Disneyland Food Guide: 5 of the Best Things to Eat at Disneyland
Today’s post comes from Hannah Sproul, Resident Artist and Disney lover for Whiskey Tango Globetrot. When she’s not painting murals, you can typically find Hannah climbing or eating Vietnamese food. While Hannah resides at the base of the Sierra Nevada in Reno, she does not enjoy the cold or snow, and spends most of her down time drinking wine while figuring out her next trip to Disney World. You can see her current work, and/or her dogs, at hannahsproul.com or on Instagram at @hanpainteddesigns. Visit Hannah Sproul's blog at drawntodrink.com. (Disneyland tickets were provided complimentary by Disney, but all thoughts and opinions are Hannah’s).
In recent years, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have elevated their food and drink experience for all ages—millennials also—to a whole new level. Due to the size of these Southern California theme parks, it’s no surprise if you’re overwhelmed at first by the sheer amount of options for food and drinks between Disneyland and California Adventure. So in light of this, here is what I consider 5 of the must-have, best things to eat at Disneyland.
Disneyland Food Guide
Churros
Where to find: Disneyland or Disney California Adventure
Churros are to Disneyland as hotdogs are to baseball games, and therefore as quintessential to the Disneyland food experience as it gets. Yes, seriously, you really can’t go to Disneyland and not have a churro. With more than 11 types of unique churros between both parks, I’m here to help make this super easy for you: Just order a plain one. My tip is to snag a Disneyland churro near Goofy’s Sky School (rather than the front of the park), where your wait time is going to be significantly diminished compared to other churro locations. I want judge you if you come back for seconds.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Where to find: New Orleans Square at Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans
If there is one sandwich to rule them all in Disneyland, then the Monte Cristo sandwich is it. The Monte Cristo sandwich is altogether indulgent, cheesy, ham-filled gooey deliciousness that will overwhelm your senses in the best way possible. Pro tip: The Monte Cristo is only served for lunch at Blue Bayou, so be sure to snag reservations in advance if you can (it’s definitely worth it in my opinion). Alternatively, you can order the popular Disneyland sandwich at Cafe Orleans all day.
Lobster Nachos
Where to find: Lamplight Lounge, Pixar Pier, Disney California Adventure
Truth be told, if I could get away with telling you to only eat lobster nachos at Disneyland, then I would; they are that good! This decadent appetizer at Lamplight Lounge features warm lobster spread over nachos, and topped with aged cheddar-Oaxaca cheese sauce, pico de gallo and chipotle crema. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Snag these lobster nachos upstairs at Lamplight Lounge, pair it with a spicy cocktail, and live your best nacho life. Yet another Disneyland pro tip: If lobster isn’t your thing, you can substitute the lobster with carne asada. You’re welcome.
Dole Whip Float
Where to find: Enchanted Tiki Room
The Dole Whip Float is a true Disneyland classic, having been served at the parks for more than 15 years. However, to the frustration of many, it’s only served at the Tiki Juice Bar in Disneyland. So snagging a Dole Whip without a huge wait is a feat unto itself, that is unless you sneak around to the back of the Tiki Room, and order from there. Here you can bypass the massive lines, and casually hang out in the Enchanted Tiki Room while you enjoy your delicious snack. As well, you can mobile order your Dole Whip and skip ALL the lines. Winner, winner, Dole Whip Float dinner!
Pommes Frites
Where to find: Cafe Orleans, New Orleans Square, Disneyland
Yes, fries, seriously. Because these aren’t your ordinary theme park fries! Disneyland’s pommes frites are a delicacy of Disneyland super fans, and for good reason. Battered with garlic, parmesan, and parsley, the pommes frites at Cafe Orleans are served with a delicious Cajun spice rémoulade that was truly made for this meal. Pair them with any of your favorite Disneyland entrées at Cafe Orleans, though let me recommend the Monte Cristo, which I recommended above. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go crawl into a food coma.
