Must do restaurant(s)?

[Slatt2014]

We went for the all out, once in a lifetime trip to Disney World last year, and fell in love with all things Disney. We have decide to make a quick trip to Disneyland next month, and since we do not have a dining plan and there's not the mad rush at 60 days to get dining reservations, is there any must do restaurants in and/or around Disneyland. We will be traveling with our 9 yo son and 6 yo daughter.

 

[figment_jii]

Check out the Disneyland Dining Reviews and Photo thread to see some of the latest offerings in the resort.

In terms of making ADRs, it's not nearly as hard to get prime DLR dining reservations as it to get prime dining reservations at WDW. DLR dining reservations generally open up 60-days in advance, but there have been issues lately when a new month starts (e.g., October reservations were delayed, as were November). So, if you do happen to try making reservations right on the 60-day mark and nothing shows as being available for your restaurant of choice, it's more likely that they haven't loaded the reservations into the system yet (opposed to already being booked up). I do recommend making reservations once you know where and when you want to eat, but prime reservations can often be made only a few weeks to a few days in advance (and even sometime, day of). I highly recommend making reservations for the in-park dining options.

After that, it really depends on what kinds of foods you like and/or what experiences you want. The most iconic restaurant at DLR is the Blue Bayou. Other favorites for my family include Big Thunder BBQ, Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe, Carthay Circle, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, House of Blues, and Storytellers (lunch).

 

[lvdis]

We love the Plaza Inn in Disneyland for lunch or dinner. The portions are big so you might want to consider sharing. My husband and I like to share the fried chicken meal and the kids love the penne pasta. I hope they still have the chocolate cake too, it was delicious! Here's a link to the menu if you'd like to see it - http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/dining/menus-detail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=495

 

[agamble]

Definitely look into the menus online, they're on Disneyland.com. There are some table service restaurants, not as many as WDW, and many counter service restaurants. Some of the CS places offer pretty good food like the previous mentioned Plaza Inn and our favorite Rancho De Zocalo. You can get an idea of what kind of places you want to eat at. If it's a short trip, I wouldn't go to too many TS places as they eat into your time.

 

[millie0312]

If you are considering Big Thunder BBQ I would recommend going as it will be closing soon.

 

[V.I.N.C.E.N.T.]

Plaza Inn for a late breakfast was our recent favorite. We ate a quick first breakfast, then made reservations for 10:30 for our second breakfast Character meal and buffet as well. Blue Bayou is always a treat. Do not miss Flo's Diner in Cars Land. Sit outside at night and watch Radiator Springs Racers, really fun!

 

[meljean]

Blue bayou! Our most favorite meal. And we loved the atmosphere.

 

[Sherry E]

I echo the suggestion to do the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, as it is supposedly closing after January 10th.

I agree that Blue Bayou is the most iconic restaurant at DL, and it's unique to DL, so it's worth trying. It's not my personal favorite, but many people love it.

As for table service restaurants, I like Carnation Café in Disneyland, Wine Country Trattoria in California Adventure and Storytellers Café in the Grand Californian Hotel.

As for counter service places, you can't go wrong with Plaza Inn in Disneyland. I also like Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel.

My favorite character meal is Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, but many people prefer Surf's Up with Mickey at the Paradise Pier Hotel.

In Downtown Disney, people love Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (which also has an Express window for takeout). There's an ESPN Zone there, a Rainforest Café, La Brea Bakery, Catal, Tortilla Jo's, Naples, etc.

 

[Mackysmycat]

Napa Rose in the Grand Californian is one of our favourites.

 

[Canuck16]

BTRBBQ for sure as it will be closing forever in January 2016.

We loved going there for a dinner on our trips to DLR....now we will have to find another spot

 

[taniahappy]

Carthay Circle if you are going to DCA too, dont miss it The World of Color package is great.