With so much to see and do on a given day at the Disneyland Resort, the idea of spending hours at one of the resort’s restaurants for every meal sounds daunting and not always ideal to me. Don’t get me wrong, for I do enjoy long dining experiences where I can sit, relax, and engage in jubilant conversation; nevertheless, for my daytime meals at the park, I prefer quick service, in-n-out locations to refuel my energy tank and continue on my merry way to the next attraction (and to possibly save a little bit of money for the more casual dining experiences at the end of the day). With so many food options in the parks, along the Downtown Disney District strip, and even in the hotels, the Disneyland Resort provides great ease when needing to satiate the palate and quiet the hunger pangs. Here I have included a list of my favorite fast service dining spots at the Disneyland Resort.
10. Village Haus Restaurant, Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
The continuous melodies of yodeling and polka-esque music treat the ears while the hamburgers, pizza, and chicken sandwich satisfy the stomach. Situated on the other side of Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and across from Casey Jr. Circus Train, this storybook village themed restaurant caters to those interested in a quick bite of typical theme park American cuisine, while including a few special food items to pay tribute to the Italian-German inspired décor of the place (i.e. the pizza and the chicken sausage in a pretzel roll). Families with little ones will certainly appreciate this dining option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while they spend a majority of their day in Fantasyland (a.k.a. Strollerland).
9. Pacific Wharf Café, Pacific Wharf, Disney California Adventure Park
Time to take a break from all the thrills on Paradise Pier at DCA and head over to Pacific Wharf Café to indulge in sourdough breadbowls created by the notorious San Franciscan artisanal bakery, Boudin, filled with hearty soups or delicious salads. Near the water’s edge, this café offers a nice, yet speedy, getaway from most of the hustle and bustle from the nearby areas of the park. From morning to night, pastries like Mickey-shaped bread, cinnamon rolls, and blueberry sour cream muffins also are available all day long for a carb fix. Nothing like enjoying a beautiful outdoor meal while imagining the ocean flows under this pier.
8. Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland Park
Moseying down Main Street U.S.A., approaching the ever-endearing effigy of Walt Disney and Mickey, one will discover one of the newest additions to the Disney dining franchise—the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. The quaint and charming yellow building invites guests for coffee, tea, fresh baked goods, and quiche, with café-style sandwiches, salads, and soups for the lunch and dinner crowds. Selections include Pastrami Reuben on Toasted Rye, Chicken Waldorf on Brioche, Jolly Holiday Salad, Grilled Chicken Mediterranean Salad, and assorted daily soups, as well as a mouth-watering Chocolate Mousse Brownie, Seasonal Crème Brulee, the Matterhorn Macaroon, and Seasonal Cheesecake. The relaxing outdoor patio provides the ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather while consuming the scrumptious food and absorbing the sights and sounds of the park. It certainly is a jolly holiday at Disneyland!
7. Taqueria at Tortilla Joe’s, Downtown Disney District
For those who crave beans, cheese, rice, and tortillas, and wish to venture just outside the magical lands of Disney for a quick bite to eat, head over to the brightly colored awnings cascading just outside the multi-colored stucco building at Downtown Disney to satisfy your needs. Various forms of breakfast burritos are served for the morning crowd, and, in the afternoon, consumers can choose among the burritos, tacos, and nachos topped with the choice of meats, beans, cheese, veggies, rice, salsa, and sour cream. The adults can even enjoy a beer or frozen margarita to add to the “fun” of their already fun-filled day.
6. Bengal Barbeque, Adventureland, Disneyland Park
Anyone who prefers eating while wandering over to the next favorite spot at Disneyland, will greatly appreciate Bengal Barbeque in Adventureland. This little safari-themed diner serves a collection of “Jungle Skewers”, such as the Chieftain Chicken Skewer, Safari Skewer, Bengal Beef Skewer, Outback Vegetable Skewer, and Banyan Beef Skewer (along with an assortment of additional “provisions”). The delectable skewers, each under $5, provide the necessary ease to the fast-paced consumer who adores a snack on the go while in this jungle oasis or while escaping the rugged tundra to embark on a new-found adventure.
5. Earl of Sandwich, Downtown Disney District
Stepping just outside the theme park grounds once again, heading towards the Disneyland Hotel, and reaching the end of the Downtown Disney strip, Earl of Sandwich welcomes famished guests to its collection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups. This popular quick-dining option offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a few children’s menu items for those ages 9 and under, and even gluten-free entrees! This sandwich joint offers AAA discounts as well as a reasonably priced menu with most items starting at $6.99 + tax. So enjoy a Holiday Turkey Sandwich, a Thai Wrap, a Baja Chicken Salad, or one of their daily artisan soups seated under the canopy of the front patio before heading into or returning to one of the parks. (Fortunately, Earl of Sandwich is located just a short distance from the Downtown Disney Monorail Station for a speedy commute into Disneyland!)
4. Tiki Juice Bar, Adventureland, Disneyland Park
This next one is a bit of a cheat since it offers just a delicious snacks and not full meals. This Adventureland location provides a fantastic way to satisfy the sweet tooth and cool down on a warm Southern California afternoon by serving the notorious pineapple Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar. The small thatched hut just in front of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room brings in quite a crowd who willingly wait for that tropical soft serve swirl offered solo in a small plastic cup or drenched inside a large cup of pineapple juice, known as the Dole Whip Float. Many fancy their treat strolling around the Disneyland parameters while others prefer to take a few minutes out of their day by sitting on a bench inside Main Street U.S.A. or by experiencing the Enchanted Tiki Room to savor the pineapple goodness. All in all, the Tiki Juice Bar greatly satisfies the masses.
3. Royal Street Verdana, New Orleans Square, Disneyland Park
Royal Street Verdana certainly delivers Southern comfort in a magical, Disney way for either lunch or dinner with hot, tasty gumbo in a giant sourdough bread bowl. Located in New Orleans Square at the Disneyland Park next to the bridge that ties New Orleans Square to Adventureland, this little hole-in-the-wall spreads happiness and cheer for those looking for a flavorful, substantial stew. Hot cocoa and coffee, also served here, facilitate in providing liquid energy for the day. Although seating may be tight and scarce in this area, the Royal Street Verdana provides delectable food and quick service in order to return to the beloved nearby attractions.
2. Sonoma Terrace, Pacific Wharf, Disney California Adventure Park
Come one, come all (21 and older), and enjoy some downtime with a tasty treat. In the afternoon, when the body and mind require a moment to relax in order to recharge for the events occurring in the later part of the day, a stop at Sonoma Terrace at Disney California Adventure Park seems essential. Located just across the main entrance to Carsland, this place happily summons and pleases the adult crowd with beers and wine by the glass, possibly paired with a meat and cheese plate, whilst seated on the designated patio. It soothes the mind and aching feet for as long as desired, inviting the stillness and the idea of “being on vacation”, adding to the importance of experiencing the long day. Nothing like a little “happiness in a cup” before considering the next plan of action for the remainder of the park’s opening hours. Cheers!
1. French Market Restaurant, New Orleans Square, Disneyland Park
After the beginning of the day spent aboard a hollowed out log racing through the watery insides of Splash Mountain, encased in a black DoomBuggy eerily transcending through the ghostly spaces of the Haunted Mansion, and finally floating along the perilous waters of Pirates of the Caribbean, a quick and well-deserved break from all the delirious thrills seems only necessary. A quick stop for lunch or dinner at the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square provides the line-up of stews, sandwiches, salads, and meats and sides with Cajun-Creole flair. Pair a slow-roasted Louisiana beef stew, Market French Dip Po’Boy sandwich, or Jambalaya with a famously delicious New Orleans Mint Julep. Occasionally, a live jazz band serenades the indulgent guests on the outdoor patio to really allow that mint and lime infused drink to quench the thirst while the hearty Southern comfort food refuels the body. And just like that, time for another go at more of the E-Ticket attractions (or whatever suits your fancy) available at Disneyland Park.
Of course, this list only highlights a small portion of the plethora of dining options, either quick or table service, at the Disneyland Resort. Whatever land you land on during your famished moments, it will certainly please the palette with anything from pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salad, soups, Dole Whips, or skewers. So eat, drink, and continue on your merry way through the “Happiest Place on Earth”.
What’s your favorite quick spot for a bite at the Disneyland Resort?