Sit Down Lunch in Disneyland?

[bnbheartdisney]

Cafe Orleans can be enjoyed by both your DS and the grandparents. Being outside allows for people watching. Almost every time I've ate at Cafe Orleans for lunch, there was a little "performance" right outside which was great entertainment. Plus, the outside area is closed in, he won't be able to take off.

Hungry Bear Restaurant can also be enjoyed by your DS and the grandparents. It's tucked off to the side and quite relaxing.

Rainforest Cafe maybe suitable more for DS than the grandparents, but it will definitely keep DS's attention for a good while (at least from what I've experienced).

 

[Shimmer]

For sit-down I'd suggest Cafe Orleans because we love the Monte Cristo, Benignets (sp) and Pomme Frites (sp). We love to sit outside by the rail and people-watch. Plus, there are often street bands performing.

I'd also suggest Hungry Bear even though it isn't sit down. The new menu is great (I loved the fried green tomato sandwich) and the atmopshere is relaxing. It's right on the river and your son can wander a bit and not be a big concern.

My kids have also liked the Painter's PB&J at Plaza Inn but I don't love how crowded it can get there.

You should be able to walk up and get a table for lunch without needing reservations.

 

[coopersmom]

Thanks for the all the advice. I ended making a reservation at Blue Bayou, hoping my son (and my dad, whose favorite ride is Pirates) would like the atmosphere. Then, once there, it was so beautiful we wished we'd chosen the Plaza instead, but the non-reservation wait time of 45 minutes wasn't going to work with a four-year-old! (I knew whichever one I selected, we'd want the other one.)

Anyway, Blue Bayou was OK. Son didn't pay a bit of attention to Pirate boats and was a bit cranky, but the adults enjoyed the air conditioning and relative quiet/sitting. Food wasn't terrible, but the limited lunch menu kind of stinks. I'm not even complaining about the prices (which are, of course, outrageous) but the fact you can't get a salad or sandwich--what I think of as lunch fare--and instead only heavy entrees are offered.

 

[AmericanItGirl]

...but the fact you can't get a salad or sandwich--what I think of as lunch fare--and instead only heavy entrees are offered.

Actually, if your waiter is nice, you can technically order just the "starter" (cup of gumbo or the wedge salad). Just a little tip that I picked up on this board and found to be helpful.

 

[mmmears]

Blue Bayou is great for atmosphere and a relaxing feeling (IMO).

We always have at least one lunch at Carnation Cafe -- for years my DD loved to order the PB&J painter's palette.

 

[Disney Anna]

Storyteller's Cafe in GCH. Just had lunch there on Friday. Parks were crazy but restaurant was not crowded. Had great food. Great service. Restaurant is pretty and quiet. Great break from the frenzy.

 

[coopersmom]

Actually, if your waiter is nice, you can technically order just the "starter" (cup of gumbo or the wedge salad). Just a little tip that I picked up on this board and found to be helpful.

The menu we were given had nothing but entrees--no apps or anything--so it was all or nothing. Also told we couldn't order from children's menu (asked).

 

[Teki]

There are many of areas to have a sit down lunch Cafe Orleans is probably a good choice if your considering Blue Bayou but are worried about the price the food is similar and the price is lower. There are also two places I know where your little one can play, Goofys house in Toon Town and Princess Dots puddle park in A bugs land, Dots is wet though. I understand there may be some play areas in Redwood Creek Trail but I haven't done much walking around in there so Im really not sure. Hope that helps!

 

[lapdwife]

We just did DL with the grandparents and it required a lot of stopping and sitting on benches... I'd go with Cafe Orleans and when you check in, say you're OK with waiting a few for a rail table. It gives the little guys something to do- watching the people go by and quite often the band stops and plays right there. When we were there last week, Cap'n Jack walked by and was interacting with everyone at a rail table.