Tuesday, January 29, 2013

To Travel- Disneyland: Budget Eats

One of the highlights of our trips to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is the food.  Yummy, delicious, oh so amazing FOOD!  (insert grumbling tummy noise.)

We rarely eat outside of the parks and Downtown Disney on our trips because the food options are so great.  When people think of food at Disneyland, they might think of greasy, gross carnival food.  This is far from the truth- although the standard churros, popcorn and pretzel options are still available.

Everything listed under "budget eats" are places that have meal selections ranging from $5-$15 per person, depending on what you select and how you decide to share!

BUDGET EATS:

Disneyland-

  • The Golden Horseshoe:  We found this walk up restaurant on a really hot summer day because we could feel the amazing AC being pumped out of it as we walked by.  We didn't even know that there was a restaurant inside!  The counter service has staples like chicken fingers, chili cheese fries and some really tasty desserts.  We were also surprised by the show that took place while we were there... Nick even got selected to be a part of the performance!
  • Hungry Bear Restaurant:  This outdoor restaurant was renovated a few years back and is also a walk up.  You can get burgers, sandwiches and my personal favorite... the honey lemon cupcake.

  • Plaza Inn:  Two words- Fried Chicken.  This place has a few meals and desserts to choose from.  The  portions are HUGE and enough to share at a great price.  I love the dining areas and I know that they do a character breakfast, but that may not be as affordable as lunch and dinner.


Tiki Juice Bar: They don't serve meals, however, I consider soft serve to be a substantial snack!  The stand serves Dole Whips and Dole Whip Floats (I prefer the regular Dole Whip which is just the soft serve).  You can even bring the treat inside the Enchanted Tiki room.  
Tip: If the line is long, enter the waiting area for the Enchanted Tiki room and make your purchase from that side of the stand.


California Adventure-


  • Corn Dog Castle:  If you think corn dogs are no big deal, you obviously haven't visited the Corn Dog Castle.  For around $6.00 you can get a huge corn dog (they have a spicy variety and I think a cheese dog now too) with a bag of kettle chips or an apple.  I also like to head across the way and grab an iced lemonade and Nick grabs a beer from one of the other stands... and voila- lunch for $10/person!

Fiddler, Fifer and Practical:  There was some worry when it was announced that Starbucks was coming to DCA.  However, I have to admit that it was pulled off seamlessly!  I love the magical Starbucks cup design for Disney and the huge cinnamon bun is perfect for two as a quick morning meal.  Starbucks gift cards can be used here as well, which is a bonus for those of us who like to rack up stars.


Flo's V8 Cafe:  This restaurant, located in Cars Land, surprised me in a good way.  We had breakfast here one morning and while the selection is limited, it did not disappoint.




Downtown Disney-

Rainforest Cafe: If we don't use our magic morning entry on the first day, we are guaranteed to end up here for breakfast.  Actually, regardless of anything, we always eat here for breakfast on our first day because we love it so much!  You can't beat the price and taste of the food.  I love the french toast because it doesn't come with disgusting fruit compote, but fresh fruit instead!  The atmosphere is great for both the kiddos and adults.  Our favorite spot to sit is by the fish tanks so we can watch them swim around and round... 




Earl of Sandwich:  We have not been here yet, but I hear it's fantastic and quite the deal.  I am a fan of the sandwich shop Capriotti's and the menu seems quite similar!  I plan on trying the earl grey lemonade and I'm hoping the holiday sandwich is something they offer year round.

So there you have it!  A few of the key places to eat without having to stray from the fun of the parks!  

Check out my last post here to find out more about booking hotels for your stay at Disneyland, or go back to the beginning of these posts here.

Next time around, I will cover the splurge meals you can grab at Disneyland, DCA and Downtown Disney.





2 comments:

Marisa said...

cute blog! I just went to disney last weekend, but the one in Orlando!

Marisa
http://eternalsunshine-mrb.blogspot.com

angelica said...

Thank you! I've never been to Disney World, but I hope to go there for my honeymoon! :)

hi there!

hi there!
i'm angelica. a twenty something, newly engaged, lover of literature and coffee.
   
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