Where to eat first night?

[Ashlotte]

Hi, everyone I am trying to plan our upcoming February trip. We won't be eating many meals in the park because we stay at a timeshare with a condo when we go and have a napping toddler, so we'll be back at our room near many mealtimes.
Our first night, however, I wanted to eat at the park so we can enjoy being there. We probably won't get to the park until about two or so. We are already planning on doing Minnie's at the plaza the next morning for breakfast and Ariel's at some point, so we don't want to do another character meal. We had talked about the Blue Bayou, but then I realized the monte cristos aren't served at dinner, and since I've never been there before, that is what I want to try most.
Any other suggestions? Or is there just a less expensive and yummy option for counter service somewhere? If you were in the park on your first night, what would be the place you would want to go to think, "Hey! I am in DISNEYLAND!!'

 

[Disnee]

I really like Carnation Cafe - the food is great, reasonably priced (for DL!), and being right off of Main Street just can't be beat. You definitely feel like you've arrived at DL, with all the sights and buzz around you.

Cafe Orleans is another great choice - the food is great, and I really like the location in NOS.

I love the ambience of BB, but hate their meal prices for the service/quality of the food. In my "best of both worlds" scenario, I would opt for dinner at one of the other places, and then make a reservation for dessert at BB. That way, you still get the experience, save a lot of money, and get to enjoy the best part of the meal there! (the Flying Dutchman cookie boat is delicious, and large enough to share. Same for the Tortuga Trio of Creme Brulee).

On our upcoming trip, we're staying at the GCH and wanted our first dinner to be at Storytellers in the hotel (love that place!). But, we do have a reservation for dessert at BB.

 

[audrabolster]

I really like the New Orleans cafe place. yumminess. The Hungry Bear is a counter service place- but you can grab a table by the river, and have a great little dinner for much cheaper!

 

[jillfelice]

Last night we ate at the Cafe Orleans and they have Monte Cristos for lunch and dinner. You can make reservations there too. We had a cheese Monte Cristo, the pommes frittes, and house salads to balance off all the grease. It was mega fabulous.

 

[Ashlotte]

Do I have to make PS for Cafe Orleans, or can I just show up? Is it table service? Thanks!

 

[Brendella]

Our tradition is to always have our first meal at the Plaza Inn. The fried chicken is my favorite and my DS loves the pasta. Yummmmmmm.....can't wait to go get our meal soon!!

 

[ctamama]

ashlotte: We loved cafe orleans as well. It is best to have a PS (reservation), you'll get in quicker and are guaranteed seating. By some amazing miracle, we got in on Friday night at about 5:30--the night they lit up the castle (and it was PACKED in the park)--with no PS. We waited about 20 minutes and had a great outdoor table. It was wonderful. Yummy Monte Cristos, and the gumbo was good too!!