Dining In and Around the Park, Part 1

My friend Heidi has the following tips in regards to eating in and around the park.  I have also included some of our own ideas:

-We always split meals in the park. Even the hamburgers and fries.

Outside the Park:

-Subway, just one block up the street (1770 S. Harbor Blvd in Ahaheim), is one of the few places that does not increase their prices. You can still get the $5 footlongs and drinks are reasonable. They also have a very inexpensive breakfast sandwich. We usually bring some drinks with us to cut down on the drinks we purchase in the park and then refill the water bottle. Or take one with you and put ice in it from the hotel and water. The drinks are really expensive in Disneyland. You can also buy a case of water for @ $5 at the 7-eleven on the corner.

-Buy a large pizza from Costco and store it in the fridge at your hotel.  Pizza travels very well in your back pack and it can last a long time.  This is great for lunch in the park.

-Rainforest Café in Downtown Disney:  Call 714-772-0413 for reservations.  My mom and I get the pot roast and split it.  Even half is too much for me to eat.  If you are having a birthday you can purchase the volcano dessert for $15. It's a volcano made out of brownies with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Comes with a sparkler on top. Enough for the whole family to eat or they have a free ice cream sundae.

You can sign up for the Safari Club which allows you priority seating and discounts on your meals.  If you plan on eating here often this is well worth the time and money to fill out an application.  I believe the fee to enroll is very small.  Click here for information on the Rain Forest Café.

Inside the Park: 
It is best to call Disney Dining 60 days before your trip and make a reservation.

-Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure: We purchase our tickets online at Get Away Today and it includes the tax & tip. The park prints out a coupon (looks like your entrance pass but says what it is for) and we just turn that in with our meal ticket. I believe the cost is around $35 but probably the best dining in the park. It comes with a drink, a three tiered appetizer platter with salad, cheese, and veggies, main course (we love the beef tri-tip) and then a dessert sampler tray. You get your picture with Ariel when you go down and then all the princesses come out and go around to each individual table and talk to you, take pictures, and sign autographs.

-Blue Bayou inside the Pirates of the Caribbean:  One of our favorites but definitely need a reservation. We always make reservations for lunch and order the Monte Cristo sandwich. It is the best I've ever eaten. Really rich and the plum sauce is delicious. It is too much for a single individual so we always get one and share it. Cost @ $21 but when you split it not that much. We also get the mint julep to drink and crème brulee for dessert.

-Character Breakfast on Main Street: Also purchased through Get Away Today and just make an early reservation for our early day in the park. Yummy breakfast buffet with Minnie Mouse & Friends. They come around to your table and interact with you. Lots of fun. Usually I eat so much that we skip lunch and have an early dinner.

Treats While Inside the Park:

-My son always gets a Honey Bee Apple at Pooh's Corner: Only place you can get it. It is an apple dipped in caramel and then chocolate. Yummy!

-Pineapple ice cream at the Tiki Room: Always a long line. On a hot day the float is good which is pineapple juice and pineapple soft serve but usually just like the soft-serve on its on.  This is SO good!