Insider Information on Disneyland Resort Dining

Where is the best steak, sushi and dining alfresco? Here are some “insider tips” on Disneyland Resort dining:

Most uniquely themed dining locations: Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park offers guests table-service dining with gastro-pub cuisine, displaying “insider” Pixar stories throughout the restaurant. Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park allows diners to observe passing boats from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Blue Bayou is the only dining establishment that looks into a dark ride attraction at Disneyland Resort.

Best place to combine dining with entertainment: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at the Downtown Disney District offers a unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and live musical entertainment 365 days a year.

Places to find the most photo-worthy treats: Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park; Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland Park; Marceline’s Confectionery at Downtown Disney.

Most romantic dinner spot: It’s a toss-up between Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and a corner table at Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel.

Favorite spots for outdoor dining: The terrace at Wine Country Trattoria, the patio at Carthay Circle Restaurant and the back patio at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land, all at Disney California Adventure Park; Carnation Café on Main Street, U.S.A., the front porch of Plaza Inn and River Belle Terrace (where we’re told Walt Disney used to have breakfast on Sunday mornings), all in Disneyland Park; Uva Bar, Downtown Disney District.

How to order kosher meals: Kosher meals are available at most table-service and select quick-service restaurants at the Disneyland Resort. A 24-hour notice is required, and the meals are purchased from an outside vendor. Guests may call (714) 781-3463 to request Kosher meals. Guests also may bring their own preferred kosher products.

Fill ‘er up: Popular self-serve, buffet-style restaurants include breakfast at Plaza Inn, Disneyland Park; Goofy’s Kitchen (brunch and dinner), Disneyland Hotel; and Donald Duck’s Seaside breakfast at Disney’s PCH Grill, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel; and Mickey’s Tales of Adventure breakfast at Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Where is Mickey Mouse? Best place to find the Big Cheese is Mickey’s Tales of Adventure breakfast buffet at Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Best steak dinner: Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel (the generous bone-in rib-eye is a hands-down favorite), or the grilled Creekstone Farms “Prime” New York at Napa Rose.

Best places for a cup of coffee: The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel; Starbucks at Market House on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park, and at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe at Disney California Adventure Park.

Best vegetarian: All table-service restaurants offer vegetarian choices, but for creations with the season’s freshest ingredients, guests may try Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar at Downtown Disney District, or Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Tops for families: Gather round the table for breakfast or dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, where the Disney characters will have you dancing, or Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland Park, with twinkling lights and a magical ambience. Storytellers Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa spurs family conversation with beautiful wall murals that depict tall tales set in the Golden State’s early days.       

Grown-ups’ night out: For an evening without the kids, favorites include Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Steakhouse 55, at Disneyland Hotel.

Best place to grab a quick sandwich: Cozy Cone Motel, Disney California Adventure Park; Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Hungry Bear in Disneyland Park.

Best snack spot: Tiki Juice Bar for a Dole Whip frozen treat at Disneyland Park; Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream at Disney California Adventure Park.

Outstanding wine list: Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers a selection of 80 wines by the glass from an award-winning list of more than 450 international wines (80 percent Californian) and a 17,000-bottle cellar.

Best lounges: Steakhouse 55 or Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, both at the Disneyland Hotel; Napa Rose or Hearthstone Lounge, both at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel& Spa; the outdoor patio and bar of Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier or the lounge downstairs at Carthay Circle Restaurant, both at Disney California Adventure Park.

How to save time while dining: Guests may use the mobile ordering feature through the Disneyland app to order food and beverage from select quick-service restaurants in both parks. Mobile ordering allows guests to choose a participating location, select an arrival time window for pickup, choose items and place an order. When guests arrive at the chosen location during their arrival time window, they simply hit “I’m here” and food will be prepared.

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Disney store Launches New “Disney store’s Sleep Shop Hotline” and Expert Tips to Infuse Magic into Bedtime for Families and Fans

Parents agree that putting kids to bed can be stressful, and a recent study showed that 77 percent of parents are exhausted by the process of getting their children to bed[1]. Beginning today, families and fans can add a little Disney magic into the bedtime routine with the new Disney store’s Sleep Shop Hotline*. The toll-free number, 1-877-7-MICKEY, has five special messages from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy to give kids something to look forward to at bedtime. The phone number will run from today through August 31 and is available throughout the United States and Canada.

In an effort to help improve the bedtime battle, Disney store and shopDisney have launched a new “Sleep Shop”assortment of children’s sleep items and have teamed up with Lauren Olson, a certified pediatric sleep coach and founder of “Sleep and the City”to give her top tips to help parents trouble shoot common sleep challenges.

Lauren commented, “As a mom of two extremely busy toddlers, I know keeping consistent napping schedules and bedtime routines can be a major production – from stall tactics to short naps and pre-dawn wake ups, it can be hard on everyone in the household. I love that Disney store is providing families with some easy, fun tools, like a sleep rewards chart and light up plush toy, to try and alleviate some of the stresses associated with sleep!”

Lauren’s top tips for common sleep challenges:

Early Wake Up
This is common! If your child is waking up every morning before 6am, it’s time to invest in a black out shades and a light or clock that illuminates when it’s time to get out of bed in the morning.

Won’t Go to Sleep
If your child suddenly refuses to fall asleep on their own or is waking up in the middle of the night, consider introducing a “friend” which is only offered a sleepy time. This can be a blanket or favorite stuffed animal, like the new Cuddleez! This oversized plush can even double as a pillow for toddlers when traveling.

Be Consistent
Consistency is key. Decide on a consistent, yet flexible schedule that works for your life and stick to it as best possible.

Scared at Night
If your child tells you they are scared at night, introduce a “nighttime friend” that is only offered at bed time, and encourage your child to hold, squeeze or sing to their friend should they wake worried at night.

The “Sleep Shop” is home to a new assortment of kids sleep items across Disney, Disney∙Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel including sleep rewards charts, light up drinkware and plush, slippers and new pajama sets ranging from $14.95 – $29.95. To check out the full array of sleep shop offerings and see Lauren’s full tips, visit www.shopDisney.com/sleep-shop. To locate your closest Disney store location, visit our locator map here.

* Limit 1 message per call.  If calling using a mobile phone, standard mobile charges may apply.

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Disney Outlines Streaming Service, Will Launch in Late 2019

The composition of the Walt Disney Company’s streaming service became clearer on Tuesday as the entertainment giant walked the investment community through its rollout strategy for its Netflix challenger.

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Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you are Star Wars  fans … be sure you don’t miss the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

The party begins at Star Wars Launch Bay, where you will enjoy an out-of-this-world selection of Star Wars-themed desserts, drinks and other tempting treats. For sweets, there’s the Blue Milk Panna Cotta with crispy pearls, chocolate Darth Vader-themed cupcakes with peanut butter icing and Raspberry Mousse Domes just to name a few!

And on the savory side, there’s cheese, charcuterie, roasted red pepper hummus, black bean dip with sriracha sauce and smoked sea-salted flatbread.

Non-alcoholic beverages are available. And for Guests 21 and over, there’s the Lightspeed Margarita, as well as beer and wine selections.

Following dessert, you are escorted to an exclusive reserved viewing area to watch Disney Movie Magic (a projection show featuring favorite Disney films) and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, which features state-of-the-art projections, lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics.

To remember the very unique evening for a long time, you willl receive a souvenir Star Wars novelty stein.

The price is $79 per adult (age 10 and over) and $45 per child (age 3-9). Tax and gratuity are included. Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required and is not included in the price.

The force is strong with this dessert party, so be sure to book today by calling 407-WDW-DINE or visiting DisneyWorld.com/Dine.

Please note check-in takes place in front of Star Wars Launch Bay, located in the Animation Courtyard. Seating is available banquet-style, where Guests may be seated with other parties. If your Clients are traveling with another party, please request seating in advance as the location may not be able to accommodate all parties upon arrival. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consumer alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify age. Disney Dining Plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event. Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

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Photos – Inside The Main Street USA Railroad Station at Magic Kingdom

We all walk/run underneath the Main Street USA Railroad Station when we eagerly enter the Magic Kingdom but how many of us actually just turn and walk up the stairs and walk around inside?

Well on a hot day this summer we decided to head up the stairs and just walk around and take some photos.  Check out some of the amazing pieces located inside.  And yes some of them still work!!

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Vegetarian and Vegan Food Options at Disneyland Resort: Fact Sheet

At the Disneyland Resort, vegetarian and vegan guests can munch on much more than leafy greens. Chefs flaunt their creative side with a wide selection of dishes to please any palate. From corn with a cayenne kick to veggie gumbo in a bread bowl, these breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings range from light to hearty. Highlights are:

At Disneyland Park

Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A.

  • Vegan: golden hash browns, vegan mini Mickey waffles

Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A.

  • Vegetarian: apple-granola pancakes; huevos rancheros (corn tortilla, poached eggs, jack cheese and fire-roasted salsa with avocado-black bean pico del gallo)
  • Vegan: Chef’s Vegan Burger

Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square

  • Vegan: vegetarian gumbo served in a sourdough bread boule

Harbour Galley in Critter Country

  • Vegetarian: broccoli cheese soup in a sourdough bread boule

French Market in New Orleans Square

  • Vegetarian: corn chowder with roasted corn and black-eyed pea maque choux in a sourdough bread boule
  • Vegan: “N’awlins” salad without pecans (lettuce, julienned yams, granny smith apples, lentils and tart cherries with a sweet citrus vinaigrette); vegetable jambalaya

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Two new Disney Vacation Club MagicBands are now out

Two new DVC MagicBands are now available at The Polynesian Resort. Once is a Limited Release and one is a Dooney & Bourke Limited Edition 5000. These have been available since Saturday and are supposed to be exclusive to DVC members only.

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Disney is rumored to be spending $450 million on a new Epcot pavilion

Rumors of Brazil being added to Epcot’s World Showcase stretch back for decades, but more recently there seem to be signs that the pavilion is finally moving forward.

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NFL Pro Bowl Returns to Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort in 2019

The NFL announced that the Pro Bowl presented by Verizon is returning to Orlando for the third straight year, which means the Pro Bowl Week activities will primarily be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex again.

The sports complex at Walt Disney World Resort will once again be football headquarters during the NFL’s All-Star game week, serving at the host site for AFC and NFC team practices, the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown, the NFL Flag Championships powered by USA Football and more.

The Pro Bowl practices will involve 88 of the NFL’s All-Stars – 44 from the AFC and 44 from the NFC – as determined by a consensus of votes by fans, players and coaches.  Both teams will once again be led by offensive and defensive NFL Legends who will serve as captains representing each conference.

In 2018, the AFC Legends captains were Pro Football Hall of Famers Jason Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson who combined for 11 Pro Bowls during their playing days. The NFC Legends captains were Pro Football Hall of Fame LB Derrick Brooks and three-time Pro Bowl RB Warrick Dunn.  The 2019 NFL Legends captains will be announced later this year.

One of NFL Pro Bowl Week’s most interesting and most anticipated events is the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown – a series of unique competitions where AFC All-Stars and their NFC counterparts compete against each other.  Key Pro Bowl Skills Showdown competitions include Dodge Ball, Kick, Tac Toe, best hands challenge, precision passing and the drone drop – a bonus event where one player from each team will attempt to catch footballs dropped from drones from increasing heights above the field. The player who records the highest catch total wins money for the charity of his choice.

Another popular event during NFL Pro Bowl Week is the NFL Flag Championships powered by USA Football. For the second straight year, sixty-four teams – eight regional champions in four divisions plus 32 at-large teams – will compete in the tournament.  NFL Pro Bowl Legends will serve as guest coaches, encouraging the teams as they compete for the national championship.

The 13-14 Boys Championship Game will be aired on ESPN on Sunday, Jan. 27 as part of the network’s broadcast of the Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Divisions include 9-10 coed, 11-12 coed, 13-14 boys and 13-14 girls.

Other NFL Pro Bowl Week activities include the NFL Pro Bowl Experience, the Special Olympics Flag Football game, Punt, Pass and Kick National Championship, the EA Sports Madden Bowl Challenge and more.

NFL Pro Bowl Week activities at the sports complex are free and open to the public.  NFL Pro Bowl Week culminates January 27 with the NFL Pro Bowl game televised live on ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

 

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4 Rivers Introducing New Concept at Disney Springs, The 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck Opens Late August

The award-winning 4R Restaurant Group will launch its newest concept in late August with the opening of its 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck located in the Marketplace at Disney Springs. The eatery will debut a variety of new signature dishes, including a Taco Cone and Burrito Bowl filled with choice of meats such as Brisket Barbacoa or Pork Sofrito.

The 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck will also offer standout vegetarian options like the Squash Blossom Burrito. Additionally, decadent desserts such as Dulce De Leche Churro Balls will be available.

“It’s an honor to open the 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck at Disney Springs in the company of so many talented chefs and award-winning restaurants,” said John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group Founder and CEO. “Our first-ever daily 4R offering at Disney Springs will provide an opportunity for tourists to savor an authentic local brand. It will also give Floridians who know and love our food an all-new 4R experience and chance to enjoy dishes that are not currently available at any of our 4 Rivers Smokehouses.

Inspired by his recent culinary adventures in Mexico City, Rivers has developed the food truck’s barbacoa-style menu. Dishes will feature signature 4 Rivers meats such as brisket and pulled pork, but prepared using traditional barbacoa techniques – methods with roots in the Caribbean and ultimately perfected in Mexico.

The opening of this Mexican-inspired barbacoa eatery marks the first time a 4R location will be available to guests at Disney Springs. The 4R Cantina Barbacoa menu has been crafted with the same pride and passion that has earned 4 Rivers Smokehouses some of the culinary world’s highest accolades, including recently being named “America’s Best Barbecue Chain” by The Daily Meal.

The 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck at Disney Springs will be the only 4 Rivers location to offer service seven days a week – including Sunday. Following in the philanthropic footprints of the 4R “Barbecue Ministry,” all net proceeds from sales every Sunday will support The 4R Foundation, which in 2017 helped more than 950 local schools, churches and charitable organizations. All other 4 Rivers Smokehouse locations will remain closed on Sundays.

For more information visit www.4Rsmokehouse.com.

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