My Disneyland dining reviews, with pictures

[Piglet18]

Thanks so much! I think I found one online, but I will definitely be looking for that recipe book too... Only I know that if I find it there is no way I will be able to resist the temptation to buy it! Thanks again!

 

[malice]

Super corndog!:

yum?

 

[spacemermaid]

I know what you mean! When I saw the book last year - I suppose it WAS the Market House now that you confirm it is sold there - I was tempted to pick it up because I wanted to see if any of the newer restaurants' recipes were included, but I knew if I did and they were, then I would want to buy it, and I already don't have enough room for all the books I have! So I left it alone! I haven't pulled out my ancient Cooking With Mickey book in ages, but I bet if I were to go through it, I would find some recipes for food at a few restaurants that are no longer at DLR. Maybe not too many, but there are probably a few in there!

If I recall correctly, there are a couple of recipes from the Tahitian Terrace in the first version of the book...I miss that place!

 

[spacemermaid]

Thanks so much! I think I found one online, but I will definitely be looking for that recipe book too... Only I know that if I find it there is no way I will be able to resist the temptation to buy it! Thanks again!

No problem, always happy to share the Joy of Monte Cristo

If you want the actual book, they have them on Amazon, you can pick one up used for around $3.50 + shipping!

 

[TiggerNZ]

Hi there, I am new to the boards but have been browsing the food with much glee!

My 6yr old son and I are stopping in DL for 2 nights (3 days) in December on our way to the UK.

I have already picked a few musts....
Tigger Tail
Mickey waffles from somewhere
Carnation cafe baked potato soup
Cafe Orleans - fries and Mickey Beignets
Probably Redd Rocket for Pizza/Pasta

(have a desire for Mickey shaped food - can you tell )

My big question is, I really want to take my 6yr old boy to a character breakfast - can we go to the one at the DisneyLand hotel, and which is best? Whats the Plaza Inn Minnie Mouse one like?

Thanks - and I know its the wrong thread, but does it have to be your birthday that day for a birthday badge - and what does it get you? Same for the 1st visit one - we've never been and I am so excited

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Sherry E]

Hi there, I am new to the boards but have been browsing the food with much glee!

My 6yr old son and I are stopping in DL for 2 nights (3 days) in December on our way to the UK.

I have already picked a few musts....
Tigger Tail
Mickey waffles from somewhere
Carnation cafe baked potato soup
Cafe Orleans - fries and Mickey Beignets
Probably Redd Rocket for Pizza/Pasta

(have a desire for Mickey shaped food - can you tell )

My big question is, I really want to take my 6yr old boy to a character breakfast - can we go to the one at the DisneyLand hotel, and which is best? Whats the Plaza Inn Minnie Mouse one like?

Thanks - and I know its the wrong thread, but does it have to be your birthday that day for a birthday badge - and what does it get you? Same for the 1st visit one - we've never been and I am so excited

Thanks in advance for your help

First of all, welcome! You will LOVE DL in December - the holiday decorations, food, merchandise and rides are so great, and the overall atmosphere is 100 times more magical than it is during any other time of the year! It is really special at that time, and you will have a WONDERFUL experience! As for character breakfasts, my personal favorite is Goofy's Kitchen. I think their breakfast food far exceeds their dinner food, AND I think they have a slightly wider selection of breakfast options than the other character meals. Anyone I have brought there or told about it has loved it. Everyone I know loves it, and most of us do not have kids! That said, I tend to think Goofy's would be the best for your 6-year-old boy because the characters are most recognizable there (and you can get a cute GK button for you son), but possibly Minnie's too. I have never done Minnie's but have heard good things about it. Storytellers Cafe breakfast buffet used to be the same price as Goofy's but now is cheaper (I think because the array of food is not as vast), so if price is a concern, you may want to try that. At Storyteller's, they feature many of the (what I like to call) 'woodsy' and 'jungly' Disney characters from Brother Bear or maybe Meeko from Pocahontas, Rafiki from Lion King and Baloo from Jungle Book, as well as Chip and dale. Then again, all of those characters make the rounds and they sometimes appear at Goofy's too. Goofy's also sometimes has Alice and the Mad Hatter, characters from Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast, Pluto, etc. Goofy's is a fun atmosphere - you can tell that the second you walk in. They pay special attention to kids, and Goofy does a little 'show' where he crashes pots and pans on the floor every so often, and then many kids in the place can get up and do the Macarena with Goofy. But the food is really great, so the adults won't be disappointed. It is costly, though, but I feel it is worth it. Storytellers is much more laid back in overall atmosphere. The characters just kind of quietly wander around from table to table and greet everyone, but there is not the 'show' that you get at Goofy's. We actually didn't even know all of the characters at Storytellers, so we stick with Goofy's! Many people on this board love the Lilo and Stitch breakfast in the Paradise Pier Hotel, and many people prefer Storytellers or Ariel's or Minnie's to Goofy's.

As for the birthday button, no, it does NOT have to be the actual date of the birthday to get a button. In fact, they don't check ID or anything. You just tell them you are celebrating a birthday, which many people are, and they give you a button. They want you to celebrate. When you put it on, Cast Members and guests all over (like in the darkest corners of rides, sometimes) the parks will acknowledge your little one and wish him a happy birthday. You would be surprised at how eagle-eyed the CM's are! Usually, if you go to a table service restaurant, the waiter or waitress will see the button and (most of the time) bring out a special little treat for the child (and adults), which could be another button or pin set of some kind, a little sundae, a little balloon or other things. They will sing, generally. At the Disney hotels, if you check in and they know it is a b-day, they will usually try to do something special like put an autographed picture of a character in your room or give you more pins and buttons. It's fun - it makes you feel special!

Now, back to those yummy food pictures!

 

[TiggerNZ]

Hi SherryE - thanks so much for the suggestion, I think Goofys Kitchen is the way to go. I am guessing that we can go even if not staying at the hotel? Just call the PS Number in a few weeks I think.

I am totally excited, it is actually my birthday around the same time (same day as my sons actually) but I want it to be special for him more than anything! Sounds great that they pay so much attention, I have heard such great reports of the CM's at DL - I can't wait to go and experience it for myself.

Thanks again for your answer, and helping me decide.

 

[Sherry E]

Hi SherryE - thanks so much for the suggestion, I think Goofys Kitchen is the way to go. I am guessing that we can go even if not staying at the hotel? Just call the PS Number in a few weeks I think.

I am totally excited, it is actually my birthday around the same time (same day as my sons actually) but I want it to be special for him more than anything! Sounds great that they pay so much attention, I have heard such great reports of the CM's at DL - I can't wait to go and experience it for myself.

Thanks again for your answer, and helping me decide.

Oh, you are so welcome - and I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

And yes, you can go to Goofy's even if you are not staying at one of the Disney hotels. In fact, you can even go without making a PS - BUT you may have to wait a bit. It is hit or miss. Sometimes you get seated right away without a PS and sometimes you wait for 20 minutes, so might as well make one just to be safe! Don't forget to get a Goofy's pin for your son too. When they see his birthday button, they will bring him out a little cupcake and sing, most likely, and normally they bring out a Goofy's Kitchen button, but every now and then they forget and you have to ask them! There are a few people on this board who don't care too much for Goofy's but whoever I have recommended it to amongst my friends has ended up loving it. We have gone there since 1992, so we are pretty much fans for life! At Storytellers, there is also the option of ordering off the menu if you don't want the buffet, BUT the off the menu prices are not that much cheaper than the buffet, and again, it is not quite the fun, playful atmosphere that Goofy's is. I think a 6-year-old boy would either prefer Goofy's or possibly Minnie's the first time around. One of these days I will get over to Minnie's and see what is happening there! And you will love the attention your little boy gets once the Birthday button goes on. I cannot believe how these Cast members can spot it when you are on the darkest rides or in the least likely of places!

Have a great, great time, and be sure to post trip report with pictures on this board when you are back home!

 

[ballarinamom]

When we made our PS at Goofy's, we told the cm it was DD's b-day. Aladdin, Mad Hatter and Max sang Happy Birthday to her. And they gave her a really cute cupcake

 

[davidsprincess]

Does anyone have a picture of that Chocolate Filled Croissant that I keep hearing about? Or is it so good that it doesn't stay on the plate long enough to get a picture? Thanks!

 

[Sherry E]

Does anyone have a picture of that Chocolate Filled Croissant that I keep hearing about? Or is it so good that it doesn't stay on the plate long enough to get a picture? Thanks!

I would lilke to see that too! I wonder if BRB also sells lemon-filled croissants. If so, I might have to sample a chocolate one AND a lemon one - you know, just a wee taste of each one...for balance....

 

[perlster]

Nope. All I have is a receipt. I do know that a chocolate croissant was $2.79 plus tax a couple of years ago.
(Don't hate me because I got it & milk for -28 cents when I used a voucher.)

 

[Ms. K]

I just found this board and am loving these reviews!

 

[TiggerNZ]

Oh, you are so welcome - and I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

And yes, you can go to Goofy's even if you are not staying at one of the Disney hotels. In fact, you can even go without making a PS - BUT you may have to wait a bit. It is hit or miss. Sometimes you get seated right away without a PS and sometimes you wait for 20 minutes, so might as well make one just to be safe! Don't forget to get a Goofy's pin for your son too. When they see his birthday button, they will bring him out a little cupcake and sing, most likely, and normally they bring out a Goofy's Kitchen button, but every now and then they forget and you have to ask them! There are a few people on this board who don't care too much for Goofy's but whoever I have recommended it to amongst my friends has ended up loving it. We have gone there since 1992, so we are pretty much fans for life! At Storytellers, there is also the option of ordering off the menu if you don't want the buffet, BUT the off the menu prices are not that much cheaper than the buffet, and again, it is not quite the fun, playful atmosphere that Goofy's is. I think a 6-year-old boy would either prefer Goofy's or possibly Minnie's the first time around. One of these days I will get over to Minnie's and see what is happening there! And you will love the attention your little boy gets once the Birthday button goes on. I cannot believe how these Cast members can spot it when you are on the darkest rides or in the least likely of places!

Have a great, great time, and be sure to post trip report with pictures on this board when you are back home!

Thanks again Sherry for all your great tips and advice, money isn't a huge concern so I think it'll be Goofys Kitchen for us! What a birthday present for a 6yr old boy, 3 days at DL and DCA. Wish I'd had that for my 6th birthday
These boards are fab, and I can't wait to be able to join in with the pictures and trip reports. Thanks everyone for being so friendly and welcoming.

 

[Sherry E]

Thanks again Sherry for all your great tips and advice, money isn't a huge concern so I think it'll be Goofys Kitchen for us! What a birthday present for a 6yr old boy, 3 days at DL and DCA. Wish I'd had that for my 6th birthday
These boards are fab, and I can't wait to be able to join in with the pictures and trip reports. Thanks everyone for being so friendly and welcoming.

You are welcome! Have a great time! We can't wait to see your pictures and read the trip report!
Use this link: http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/men_brea.htm to help you look over all the menus for the entire DLR.

 

[Vala]

Does anyone have pictures from the new dishes at Ariel's Grotto yet? I'm especially curious about this new appetizer selection thing.

 

[TiggerNZ]

where do you get the PB and jelly palette - looks so cool, but can't recall where it was ..... thanks

 

[ballarinamom]

Carnation Cafe

 

[emum]

Does anyone have a picture of that Chocolate Filled Croissant that I keep hearing about? Or is it so good that it doesn't stay on the plate long enough to get a picture? Thanks!

See post #257

I'm revisiting all the pics to get me in a really good countdown mood !

 

[ballarinamom]

Does anyone have pictures from the new dishes at Ariel's Grotto yet? I'm especially curious about this new appetizer selection thing.

DissarahK reported it is a three tier platter. The top with watermelon and fruited geletin molds, the middle is salami, string cheese and peppers/pickles with the bottom holding salad with a vinagrette. She hoped to have pics in her trip report