Restaurant Recommendations

[TinkSassy]

Need recommendations on best places to eat in the parks. We like places where the food is reasonable, we can sit down and get in out of the heat. Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[kaleighmariesmom]

i would love to know too.. also if anyone has any ideas for character dinning!!!

 

[DangerMouse]

Oooh, I have the place that fits your description perfectly:

White Water Snacks in the GCH. Great food, decent prices and a quiet and cool respite from the hot and crowded parks.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I absolutely second the Whitewater Snacks. It is a quiet place away from the crowds! And the food is good and not too expensive compaired to the rest of the park. Here is our chicken sandwhich we got there. They split it in half for us and DH and I were both full.

 

[Sherwin]

Whitewater is nice if you don't mind leaving the parks. But if you want to stay in the general vicinity, maybe consider Cafe Orleans. In DTD, there are quite a few good places, Napa Rose (a little pricier) and ESPN zone.

THere's a lot! Actually, we talk about food quite a bit here so browse around a bit and you'll find a lot.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Actually Whitewater is pretty close. I find it easier to go to than DTD. You just use the CGH exit by the Rapids ride, then turn left. It is right there. There is even bathrooms right next door. Makes for an easy stop.

 

[ballarinamom]

Check out allears.net for the menus. We like Rancho del Zachalo. For the protion size which are huge, the price and the atmosphere (right by Big Thunder Railroad under the bougainvillas) it is our favorite place! The breadbowls at both DL and DCA are awesome.

For character meals, Ariel's new menu cannot be beat. We did lunch since it is more of a brunch for us and the price is a little less.

We also love Goofy's for dinner. They have the BEST prime rib!!

 

[DangerMouse]

Whitewater is nice if you don't mind leaving the parks. But if you want to stay in the general vicinity, maybe consider Cafe Orleans. In DTD, there are quite a few good places, Napa Rose (a little pricier) and ESPN zone.

THere's a lot! Actually, we talk about food quite a bit here so browse around a bit and you'll find a lot.

Leaving the parks? It's about a 2 minute walk from GRR in DCA to Whitewater Snacks through the GCH private entrance. I find it one of the most convenient places to eat if I'm in DCA.

 

[DisneyLover4Ever!]

I have to say that one of my absolute favorite restaurants to eat at in DCA is Wine Country Trattoria. They have great food and are not too pricey and you can also eat indoors or out.

 

[Sherry E]

I agree with the PP about Wine Country Trattoria in DCA. Even though have always eaten outdoors there, they do have indoor seating. The food is not too overpriced, but the portions (especially the pizzetta salad) are generous. As far as a counter service place in DCA, I think Taste Pilots Grill is good. Not only do they have good food, but it is a place to go inside and escape heat.

In DL, I won't recommend Carnation Cafe or Bengal BBQ because there is no escaping heat at either of those places, but lots of people like the Plaza Inn (it's very pretty inside). River Belle Terrace is good too, and reasonably priced, and it is in a good location. Blue Ribbon Bakery is good for a blended mocha or a sweet snack IF you can get a seat inside.

In DTD, I like Rainforest Cafe (indoors or out), ESPN Zone (not exactly a 'relaxing' atmosphere because it is very busy and noisy due to the games on TV, but the food is great and it is cool inside) and Naples (eat indoors or out).

I also like Storytellers Cafe in the GCH (not the buffet, just off the menu) for lunch or dinner. They have good sandwiches and burgers that won't break the bank at lunch.

And I am a big fan of Goofy's Kitchen breakfast in the DLH, but I don't know if you are interested in any of character meals. Even though the food is usually great at these buffets, you can't really relax at any of the character meals because characters are constantly coming by to visit you. You kind of have to be alert at all times. And if you are watching how much you spend and trying to save money, the character meals are pretty costly. But if that is something you are interested in, then I say Goofy's all the way!

 

[Sherwin]

Actually Whitewater is pretty close. I find it easier to go to than DTD. You just use the CGH exit by the Rapids ride, then turn left. It is right there. There is even bathrooms right next door. Makes for an easy stop.

Leaving the parks? It's about a 2 minute walk from GRR in DCA to Whitewater Snacks through the GCH private entrance. I find it one of the most convenient places to eat if I'm in DCA.

Doh! I feel stoopid.

For some reason, I thought the OP was only going to be limited to DL.

 

[c&m]

Another vote for White Water Snacks! It is just the most convenient, quietest, relaxing place to go to for a short break from the parks. DH loves the French Dip, so he shares it with DDs. I love the chicken sandwich which I share with my DH too. We place one order with fries and the other with fresh fruit.

 

[DCDisney]

We stayed at the GC and loved the park entrance into the GC to get to White water snacks (it's past soarin on the right). It was much quicker to walk there and get served there than other CA places though we also enjoyed the Pacfic Wharf Cafe which is outside tables but very nicely shaded. At DL we loved the "buffeterias" where you get real food and real plates but pick it up yourself. The fried chicken at Plaza Inn was delish and shareable. At the French Market the food was even better and a lovely patio seating area with live Jazz music.