Simple question about dinner at DL

[CableKC]

Any suggestions for a decent sit-down dinner restaurant at Disneyland Park?

Last time, we had dinner at the Blue Bayou restaurant...for the first time...which was really nice. However, I'm trying to think of a nice sit-down place to eat on our first day at Disneyland itself.

I heard about Cafe Orleans.....but isn't sure if its closer to the type of sit-down experience that you get at the Carnation Cafe ( more like a fancy Cafateria ) or ifs its more of sit-down and order dinner ( like Blue Bayou ).

I guess that going to Downtown Disney is an option...but it takes too much time to leave and come back.

 

[lulubelle]

We definitely recommend Cafe Orleans. It is our new favorite restaurant in the park. Really nice menu, relaxing atmosphere, fun to people watch and most entrees are in the $12 - $14 range- not too bad for a sit down meal. Go, you will not regret it!

 

[ShawnaF]

Blue Bayou is my favorite inside the park, Jazz Kitchen is my favorite in Downtown Disney. I also love Cafe Orleans but don't like it as much as Carnation Cafe actually. Other that Blue Bayou, if you're really looking for a classy experience, DTD is the place to go.

 

[momto2nenas]

Do you need PS arrangements for Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans?

Is the Carnation Cafe where they serve the fried chicken dinners?

 

[CableKC]

We definitely recommend Cafe Orleans. It is our new favorite restaurant in the park. Really nice menu, relaxing atmosphere, fun to people watch and most entrees are in the $12 - $14 range- not too bad for a sit down meal. Go, you will not regret it!

Thanks....I think we will go there for dinner. I have gone to DL for years...and I have not gone there ONCE....if you can believe it. I think I will try the world famous Monte Cristo there.

The problem with DL is that there isn't many options to go there and eat if you want a sit-down place that is a step up from the counter-service restaurants and Blue Bayou.

I don't mind trying Blue bayou again....cuz I like the atmosphere...but its just a bit too pricey.

One more thing.....is the restaurant ( how the food is served, ambiance, sitting ) at Cafe Orleans more like the Counter-Service ( which reminds me more of a cafateria ) at Carnation Cafe?

 

[CableKC]

Blue Bayou is my favorite inside the park, Jazz Kitchen is my favorite in Downtown Disney. I also love Cafe Orleans but don't like it as much as Carnation Cafe actually. Other that Blue Bayou, if you're really looking for a classy experience, DTD is the place to go.

I wouldn't mind going to DTD...but I find it a hassle to leave the park then go back for dinner.

Its not bad to go there if I am park-hopping....but it just seems like it takes up too much time.

 

[DangerMouse]

One more thing.....is the restaurant ( how the food is served, ambiance, sitting ) at Cafe Orleans more like the Counter-Service ( which reminds me more of a cafateria ) at Carnation Cafe?

Cafe Orleans changed over to a table-service restaurant sometime last year.
You will need to get a PS reservation to be safe.

Here's a link to their dinner menu:

http://dlresortinfo.com/DisneylandMenus/cafeorleans/cafeorleans.html

 

[DangerMouse]

Do you need PS arrangements for Carnation Cafe and Cafe Orleans?

Is the Carnation Cafe where they serve the fried chicken dinners?

Yes, you need ressies for both as they are table-service.

However, the PLAZA INN is the restaurant that serves fried chicken, not Carnation Cafe. The Plaza Inn is counter service.

You can also get fried chicken at the French Market in NOS.

 

[CableKC]

Cafe Orleans changed over to a table-service restaurant sometime last year.
You will need to get a PS reservation to be safe.

Here's a link to their dinner menu:

http://dlresortinfo.com/DisneylandMenus/cafeorleans/cafeorleans.html

Tx for the info.

 

[aapechy]

You can take the monorail to Downtown disney to save some time with the walking. It picks you up near thematterhorn and drops you over by the rainforrest cafe in DTD.

Save a lot of time walking!

 

[kristenhh]

If it doesn't have to be a "served" meal -- I would suggest the River Belle Terrace or Red Rocket's Pizza Port. Both tasty.

 

[quiltymom]

We like the French Market. The jambalaya is outstanding, and you get live music, to boot!

 

[ShawnaF]

Carnation Cafe is one of my favs - the best food I get at DL the entire trip usually. Be sure to meet Chef Oscar if you go - he's an original DL employee and has been at the Carnation Cafe for over 50 years now - neat man!!! Priority Seating for Cafe Orleans and Carnation Cafe is a MUST! Always heard about the Plaza Inn chicken but I'm not a chicken person, so we haven't done that (anything else great there we should go for?)

I think with the 2 year old we head out of the park more often, to the DTD restaurants, etc. I like to get a break from crowds and strolling DTD is a bit more relaxing to me. I can see how it would be harder for others to do that though.

 

[angipoo]

Cafe Orleans changed over to a table-service restaurant sometime last year.
You will need to get a PS reservation to be safe.

Here's a link to their dinner menu:

http://dlresortinfo.com/DisneylandMenus/cafeorleans/cafeorleans.html

Thanks for this fabulous site! I have been trying to find info on DL menus and this is great!!!

 

[mt mommy]

Carnation Cafe is one of my favs - the best food I get at DL the entire trip usually. Be sure to meet Chef Oscar if you go - he's an original DL employee and has been at the Carnation Cafe for over 50 years now - neat man!!! Priority Seating for Cafe Orleans and Carnation Cafe is a MUST! Always heard about the Plaza Inn chicken but I'm not a chicken person, so we haven't done that (anything else great there we should go for?)

I think with the 2 year old we head out of the park more often, to the DTD restaurants, etc. I like to get a break from crowds and strolling DTD is a bit more relaxing to me. I can see how it would be harder for others to do that though.

I met Chef Oscar the last time we were there. I could kick myself for not getting a picture with him. HE IS SO Great!! They also have potatoes there named after him.

 

[ShawnaF]

We visit Oscar each visit - we've got pics with him and he gave me an autographed copy of the baked potato soup recipe (which we make fairly regularly) and this past February he autographed a magazine for me with his pic on it! He remembers us every time and we're not there that often! He was on vacation when we went in April and I felt like I was missing my best friend! lol....such a wonderful man, I hope he never retires!