[mattomouseman]

OK Less then 80 days and we're off to DL! Has anyone been there lately? Can you suggest any REALLY good places to eat?

[geeman]

Matt,
it's been a year, but I actually remember enjoying the food at two of the property hotels -- I think it was called Hook's Pointe -- or something like that at Disneyland Hotel? can't remember what I ate, but it was quite good!
And we had after-park dinner at Paradise Pier's PCH Grill restaurant which was good also. Never got to go to Napa Rose at the Grand Calif. hotel.

And for the little ones, the character breakfasts were fun (we did 2 of them). the one at Goofy's Kitchen was fun.
There are a bunch of places at Downtown Disney, which, as you'll see, isn't really downtown from anything, except maybe your hotel room. :p

You'll be able to see the ESPN zone, Rainforest Cafe and a few others from the hotel depending on your view and location. All of them are within 5 minutes distance. That is, five minutes from your hotel room, as you can just walk right up to them. One of those days, we just had breakfast at one of the bakerys right next to the movie theater.
The parks themselves only have 2 sit down restaurants from what I recall. One inside Pirates of the Caribbean, which we didn't get to try. The other was a cafe near Main street. There's apparently a nice one at Paradise Pier that lets you see the rides, too, but I only visited PP at night, so I didn't really notice it.

Oh- there's also the famous, original Plaza Inn, which has been there since the park opened - which is more of a fast-food thing. A little overpriced for fried chicken and such. I preferred the others.

Let's put it this way, it's likely you won't starve!

That was the cool thing about Disneyland. It was all right there!

[mattomouseman]

Thanks for the input Geeman. The restaurant near Pirtaes is Blue Bayou I believe and it comes highly recommended. Can't wait to hit the parks! I know it's much smaller then WDW but it's always been a special place for me and i can't wait to share it with my DS's!:) :) :) :)

[Caroline Boyle]

Blue Bayou is a WONDERFUL restaurant. Go for lunch and try the Monte Cristo Sandwich, to die for.

Carey

[Experiment6-2-6]

My favorite at Disneyland has always been the Blue Bayou. Though, come to think of it, Club 33 was nice, and they served a nice beer and wine with my meal. Unfortunately, I was only a guest and seating is restricted and limited to members.

So, my other EVEN MORE FUN PLACE is the JAZZ KITCHEN. I don't know how old your children are, or even if you have them, but the JAZZ KITCHEN in Downtown Disney is probably the best restaurant in the resort area. Great music, great food, and worth the wait.

GET YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY, as the tables start to fill up. Every now and then the restaurant is reserved for a private party. They used to serve a snapping turtle soup that was out of this world, but they discontinued that item from their menu..

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by Experiment6-2-6

My favorite at Disneyland has always been the Blue Bayou. Though, come to think of it, Club 33 was nice, and they served a nice beer and wine with my meal. Unfortunately, I was only a guest and seating is restricted and limited to members.

So, my other EVEN MORE FUN PLACE is the JAZZ KITCHEN. I don't know how old your children are, or even if you have them, but the JAZZ KITCHEN in Downtown Disney is probably the best restaurant in the resort area. Great music, great food, and worth the wait.

GET YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY, as the tables start to fill up. Every now and then the restaurant is reserved for a private party. They used to serve a snapping turtle soup that was out of this world, but they discontinued that item from their menu..

Turtle soup? Poor turtles!

What other kind of food do they have there? We've never eaten there. Is it a kid-friendly place or more for adults only?

[Experiment6-2-6]

Hello!

Funny, after I posted this, I noticed the date this thread was started and the point is somewhat moot.

Regardless, the Jazz Kitchen IS kid friendly. However, depending on their age, you might get stuck upstairs with ALL the OTHER small kids..

Cajun Mississippi Delta New Orleans type food. And believe me, the turtle soup was FANTASTIC. I think they have another Jazz Kitchen in Las Vegas where they still serve it..

Very tasty menu, nice wine list, and wonderful atmosphere. It really beats the Blue Bayou in selections and service.

[pumouse]

Originally Posted by Experiment6-2-6

Hello!

Funny, after I posted this, I noticed the date this thread was started and the point is somewhat moot.

Regardless, the Jazz Kitchen IS kid friendly. However, depending on their age, you might get stuck upstairs with ALL the OTHER small kids..

Cajun Mississippi Delta New Orleans type food. And believe me, the turtle soup was FANTASTIC. I think they have another Jazz Kitchen in Las Vegas where they still serve it..

Very tasty menu, nice wine list, and wonderful atmosphere. It really beats the Blue Bayou in selections and service.

how small? My kids are 6 and 7. or do you mean like toddlers?

[Experiment6-2-6]

ummm, we had a five year old with us, and thus banished upstairs, where there were children from toddlers up..

But the jazz musicians are usually on the first floor, with the live music and entertainment.

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by Experiment6-2-6

Though, come to think of it, Club 33 was nice, and they served a nice beer and wine with my meal. Unfortunately, I was only a guest and seating is restricted and limited to members.

Oh, thanks. Thanks for reminding me that there's a 5 star restaurant inside Disneyland that is about as hard to get a membership in as it is to get a season ticket for the Washington Redskins or New York Giants. Thanks for reminding me that my chances of eating here before I die are only about 50% better than winning even $6,000,000 in the lottery.

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by Experiment6-2-6

Though, come to think of it, Club 33 was nice, and they served a nice beer and wine with my meal. Unfortunately, I was only a guest and seating is restricted and limited to members.

Wait a minute, what? They didn't seat you? I'm assuming I'm misunderstanding this? Guests to Club 33 get the same treatment as members, as they are invited guests of paying members.

I'm curious about what you mean here now, could you please clarify? I assume you were a guest of a member, and if so, were you somehow treated differently than the member who invited you?

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

Oh, thanks. Thanks for reminding me that there's a 5 star restaurant inside Disneyland that is about as hard to get a membership in as it is to get a season ticket for the Washington Redskins or New York Giants. Thanks for reminding me that my chances of eating here before I die are only about 50% better than winning even $6,000,000 in the lottery.

It's not hard to get a membership in. Anyone can get one - it's just a 3-year long waiting list and several thousand dollars to purchase a membership.

To eat there without being a member, a member can invite up to 9 guests per visit to eat there.

My dh is eating there with a vendor on Thursday - the vendor is a member, not dh, and he is an invited guest. (Although dh has been able to be seated if they are not full on occasion, with some phone calls to the right people)

[Soundgod]

I think Experiment was refering to not being able to eat at Club 33 if you aren't a member or the guest of one. As for me, well, I'm still only 200 miles to Orlando from here and there's no similar members only experience at WDW, not excepting the corporate lounges in most of the EPCOT pavilions. If I did live in Southern Cal. and went to Disneyland more than (soon to be) twice in my life, I would explore my options for Club 33. But for me, now, it would be a waste.

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

But for me, now, it would be a waste.

No it wouldn't...you could invite me.

[Experiment6-2-6]

Originally Posted by Disneywife

Wait a minute, what? They didn't seat you?

I'm curious about what you mean here now, could you please clarify? I assume you were a guest of a member, and if so, were you somehow treated differently than the member who invited you?

No, no. My mistake and poor grammer. SEATING in the sense that I meant access.

My friend was enjoying the benefits of a Corporate Membership by her employer. She took her father, me and her two children up to Disneyland and we ate at Club 33. I was treated fabulously, just as if I was the actual member, not merely a guest of a member's employee.

Sorry for the confusion..