When visiting Disneyland in Anaheim, you’ll find a variety of dining options ranging from quick snacks to fine dining, along with many Disney-themed treats and flavors. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to eat in and around Disneyland:
1. Classic Disney Snacks
- Dole Whip: A beloved frozen pineapple treat, Dole Whip is a Disneyland classic, found at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland. It’s a sweet, tangy, and refreshing treat that is perfect on a hot day.
- Churros: You can’t visit Disneyland without trying a churro! These cinnamon-sugar-coated treats are available at various carts throughout the park. You can also find flavored churros, like chocolate-filled or seasonal varieties.
- Mickey-shaped Pretzels: Another iconic snack, Mickey-shaped pretzels are fun and delicious, offering a salty, savory bite. They’re available at several stands throughout the park.
- Popcorn: Disneyland is famous for its freshly popped popcorn, often sold in collectible buckets. You’ll find carts all around the park with the irresistible smell of popcorn wafting through the air.
2. Meals & Dining Locations
- Blue Bayou Restaurant: For a unique dining experience, Blue Bayou is located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. This restaurant offers a beautiful view of the ride’s opening scene and serves Creole-inspired dishes, such as jambalaya, gumbo, and the famous Monte Cristo sandwich.
- Café Orleans: For a more casual dining experience, Café Orleans in New Orleans Square offers delicious dishes like french fries with garlic and parmesan, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and their classic Pommes Frites (fried potatoes with dipping sauce).
- Plaza Inn: Known for its famous fried chicken, Plaza Inn offers hearty portions of comfort food. It’s a great spot for families looking for a sit-down meal with generous servings.
- Carnation Café: Located on Main Street, Carnation Café serves classic American comfort food, including a fried chicken sandwich, meatloaf, and breakfast served all day. It’s a cozy spot with a nostalgic feel.
3. For Sweet Tooths:
- Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar: A Disneyland favorite, this Mickey-shaped ice cream bar is covered in chocolate and is the perfect dessert treat while walking around the park.
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop & Soda Fountain: Located in Disney California Adventure, Ghirardelli is the perfect place to indulge in rich chocolates, sundaes, and other sweets. Try the sundaes or the chocolate-dipped cones for a true treat.
- Red Rose Tavern: If you love sweet and savory combos, head over to the Red Rose Tavern in Fantasyland. Don’t miss their Grey Stuff — a delicious cookies-and-cream mousse served in a fun Disney-themed setting.
4. Healthy and Vegetarian Options
- Jolly Holiday Bakery Café: This Mary Poppins-themed café in Disneyland offers a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Try the vegetarian flatbread or one of their signature salads, paired with a light pastry for dessert.
- Disneyland’s Rancho del Zocalo: This Mexican-themed restaurant in Frontierland offers flavorful, vegetarian-friendly options like vegetable tacos, enchiladas, and salads. You can also try a hearty vegetarian burrito here.
- Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café: Located in Disney California Adventure, this café offers a selection of fresh salads, soups, and light sandwiches. It’s perfect for a healthy yet tasty meal in between rides.
5. Themed Dining Experiences
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: For Star Wars fans, Galaxy’s Edge offers an immersive dining experience:
- Ronto Roasters: You can try a Ronto Wrap here, which combines a grilled sausage, roasted pork, and a tangy slaw wrapped in a pita-like flatbread.
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: This quick-service spot serves creative dishes like Endorian Tip-Yip (roasted chicken), and the Felucian Kefta and Hummus (plant-based meatballs with hummus).
- Carthay Circle Restaurant: Located in Disney California Adventure, Carthay Circle offers fine dining in a beautifully restored building. It serves upscale dishes such as chicken or steak, and you can enjoy signature cocktails and a beautiful ambiance.
- Lamplight Lounge: Found in Pixar Pier, Lamplight Lounge serves delicious cocktails, gourmet burgers, and creative dishes inspired by Pixar films. The lobster nachos and Pixar Pier margarita are highly recommended.
6. Seasonal and Special Event Foods
- Seasonal Treats: Throughout the year, Disneyland introduces seasonal treats, such as pumpkin-flavored items during Halloween, holiday-themed dishes during the Christmas season, or special offerings during the summer months. Look out for these limited-time treats for something unique.
- Mickey-shaped Pancakes (during holidays): During special holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Halloween, Disneyland offers themed Mickey-shaped pancakes, adorned with seasonal toppings or designs.
7. Beverages and Specialty Drinks
- Club 33: For a truly exclusive experience, members of Club 33 (a private club at Disneyland) can indulge in specialty dishes and drinks, such as rare wines and exclusive culinary creations not available to the general public.
- Seasonal Beverages: Disneyland also serves unique seasonal beverages such as pumpkin spice lattes and holiday-themed drinks like hot cocoa with marshmallows during the colder months.
8. Dining at Disney California Adventure
- Flo’s V8 Café: If you’re looking for a retro vibe, head over to Flo’s V8 Café in Cars Land. This Route 66-inspired diner serves American classics like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
- Smokejumpers Grill: Located in Grizzly Peak, Smokejumpers Grill serves tasty burgers, fries, and salads with a view of the Grizzly River Run.
No matter what type of cuisine or dining experience you're looking for, Disneyland and Anaheim have plenty of delicious options to satisfy your cravings. From classic Disney snacks to gourmet meals, themed dining experiences, and seasonal treats, there’s no shortage of options to make your visit even more magical!
