5 Dining Experiences to Explore at Disneyland

After helping a friend review some dining options at Disneyland to make the most of a special anniversary celebration, I wanted to share with you my top 5 dining experiences to explore the next time you’re at Disneyland.

Number 5: Storyteller’s Cafe, Character Meal

What list would be complete without at least one Character Meal. With so many to choose from, there is always something for just about everyone. However, my list starts off with perhaps one of the lesser known, and thus less crowded options, Storyteller’s Cafe. This is one place where you can often walk-up without a reservation and have a nominal wait, and experience one of the better buffet meal options while experiencing a bunch of characters to interact with. This location is just off California Adventure and inside Grand California Hotel and you can take advantage of the private hotel entrance from the park for a quick entry/exit from the park. A great place to get off your feat for a bit and enjoy a good meal. It is open for all meals and currently does Character Breakfasts, with the other two meals being non-character meals. Another way we use this is the last day of your vacation, when you’re not going to the park, this gives you a chance to experience a little bit of Disney magic before you head home without having to spend time in the park. Another reason why I love character meals is for a nominal extra charge (compared to a non-character meal), you get a lot more time and interaction with the characters compared to waiting in lines inside the parks.

Number 4: Blue Bayou

Anyone who has rode Pirates of the Caribbean has looked onward to the restaurant just beyond the loading docks of the ride. The highlight of this is the location, and some pretty good food. In honestly most of the menu items can be enjoyed in other places in the park, but nothing beats the romantic Bayou atmosphere. Unfortunately many people are disappointed because after the exit the ride they discover the restaurant is completely reserved for the duration of the day. This is a place to make advanced reservations. This is a location everyone should experience at least one.

Number 3: Carthay Circle Restaurant

Based on the iconic Carthay Circle Theater where Snow White initially premiered, this new restaurant has a fantastic menu with decor to match, and tons of Disney memorabilia throughout. Go a step beyond an enjoy a special World of Color dining experience, enabling guests to enjoy a fantastic meal while capturing a preferred viewing for World of Color. The menu here is clearly the best menu in the park, with Southern California flare, and under the direction of Chef Andrew Sutton of Napa Rose. Savory and unique dishes that sound familiar but their distinctive presentation provides the backdrop for a memorable experience.

Number 2: Napa Rose

Second only to Club 33, this location boasts one of the best wine menus on property. It is an elegant location with the best menu in Disney. Suitable for a romantic evening, yet casual enough to bring the family for an upscale experience. The menu boasts a farm-to-table fare, with a fresh menu daily which Chef Andrew Sutton has been handcrafting for over 10 years. Napa Rose has received accolades and awards from a number of esteemed organizations including the Wine Spectator, Zagat, The Southern California Restaurant Writers and the Orange County Business Journal. Make your reservations 60 days in advance and inquire about the Chef’s table — although probably more appropriate titled the Chef’s counter with a kitchen-side view and personalized tasting menu.

Number 1: Club 33

Perhaps the ultimate place to enjoy a meal and on most people’s wish list – Club 33. The exclusive club inside of Disneyland park, crafted by Walt Disney himself, designed to be a place to entertain VIP guests. A lunch or dinner in this location is memorable experience. Unfortunately for most visitors to the park this remains a wish upon a star, because it is a members only club. Without an invitation you’re out of luck for enjoying a meal. There are a few ways to receive partial tours of the club, but otherwise, you need to know someone to get inside. I was lucky to receive an invitation from a member several years ago to celebrate a special birthday celebration with some close friends. You can learn more about the location on the fan website: http://www.disneylandclub33.com/

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