Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Disneyland's Top 10 Tastes

Congratulations! You've survived all of the pre-race training, you've pushed yourself through every magical mile, and you've made it to the finish line of a runDisney race. Now it's time to go out celebrate your big accomplishment!  And quite frankly, what better way to celebrate than to go into the parks and enjoy some of the great foods that the Disneyland Resort has to offer? So, without further ado, here are my top 10 foods that you don't want to miss while enjoying the parks. 

10. Clam Chowder Bread Bowl (Boudin Bakery-California Adventure)
There are several places to get bread bowls throughout the Disneyland Resort, and plenty of choices as far as what goes in it, but my personal favorite is the clam chowder bread bowl served up at the Boudin Bakery. If you find yourself near Paradise Pier near lunchtime, this is a great option for a quick, tasty meal (and opportunity to get off of your feet for a bit) before getting back to the rides. Watching the bakers baking and preparing the sourdough on premises is an added bonus!

9. Bleu Cheese and Bacon Burger (Taste Pilot's Grill-California Adventure)
This was was definitely an unexpected find. Located in California Adventure near Soarin' Over California, this unassuming quick-service burger restaurant serves up this tasty burger topped with bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, and steak sauce. If that's not enough for you, head over to the toppings bar and personalize it with onions, pickles, or anything else you just can't do without. 

8. Cajun Chicken Salad (French Market Restaurant-Disneyland)
After running 13.1 miles, sometimes you just want something a little lighter. If that's the case, head over to the French Market Restaurant near The Haunted Mansion and order yourself the Cajun Chicken Salad. Hearts of romaine lettuce, chunks of blackened chicken, seasoned corn, and peppers are sure to leave you satisfied and ready to run another half-marathon... or perhaps not. 

7. Créme Brûlée French Toast (Goofy's Kitchen-Disneyland Hotel)
Goofy's Kitchen is a character breakfast buffet that is clearly geared for families with children. However, whether or not you have children or are a fan of buffets, the Créme brûlée french toast served here makes it a must as far as I am concerned. Yes, it is as good as it sounds. 

6. Royal Street Seafood Jambalaya (Blue Bayou-Disneyland)
If you are currently planning a trip to Disneyland and have never eaten at the Blue Bayou, please stop reading this blog and go make reservations now. You will need them! One of my recommendations is the jambalaya. Shrimp, fish, chicken, ham, and andouille sausage all tossed in a spicy Cajun sauce and served over "dirty rice" makes for an outstanding meal while enjoying the boats of Pirates of the Caribbean pass by. Great ambiance. 

5. Dole Whip (Tiki Room-Disneyland)
What trip to Disneyland would be complete without enjoying a Dole Whip? Enjoying this delicious Pineapple Soft Serve while strolling around the park on a warm, sunny day or while sitting in the Enchanted Tiki Room is sure to bring instant happiness. Better yet, kick it up a notch and make it a Dole Whip Float and they will add pineapple juice.

4. Beignets (Jazz Kitchen Express-Downtown Disney)
After a long day of running and walking around the parks, you are probably going to want to get back to the hotel and crash. Do yourself a favor, though, and take a side trip to Jazz Kitchen Express in Downtown Disney and order a batch of these square-shaped pieces of dough smothered in powdered sugar. In fact, order extra and reheat them the next morning for breakfast. You can thank me later. 

 3. Vinter's Table Prix Fixe Menu (Napa Rose-Downtown Disney)
Go with the chef's five course recommendation at this 5-star restaurant located in the Grand Californian. Trust me.
Main Course at Napa Rose

2. Monte Cristo (Blue Bayou-Disneyland)
You might not want to go with this choice immediately after the race (a mistake I made once) because to say that this sandwich is heavy is an understatement. But, wow, is it amazing! Ham, turkey, and melted Swiss cheese battered and deep fried is simply Heaven on a plate. Period. 

1. Firecracker Duck Wings (Carthay Circle-California Adventure)
If you like spicy, then this is THE appetizer for you! These duck wings are fried and then tossed in a lime and Sriracha sauce that left me on the verge of licking the plate, canceling my entree, and ordering another round. Seriously, do not ask me to share these. Get your own!

So there you have it, the 10 best things to eat while at the Disneyland Resort, Obviously, there are many other great things to eat while there as well. What are some of your favorites?


  1. I still miss ice cream sundaes at the old Carnation Cafe, especially when sitting outside on the patio and watching people stroll down Main Street. And can't believe I made it to 30 before I had a Dole Whip! Now a must anytime I get to Disneyland. And just be careful who gets the beignets. I've heard the powder sugar/Johnny story...

    1. There's also a Katie story about how FUN, insert huge puff of sugar, they are! (But it's not as good as the Johnny story)