Your MUST HAVE food?

[HeatherBelle614]

Hi!

I've read about all of the restaurants/food at DLR, but this is our first trip and I'm feeling very, very overwhelmed. (I'm a 20+ WDW visitor at 26 years old.)

We have two studios at the Grand Californian. worship

DM is insisting that we eat at Blue Bayou ("the POC restaurant"); I've been told to make an early lunch/dinner PS, show up early, and then ask to be seated by the water. (Can anyone tell me what time(s) I should shoot for regarding a PS in order to be successful?)

Other than that, I'm pretty lost. I am curious what your must-haves are for table service, snacks, and CS. We're all food lovers and not too picky. I do hope to do the WOC dinner at Ariel's Grotto, too.

But please, share your must have snacks/CS/TS info!!

Also, the PS date is 90 days out, right? Will I need to call every day to book the next day of our trip, or are you able to do them all at once (like WDW)?

 

[FlameGirl]

You can make PS 60 days in advance. I have seen the bears over by the Redwood Trail in DCA before.

And we love the Bengal BBQ skewers.

 

[HeatherBelle614]

You can make PS 60 days in advance. I have seen the bears over by the Redwood Trail in DCA before.

And we love the Bengal BBQ skewers.

60 days? Aw; I'd gotten my hopes up that it was 90. Darn!

 

[Ginger Renae]

Sixty days is plenty. You will find that dining at DL isn't nearly as "competitive" as getting seating at WDW.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hi!

I've read about all of the restaurants/food at DLR, but this is our first trip and I'm feeling very, very overwhelmed. (I'm a 20+ WDW visitor at 26 years old.)

Traveling will be DF, DM, DH, and myself June 20-25; we have two studios at the Grand Californian. worship

DM is insisting that we eat at Blue Bayou ("the POC restaurant"); I've been told to make an early lunch/dinner PS, show up early, and then ask to be seated by the water. (Can anyone tell me what time(s) I should shoot for regarding a PS in order to be successful?)

DH's one pick is a breakfast at the resort; he's obsessed with Brother Bear, and after they stopped appearing at WDW, he demanded that we do the character breakfast at the Grand so he can see at least one of the bears. (Anyone know if the bears appear in the park, by any chance?)

Other than that, I'm pretty lost. I am curious what your must-haves are for table service, snacks, and CS. We're all food lovers and not too picky. I do hope to do the WOC dinner at Ariel's Grotto, too.

But please, share your must have snacks/CS/TS info!!

Also, the PS date is 90 days out, right? Will I need to call every day to book the next day of our trip, or are you able to do them all at once (like WDW)?

BB=1130 reservation and request waterside..never had it fail.

Jack

 

[Kayla's Mom]

We always make our dinner reservations at Blue Bayou right around 5:00 and arrive about 30 minutes early. They always tell us the wait for waterside will be 45-60 minutes. It has never taken longer than 20 minutes.

We also love Carnation Cafe for the loaded baked potato soup and Cafe Orleans for the Monte Cristo and Pommes Frites.

My must have treat are the coconut macaroons drizzled with chocolate at Blue Ribbon Bakery, although the last time I was there they only had Matterhorn Macaroons which were the same thing only drizzled in white chocolate, which I didn't like as much!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I tend to do the same has blackjackdelta. The lunch is less expensive than the dinner, so we request 11:30am/waterside. If you cannot request waterside, which has happened to me before, then request it when you check in (get there about 10 minutes before your reservation.

The Chip & Dale breakfast at the Grand Californian is one of my favorite breakfasts there. I think they do a pretty good huevos rancheros, so I think your husband will enjoy it.

For snacks I like a light meal of bacon-wrapped asparagus skewers (Bengal BBQ by Indiana Jones in Adventureland), or a corn dog from the red wagon on Main Street (by Plaza Inn). Their freshly made English toffee is yummy at the candy store on Main Street.

In Downtown Disney (just outside the park gates) I like to go to the Jazz Kitchen for a meal.

If you want to go to a really nice restaurant you might try Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel for breakfast or (expensive) dinner.

We've also split chicken strips at the Golden Horseshoe while watching the Billy Hill & the hillbillies show.

As for the Bros Bear in the parks, you might find them in California Adventure by the Redwood Creek Challenge trail. There is a little show there and they might be at that show.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Another vote for the Bengel BBQ, the bacon wrapped aspaeragus and the chicken sticks are fantastic for a light lunch. Cafe Orleans for the Pomme Frites (garlic fries with parmissan cheese). Other musts for us are a Mickey Pretzel and a churro.

It's been a while, but I do think they still offer the the Brother Bear show in the Redwood Creek challenge area. Lately for us it seems every time we go see it, they're done for the day or the show isn't running.

I would also recommend the Aladdin Show. The Genie gets to add lib some jokes into the show, making it freash for what's going on the the world present day. Their are some clips on youtube if you care to see.

 

[HeatherBelle614]

I'm definitely going to print this thread out!

Thanks so much, already!

And, any other suggestions, please keep them coming. I had read about all of the TS, but all of these CS and snack options are brand new and beyond helpful!!!

I've been stalking Tigger tails, though. Are they all they're built up to be??

Has anyone done the WOC dinner at Ariel's? Is it comparable to the Princess meal in Norway (as far as the basic set-up goes?) That's what it looks like, at least from the menu. And, are the characters there for the dinner? I was a bit confused; the menu looks like it says just at breakfast.

 

[Goofy_Mom]

I'm definitely going to print this thread out!

Thanks so much, already!

And, any other suggestions, please keep them coming. I had read about all of the TS, but all of these CS and snack options are brand new and beyond helpful!!!

I've been stalking Tigger tails, though. Are they all they're built up to be??

Has anyone done the WOC dinner at Ariel's? Is it comparable to the Princess meal in Norway (as far as the basic set-up goes?) That's what it looks like, at least from the menu. And, are the characters there for the dinner? I was a bit confused; the menu looks like it says just at breakfast.

The Tigger Tails aren't the same. They used to be carmel and chocolate and colored dipped marshmellows on sticks. Now they're dippedin the carmel and rolled in colored sugar. I wasn't impressed with them.

I can't compaire the meal at Ariels to Norway cause I have never been to WDW. I can say it was fabulous. The dinner meals get you a preferred area to view WOC which is less crowded than the colored FP sections. Because it's less crowded, you don't have to wait in line as long in the hops of getting a good spot. No princess for dinner, but the food was fantastic.

 

[tholczer]

My favorites:

Shrimp Louie in a fresh sourdough bread bowl at Pacific Wharf in DCA
Bengal BBQ
Clam chowder in a bread bowl
Fried chicken at the Plaza Inn
Hamburgers at Rain Forest Cafe
Mexican food at Rancho del Zocalo
La Brea Bakery. The sugar buns are amazing for a breakfast treat. Not a fan of the fast food type stuff, but the sandwiches, salads and sit down dinner menu is very good.

For treats, we always get the caramel and milk chocolate covered marshmallows at Pooh Corner (they are usually freshly made, unlike at Marceline's in DTD, I'd skip the Tigger Tail and get this instead) and a churro. The tiger butter fudge is really good, too. I am still lamenting the loss of my dearly beloved snickerdoodle. But I ask about them every time I'm there. The peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie is good as well.

Yum! Now my mouth is watering.

Tracy

 

[seafoam]

The Dole Whip at the stand by the Enchanted Tikki Room is delicious! I'm not even really a pineapple freak, but it was one of the best things I've eaten at DLR.

Also second the asparagus/bacon skewer at Bengal BBQ and the Pommes Frites at Cafe Orleans.

 

[Ginger Renae]

I've been stalking Tigger tails, though. Are they all they're built up to be?

Not anymore. They used to be amazing and now, in my opinion, they suck. The orange chocolate is gone and has been replaced by colored grainy sugar with no flavor. I bought one on my last trip, took two bites, and threw it away. It was so disappointing.

Thank God we have Disney to monitor our transfat intake. *grumble, grumble*

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I've been stalking Tigger tails, though. Are they all they're built up to be??

Has anyone done the WOC dinner at Ariel's? Is it comparable to the Princess meal in Norway (as far as the basic set-up goes?) That's what it looks like, at least from the menu. And, are the characters there for the dinner? I was a bit confused; the menu looks like it says just at breakfast.

See below re: Tigger Tails. Ariel's ~ we did breakfast with the ladies in Norway 10/09 - we've ate at Ariel's several times ~ the princesses are only there for breakfast and lunch as of now. We did WCT for the WOC seating.

The Tigger Tails aren't the same. They used to be carmel and chocolate and colored dipped marshmellows on sticks. Now they're dippedin the carmel and rolled in colored sugar. I wasn't impressed with them.

I completely agree ~ they aren't that great anymore but... I made my own *I'll see if I can find the recipe - HERE it is ~ they turned out great!

ETA ~ my link doens't work for some reason?? Just google "tigger tails" it should be one of the 1st - it's the associatedcontent.com one

 

[Halloweenqueen]

After countless trips to WDW and 3 trips to DL last year, I'm amazed how little focus there is on food options at DL. There is no need to take the time and effort into PS (ADRs) as we do when we are planning a WDW trip. First, because there isn't the demand for reservations and second, because there isn't many choices.

Unlike WDW there is very little theming when it comes to TS. There is nothing like Prime Time, or Sci Fi, or LTT, etc.

Plus the quality of the food and service is NOTHING like WDW. Except a good dining experience, but don't except WDW quality.

You can still have a good time. Like others have said, Blue Bayou is a good choice, but be sure to make the extra effort to ask for rail seating. It does make a big difference. The last time I was there my table mate didn't want to wait and we had a lousy table. Blue Bayou is one of the only IN PARK choices that is indoors. Be aware that many offerings are outside. Though I love to people watch, it does take away from a typical TS experience.

I think character dining is another way to go. The food and service isn't WDW quality, but they offer tons more characters than a typical WDW character meal. We ate last month at Minnie and Friends breakfast and had over a dozen different characters visit our table. I was amazed that we had to get our own drinks though. It made it interesting trying to stay at our table for the characters while making mad dashes to the buffet lines to fill my children's glasses and plates.

I think the true value is taking advantage of some of the CS offerings. First the money you can save is great. And remember, most CS is outdoors too, so why not bring your food to your own table and save on tip. The food is just as good as most of the TS offerings. I recommend Pacific Wharf Cafe and Test Pilots Grill in DCA. I like Bengal BBQ at DL.

The snacks are MUCH better than WDW. I think many visitors at DL are locals who come to snack and maybe catch the fireworks or a show. We cut out a meal during the day and supplement with yummy bakery treats and snacks.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Not anymore. They used to be amazing and now, in my opinion, they suck. The orange chocolate is gone and has been replaced by colored grainy sugar with no flavor. I bought one on my last trip, took two bites, and threw it away. It was so disappointing.

Thank God we have Disney to monitor our transfat intake. *grumble, grumble*

We had Tigger Tails with the orange chocolate last month at Critter Corner/Pooh Corner. I think they offer both, I know my children had the sugar and the chocolate ones.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

We had Tigger Tails with the orange chocolate last month at Critter Corner/Pooh Corner. I think they offer both, I know my children had the sugar and the chocolate ones.

Yay ~ however it's still much cheaper to make them yourself

 

[Halloweenqueen]

We bought a couple of extra to bring home. I was amazed how well they kept! The chocolate really keep the marshmallow soft.

 

[Hound 109]

Since you're a WDW vet, i assume you've seen Hydroguy's post. If not, it's essential....read it....print it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


The rest of his tip threads are worth looking at too.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483


Hound's choices for Good Eats at DLR:

- Corny Dogs at the Red Truck (since the CD Palace shut down ).
- Carnation Cafe for late breakfast after touring early for 2 hours.
- Carnation Cafe for early dinner prior to touring in the evening with a pocketfull of FPs.
- The Trattoria in DCA for a late lunch al fresco meal on a pretty day.
- Pooh Corner for cookies & chocolate etc.
- The Knackwurst (& german chocolate cake) shack next to the Princess meet area (across from IASW).
- The Italian restaurant in DTD (Naples?) Some don't like it....I do.
- Buy your Dole Whip float from the Tiki show waiting area (shorter line) whether you see the show or not.
- Mickey Bars, Churros & Jalepeno cheese filled pretzles from LOTS of vendors all over.

 

[Belle Ella]

Hi!

I've read about all of the restaurants/food at DLR, but this is our first trip and I'm feeling very, very overwhelmed. (I'm a 20+ WDW visitor at 26 years old.)

Traveling will be DF, DM, DH, and myself June 20-25; we have two studios at the Grand Californian. worship

DM is insisting that we eat at Blue Bayou ("the POC restaurant"); I've been told to make an early lunch/dinner PS, show up early, and then ask to be seated by the water. (Can anyone tell me what time(s) I should shoot for regarding a PS in order to be successful?)

DH's one pick is a breakfast at the resort; he's obsessed with Brother Bear, and after they stopped appearing at WDW, he demanded that we do the character breakfast at the Grand so he can see at least one of the bears. (Anyone know if the bears appear in the park, by any chance?)

Other than that, I'm pretty lost. I am curious what your must-haves are for table service, snacks, and CS. We're all food lovers and not too picky. I do hope to do the WOC dinner at Ariel's Grotto, too.

But please, share your must have snacks/CS/TS info!!

Also, the PS date is 90 days out, right? Will I need to call every day to book the next day of our trip, or are you able to do them all at once (like WDW)?

I am one that will always recommend Blue Bayou. To me it is the only must-do restaurant at Disneyland. I have never been to WDW (well, as an adult with an experience I could remember) but I trust everyone when they say the food quality isn't as important here as it is at WDW. Most of the TS aren't anything to write home about but BB is extremely unique in it's atmosphere. You are actually inside the POTC ride and it feels like you're having a candle lit dinner out in the bayou at night. You wont get it anywhere else. I have never once been turned away from a waterside table although do expect an additional wait. I usually show up 15-20 minutes before my reservation time and request a water side table when I check in. They'll usually quote you an addition 45+ minute wait but I have never had to wait that long for a waterside table. When in doubt, arrange a table for their first lunch seating (I believe it is 11:30a) and when you check in request a waterside table and you should get it quickly as you wont be waiting for a table to open up.

As for seeing the Brother Bears (Kenai and Koda, right?) I have not done the Storyteller's Breakfast but I did see one of them while walking out of DCA and passing the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. I don't know for certain if they still do a little show with a meet and greet afterward, but I did see one of the bears near the area doing photos and what not. A general rule of thumb when in doubt about a character you really want to see is to stop by Guest Services and ask if they will be out at all that day and they'll give you a time and location similar to what they'll do at City Hall over at Disneyland.

The WOC dinner meal unfortunately doesn't have the Princesses, just the meal that comes with Fast Passes to a preferred viewing area for WOC that night. They do still offer the Princess Character Meal at AG only it is now for breakfast only from my understanding. I did this character meal in September 2009 and there isn't quite as much character interaction as other meals I have done. The Princesses each made 1 circuit around the dining area with a stop at each table whereas other meals I have done the characters do a lot more fun things. But the WOC meal is not a character meal.

We had Tigger Tails with the orange chocolate last month at Critter Corner/Pooh Corner. I think they offer both, I know my children had the sugar and the chocolate ones.

I'm kind of jealous! My sister adores the orange chocolate Tigger Tails and every once in a while I hear that somebody has seen both and I was hoping that during one of my 2 trips in December I would be able to bring one back for her but no such luck although she likes the sugar ones just fine. They do have regular chocolate covered marshmallow ones that look like the Tigger Tail only brown instead of orange and that was the closest that I saw, but it wasn't a Tigger Tail.