We love hitting White Water Snacks in the Grand for breakfast. They serve a good breakfast and it is a good price. Also, White Water Snacks usually is open at least an hour prior to normal park opening. We like the bagel sandwich, the breakfast burrito, and the all American breakfast. And the bonus is that you can eat there with little to no crowds or take it to go. We have done both!
I also vote for tangaroa terrace. They're super quick and convenient. There's also that quick service coffee shop near goofys kitchen. I always got ready first and grabbed food from TT to eat while they got ready.
None of the places mentioned that are on Harbor are going to be quick for you. You would have to go from DLH through DTD through bag check across the esplanade out the other bag check to Harbor, and then to McD, Denny's or IHOP.
I'd go for the DLH coffee shop or Tangaroa. Or just get small things to keep in the room (I believe all DLH rooms have mini fridges), snack a little, then have an early lunch. Best time to eat "lunch" is a good hour BEFORE lunch anyway.
Does anyone know how early these places start opening. During the time we'll be staying EMH start at 7am and I'm not sure if anything will be open before that.
Jamba Juice is open prior EMH and they have a nice selection of items to start the morning. The breakfast burrito is good (according to hubby). The kids loved the smoothies. You can get Jamba Juice gift cards online at the discounted sites too. Saves a little bit of money.
Does anyone know how early these places start opening. During the time we'll be staying EMH start at 7am and I'm not sure if anything will be open before that.
My family's favorite is Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Express. They have the YUMMIEST beignets! My husband and I really like their chicory coffee as well. Service has always been fast for us there too.
La Brea serves a yummy breakfast too, but it is a sit down restaurant, so not as fast as you are looking for.
You could always grab something at the Starbucks in DTD.
IHOP & Denny's aren't across the street for someone staying in the DLH. They would be a huge hassle to get to. Coco's at Katella & Disney Drive would be closer and easier than those two, but I'd still go with the DTD options first.
I will say that's my usual plan. I go spend an hour or so riding things, then have breakfast, by which time my guys have usually hauled themselves out of bed.
Stopping anywhere has always cost us time and I'm all about efficiency so I either have groceries delivered (first delivery is free with Vons) or we stop along the way. I pick up those self-serve oatmeal containers and boil some water in the coffee maker (or have it sent up or at SBucks, etc.) and eat my oatmeal on the go. Usually do the same for the toddler or use those Go-Gurts/a bag of Cheerios for him. I highly recommend it.
We did EMH last Dec for both parks and found the only thing open then (not quite "peak" holiday season but it was BUSY in the second week of Dec with early park hours) was Starbucks in DTD. What we did was ate something light before we left our room and then sat down for a rest and CS breakfast after a couple hours. That way we got the morning touring done without starving but still got food later (we are a full breakfast family walking the 15 miles a day at DLR lol). There are several great food options after park opening (plus you miss the mad rush as soon as people get into the parks if you eat later)