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| Disneyland Restaurant Review - Kevin Yee |
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Yesteraunts = Yesterland Restaurants |
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Special thanks to Werner Weiss of Yesterland for kind use of the term "Yesteraunt" ABC Soap Opera Bistro (DCA - Hollywood Backlot) This was a sit down (table service) restaurant with a unique theming idea: patrons were entertained by Cast Members dressed up like their favorite soap opera stars, walking around and interacting with the visitors. The location closed in 2003 to make way for Playhouse Disney. Location Located along the right side of Hollywood Blvd, the Bistro is now home to Playhouse Disney. Menu Items Appeteasers Adventureland Cantina (Adventureland) Part of the original Adventureland, this facility seems to have been located next to the Adventureland Shooting Gallery and was a counter-service location. Aladdin's Oasis (Adventureland) Formerly known as Tahitian Terrace, this restaurant used to serve Pacific-Island style food. When it changed over in 1993, the emphasis became more exotic and themed to North African cuisine. Food included papadom wafers w/chutney (a sort of a chips and salsa), fresh fruit w/honeyed yogurt, and shishkabobs (beef, chicken, or vegetable), raisin nut pilaf, and a special dessert. Children (11 and under) could choose from cheese-filled pasta shaped as Abu's friends or chicken tenders. Adult prices were in the $20-25 range, with children $15-$20, plus tax and gratuity. Lunch and Dinner shows were available and the entire experience took about an hour. Soon after opening in 1993, the idea of a show faded away and the restaurant gave it a go as a normal, show-less location, but lack of interest had killed the location by 1996, and it became instead the host for "Aladdin and Jasmine's Storyteller Adventures." Avalon Cove (DCA - Paradise Pier) This location opened in 2001 under the management of Wolfgang Puck. Poor sales led Puck to remove his name and sponsorship of the location before a year had passed, and Disney reopened the restaurant as Ariel's Grotto, DCA's only in-park character dining location. Big Thunder Barbecue (Frontierland) Briefly known as the Festival of Foods during the lifespan of the nearby Hunchback of Notre Dame stage show, this buffeteria / tray slide originally opened in 1986 as part of the Big Thunder Ranch and Petting Zoo expansion of Frontierland. It featured delicious barbecue chicken and ribs, served from a semicircle of chuckwagons. Food was eaten on wooden tables with checkered picnic covers - a rustic setting right down to the roaring campfire in the middle. Location The Barbecue was directly north of - "behind" - the Big Thunder Mt. Railroad, along the trail that leads into Fantasyland. Menu Items
Breakfast with "Minnie and Friends" The PCH Grill at the Paradise Pier Hotel housed a different take on the character breakfast. Rather than mill about with the children, here the characters (Minnie and the magician Merlin, among others) broke into [pre-taped] song and dance every once in a while, to the great delight of all children present. The location was open from 6:30 until 11:00 a.m. for breakfast only. Diners could choose between an all-you-can-eat buffet, or an a-la-carte menu. This meal closed in November 2004, and was replaced with the Lilo & Stitch Aloha Breakfast. Brer Bar (Critter Country) Formerly known as Mile-Long Bar, back when it was Bear Country, this location changed in 1989 with the opening of Critter Country. It closed in 2003 to make room for the new Pooh ride. Location The Brer Bar was all the way down at the end of Critter Country, and marks the spot in Disneyland furthest from the Main Gate Exit. It was easily visible from the exit to Splash Mountain or the exit to the former Country Bear Playhouse. Menu Items Hot Dog Meal - $5.29 (chips / coke) Carnation Plaza Gardens (Main Street) Opened in 1956, closed September 13, 1998 (the last guests ever were Mark and Paulette Mozco). Home of Disneyland's Big Band entertainment, the Plaza Gardens enjoyed a low profile and thus smaller lines. Served burgers, ice cream, and milkshakes with counter service. Sponsored by Carnation. The bandstand continues to exist, but the restaurant as its own location is long gone now. Location Carnation might even be considered Main Street - it was located just east of Sleeping Beauty Castle, on the Frontierland side. Menu Items at Closing in 1998 Single Combo Meal - $5.95 - cheeseburger, fries, soda. Character Foods (Fantasyland) Two fast-food locations in early Fantasyland whose roofs were shaped like parasols and which sold fast food, usually named after characters such as Robin Hood. Location One was at the Village Haus's present location; the other where the Mad Hatter can be found now. Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship (Fantasyland) Later changed to Captain Hook's Galley in 1982, the Pirate Ship served tuna sandwiches and other snacks. It was removed and destroyed in 1982, despite efforts by Imagineers to preserve it. A replica can be found in Disneyland Paris' Adventureland. Location The Pirate Ship rested in a small lagoon next to Skull Rock, all of which was located near the present location of Dumbo's Flying Elephants. Chicken Plantation (Frontierland) This closed in 1962, and was located on current home of Haunted Mansion. Dairy Bar (Tomorrowland) This was removed in 1958, when Tomorrowland received its first facelift. It was part of the "Hall of Exhibits" of the original Tomorrowland. Delta Banjo (Frontierland) The Delta Banjo was a separate food location from Don Defore's Silver Banjo and operated in the era when the Oaks Tavern (now called Stagedoor Cafe) was open. Don Defore's Silver Banjo (Frontierland) Apparently located next to Aunt Jemima's Pancake House (now Riverbelle Terrace), this fast food location operated from 1957 to 1961. Golden Vine Winery by Robert Mondavi (DCA - Golden State) Touted as a premiere dining facility, this location encompassed three restaurants but none were actually busy, due to the high prices. Mondavi, having been promised much by Disney in agreeing to sponsor the location, lost millions before pulling out in late 2001. Location The Golden Vine Winery complex was at the heart of DCA as the park was shaped when it opened in 2001; right along the parade route (leading to a failed attempt to sell premiere parade viewing and dining here as well in 2001). Menu Items as of closing 2001 The Vineyard Room (Mondavi) Note: all patrons had to eat the SAME COURSES in the fixed price menu; another lack of flexiblity that customers resented. Golden Vine Terrace (Mondavi) Wine Country Market (Mondavi)
Grandma Mazie's Picnic Basket (Disneyland Hotel) Grandma Mazie's offered food either sit-down or to-go, primarily deli sandwiches and the like. This location was removed when Disney's California Adventure was being built. Menu Items at closing 1998 Deli Sandwiches, all varieties Harbour Galley (pre-McDonalds) As part of the 1989 expansion of Bear Country into Critter Country, Fowler's Harbor got a new food location. Themed as a dock front eatery, the Galley featured some great seafood items, but was seldom open due to poor visibility. It was replaced in 2000 by a McDonald's location. (Read more about this change at this link.) Location Located next to the Haunted Mansion, the Galley was situated at the "harbor" where the big ships of the Rivers of America are docked when not in use. Menu Items at closing on 7/8/00 Finn's Special - $4.99 (tuna sandwich, curly fries) Hollywood and Dine Food Court This food court included four counters serving different food types. Most underwent name changes before opening to the public: "Perino's Pizzeria" became Villa Capri, "Schwarz's Deli" became Schwab's, and "Hollywood Roosevelt Cine Grill" became the Wilshire Bowl Grill. Two of the locations are traditional "tray slide" buffeterias, while two were the newer food-court "scramble" service. The location is closed to the public, and is used as a venue only for Disney events and private parties. Location At the back end of the side street in Hollywood Pictures Backlot Menu Items Don the Beachcomber La Petite Patisserie (New Orleans Square) The great hidden treat of New Orleans, the rarely-open "Pastry Window" featured fantastic Waffles-on-a-Stick and even Mardi Gras-type Slushies! It opened in 1988 on the spot of Laffitte's Silver Shop, but suffered from poor sales and finally closed in 1999. Location Attached to the Cafe Orleans but facing the French Market, this location was really hard to spot. It looked more like wall decoration than a food window, but it was there all right. Menu Items at closing 1999 Royal Waffle - $2.95 Lucky Fortune Cookery (DCA - Golden State) The first Chinese food at the Disneyland Resort, the Lucky Fortune Cookery (think: Fortune Cookie) offered a quick and relatively inexpensive way to feed your Asian food cravings. Unfortunately, the location has been permanently closed. Location The Cookery faced the Mexican Grill, separated only by an open-air seating area. The two together defined this plaza for restaurants. Lunching Pad (Tomorrowland) Named "The Space Bar" between 1967 and 1977, this counter location served punch (a.k.a. "Space Mist") and small snacks. Then, in 1977, the restaurant "Space Place" opened next to the new Space Mountain and the Lunching Pad received its new name. It closed in 1997 for the Tomorrowland rehab and the area it occupied became the home of Radio Disney's Mark & Zippy show. Maurie's Lobster House (Critter
Country) This was the original restaurant adjacent to Fowler's Harbor and was named for Joe Fowler's wife. It served, as you might imagine, primarily seafood. Maurie's Lobster House stood at the end of Fowler's Harbor, basically across the way from the Haunted Mansion. It was replaced by the Harbour Galley in 1989. Monorail Cafe (Disneyland Hotel) Themed as a 50's-style Cafe, the Monorail Cafe was removed when the Disneyland Resort expanded into its former home. It closed on August 6, 1999. Location Near the Monorail platform, of course! Menu Items at closing in 1999 Fried Mickey mozzarella - $5.50 Neon Cactus Sports Bar and Grill (Disneyland Hotel) When the Downtown Disney expansion occurs, the Neon Cactus will go the way of the Dodo and be demolished, probably not to return to the renovated area. Don't let the name fool you - this is more or less just a bar. They do, however, have some appetizers. Location Situated right near the Monorail exit, the Neon Cactus was a country-western bar with a lot of spunk to it. Adios, amigos! Menu Items as of closing on 8/6/99 Chicken Wings Plaza Pavilion (Main Street) The Plaza Pavilion was the other buffeteria at the end of Main Street, specializing in pastas. Sponsored by Contadina. Location Sitting between Main Street and Adventureland, the Pavilion building and kitchen is actually much larger than you would think. The Tahitian Terrace / Aladdin's Oasis, as well as the Tiki Room show building, all share a common roof with the Pavilion - have a look at that roof sometime to see how the Main Street theming segues into the Adventureland theming. Menu Items as of closing 1999
Practically Perfect Tea This popular tea was was discontinued in September 2002. Only offered weekends and peak (holiday) periods, the Practically Perfect Tea at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel starred Mary Poppins. A different take on the concept of a character meal, the Practically Perfect Tea featured Victorian place settings, traditional tea service, and a visit by that singing nanny, Mary Poppins. There were one - three tea seatings per day, and the seatings were usually sold out well in advance. The resort discontinued the tea in September 2002. There have been several replacements developed, but none have ever made it past the planning stages. There is some discussion that a Princess-theme tea may be introduced in 2005 or 2006. Shipyard Inn (Disneyland Hotel) The Shipyard Inn was only open for dinner, typically beginning around 5:00 p.m. It was a steak-and-seafood full-service restaurant, with a rustic atmosphere and a view of the marina. Location The Shipyard Inn was located on the site of the current Hook's Pointe restaurant, right alongside the marina, on the east side. Its entrance was right next to the Wharf Ice Cream Galley, near the Wine Cellar. Menu Items at Closing in 1998 Steamed Clams - $7.95 Space Bar (Tomorrowland) From 1955 until 1966, the Space Bar was located roughly where the Carousel of Progress / America Sings / Innoventions later took up residence. The restaurant with a similar name (see above) did not open until this snack stand had closed. Space Place (Tomorrowland) From 1977 until 1995, the Space Place offered fast food and salads with counter service. I remember most notably their cottage fries, nicely seasoned. Also, before Coca-Cola become the park's sole beverage sponsor in 1984, both Pepsi AND Coke were served here. Remnants of the food counter can still be seen at the end of the hallway where the Space Mountain Fastpass dispensers can be found (the serving area windows, now closed, can be seen all around this location). Stromboli's Ristorante (Disneyland Hotel) Open for lunch and dinner, Stromboli's closes in the afternoon between the two meal periods (typically, they will be closed between 2:30 and 5:00). The have a full bar, and in addition to indoor seating, they have an outdoor patio that looks out over the marina. Stronboli's offers private parties, at $26.50 adult and $9.95 children under 13, for full dinners - call (714) 956-6755 for more information or reservations. It seems that Stromboli's will be removed with the expansion of the Disneyland Resort. Location Stromboli's has closed forever. It was located on the West Side of the Marina, now the home of Goofy's Kitchen. Menu Items at closing in 1998 Tortilla Soup - $3.75 Tomorrowland Terrace Character Breakfast This wass a basic, no-frills "meet Disney characters" experience at the Tomorrowland Terrace. The costumed characters would walk around the dining area and communicate non-verbally, making themselves available for pictures. It was open for the first hour that Disneyland was open each day, and no reservations were needed. Basically this was breakfast at the Tomorrowland Terrace where Disney characters happened to be milling about. Not very exciting, and this was discontinued in 2001. Tom Sawyer's Island Cantina (Frontierland) There was never much to purchase here - pickles, soda, and potato chips maybe - but it was better than nothing. Located inside Fort Wilderness on Tom Sawyer's Island, the refreshment stand is simply no more, it was replaced by a fruit cart on busy periods on the west side of the island. Town Square Cafe (Main Street) When Disneyland opened in 1955, this was the Maxwell House Coffee House, and by 1958 it had become the Hills Brothers Coffee House. That was destined to change, and by 1978 it was replaced with the American Egg House. In 1983, and until its closure in 1993, the restaurant, which was full service and specialized in breakfast, was known as the Town Square Cafe. In 1996 and 1997 it was transformed into a tie-in with the live-action version of 101 Dalmatians, but now sits unused except for brief character appearances. The kitchen and access doors are still present, however. Location The Town Square Cafe was located adjacent to the current home of the Disney Showcase shop, between it and the Mad Hatter shop. This is roughly in the neighborhood of Mr. Lincoln's Opera House. Wharf Ice Cream Galley (Disneyland Hotel) A quiet place to enjoy an afternoon ice cream by the marina, the Ice Cream Galley never had much of a line. Sponsored by Carnation. It was replaced by Croc's Bits n Bites in 1999. Location Next to the Shipyard Inn, the Galley was roughly on the south side of the marina, the central body of water at the Disneyland Hotel where people paddle around in boats. Menu Items at closing 1998 Single Cone - $1.85 - chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, five others that rotate. Wheelhouse (Frontierland) Presumably, the Wheelhouse will never open again. Located next to the Stagedoor Cafe, it would open on busy periods and offer ice cream, but is no longer listed as one of Disneyland's food locations. Welch's Grape Fruit Stand (Fantasyland) A Fantasia-themed beverage stand in Fantasyland until the 1983 rehab. The stand sold grape juice (purple, red, and white) as well as a frozen grape juice bar. Location It had been located near the Fantasyland Theatre, the present-day home of Pinocchio. Yacht Bar (a.k.a. Yacht Club) (Tomorrowland) From 1955 until 1957, the Yacht Club sold fast food items from its home roughly where today the Monorail platform can be found. In 1957, it was bodily lifted through the air across the way, to the present location of Tomorrowland Terrace, and renamed the Yacht Bar. There it remained until 1966, when it was razed to make room for Tomorrowland Terrace. Y Arriba Y Arriba The last location to open at Downtown Disney - and the first to close - this combination show/store/restaurant defied categorization. Broadly speaking, it was at best a tapas (Mexican appetizers) bar, serving a very ecclectic menu of "little bites." The idea, which never really caught on with less-adventurous tourist families, was to order several of these items to make your meal. The restaurant also featured live entertainment from well-known Latin music groups, which frequently caused conflicts with patrons at the House of Blues across the way, occasionally resulting in actual fights. The location closed in 2002, and has since reopened as Tortilla Jo's, the next in the Patina Group's series of Downtown Disney restaurants. Location Y Arriba Y Arriba occupied a corner location near the plaza with the House of Blues - this is the "entertainment corner" of Downtown Disney, though it's technically more in the middle of the linear shopping zone than in any corner. Menu Items (in May, 2001)
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