When I think of Disneyland food, my taste memory rarely generates much data. Still, there are some places where I've had food worth mentioning.
The old Carnation Ice Cream Parlor on the west side of Main Street springs to mind. I loved their ice cream sodas. The strawberry soda was served in a tall soda glass with vanilla ice cream, strawberry syrup, whipped cream and a cherry on top. Never had a bad one of those.
The French Market in New Orleans Square and the famous mint juleps at the Mint Julep Bar.
The Plaza Inn seems to offer consistently good food.
The Rancho del Zocalo over in Frontierland has decent Mexican dishes, with good portions. You can almost always find a table, too.
Village Haus in Fantasyland has pretty good turkey sandwiches and salads. You can always get a hamburger. Even the veggie burger isn't half bad. There are usually plenty of tables available, too. Plus, being a holdover from the Pre-Eisner era, it is actually themed well (though, the same can be said for the Rancho del Zocalo, I must admit).
Don't forget the River Belle Terrace---but not just for breakfast! It is actually a great location for a lunch or dinner. Often it is less crowded than you would expect. I think this is because it kinda gets "forgotten," located as it is between two major walkways (Frontierland's riverfront to the north and Adventureland's walkway to the south). They serve great sandwiches and salads, too. Try their New York roast turkey or pulled pork sandwich and I think you will agree.
And in Tomorrowland...
Well, stick to the other lands if you want to eat, let's leave it at that.
While strolling by the remains of the old Motor Boat Cruise in Fantasyland, in the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn, you turkey leg aficionados will find yourselves at home with a relatively new food service location there that specializes in Disney's now famous turkey legs. These are a perfect option for those who want to make like Henry VIII and eat a big leg of meat barehanded while making the rounds of the world's most famous theme park.
Best advice: leave the Park and hit Storytellers Cafe over at the Grand Californian or, if money is no object, throw in the towel and luxuriate in the amazing entrees and elegant, but relaxed atmosphere of the Napa Rose, a Zagat Survey No. 1 choice for four years in a row. Even Guy Fieri dines at Napa Rose---he and his family were seated in the private dining room not far from our table the last time we were there. I don't know if Napa Rose qualifies as a "Diner, Drive-In or Dive," Guy, but the food is simply amazing.
Thank you and we hope you have a wonderful and memorable stay in Walt Disney's Magic Kindgom of Disneyland!
---Mike
4 comments:
And for those of us remembering the 60's and early 70's, there was nothing better than breakfast at Hill's Brothers Coffee House on Main Street Square. We whipped up the best scrambled eggs and hash browns in the Park! And for around $1 as I recall.
Thanks for a fabulous rundown of great spots to eat in Disneyland. Each time we go, we have our stand-by locations that we MUST visit. But we also try to stop at a few new eateries to try out the variety of service and flavors offered in the park.
Last time we went, the kids favorites (besides the character meals, of course, which took the cake every time) were Village Haus and the Carnation Cafe.
I kept wanting to go to the Blue Bayou (I hear their Monte Cristo is 'to die for' but have never tried it). The price tag and wait just seemed a little extreme for a meal with 3 young kids. Maybe next time.
And of course, my dream meal for that "once in a lifetime" experience is an invitation to Club 33. I've vowed that before I die, I'll experience Walt's exclusive club. :)
Thanks again for a great post and a great blog.
Hills Bros Coffee House, yes! I miss that place.
River Belle Terrace, French Market, all favorites.
Blue Bayou was fun after the kids were grown.
Thanks for the memories.
JG
Mike- just checked into your blog after you had commented on mine "Bury My Heart at Disneyland" and told me of your blog. Great stuff.I will keep reading. I too have pondered the culinary choices at Disneyland. The Blue Bayou is always full, so I usually gravitate to the outdoor cafe in New Orleans Square. But I lament the scarcity of dining choices when you are not in the mood for the usual burger and fries.
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