Although this guide can't possibly cover all the bases in this short a space, here's a quick overview to help you out in choosing a place to eat. For more detailed menu and price information I am very happy to recommend KEVIN YEE'S wonderful work here on MousePlanet: the DISNEYLAND RESTAURANT RESOURCE - Kevin used to work at the park over in the New Orleans Square restaurants, and there is not a better expert in this area to provide this info.

Disney Club members and Deluxe Annual Passholders also get certain discounts, see below for further info. on this and other money-saving tips. (BTW, thanks to LANI TESHIMA for suggesting the addition of this section.)

TIP: Plan your unreserved eating times for 30 to 45 minutes before the meal "crunch" to avoid waiting in line. Peak times are: Noon to 1:30 PM and 6 to 8 PM. Try to start lunch no later than 11:15 AM, and try to begin dinner no later than 5:15 PM.

Keep in mind during the off season or on slower days, thanks to some pretty idiotic penny pinching, DL likes to close almost all the locations in the West side of the park [New Orleans Sq. / Frontierland] at 3 PM, usually only leaving a few burger joints or the PLAZA INN on the hub open.

CHARACTER BREAKFAST:

They now offer CHARACTER BREAKFAST at the PLAZA INN, off the hub between Main St. and Tomorrowland. It's all you can eat [did I mention they have a bottomless bowl of BACON???] for $16.99 [adults] $9.99 [kids] and they characters really do make an extra effort to spend time with you thanks to some good crowd controls in place. 

The food, including scrambled eggs, hash brown nuggets, sausage [did I remember to mention they had bacon?], and a made to order omelet bar, among other things, has really improved here since it was remodeled. Well worth a visit if you want both time with the characters and good food. Runs from park opening until about 10:30 AM.

HOTEL CHARACTER MEALS:

GOOFY'S KITCHEN offers a character lunch & dinner now daily in what used to be Stromboli's at the Disneyland Hotel. But much superior is the DL Pacific Hotel's character breakfast with MISS MINNIE & FRIENDS, it features a short show, which I've detailed below.

I did have the pleasure of attending the Character Breakfast buffet at the Paradise Pier Hotel one weekday morning that features Merlin, Belle, Minnie and Gaston. Rather than just have them walk around for photos like they do at Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel, about every ten to fifteen minutes they perform little skits, songs and dances, usually involving the delighted kids they spirit away from the tables to join them. It's a real treat to see the quality level of the real singing [to taped music] and how the characters really make an effort to connect with each and every diner.

To me this is real Disney magic, and the cost, around $15 [adult] $10 kid for a very good buffet works well for me at least, considering the quality of entertainment that is included. Food is fresh, pleasantly varied, and there is even a Japanese breakfast selection that includes fresh grilled salmon. I especially love how the waiters join in the show sometimes, walking by with plates of food for Belle to look at when singing "Be My Guest" for example. Everyone working the breakfast room seems to be having a blast doing their jobs, and it is contagious in making the diners happy. If the buffet is a little too rich for your budget, you can also order a-la-carte, which can really save you a few bucks if you eat lightly in the morning.

Breakfast at either location, lunch at GOOFY'S KITCHEN:
Adult (13+) - $14.50 / Child (4 - 12) - $8.95 / 3 & Under - $3

Times:
GOOFY'S KITCHEN:
Breakfast 7 - 11:30 AM
Lunch [Sat./Sun./Fri. only] 12 - 2:30 PM

DL PACIFIC HOTEL:
Breakfast only 6:30 - 11 AM

Dinner at GOOFY'S KITCHEN only:
Adult (13+) - $18 / Child (4 - 12) - $8.95 / 3 & Under - $3

Time:
Sat. & Sun, Wed. thru Fri.-  5 to 9 PM

The PRACTICALLY PERFECT TEA at the DL Pacific is a Mary Poppins-themed weekend / holidays / summer only event.

Adult (13+) - $18.95 / Child (To age 12) - $12.95

NOTE: There is no longer a break for kids 3 and under!

Times:
Sat. & Sun. - 10 AM, 12:30 & 3 PM
Weekdays - 12:30 PM

The brochure says the following: Sip your favorite tea from elegant English bone china and sample scrumptious tea-time delicacies in our beautifully decorated Victorian parlour and garden room. Your gracious hostess, Mary Poppins, will be there to visit each table and delight you with her charm. Tea is served every weekend in our new Tea Room. Mary offers a special menu for her younger guests. Groups are welcome, however, seating is limited -- so do make your reservations "spit spot." (Tax and gratuity are not included in admission price. Parking validation available with admission.)

SUE KRUSE wrote a wonderful report on this tea and allowed me to reprint it here:

Hi All, I thought maybe you would like to hear what the Mary Poppins Practically Perfect Tea is like. My friend and I decided that the most practically perfect way to spend the last day of 1996 would be to have tea with Mary Poppins. So along with my daughter Holly, the three of us dressed in our best tea finery, and headed out to the DL Pacific Hotel for the 3:00 tea.

The tea room is on the second floor and when we arrived, there was a small group of people waiting by the tea room doors. After a short wait, the lace covered doors opened and a cast member seated everyone with reservations. It looked like they let people without reservations in if there's room, but the tea room is very small so if you go, reservations are a must to ensure a seat. We were led to a lovely wicker table, set for four with beautiful mismatched but coordinated (my favorite way to set a table) china teacups and real silver. The tables are very elegantly set and the room is cozy and very nicely decorated. Each place also had a plate of goodies, an apple pillow, an orange scone, sweet cream and raspberry jam (beautifully piped onto the plate). A cast member dressed in a red tea-dress and hat with fluffy plumage came around and took our tea order and invited us to enjoy the goodies whilst she prepared our tea.

There are 9 different kinds of tea to choose from, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Black Current, Hot Cinnamon Spice, Lemon Verbena, Green Tea, Peach Fruit, and Decaffeinated Orange Pekoe. Children can also have coke or a pot of hot chocolate. We chose Earl Grey and Holly had hot chocolate. The CM brought us each our own pot. One thing I was happy to see (being a tea drinker) is that they do this properly with tea leaves and not tea bags. Each person is provided a silver tea strainer, very nice. They also provide milk and a bowl of sugar cubes with silver sugar tongs, the way it should be done. I first learned to love tea in England where they pour milk in the tea whether you want it or not (at the tea rooms anyway) and that is how I now take my tea. It's lovely to have all this provided and not have to ask for it (as most American's think tea consists solely of a Lipton tea bag, yuk!)

At this point one of the servers rings a bell and announces that the winds have changed and that Mary will be arriving shortly and just then the doors to the tea room open and in she walks. Dressed in her traveling costume, she sings a song and whilst singing, walks around the room greeting everyone and shaking hands.

During the course of the tea, Mary Poppins sings several times, changes into her Jolly Holiday garb, comes around to each table and talks to each and every guest. She also poses for pictures with everyone who would like to have one taken (also providing hats and feather boas to make the picture more festive), signs autographs, and is just generally charming and gracious to everyone. In addition to the first plate of goodies, you are served a plate of assorted tea sandwiches, followed by a plate of sweets, and they will bring you pot after pot of tea should you so desire. At the end of the tea we were each given a small white chocolate teapot wrapped in clear cellophane to take with us. Then, Mary announces that the winds are changing and she must be off.

We all had a wonderful time, were surprised at how stuffed one can get on such tiny treats and want to do it all again around Valentine's day. I highly recommend it and don't forget your camera like I did!

They very kindly charged the child's price for Holly even though she is an adult by their age cut-off (I think it's 11) as she had the child's tea (preferring pbj to sun-dried tomato). For reservations call: (714) 956-6755. Try it, you'll have a good time. Oh yes, one more thing. It's not all women at the tea either. There were quite a lot of guys in attendance too. So all you guys out there, don't think this is strictly a "chick" thing, surprise your lady by making reservations and take her to the tea as a special treat, I guarantee you'll make big points with her!

SANDRA MOFFAT was also kind enough to post the following, and allowed me to quote it:

I was at Disneyland at the end of October and attended tea. It was a very neat experience, though perhaps a bit overpriced. It takes place in a very charming room, somewhat like a large English parlor. Once all the guests are seated your sever will come over and explain that Mary should be arriving any time now, go over the "menu" with you and then come back a little later to see what kind of tea you'd like. Mary Poppins shows up about 10 - 15 min after you've been seated, arriving in her traveling clothes of course. She sings 3 songs during the tea, and changes costume once or twice. She also comes around and speaks to every table and at the end goes around to every table again and asks if you'd like to have your picture taken with her. They have some extra period costume accessories available to put on if you want.

The tea is served the proper English way and must be strained while pouring into your cup. Tea starts out with a couple of scones, moves on to a selection of finger sandwiches and concludes with a variety of pastries. It's quite a magical experience and a children's menu is available (which personally I would of preferred), and I would recommend doing it at least once if you have the opportunity.

Here's some more specifics about having Tea with Mary, asked for by KAREN O'MARA*:

*How long does the tea last? I'd say it around 1 3/4 hours. *Do you need reservations? Reservations are recommended, though the day we went it wasn't full... I don't know if they would take walk-ups in cases like that or not. *Do you "dress" for tea? My friend and I didn't dress up but we were not the majority. (But then again from what I saw in the guest book that we signed, we were also the only vacationers there. Everyone else was from Southern California.) I just didn't want to take up suitcase space with an outfit just for tea. *How many people at each seating? Because our seating wasn't full it's hard to say, but I'd say no more than a couple dozen. *Where is it at the DL Pacific? On the second floor right by the elevators. *Does one need to know how to extend one's pinkie while drinking tea (sort of kidding, but seriously, how formal is it?) It's pretty formal, but in keeping with Disney, not uncomfortably so. It's done so that your head is in "Mary Poppins-land" if you know what I mean! And yes, you do sing along with her too (at least to one song)...and Mary herself was absolutely wonderful!

Reservations at either hotel may be made by calling (714) 956-6755 before or during your trip, or from the courtesy phone in City Hall on Main St.

WAITER SERVICE:

Disneyland has been trying to eliminate most table service restaurants within the park - these are your only two choices at this time.

• THE BLUE BAYOU (expensive, but unbeatable for atmosphere) is located inside PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. A Chef and Cajun menu has been refined lately. Prices are higher than anywhere else in the park, but it only runs about 15% more than eating at a nicer place in town. It's usually quiet, you can relax, and if you're lucky you'll hear some live jazz performed from the balcony above you as the boats cruise by on their way into Pirates. Make reservations first thing as you enter the park if you don't want to wait in line during a peak time.
• CARNATION CAFE (next to the Clock Shop on Main St.) Has now reopened. The table service is now in the patio seating area only, with a more limited menu. Ice Cream is no longer served, neither are flavored cokes. Sandwiches tend to be rather strange looking, although the children's menu is very creative.

BUFFETERIA SERVICE:

• Available at both the PLAZA INN on the hub, FRENCH MARKET and CAFE ORLEANS (in New Orleans Square), and the RIVER BELLE TERRACE (Frontierland). [The PLAZA PAVILION, also on the hub, appears to be closed forever sadly.] Look for fried chicken along with spaghetti, stews and salad at the Plaza Inn location. In the New Orleans Square restaurants, new menus featuring more Creole flavored entrees are very welcomed. One step up from the burger stands listed below, the quality is actually not bad for a major theme park. NOTE: Check the information above in the event listings for Character Breakfasts at some of these locations.
• CASA MEXICANA in Frontierland is now closed for a major overhaul, and will reopen winter of 2000.
• VILLAGE HAUS (Fantasyland) offers microwave-looking Pizza and Pasta along with Burgers too.
• BIG THUNDER BBQ (between Fantasyland and Frontierland) offers a terrific BBQ chicken, pork or beef rib menu, BBQ half-chicken, and some sandwiches too. When this is open, it is one of the better food values in the park.
• REDD ROCKETTS is a pasta and pizza location in Tomorrowland [now in the building where the old Mission to Mars attraction used to be] We used to not recommend this place because of an odd policy about not offering discounts to diners with Annual Passes - but the location has finally been brought in line with the other buffeterias. The spaghetti is good - the pizza salad is excellent - but you may want to think twice about the pizza, it's a bit high priced for what you get.

BURGER STANDS (or "Counter Service" restaurants, as DL likes to call them):

TOMORROWLAND TERRACE, STAGE DOOR CAFE (Frontierland), and sometimes the HUNGRY BEAR RESTAURANT (Critter Country) all feature the same lump of overcooked burger menu. Some offer a Chicken sandwich or strips, and sometimes a salad. Deep-fried is the rule here, if the kids must have this stuff then proceed at your own risk.

Combo meals no longer include drinks along with the fries - a subtle way to increase prices. (A healthier salad / wrap bar is offered at the Tomorrowland Terrace during limited hours on busy periods.)

SPECIALTY PLACES:

• Great Frozen Yogurt is available at the BLUE RIBBON BAKERY (on Main St. next to the Penny Arcade) - in many flavors, CLARABELLE'S FROZEN YOGURT (ToonTown) usually only offers Chocolate and Vanilla.
• HOT DOGS (or Turkey Dogs for the health conscious) are available from carts, and some of the Burger Stands all over the park or at COKE CORNER (Main St.) and PLUTO'S DOG HOUSE (ToonTown)
• The ROYAL ST. VERANDA (under the balcony of the DISNEY GALLERY - to the right of the Pirates entrance), and HARBOUR GALLEY (seasonal, across from the Haunted Mansion) offer a very good (and on cold nights - warming) CLAM CHOWDER BREAD BOWL. (HARBOUR GALLEY also offers lots of deep-fried seafood and my fave, spicy fries.)
• Frozen Yogurt too wimpy for you? Real ice cream cones are available from the special windows at the CARNATION PLAZA GARDENS (location above).
• POPCORN is incredibly over-priced. If outlying stands are closed, you can always count on the one cart in the hub always being open right up until closing.
• Dole Pineapple's TIKI JUICE BAR (in front of the Tiki Room in Adventureland) besides offering fresh Pineapple Juice also offers sweet, airy and mucho sticky Pineapple Whip. (Yes, some people swear by this stuff.) Limited hours keep this favorite closed a lot - so ask around about their schedule.
• You don't have to eat junk, keep an eye out for HEALTHY FOODS -- carts full of way overpriced apples, bananas (at a minimum dollar plus each) and bottled water which are available throughout the park.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS:

KOSHER meals are available at the PLAZA INN and the BLUE BAYOU. Expect a 20 minute wait while food is specially prepared. It's very important to make reservations in advance. LOUISE MILLER was kind enough to e-mail me the following Kosher information:

Just wanted to let you know we were very pleased with the kosher meal service when we went. The meals are Mon Cuisine with OU kosher supervision. We paid $10 each which was reasonable given that we were taking a table where another family would have spent much more. We received the meals in their original boxes (very important to show that they were indeed kosher,) and nice plastic plates and plastic silverware, and an orange apiece.

Also: Some of the large lollipops and candy sticks are kosher. Look for a tiny OK near the ingredients list on the lollipops and large candy sticks, and the Torah K on the small ones at the Main Street candy store.

Most buffeteria locations will also adjust offered meals slightly per request, allow for the extra time it could take.

VEGETARIAN items offered in the park, as well as restaurants in Anaheim can be found at Kevin's restaurant page, linked ABOVE.

GUILTY PLEASURES:

• The CORN DOG Wagon (located at the end of Main St. across from the Baby Center). A large soda and a hand-dipped corn dog are expensive, but just absolutely wonderful.
• CHURROS at DL are legendary. (In case you don't know what this is: Think a 18-inch-long skinny warm sugar-dipped doughnut. They are popular in Mexico.) Wagons are placed all over the park, with extra ones opened up in the evening. (But why don't they offer little cups of Chocolate Frosting to dip them in like at WDW?)
• The CANDY PALACE / KITCHEN on Main St. always has something fresh made everyday. I just love the freshly dipped CANDY APPLES, and the CHOCOLATE PECAN TURTLES just can't be beat. The specially made items vary by the season. [Check the PHONES page the number to call that will tell you what they are planning to make for the week.]
• Woe to the person who doesn't drool at the thought of FRITTERS (a trio of way too-overcooked on the outside and totally raw on the inside sugar-covered deep-fried dough-balls). Get a trio of them with a fruit compote at the ROYAL ST. VERANDA (location above), or at the hidden and usually un-crowded MINT JULEP BAR (which also offers MINT JULEPS of course) behind the FRENCH MARKET restaurant (facing the Frontierland / New Orleans Square train station).
• BEEF JERKY STICKS are now available at many drink stands throughout DL - try the Cajun / Spicy flavor.

AL'S FAVORITES:

BENGAL BBQ (Adventureland, across from Indy) offers Spicy Beef, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Vegetarian, or Bacon-wrapped Asparagus skewers slathered in cooking sauces. (TIP: Get a fork - they're hidden at the left end of the counter - so you don't make a mess out of yourself eating with your hands here. Also, if you are really hungry, order the chicken skewers, since they have more on them than the beef ones.) LEOPARD TAILS are flat pieces of bread, perfect for sopping up the leftover sauces. Walk thru the RIVER BELLE TERRACE next door, over to the Frontierland side to find additional seating if all the tables in front of Bengal are full up.

The PLAZA INN'S new menu makes it well worth a visit now - plus the new "scatter serve" set up guarantees that you won't wait long to gather your selections and get seated, unlike in the past. In particular the three- piece FRIED CHICKEN is freshly cooked and just terrific [with the generous serving they offer, two adults can order an adult plate and a single piece child's plate, and get two pieces of chicken each. You'll waste less food that way]. The PASTA offered is also good, as is the COBB SALAD. The wonderful air conditioning on hot days is a life saver.

Continue with MEALS - Part 2

CHARACTER BREAKFAST

WAITER SERVICE

BUFFETERIA SERVICE

BURGER STANDS

SPECIALTY PLACES

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

GUILTY PLEASURES

AL'S FAVORITE

MEALS - Part 2