Yeah! We’re going to Disneyland (not really – I’m just dreaming) – although I have been there quite a few times. But anyway, I have friends that almost worship Disneyland they have season passes and drive 12 hours straight through to get there just to spend a couple days at Disneyland and spend another 12 hours driving to get back home.
Whether you are a frequent visitor to Disneyland or not, it doesn’t really matter because you have to eat while you are there to keep up your strength for all the walking and standing.
Whether you eat at restaurants inside the park 3 or more times a day, or bring a sack lunch and store it in their lockers, or carry it around – you still have to eat.
It is a common known fact that the Disneyland establishment knows they pretty much have us cornered and if we want to eat, we have to eat inside the park or go outside of the park and spend a lot of time doing so. Because they know this, they inflate the prices on all of their food and you can end up spending a small fortune on food inside Disneyland; this also includes California Adventure Park, of course.
My purpose for writing this post is to help you be informed and make wise decisions about where to eat when you are at Disneyland.
There are basically three kinds of places to eat inside Disneyland. One kind of place to eat is the nice restaurants that have pretty good tasting food where you sit down and are waited on by a waiter or waitress.
The second kind of place to eat are restaurants that you don’t need reservations and they usually have counter service. That means you walk up to a counter, order your food and find your own table. These kinds of places usually sell a lot of hamburgers, and pizza etc.
The third kind of place to eat is from the carts that are distributed in strategic places around Disneyland. They may include pizza, pretzels, churros, drinks and a variety of snacks.
There is a dilemma is my mind every time I go whether to make a reservation and eat at a nice place that takes a lot of time or eat at a quick service place where the food isn’t always good-tasting and spend less time. I can’t answer that question for anyone except myself, but the purpose of this post is to help you make that decision on your own.
These are some of my thoughts on my and others experiences at Disneyland and California Adventure Park.
Pros for eating at a restaurant that needs reservations:
- You know that you have a reservation and you don’t have to worry about where you are going to eat.
- If the park is busy, when you have a reservation it can make your vacation less stressful.
- You can make the decision where to eat way ahead of time and don’t have to waste time in the park making a decision.
- There is a good chance your meal will taste pretty good.
- It is a nice place to relax and have a nice long break.
- You can cancel the reservation online up to the day before.
- Because people cancel reservations the day before it is possible to get a reservation the day before, but you have to be vigilant because they go fast.
Cons of eating at a restaurant that needs reservations:
- It is expensive
- Depending on the time of year, reservations may need to be made months ahead online.
- You have to have a Disney Go account.
- You have to be at the restaurant at the specific time the reservation is made for, and if you are on the other side of the park, it is NOT very convenient.
- You have to plan the rides you go on and when so you will be near the restaurant at the time of the reservation.
- It takes a lot of time out of your day if you are trying to get your money’s worth and ride as many rides as you can.
- You have to give them your credit card number when you make the reservation.
- If you don’t show up for the reservation on time you can be charged for the meal anyway.
- People make reservations months ahead and cancel them the day before.
I picked 10 restaurants either in Disneyland, California Adventure or Downtown Disney that I thought were among the best restaurants inside the parks that you do NOT need reservations to eat at and reviewed them. Each restaurant has its own list of
- Things to Know
- Location with picture and where it is on google maps so you can just click on it and your phone will take you there.
- Tips
- Pros
- Cons
- Menu Items
- Price Range and
- Whether it’s a good value for the price (for Disneyland)
- Taste
French Market Restaurant
Things to Know:Â
- Cajun-Creole Cuisine
- New Orleans Square
- Cafeteria Style
- Outdoor seating only- Garden Patio
- Cafe Orleans around the corner
Tips
- Beignets are at a very good price if you go thru the outside walk-thru window.
Pros
- If you don’t want deep fried food this is a good place to go.
- AÂ live jazz band that plays three to four songs every twenty minutes.
- Wheelchair accessible – may remain in the wheelchair
Cons
- Like every other restaurant in Disneyland, overpriced and food service food. Used to be better.
Menu Items
Lunch and Dinner
- Beef Stew, Corn Chowder, French Dip Sandwich, Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich
- Salads, Meatloaf, Jambalaya
- Half a Chicken, Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage
Kids Meals
Desserts
- Chocolate Chip Cookie, Crisped Rice Treat
Beverages
- Large Variety
Best Value for Your Money – 4/5
Taste – 4/5
Price -$14.99 and under
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
Things to Know
- Frontierland
- American and Mexican Cuisine
- Serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Children under the age of three (3) may share from an adult’s plate at no charge.
- Counter Service
- Outside Seating
Tips
- 3-4 different areas with food which each has different food so look around before you choose a line
- The rice that comes with the kids meal is plain brown rice so ask for the Mexican rice instead.
- No need to buy water, free fountain is in seating area next to hot sauces.
Pros
- Restrooms
- Multiple ordering stations and cash registers
- Quiet street off the main path and some of the outside tables are shaded
- Really pretty at night
- Allergy-friendly menus available upon request
- Free drink refills
- Annual Pass holder Discounts Available
Cons
- Not authentic Mexican
- Cafeteria-style so kids have to carry their own trays
Menu Items
Breakfast
- Â Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage & Potatoes
- Biscuits and Gravy
-
Fajita, Chilaquiles, Tamales, Chorizo & Burritos
-
 Fresh Fruit Cup
Lunch and Dinner
- Burritos, Tacos, Enchaladas, Chili Verde
- Grilled Chicken
- Salads with Beef or Chicken
- Chips and Salsa
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
Kids Meals
Desserts
- Cake, Fruit, Flan and Cinnamon Crisps
Best Value for Your Money – 5/5
Taste – 3/5
Price -$14.49 and under per adult
Pacific Wharf Café
Things to Know:Â
- American, Californian Cuisine
- On Pacific Wharf in California Adventure Park
- Counter Service – you stand in line and order then take it to your table to eat.
- Birds and ducks will come begging for your crumbs.
- Can take a tour of the bakery next door while you are there.
Tips
- Can order Macaroni and cheese in a bread bowl (secret menu).
- Can buy a beer nearby
- Clam chowder in a bread bowl and Chinese chicken salad are favorites
- Can ask for salad without the bread bowl – will get a salad with the bread bagged separately
- Ask for Seasonal Specials
Pros
- Bread bowls are made at nearby bakery
- Wheelchair accessible – may remain in wheelchair
- Allergy friendly meals available upon request
- Outdoor seating has a lot of umbrellas for shade
Cons
- Lines are long and confusing
- You get a lot of bread bowl and not so much soup if you order soup in a bread bowl
- No indoor seating
Menu Items
Lunch and Dinner
- Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
- Turkey Pesto Club
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Chicken, Apple & Walnut Salad
Snacks
- Whole Fruit & Assorted Chips
Kids Meals
Desserts
- Cookies, Brownies & Crispy Treats
Beverages
- Large Variety
Best Value for Your Money – 4/5
Taste – 4/5
Price -$10.99 and under for meals
Smokejumpers Grill (formerly Taste Pilots Grill)
Things to Know:Â
- American Cuisine
- California Adventure Park –Â Grizzly Peak
- Formerly Taste Pilots Grill
- Right by Soarin’ Around the World
- Counter Service – you stand in line and order then take it to your table to eat.
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- The interior is modeled after a high-sierra firefighter’s staging area with themed pictures, nick-nacks, and movie posters of Disney Nature Documentary films
Tips
- Get a fast pass at Soarin’ Around the World while you are here
Pros
- Big condiment and topping buffet with onions, tomatoes, lettuce, jalapenos etc. and  you serve yourself
- Wheelchair accessible – may remain in wheelchair
- Allergy friendly meals available upon request
- Offer a vegan burger
- Not just ordinary burgers, have guacamole and specialty cheeses
Cons
- Basically its an upscale Wendy’s inside California Adventure Park with higher prices but better ambiance
Menu Items
Lunch and Dinner
- 4 Different kinds of Burgers
- Chicken Nuggets, Salad or Sandwich
Side Dishes
- Chili-Cheese Fries, French Fries & Onion Rings
Kids Meals
Desserts
- Chocolate & Vanilla Shakes
Beverages
- Large Variety including beer and alcohol
Best Value for Your Money – 4/5
Taste – 3/5
Price -$12.49 and under
Flo’s V8 Café
Things to Know:Â
- American Cuisine
- Near California Adventure Park Cars Ride in California Adventure Park
- 59’s Style Diner
- Counter Service – you stand in line and order then take it to your table to eat.
- Serve alcohol
Tips
- Go at night and have a milkshake and watch the lights of cars land
- Sit in the back (inside or outside) for a view of Radiator Springs Racers cars zooming by!
Pros
- Open early enough for breakfast
- Ample seating inside and outside
- When it’s busy the staff will meet you at the front of the line to answer any questions to make line go faster.
- It’s all about the ambiance
- They offer a variety of gluten free options
- Wheelchair accessible – may remain in wheelchair
Cons
- Busy during peak meal times
- Food was decent and filling and pretty good for fast food. A step above fast food quality.
Menu Items
Breakfast
- American Breakfast
- Brioche French Toast
- Chicken Tamale Breakfast
- Seasonal Fruit Plate
- Kids Meals
Lunch and Dinner
- Roast Beef and Cheddar
- Spit-Fire Rotisserie Quarter Chicken
- Turkey Dip
-
Citrus Turkey Salad
-
BBQ Pork Ribs
-
Veggie Tater Bake
Kids Meals
Desserts
- Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate and Neapolitan Shakes
- Apple Cheddar, Chocolate Mud and Seasonal Fruit Pie
Beverages
- Large Variety
- 6 Specialty Alcohol drinks
Best Value for Your Money – 4/5
Taste – 4/5
Price -$12.49 and under for meals – Alcohol drinks are $10.00 and under
Stage Door Café
Things to Know:Â
- American Cuisine
- Frontierland
-
Annual Passholder Discounts Available
-
 Counter service right outside the Golden Horsehoe Restaurant
Tips
- Can purchase food here and take it inside the Golden Horseshoe Restaurant to eat it. Works well when the Golden Horseshoe lines are long.
- Ask for Mozzarella Sticks off the secret menu
Pros
- Famous for funnel cakes
- Corn dogs are popular
- Less busy that other places because it is kind of hidden around the side of the Golden Horseshoe
Cons
- Tables are small
- 4 or 5 lines each going to a different cashier so choose your line wisely
Menu Items
- Chicken Nuggets, Fish & Chips, Corn Dogs
- House-Made Funnel Cakes
Kid’s Meals
Beverages –Â Several Choices
Best Value for Your Money – 4/5
Taste – 4/5
Price -$9.99 and under
The Golden Horseshoe
Things to Know:Â
- Old time saloon
- American Cuisine
- Frontierland
Tips
- The place to go for good ice cream
Pros
- Allergy friendly meals available upon request
- Live stage show
- A lot of indoor seating
- Good location – by Fantasmic
- May remain in wheelchair
Cons
- Stage show isn’t as good as it used to be. Basically they call people up from the audience to act little parts in their play.
- Slow service
Menu Items
Lunch and Dinner
- Chicken Nuggets, Fish & Chips & Chili Cheese Fries
- Chicken Salad & Chili in a Bread Bowl
- Kid’s Meals
Dessert
- Several Ice Cream or dessert Choices
Beverages
Best Value for Your Money – 4/5
Taste – 4/5
Price -$10.49 and under
Hungry Bear Restaurant
Things to Know:Â
- American Cuisine
- Critter Country
- Counter Service – you stand in line and order then take it to your table to eat.
- Outdoor seating only
Tips
- If you can’t find seats upstairs, try going down below. You don’t have a great view from there, but it’s nice and cool and quiet.
- Have Seasonal flavored funnel cakes such as apple in the fall
- Get a fast pass for Splash Mountain while you are there
Pros
- Quick Service – faster than some others in Disneyland
- Healthyish options
- You can find tables that are out of way and relaxing and somewhat quiet
- Wheelchair accessible – may remain in wheelchair
- Allergy friendly meals available upon request
- Restrooms
Cons
- Basically it’s a pricey McDonald’s
Menu Items
Lunch and Dinner
- Cheeseburgers or Chili Cheeseburger
- Turkey Caesar Wrap or Chicken Sandwich
- Picnic Salad
- Onion Rings or French Fries
Kids Meals
Desserts
- House-made Funnel Cakes
- Fruit Bar &Â Ice Cream Sandwich
Beverages
- Large Variety
Best Value for Your Money – 4/5
Taste – 2/5
Price -$11.99 and under
Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
Things to Know:Â
- Pacific Wharf
- Mexican Cuisine
- Disney California Adventure Park
- Counter Service
- Only outdoor seating, but plenty of it and shade
Pros
- Live Mariachi Band
- Wheelchair accessible – may remain in wheelchair
- Gluten-Free Options
- Set in a quiet corner of the park
Cons
- Not totally authentic Mexican food
Menu Items
Lunch and Dinner
- Tamales, Burritos, Tacos &Â Citrus Chicken
- Chicken & Beef Salads
- Kids Meals
Beverages – Â Large Variety
Best Value for Your Money – 3/5
Taste – 3/5
Price -$14.49 and under
Village Haus Restaurant
Things to Know:Â
- American Cuisine
- Fantasyland
- Walk up Counter Service
- Indoor and Outdoor seating
- They put Thousand Island dressing on their hamburgers
Tips
- Located next to where Fantasyland characters come out for meet and greets.
Pros
- Flat Bread Pizza is good which you can’t find anywhere else in Disneyland
- Wheelchair accessible – may remain in wheelchair
- Allergy friendly meals available upon request
- Restrooms
Cons
- Basically it’s a pricey McDonald’s
Menu Items
Lunch and Dinner
- Cheeseburgers
- Chicken Sausage in a Pretzel Roll
- 3 Different Pizzas
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Apple & Cheddar Salad
Kids Meals
Desserts
- Seasonal Cupcakes, Apple Strudel, Crispy Treat & Cookie
Beverages
- Large Variety
Best Value for Your Money – 3/5
Taste – 2/5
Price -$12.99 and under
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