One evening to check out DTD and the 3 Disneyland hotels- what would you do?

[Jess6001]

So it's our first trip to Disneyland and we have one evening (arrive about 6pm) to check out DTD and the Disneyland hotels (we're not staying at one but we love to check out the lobbies/gift shops/etc). But we also love to eat-especially at Disney.

Do you think we should dedicate our few hours to a great dinner in Disney (deciding between Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, or Goofy's kitchen (b/c of the "disney" experience)). Or should we eat quick at a CS like White Water Snacks (any other CS suggestions)?

For people who have visited before, what would be more worthwhile?

 

[elaw]

So it's our first trip to Disneyland and we have one evening (arrive about 6pm) to check out DTD and the Disneyland hotels (we're not staying at one but we love to check out the lobbies/gift shops/etc). But we also love to eat-especially at Disney.

Do you think we should dedicate our few hours to a great dinner in Disney (deciding between Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, or Goofy's kitchen (b/c of the "disney" experience)). Or should we eat quick at a CS like White Water Snacks (any other CS suggestions)?

For people who have visited before, what would be more worthwhile?

I think Story Teller's (Right next to Napa Rose) would probably be a good compromise and a better choice than WWS for dinner.

 

[ImDMous]

The hotels are all pretty close together and DTD is not very big compared to WDW, you should have plenty of time for a nice dinner and exploring. We love Storytellers, but we haven't been to Napa Rose yet because of budget.

 

[Jess6001]

Thanks for the replies. Storytellers looks good...any opinions on Goofy's kitchen? I know it's a buffet but I thought it could be fun (like Chef Mickey's).

 

[Girimama33]

I would got to Trader Sam's at the DLH for drinks and eats.

 

[ValpoCory]

Thanks for the replies. Storytellers looks good...any opinions on Goofy's kitchen? I know it's a buffet but I thought it could be fun (like Chef Mickey's).

We (me, DW, DD7, DD3) are arriving to the Grand Californian at around 4:30pm on a Saturday, but don't have theme park tickets for that day. We have a 6pm Goofy's Kitchen ressie, and just plan to walk around the grounds that night and get to bed at a reasonable time and ready for a likely 7am EMH in Cars Land on Sunday. We'll likely walk around our hotel, the DLH, and the World of Disney store.

We have a 7:40am Surf's Up breakfast ressie a couple days later, before the 9am EMH in Disneyland, so we'll see the Paradise Pier Hotel then.

 

[elaw]

Thanks for the replies. Storytellers looks good...any opinions on Goofy's kitchen? I know it's a buffet but I thought it could be fun (like Chef Mickey's).

Goofy's kitchen is excellent as well ... It's a bit more disney themed and has an excellent food selection (It's one of my favorites for a buffet style breakfast). Story Tellers (also one of my favorites for a buffet style breakfast) has a slighty more sophisticated feel to it IMO.

 

[milan15]

Thanks for the replies. Storytellers looks good...any opinions on Goofy's kitchen? I know it's a buffet but I thought it could be fun (like Chef Mickey's).

Goofy's kitchen is pretty awesome for breakfast
I wouldn't go there for dinner unless you had little ones, though. The food was meh at best

 

[Jess6001]

Goofy's kitchen is pretty awesome for breakfast
I wouldn't go there for dinner unless you had little ones, though. The food was meh at best

okay since we are planning on a dinner, maybe not Goofy's kitchen. So now I'm trying to decide between Storytellers or Steakhouse 55. I've heard Steakhouse 55 is fantastic and they have a prix-fixe menu for $40 (making it not too much more expensive). Opinions?

 

[pixiewings71]

We didn't enjoy Goofy's Kitchen (even with the kids) but we love Storyteller's

 

[Iceman93]

Steakhouse 55 is outstanding, but just a nice steak place, really. Aside from minimal Disney theming, it's just a great restaurant.

Trader Sam's is uniquely Disney and a wonderful place to visit, but you probably shouldn't spend your whole night there.

Napa Rose, to me, is the clear winner. You could wander Downtown Disney but it's not all that special compared to other "dining and shopping districts" at Disney parks worldwide. And while Napa Rose is even less in-your-face Disney themed than Steakhouse 55, it is widely regarded as one of the finest restaurants in southern California. To me, there would be no better start to a first DL trip than a drink or two at Trader Sam's followed by a dinner at Napa Rose. You will be feeling the magic, for sure!