Top 5 Dining Experiences at the Disneyland Resort

By Tom Bell

There are a lot of great dining experiences at the Disneyland Resort, and before I start, you should know that my list probably won't match your list....and that's okay.  Feel free to disagree.

What's even weirder is that there's one restaurant on my list that I don't even like...but we'll get to that later.  In the meantime, here are what I feel (at this particular moment) are the top dining experiences at the Disneyland Resort.

Out of the several character meals at the Disneyland Resort, this one at the Plaza Inn in Disneyland Park is my favorite.  It has the lowest price-point, features a great mix of characters, and if you book your breakfast early enough, offers you a great view of a nearly empty park. Breakfast With Minnie & Friends

All you can eat barbecued chicken and ribs, cole slaw, baked beans, cornbread and soft drinks (plus sausage and corn on the cob for dinner) makes this Frontierland restaurant one of my son's (and my) favorite restaurants.  The food is good, and there's even a bit of entertainment. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue

I would be remiss in my duties in talking about dining experiences if I didn't mention this New Orleans Square eatery.  While food and service can be hit or miss, there's no denying that eating in a restaurant with boats from Pirates of the Caribbean going by is pretty cool. Blue Bayou

Even with a new menu by former Club 33 head chef Marcel St. Pierre, this a classic steakhouse in every sense of the word.  The highlights include great cuts of meat and an extensive wine list, but my favorite thing about Steakhouse 55 is the impeccable service.

Steakhouse 55 also offers a wonderful (and reasonably priced) breakfast.

Seriously.  Anything that Andrew Sutton does.

Disneyland Executive Chef Andrew Sutton oversees both Napa Rose and Carthay Circle Restaurant (plus the exclusive Club 33) and does it well.  Napa Rose at the Grand California Hotel and Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure both offer varied seasonal menus, wonderful California wines and expert service.  Try some of the cocktails and lounge food at Carthay before a great dinner there, or book the chef's counter at Napa along with wine pairings; either way, you can't go wrong.

As I said in the beginning, you probably don't agree with my list, but at least this gives you some idea of the great dining experiences available to you at the Disneyland Resort.