]

Yes, everything is very walkable. Just think of DL and DCA as Epcot Future World and World Showcase. That's how I always describe the walk between the 2 parks to WDW veterans.

 

[spaceace510]

thanks! great comparison!