Some people visit the Disney Parks with a bucket list of rides and attractions. Others are eager to meet their favorite characters. I, on the other hand, can’t wait to sample all of my favorite foods. And if you’re going to Disneyland for the food, you’ll need to plan accordingly.
There’s nothing quite like eating your way around the parks, so in honor of Disneyland’s 71st birthday, I’m taking you around the resort for a recap of everything I ate on my last trip.
Beware: this post may leave your mouth watering!
Disneyland Food Guide
Beignets at Mint Julep Bar (New Orleans Square)
A true classic, no Disneyland trip is complete without a bag of Mickey head beignets from the Mint Julep Bar! While seasonal flavors are available, I opted for the traditional powdered sugar and was perfectly delighted.
Chocolate Chip Cookies at Harbor Galley (New Orleans Square)
I was easily influenced by the internet for this bite. Harbor Galley, located right on the edge of New Orleans Square and Critter Country, serves up hot mini chocolate chip cookies. There may not have been anything distinct about the batter or the chips, but it was delightful to enjoy a cool morning, watching the steamboat and canoes float by while snacking on a gooey, melty cookie. I don’t know if I would order the full baker’s dozen again, as it was a considerable quantity of cookies, but I would at least pick up a 6-count pack.
Peach-Pineapple Swirl Dole Whip & Strawberry Sundae Dole Whip at The Tropical Hideaway (Adventureland)
Dole Whip debuting at my local grocery store was a cause for celebration, so, of course, I needed to try the limited-time seasonal flavors! I usually order a pineapple-vanilla swirl, but swapping the vanilla for peach was a delightful change that maintained the sweetness I love while adding a more vibrant, fruity flavor. The strawberry sundae reminded me of the guava-passion flavor now available at the grocery store, so while I enjoyed it, I probably would pick a more park-exclusive flavor in the future. Considering that it’s a dairy and gluten-free cool treat, I don’t think you could go wrong with any flavor!
Downtown Disney Dinner Stop
Chicken Penne Pasta at Naples Ristorante e Bar
My night one dinner was easily the most disappointing meal of my trip. I know my expectations are high, considering that I grew up eating some of the best Italian food New York has to offer. Still, I can respect a good Italian-inspired meal outside of my home region. Naples, unfortunately, missed the mark completely for me.
The chicken and pasta were dry, the sauce was unenjoyable, and I honestly couldn’t bring myself to finish my plate. With so many stronger options between the two parks and the Downtown Disney area, I can’t imagine myself returning on future trips.
Disney California Adventure Food Guide
Chicken Shawarma at Shawarma Palace (Avengers Campus)
My most surprising meal was from a food cart, believe it or not. The Chicken Shawarma from Shawarma Palace was genuinely some of the best shawarma I’ve ever had. The portion was larger than expected, making it a perfect shareable midday snack. It came with a small veggie salad on the side and extra tzatziki for dipping.
Shiftwell Lemonade at Cozy Cone Motel (Cars Land)
The Shiftwell is as aesthetically pleasing as it is refreshing! With subtle sweetness and an adorable candy-lemon garnish, this lemonade was an excellent non-alcoholic option from the Cozy Cone Motel, perfect for sipping (and snapping a few pictures).
Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl & Japanese-Style Chocolate Cheesecake with Cherry Topping at Aunt Cass Café (San Fransokyo Square)
You may not think of fresh sourdough when you think of theme park eats, but I can’t help but make a point of stopping by San Fransokyo Square to at least sample Boudin Bakery’s sourdough. However, after seeing it on social media for years, I finally got to try the Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl, and I was pleasantly surprised!
The mac and cheese was creamier and more flavorful than what you might traditionally get at a Disney park, and significantly better than the standard kid’s mac and cheese. Add in the fresh bread bowl, and it’s the perfect savory dish.
For a sweet add-on, the seasonal Japanese-style chocolate cheesecake was like a richer chocolate mousse.
Strawberry Memory Refresher at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff (Pixar Pier)
If you need to cool down on a hot summer day, a memory refresher is a great choice. Bing Bong’s Sweet Shop has an array of mixable flavors, but I opted for a plain strawberry. The drink is exceptionally sweet, so if you’re looking for a milder flavor, this may not be the best option. And despite the name, I found myself with two brain freezes mid-sip!
Character Buffet Dinner at Storytellers Cafe (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa)
You may be used to character meals focusing more on the “character” than the “meal.” However, Storytellers Cafe balances both in a way I’ve never experienced.
The menu was more elevated than your traditional buffet, even including a prime rib carving station. Dishes like the salmon and the butternut squash ravioli were clear personal standouts. Donald Duck and his friends meet in their hiking-adventure outfits, perfect for the Grand Californian’s theme.
I had such a remarkable experience that I intend to write a full blog post about it, so stay tuned! (Click here to subscribe and get notified).
Classic Churro at Buena Vista Street
Was I stuffed after my meal at Storytellers Cafe? Yes. Did I absolutely need a churro before I left Disneyland? Also yes. The warm, cinnamon-y goodness of a fresh Disneyland churro remains unmatched, making it the perfect taste to end a perfect trip.
Disneyland Resort Food: The Final Verdict
After eating my way through both parks and Downtown Disney, here’s the list to save to your Notes app:
Must-Order:
- Mickey beignets at Mint Julep Bar
- Dole Whip at The Tropical Hideaway
- Chicken Shawarma at Shawarma Palace
- Mac and Cheese Bread Bowl at Aunt Cass Café
- Character Buffet at Storytellers Cafe
- Classic Churro at Buena Vista Street
Worth a Try:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies at Harbor Galley
- Shiftwell Lemonade at Cozy Cone Motel
- Japanese-Style Chocolate Cheesecake with Cherry Topping at Aunt Cass Café
- Strawberry Memory Refresher at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff
Skip It:
- Chicken Penne Pasta at Naples Ristorante e Bar
What should be on my list for my next trip?
Whether you’re building your Disneyland food guide from scratch or looking to shake up your Disney California Adventure food routine, I hope this blog gave you the perfect inspiration for your next meals and treats at the happiest place on Earth.
Did your favorite already make the list, or is there something new and noteworthy that needs to be on my radar? Either way, I’m always down to chat about the latest and greatest Disneyland eats!
