While many guests travel to Disneyland for stunning attractions, world-class rides and a chance to meet the one-and-only Mickey Mouse, true foodies know that Disneyland’s dining destinations are some of the top reasons to visit this renowned park.
Whether you’re looking to grab some magical snacks, enjoy a family dinner with your favorite characters or taste captivating creations from some of the area’s best chefs, Disneyland is sure to have an unbelievable culinary experience waiting for you.
Plan your dream Disney vacation and take a look at these AAA-recommended dining options that we feel make up some of the best places to eat at Disneyland.
Best Counter Service Restaurants
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that will fill you up and have you back on the rides in no time, then one of Disneyland’s counter-service restaurants will be the perfect place to grab a quick bite. With a wide range of cuisines and themes to choose from, you can rest assured that there’s something to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Take a look at these AAA favorites.
·Popular Menu Items: Lobster Roll, Clam Chowder, Compressed Watermelon Salad
Serving both lunch and dinner, this dockside window service restaurant is set right along the waterfront and is a fantastic place to cool off and relax during a busy day at the parks. Featuring both American classics and a wide range of seafood dishes, the Harbour Galley will leave you feeling like you’ve wandered right down to the seashore. There is plenty of hidden seating directly behind the restaurant for guest convenience and the menu also regularly offers exciting seasonal dishes throughout the year.
·Popular Menu Items: Red Chile Enchilada Platter, Mexican Chicken Caesar Salad, Cauliflower Tacos
If you’re looking for a culinary experience that is truly increíble without having to worry about a long wait, then Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante will be ideal. While this exceptional dining option offers the ease and speed of counter service, the quality of the food will leave you feeling like you’re sitting in a five-star restaurant. The colorful mosaic decor and picturesque hanging plants allow guests to imagine they’ve fallen into old Mexico, while the mouthwatering dishes will leave your tastebuds dancing for more. The restaurant also offers a kid’s menu and several vegetarian options, making it a fantastic place for families.
Best Character Dining
There’s nothing more magical than having a wonderful conversation with Donald Duck and Goofy while you dig into a delicious stack of pancakes. At Disneyland, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a character dining experience where you can eat with some of your favorite Disney icons. Here are some of the top-rated experiences in the parks.
·Location: Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
·American, Breakfast
·Popular Menu Items: Lobster Salad Crostini, Braised Short Rib, Seashell Macarons
One of the most coveted reservations in the parks, this three-course breakfast is an experience unlike any other. Not only is each guest greeted personally by a princess at the door, but there are several exciting princess experiences throughout the breakfast including storytime with Belle and learning awesome fighting poses from Mulan.
Throughout the meal, dishes will vary between children and adults. Younger guests may be served house-made macaroni and cheese or princess waffles while grown-up guests can choose from roasted pork belly, braised short rib and petite raspberry tarts. Keep in mind, this is one of the most popular dining experiences in Disneyland, so making a reservation ahead of time is highly recommended.
If you’re looking to spend some quality time with Mickey and the gang, there’s no place better than Mickey’s Tales of Adventures Breakfast or Brunch at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. A buffet service meal, guests can choose between a wide array of dishes, including custom-made omelets and hand-carved meats at breakfast and daily fish specials, bread pudding and beignets during brunch.
Best Table-Service Dining
If there’s one thing Disney knows how to do, it’s enchantment and there is nothing more enchanting than a wonderful evening out complemented by exceptional service and exquisite dishes. This and more await guests who choose to visit one of Disneyland’s unbelievable table service restaurants. Here are a few AAA favorites.
·Popular Menu Items: Chicken Gumbo, Oscar-style Rib-Eye, Scallops a-la Plancha
An iconic Disneyland dining destination, this world-class Louisianna-inspired restaurant sits just above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and serves some of the best cajun and creole-style food in the area. Known for their delectable interpretations of classic dishes like jambalaya and gumbo in addition to their incredible waterfront view, this is one of the most popular reservations in the park. While it may be one of the pricier restaurants, this is guaranteed to be a night you will never forget.
·Popular Menu Items: Mediterranean Spiced Lamb Kofta, Signature Thick-Cut Pork Chop, English Pea Raviolis
One of the most sophisticated dining destinations in the parks, Carthay Circle sits inside a reproduction of the Carthay Circle Theater with an ambiance harkening back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The menu is designed by Chef Andrew Sutton of the Napa Rose and focuses on local, seasonal ingredients that highlight the beauty and bounty of California. As this restaurant only offers dinner service, reservations tend to fill up rather quickly, so booking ahead of time is highly recommended if you’re planning on an upscale evening at this beautiful and glamorous site.
A trip to Disneyland is simply not complete without outstanding dining experiences and finding the best restaurants to fit into your trip can help take your vacation to the next level.
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