Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, home to amazing attractions, amazing rides, amazing shows, amazing shops and…. AMAZING FOOD! Disneyland is a haven of delicious meals and treats, offering a wide selection and variety of choices! Today I am going to count down my top 5 Disneyland food items!
5. Mint JulepÂ
Starting off my countdown I have to go with an iconic Disneyland beverage, the mint julep! This delicious, non-alcoholic drink has flavors of mint and lime. It is very refreshing during a fun and action-packed park day! You can find the mint julep in several of the restaurants located within New Orleans Square and even at a special walk-up Mint Julep Bar, allowing you to enjoy your Mint Julep on the go. The Mint Julep Bar can be found nestled into the patio area of the French Market restaurant next to the New Orleans Square train station. This drink is a famous staple in Disneyland and many park-goers have a tradition to enjoy a Mint Julep on every visit.
4. Sourdough Bread BowlÂ
Disney’s California Adventure park is home to number 4 on my list, Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl! Located at the Pacific Wharf Cafe, this meal is a can’t miss and is truly authentic! The quick-service location is connected to a bakery that bakes the breads fresh daily. Guests can even take a self-guided tour of the bakery and try a warm bread sample. It is a unique experience to check out during your day at California Adventure. The bread bowls served at the Pacific Wharf Cafe are baked fresh right in the bakery, and you can tell this from the quality and wonderful taste. You can pick your choice of soup to fill your bread bowl. Choices include clam chowder, broccoli and cheese, and a seasonal soup. I have tried both the clam chowder as well as the broccoli and cheese, both are delicious! Of the two my personal favorite would be the clam chowder, it is creamy and filled with a generous amount of clams. As you dine you can enjoy views over to Paradise pier, soon to become Pixar pier!
3. Beignets
Disney is known for beignets. You can find this traditional New Orleans treat at Cafe Orleans and at the Mint Julep Bar both located in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. These beignets are adorable and formed into the shape of Mickey Mouse! They are good but my favorite beignets at the Disneyland Resort are actually located in Downtown Disney at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. These beignets are authentic and keep to the real New Orleans style, you can even pick up a box of Cafe Du Monde Beignet mix to take home with you! You can enjoy your beignets along with your meal at this table-service restaurant or enjoy them on the go by stopping by the Jazz Kitchen Express. These traditional beignets are a great snack or even make for a sweet start to your morning as breakfast!
2. Chicken Fried Chicken
Disneyland is filled with nostalgia and history. For many Disney fans coming to Disneyland truly feels like coming home and home just wouldn’t be complete without comfort food and Disneyland sure has something for everyone! Coming in at number 2 on my list is the Chicken Fried Chicken! There are actually 2 locations on Disneyland property that you can enjoy this amazing meal, the first is Carnation Cafe located at the heart of Main Street USA! This restaurant has been around since the parks opening day. Walt himself use to dine here at Carnation Cafe! Sitting inside the restaurant, you feel completely immersed in the Disney story. The Chicken Fried Chicken on the menu here is actually labeled as one of Walt’s favorite dishes. This dish of buttermilk Fried Chicken is fried to a light and flaky golden brown and served with mash potatoes, county gravy and seasonal vegetables. It truly does melt in your mouth! The second location on property that also serves an amazing Chicken Fried Chicken dish brings us back to Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney. For me the Chicken Fried Chicken at the Jazz Kitchen topped the one in the park. And that is really saying something because I also love the one at Carnation Cafe! Be sure to try this dish out at either of these incredible restaurants next time you are in Disneyland!
1. Monte Cristo
Number one on my list for my top Disneyland food item is hands down the Monte Cristo! This French sandwich is sliced turkey, ham and Swiss cheese that is fried inside of a golden brown pastry and then dusted with powdered sugar. You would think the combination sounds crazy, I myself was very hesitant before ordering the famous Monte Cristo. But trust me, give this one a try and you will see why it is on the top of my list. All the components of this dish blend together in the perfect marriage of sweet and savory!
There are 2 locations in Disneyland where you can find the Monte Cristo. The first location is Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square. Cafe Orleans actually offers 2 variations of the Popular sandwich including the classic Monte Cristo Sandwich and also a Three-Cheese Monte Cristo. The second restaurant is the Blue Bayou also located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. Blue Bayou serves the traditional Monte Cristo in an incredible atmosphere, this restaurant sits inside of one of the most classic Disneyland attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean! As you dine you can watch the boats from the ride float by in the opening Bayou scene!
There are so many wonderful and unique food options at Disneyland! Make sure you try some of these items and more when you visit the original Disneyland!
