Disneyland for Beginners – Eating

There is something about walking into Disneyland that makes me hungry.  I’m told I’m definitely not the only one!

Breakfast:

There are a few breakfast spots in the park, but this is prime time to be riding rides.  I suggest grabbing Jamba Juice or Starbucks (longer lines during peak season) in Downtown Disney on the way in.  Or plan for a Character Breakfast (talked about below).

You can also grab fruit on Main Street or in Tomorrowland.  On Main Street, there is a cart about halfway up on the right, and in Tomorrowland, there is a cart right past Buzz Lightyear on the left.

In the Park:

Most food in the park is buffet style and you don’t need a reservation.  Given how many folks they feed in a day, they do a pretty great job providing good food.  It is expensive, so be prepared.  We haven’t eaten at every restaurant, so I’ve listed out my favorites here.

• French Market Restaurant (New Orleans Square) – We are from Houston, and Disney is about the only place I get a little taste of Cajun.  If you are from Cajun country though, you’ll want to skip as it is quite American-ized.
• Rancho del Zocalo (Mexican in Frontierland right across from Mark Twain Riverboat) – I love Mexican food and they have a pretty decent selection.
• The Golden Horseshoe (American – Across from Mark Twain Riverboat) – I like this one because of the show not because of the food.  I always get chicken tenders – I can’t even tell you what else they serve.
• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port (Tomorrowland) – they have yummy pizza and pasta.  I usually forget about this spot because we are in different parts of the park at meal times.
• Plaza Inn (American between Main Street and Tomorrowland) – They have really good food and it’s easy to meet there for lunch or dinner since it’s at the front of the park.  They have a super fun Character Breakfast, as well.
• Blue Bayou (Pirates of the Caribbean) – We only did this one once, and you’ll need reservations well in advance.  I didn’t love the food or the price tag, but it was a very cool experience.  You are actually inside the Pirate’s of the Caribbean ride – low lighting and lightning bugs and all.  Very Cool!
• You’ll find kiosks all over the park with frozen lemonade, chocolate covered bananas, Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches, etc.  All of those treats are super yummy!  A bit expensive, but generally I think a treat a day is worth it.
• I don’t know the name, but there is a wonderful fudge/candy shop by Pooh Bear in Critter Country.  It’s worth a peak to see what catches your eye.

In Downtown Disney:

• Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Cajun) – just as above, we love Cajun food and this is about the only place we get it in So Cal.
• Tortilla Jo’s (Mexican) – yummy food and even better Margarita’s!
• Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria – we really enjoy the pizza here especially.
• Napa Rose (Grand California) – it’s not in Downtown Disney but it is really, really good!  This is fine dining and you will want to make a reservation.  It’s one of my favorite places to eat in all of So Cal, not just Disney

Character Dining (Reservations Required):

• Minnie and Friends Breakfast at Plaza Inn (Disneyland right before Tomorrowland)  – This is my favorite!  You are already in the Park, and we have had a blast dancing and interacting with the traditional Disney characters.  How much fun you have depends some on you and how you react to the different characters.  You can make a reservation for before the park opens, but you will only be able to get to the restaurant.  Ask about how it works when you make your reservation.
• Goofy’s Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel – Breakfast & Dinner) – This is a great one for seeing all the main characters.  You can get your picture with Goofy on the way in the door.  It has a really huge buffet, too.
• Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe (Grand Hotel – Breakfast) – this is my least favorite.  At least when we went ages ago, Chip N Dale were about the only characters we really knew.  The interaction with them was fantastic (Dale made fun of me and how technology challenged I was that day – Ha!), but we wanted Mickey and Minnie.
• Ariel’s Grotto in California Adventure has Princesses at Breakfast and Lunch (we’ve never done this one, but if you have a little into princesses this one is probably pretty awesome)
• Disney’s PCH Grill (Paradise Pier Hotel) – I haven’t done this one either.  It’s a beach party breakfast and I’m not sure which characters would come there – Ariel & friends and Lilo & Stitch are my best guesses.

I’m pretty sure calories don’t count in Disney because of all the walking you will be doing.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!