Early mornings in the park are often a favorite time...the park is fresh, crowd is small, everything is just waking up, and the bathrooms are clean! Okay, all joking aside there is also breakfast! Breakfast may be a highly underrated meal in a theme park as most patrons are not breakfast ready at park open.
Today was a visit to River Belle Terrace located near Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. This is a spot that it's been years since I visited but it was a breakfast menu option and made it an easy choice it was about ten and everything else had lunch at this time.
River Belle Terrace has the in and out; grab a tray, head down the line, order and grab, pay, and out. There were several breakfast options such as eggs, pancakes, and the like.
What we chose this day...
A Steam Boat
A Mark Twain
The Steam Boat was simply Pancakes, eggs, and sausage or bacon.
The Mark Twain was Eggs, potatoes, biscuit, and bacon or sausage.
Upon Digestion:
We agreed that this was satisfactory enough to kill a breakfast craving. It was not too pricey and basic. The real run down, as I am a breakfast enthusiast, was this was just alright. The eggs were that pourable egg mix, bacon & sausage were fast food equivalent, pancakes weren't bad (didn't say were good notice), the potatoes were the tastiest part as they were simple and a little peppery. Future visits will be simple experiments.
As a tip, if you are really craving breakfast make an event of one of the Disney breakfast buffets. They are a bit pricey around $30 more or less but you can get a variety and characters photo opportunities. They offer fresh omelette bar, fresh fruit, higher end sides such as fancier meats and potatoes, pancakes, and Mickey head waffles. Look into character breakfasts if you wanna celebrate for kids, birthdays, or treat yourself. For kids-let them know there's a birthday they receive a treat!
Disneyland Fans:
Many may already be aware that this is the perfect place to watch Fantasmic!! We usually try to get there well in advance and plan a bit of a picnic to eat while we watch the show. Once we had a multi-course meal just to sample what was around the area. It's a great idea if you've got a few people. We sampled jambalaya, mint juleps, snacks, and full meals. It lasted the duration of the show and wait time so every one was relaxed and entertained.
Caramel apples are made throughout the day in both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. It is easy to see the appeal as they are an oldy but a goody!!
What we chose this day...
Caramel Apple from Candy Palace
there are many options for additional toppings
-These are made fresh daily in the park and packaged to go. The caramel is made from scratch and you can often catch a glimpse of the process. The apples are Granny Smith's and are top notch as far as apples go. They are perfectly ripe have a snap and a tender texture.
Upon Digestion:
There really isn't much to this. If you are a fan of caramel apples then treat yourself!! As far as caramel apples go these are fantastic and delicious as they are simple and fresh!!! Any time of the year is good to have one, but I know they go fast in the fall.
You can find coffee throughout the Disney parks. Today we chose to have a Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe stop. This cafe is turning out to be a positive addition to a once dead area at the end of Main Street. It is worth checking out, and we keep reviewing it haha.
What we chose this day...
Blended Mocha in a single
Raspberry Cheesecake
Blueberry Muffin
-The cafe offers several coffee options in hot, iced, or blended in singles or doubles. The blended mocha was topped with whipped cream and had a very chocolaty smooth taste. I thought after first sip I should have gotten a double. I am an avid plain coffee drinker and that may be the reason, it might be perfect for avid blended coffee drinkers.
The raspberry cheesecake had a very thin graham cracker crust and was topped with raspberries. I also saw another cheesecake leave the kitchen with strawberries which looked delightful. The cheesecake was a bit firm and thick. It wasn't gourmet perfection but a quick cream cheese fix for sure. The fruit was tart and sweet.
Blueberry muffins have to be a favorite comfort food of mine. This one was topped with a streusel. The muffin was moist and flavorful perfect with a cup of coffee. It is exactly what you expect it to be a blueberry muffin that is flavorful, moist, and sweet.
Upon Digestion:
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is thus far gaining more of our attention although we won't be limited in further reviews to this one cafe. It has become a surprise that Disney thoughtfully rolled out after Mary Poppins Broadway fame. We will certainly revisit the treats we've had and look forward to the rest of their treat cases!!!
In Disney's California Adventure the Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill is the quick simplified version of Rancho Del Zocalo. The menu is a bit shorter and the ambiance is closer to fast food. It is Mexican interpretation that features chicken, salads, burritos, and tamales.
What we chose this day...
Carne Asada Plate
comes with red rice, refried beans, a chicken tamale, tortillas and condiments; tomato, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
-This is a tough critique as I am a native of California and Mexican food is infused in California culture.
Okay, the run down is...it's alright. The best part is the grilled asada (beef strip) if it's a busy day in the park they churn them out perfectly. If it is slow you may find that the food in the park as well as this asada has been sitting and is a little over done. Beans and rice are no frills standard. The condiments are all fresh and the salsa gives a little kick. Tortillas are poor but still do the job.
Which makes me ask what happened Disney??? You had a tortilla factory, then no accompanying restaurant, shut down the factory and opened the restaurant...I won't complain about Ghirardelli replacing the factory though haha.
The tamale is HORRIBLE. (This deserved an ALL caps moment.) I have had many in different places all over the state. These tamales are awful. I asked if I could substitute it for anything else and no you can't.
Upon Digestion:
If you crave the beef, take the asada. If you want to try a plate that is a little more deserving have the Chicken Plate. The Chicken Plate is half of a chicken grilled and served up the same way. I highly recommend this over the asada. I have ordered this and had people look disappointingly at their own asada.
The Pacific Wharf Cafe is situated on a little Disney made San Francisco style spot. They serve soups, sandwiches, bread, bread, and more bread!! Take the very quick walk through for free samples of Boudin breads. Boudin bread is baked daily for Pacific Wharf and you can watch as they work. They also make bread available as a souvenir in classic sourdough rounds, baguettes, and seasonal breads. It's hard to not want to pick up a sourdough loaf shaped into Mickey's head, or seasonal items like snow men haaha.
In case you haven't ventured over to this little wharf like area it is worth a stop. What I will say growing up around San Francisco my whole life is that this is the best smelling San Francisco ever!!! If you have visited San Francisco then you might understand.
What we chose this day...
Broccoli & Cheese soup in a sourdough bread bowl
Turkey Sandwich on a fresh roll
-The first thing to note is that if you have ever had fresh San Francisco sourdough...this will fall short of expectation but is a novel idea. We are not being overly critical because if you know much about sourdough what they leave out of the Boudin tour is that sourdough is exclusive to San Francisco. San Francisco is perfect in terms of altitude and humidity to this particular creation.
Moving forward, the broccoli and cheese soup was thick and a bit sharp. It is straight forward and it is what it is. It is perfect on a soup day;cold day or chilly night. There are also other soup options.
The turkey sandwich was basic; turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion and a condiment bar. The best part being the fresh roll. The sandwich comes with Disney potato chips. The chips are typical of kettle chips.
Upon Digestion:
Some days are just soup and sandwich days. If you're interested in something basic this is an option. It is also placed in the wharf food court area so if you have a few picky eaters there is plenty of seating and access to a few options.
I can't pass by the Candy Palace without checking what is being made fresh in the window!!
What we saw being churned out-NUTTLES!!! I am sure that many will think this is a funny thing to be excited over...truth be told we once spent over $50 on this little confection. Candy Palace kicks out fresh made sweets all year long. Peanut Brittle, seasonal items like candy canes, caramel apples, chocolate covered items and a wide array of other sweets.
What we chose this day...
One pack of Chocolate Pecan Nuttles
-What is a Nuttle any way??? I am certain many already have this one figured out by the photo. Think a turtle made by Disney and they go fast!!! Still unsure of what a Nuttle might be? They are chocolate mounds, with a dollop of caramel on the flat side that are then dropped on top of pecans.They're creamy chocolate, sweet caramel, and a soft pecan crunch.
Disneyland Fans:
It may be a well known fact, but I'll throw it out there any how. The Candy Palace and Trolley Treats in Disney's California Adventure both make fresh sweets. When shopping for fresh Disney treats in both shops look for the "Fresh With Magic" sticker on packages. This means it was made with Disney magic!! The other sweets in the shops are shipped in from elsewhere.
Upon Digestion:
Who are we kidding we've digested innumerable amounts of this particular chocolate with no shame!!! So if chocolate, pecans, & caramel are of interest to you take up this simple sweet.
The name itself is what lured us to try Practically Perfect Punch served within the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
This punch is served over ice in a plastic cup...not as fancy as we had hoped hahaha. There are no flavor variations on this beverage.
-The one thing we couldn't wait to do was taste it!!! At first taste we were surprised to find it wasn't a cup of over the top spoonfuls of sugar. Practically Perfect Punch was light, and fruity. May compliment a meal rather than a dessert but does just fine on it's own as a refresher.
What does it taste like???
Pomegranate
Lemon
Lime
Rose Hips
Rose Oil
Cranberry
This combination would be awesome as an adult beverage mixer!!
Upon Digestion:
This is something I would definitely have again especially on those hot days when the Dole Whip line is wrapping around to the Jungle Cruise. This may not be the absolute best beverage around but it is an appealing alternative to soda. It is simple and the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe makes for a perfect snack stop.
When the warm weather hits, it's hard to deny a blended icy treat!!!
We decided to pick up margarita's with lunch today due to a warm week. Rita's Baja Blenders is a kiosk style frozen margarita spot. This is located adjacent to a the Karl Strauss beer location so you don't have to decide which direction to pick.(non-alcoholic available)
What we chose this day...
Rita's Grand Margarita in a lemon-lime with a splash of liqueur
& a Rita's Margarita in a strawberry
-This review is really simple. These are tasty frozen sugary treats. They pack very little punch as the Rita Margarita is a premix from a dispenser. The Grand Margarita has a little added liqueur which adds a slight allusion to an alcohol boost haaha. They serve the purpose of being cold and fruity. As most margarita enthusiasts will recognize these are a rendition close to novelty only.
Disneyland Fans:
There isn't much by way of letting in to any real tips here. The only suggestion is if you're in the park looking to procure a real cocktail that may serve the higher purpose look elsewhere. The near by Wine Country Trattoria Restaurant and the Carthay Circle Restaurant are excellent options!!
Upon Digestion:
The message is straightforward here, it is a novel treat. Will we return? When you are looking for a slightly more adult themed frozen beverage this is ideal. Don't expect it to be top notch haha.
Another trip to the Jolly Holiday!! Today's pick a quick lunch; options listed Turkey, Tuna, Soup of the Day, Grilled Cheese, quiche, and salads. Prices ranged from $9 to $12 with chips.
Service was-typical Disney order here and pick up there.
What we chose this day...
White Cheddar Roast Beef Sandwich
comes with caramelized onions and a horse radish aioli sided with thick cut potato chips
-The little known fact is that some of their fare is made in house such as the foccacia bread, bread sticks and chips are fresh cut potatoes fried for the day.
The roll had baked onion into the toasted top. The sandwich really sliced roast beef cooked to a medium rather than just a lunch-meat quality going on. The beef is topped with an aged cheddar and gives this sandwich a tasty topping. The chips were toasty and not greasy although unsalted.
For the Disneyland Fans:
You will have certainly noticed this sandwich making appearing in the Fidler, Fifer, & Practical Cafe (Starbucks is within). This is not by chance you will take note that Disney is seeking to improve and streamline. They are transposing menus from park to park and utilizing what works. For example the Rancho Del Zocalo menu from Disneyland is mirrored in California Adventure at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill. You will also notice anything tested usually comes from California Adventure into Disneyland as a safety precaution. You wouldn't want to tarnish the good name of Disney!!
Upon Digestion:
Would we have this sandwich again?
Most definitely!! The price was average about ten bucks and as a hot sandwich it is worth the stop. Nothing mind blowing but it gets the job done and you don't feel cheated in the end by a sandwich that was way under par.
It will be a quick pick with some basics, plus you can't deny you might pickup a sweet while you visit the Jolly Holiday!
The Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is a more recent renovation added to the Main Street area in Disneyland. This is one I have been looking forward to personally. The skinny on this little corner cafe-it has some deli sandwich options, specialty coffee and lighter fare. The main showcase for this would be dessert!!
Your options for the dessert showcase I am told change but here's what sorts of things we eyeballed while waiting; Raspberry Cheesecake, Banana Nut Loaf (yes mini loaf), seasonal tart/pie, Holiday Cookies, Lemon Bar...the cafe had three standard cases of dessert you find throughout the park and 3 cases full of things you don't find standard.
Service was typical-order here pick up there.
What we chose this day...
Lemon Cupcake
topped with strawberry and whipped butter cream
& Coffee
Also...
Flourless Chocolate Cake
with a coffee cream layer and thin chocolate ganache
& Abuelita Hot Chocolate
-The dessert was refreshing, it may have been the overwhelming options as I am so used to the standard cases. The Lemon Cupcake was somewhat dense, enough for a single person. The flavor combination was tasty. The butter cream was a bit much for me, but I'm told it is used because it holds up better as whipped cream has to be served immediately.
The chocolate cake was light and a bit airy. The coffee layer is a plus as it sort of is a mouthful of chocolate. I think coffee would be a better future choice or milk as the hot chocolate was below par as it was an auto-dispense powder version.
For the Disneyland fans:
I'm not going to lie and say that coffee was a feature...as we all know coffee fares straight across the board even with Disneyland. (The exception being Starbucks in California Adventure. Don't worry those hoping for familiarity on the Starbucks front will be glad to know they're installing a Disneyland location also.)
Upon Digestion:
Would I eat there again?
Yes, I still have all those cases of dessert to experiment with!!! This cafe is simple and straightforward. I enjoyed all of the "Mary Poppins" touches. We played trivia games about the decor inside. Service was quick.
*NOTE: This location offers perfect Main Street parade views and is a very kid friendly environment. So if you plan to watch a parade, it's always best to plan it around one of these little side trip meals. It is killing two birds with one stone and a convenience to get a snack and show.
A trip to Flo's V8 Diner proved to be alllllll American. Here's the run down-quick style!!
Your options are very basic you pick a meat choice and it comes with two sides and a roll.
No big frills-typical Disney service; order here, pick up there.
We consider this option to be a:Quick Meal-sit down, with utensils and have a bite.
What we chose this day...
Turkey Plate:
Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Relish (a little cup of cranberry sugarness)
Corn veggie medley
Roll
Roast Beef Plate:
Pasta
Mashed Potatoes
Roll
-The meal was decent. I am always a stickler for fresh food and I give this my average Disney rating...of average. The meal had the feeling of comfort food for sure. The prices were around $12-$14 for a meal, kids about half that price but about a quarter the portion.
The meat was Okay under that gravy, the sides were actually a bit better. The sides we went with were mashed potatoes which were red skin and creamy. The pasta side had large slices of tomato, onion, artichoke, carrot and had a sweetness to it. The corn veggie medley was a bit peppered with onion, and red bell pepper. The roll was a little toasted with rosemary baked in.
For the Disneyland fans:
These are the sort of meals where long time Disney enthusiasts can tell Disney is going that little bit further to improve the long complained about meal options. While quick service will always feel pre-prepared this was one of the ways that the park is speeding things up with thought. Think of this as the French Market Restaurant comparison. I mean we were surprised to see artichokes!!! That's improvement to me.
Upon Digestion:
Would I eat there again?
Yes if I was with the family and some irritated kids. It's a step over from burgers (who I am kidding I love an excellent burger)and it gets the job done quickly. There are options to go with most guests; also known as the salad option and a kid menu or dessert.
Hello there,
I have been a long time fan of Disneyland and have often wondered whether some of the culinary experiences were worth the stop. As a service to my fellow Disneyland patrons, I have begun this little experiment for all to skim through. In this endeavor I will give mini reviews, photos, and the like. All focus is on food.
In no way, shape, or form am I being authorized by Disneyland. They will never kick back even free churros for my words of review. So fear not I will be honest and not hold back any fantastic or horrible review.
Thanks for finding me! Let the experiments begin!!!
*Pictured is a Mickey Ear Hat Brownie around $4 at time of post. This little bite sized confection is a spoonful sized brownie covered in milk chocolate. I had this little brownie purchased from Trolley Treats inside Disneyland California Adventure. I tested this with iced coffee from the adjacent Starbucks. Although tiny it was a rich solid chocolate ball. It was a one time treat for me as I felt like I ate a literal chocolate ball. They do come in other varieties; Toffee, Mint, & Raspberry-perhaps these would have taken the edge off of the ball of chocolate feeling.
(Also I thank you to not be overly dramatic, critical, or inappropriate. This is all in good fun and good advice.)
-A
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