Need Help Planning Your Disneyland Vacation? A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Disney Dining & Dining Packages
Step 4: Dining Options and Reservations
Disney Dining Options
Disneyland Resort offers a wide range of dining options, from quick service, table service dining, character dining to fine dining. Character dining experiences are available in two of the Disney hotels and in Disneyland Park. These dining experiences are extremely popular and book up fast. You can book dining reservations up to 60 days in advance and many of these character dining reservations will book up on the morning of the 60th day out. I recommend making a dining reservation for the character dining experience of your choice on the 60th day out or as soon as possible in order to reserve your table.
Minnie & Friends Breakfast (Plaza Inn, Disneyland Park)
Goofy’s Kitchen (Goofy's Kitchen, Disneyland Hotel)
Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet (Storyteller's Cafe, Grand Californian Hotel and Spa)
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures (Napa Rose, Grand Californian Hotel and Spa)
Mickey's Tales of Adventure. Photo by christineknight.me
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures. Photo by Lip Gloss & Crayons.
Goofy's Kitchen. Photo by disneyblog.com
Fine/signature dining experiences are available at Disneyland Resort at:
Napa Rose (Grand Californian Hotel)
Carthay Circle Restaurant (inside Disney California Adventure)
Napa Rose Restaurant. Photo by TripSavvy.
Carthy Circle Restaurant. Photo by Disney Parks
Table Service restaurants are located throughout both theme parks, Disney hotels and Downtown Disney. These restaurants at the Disneyland Resort provide a more leisurely and immersive dining experience compared to counter service options. These sit-down restaurants offer a variety of themed atmospheres and cuisine, making each meal a special part of your visit. Notable options include Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square, where you dine in a romantic, candlelit bayou setting that overlooks the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and Café Orleans, which serves up classic French Quarter-inspired dishes. Din Tai Fung in Downtown Disney offers elegant dining and are known for perfecting the art of the Xiao Long Bao in a elegant Asian atmosphere or Naples Restorante e Bar where you can dine alfresco while indulging on southern Italian food. For character dining, Wine County Trattoria in Disney California Adventure offers the spirit of Napa Valley through its wine selection and fresh seasonal fare or Lamplight Lounge located at Pixar Pier which offers panoramic waterfront views and the spirit of Pixar while enjoying Gastropub cuisine and signature cocktails.
The Blue Bayou is definitely a classic Disneyland experience! It’s got that magical ambiance, blending the charm of New Orleans with the nostalgic allure of Disney's heritage. Dining right next to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction really enhances the experience, especially with the dim, glowing atmosphere that makes it feel like you're on an actual Louisiana bayou. The food is a treat as well—Cajun and Creole dishes add a unique twist to the park's food offerings.
It’s so neat that it has such history, too, being part of Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland. It’s one of those places where you can feel like you're stepping back in time while enjoying something new.
I bet those reservations can be tricky! I recommend getting there early to try for a walk-up spot. Walk up spots are more common these days since Disneyland changed their cancellation policy to 2 hours before, allowing people to cancel last minute.
To make the most of your table service experience, it’s highly recommended to book reservations well in advance, especially for popular spots like Blue Bayou. Disneyland Resort often fills up fast, and reservations are key to avoiding long waits. Be mindful of mealtimes; if you can, try dining during off-peak hours like mid-afternoon to avoid heavy crowds. Additionally, it’s helpful to check the menu online ahead of time so you can decide what you'd like to order and avoid any delays. Lastly, many of these restaurants offer unique themed dishes or special menus, so be sure to try something special that you can’t get elsewhere in the park. For a list of all the dining locations at the Disneyland Resort please click on the link below. You can view their location, times and menus.
Be sure to try iconic dishes like churros, Dole Whip, Mickey shaped ice cream, and the famous turkey legs. I am a chocolate girl, so nothing hits the spot like a Mickey shaped ice cream on a stick. Plus, I am a firm believer that everything tastes better when it is in the shape of Mickey Mouse.
Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland. Photo by Gregg L Cooper on flickr.
If you're craving a Dole Whip (which is a must-try, especially on a hot California day), skip the long lines at the Dole Whip cart near The Tiki Room entrance. Instead, head into Adventureland, where you'll find The Tropical Hideaway between the Jungle Cruise exit and The Tiki Room. This spot typically has shorter lines, so you can enjoy your Dole Whip without the wait. Plus, the Tropical Hideaway offers a spacious outdoor seating area with a great view of the Jungle Cruise, making it the perfect spot to relax and savor your treat.
For those over 21 who want to elevate their Dole Whip experience with a little rum, venture outside the park to Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. Right next to the pool area, this tiki bar serves a boozy version of the Dole Whip, along with delicious Jungle Cruise-inspired cocktails.
Disney's Famous Dole Whip. Photo by.
Dining & Dessert Packages
Disneyland Resort in California offers a variety of dining and show packages designed to enhance your experience at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. These packages allow guests to enjoy a delicious meal while also securing reserved seating for popular nighttime shows. At Disneyland, guests can opt for the Disneyland Dining Package, which pairs meals at select restaurants with prime seating for the evening Fantasmic! show. At Disney California Adventure, the World of Color Dining Package provides a chance to savor a meal at one of the resort’s signature restaurants before enjoying a reserved viewing area for the spectacular World of Color nighttime water show. The World of Color Dessert Package is also available at Disney California Adventure, offering a delicious selection of sweets while you enjoy the stunning dancing fountains, lights, and projections of World of Color. These dining packages are perfect for those who want to combine fantastic food with unforgettable entertainment, making it easy to secure spots for the most sought-after shows without the hassle of waiting in long lines.
Disneyland Fantasmic! show.
The Disneyland Fantasmic Dining Packages offer guests a convenient way to enjoy a meal while securing a reserved viewing spot for the popular nighttime show, Fantasmic! These packages typically include a prix-fixe meal at select Disneyland restaurants, with options ranging from casual dining to more upscale experiences. After dining, guests can head to a designated viewing area for the Fantasmic! show, ensuring they have a great view without the need to arrive early and wait in line. This experience combines great food and entertainment for a memorable evening at the park. Here’s a summary of the dining packages available for Fantasmic! at Disneyland:
Cafe Orleans – Premium Package
Enjoy a 3-course French Quarter meal (e.g., Creole Surf and Turf, Cajun Butter-Roasted Chicken) and receive reserved viewing for Fantasmic! at a separate location.
Pricing: $58 (ages 10+), $32 (ages 3-9) for lunch or dinner. $10 upcharge for certain dishes.
Times: Lunch starts at 11 AM, Dinner starts at 4 PM.
River Belle Terrace – Premium Package
A 3-course dinner with options like Fried Chicken and Brisket, served with Fantasmic! viewing right from your table.
Pricing: $89 (adults), $45 (children) for dinner.
Time: Dinner at 7:15 PM (outdoor seating).
River Belle Terrace – Standard Package
A 3-course Southern meal for brunch or dinner with reserved Fantasmic! viewing at a separate location.
Pricing: $58 (ages 10+), $32 (ages 3-9) for brunch or dinner.
Times: Brunch starts at 10 AM, Dinner starts at 2 PM.
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante – Standard Package
Enjoy a Mexican-Korean fusion 3-course meal (e.g., Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Tacos) with reserved Fantasmic! viewing at a separate location.
Pricing: $35 (ages 10+), $25 (ages 3-9) for lunch or dinner.
Times: Lunch starts at 11 AM, Dinner starts at 3:30 PM.
Reservations are required and availability is limited for all dining packages.
Disney California Adventure World of Color show. Photo by Disneyland Resort.
The Disney California Adventure World of Color dining packages offer a fantastic way to enjoy a meal while securing a reserved spot for the nighttime spectacular. These packages include a prix fixe menu at select restaurants, such as Storytellers Cafe, Magic Key Terrace or Wine Country Trattoria, paired with reserved seating for World of Color. Guests can indulge in a delicious meal and then head to a designated viewing area to experience the stunning show with fountains, lights, and music. It's a perfect option for those wanting a more relaxed and premium viewing experience. Here’s a more detailed breakdown, including the specific meal hours for each participating restaurant:
Storytellers Cafe (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa):
Dinner Buffet: Includes an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet, nonalcoholic beverages, and a specialty sweet treat.
Pricing: $69 for guests 10+ and $46 for guests aged 3-9.
Dining Hours:
First Show Dining Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Second Show Dining Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
For dates with only one World of Color show, the recommended dining time is 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Wine Country Trattoria (Disney California Adventure Park):
Lunch: Guests aged 10+ get a 3-course prix fixe meal (starter, entrée, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverage). Guests aged 3-9 get a 2-course prix fixe meal (entrée, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverage).
Dinner: Similar to lunch, a 3-course prix fixe meal for guests 10+, and a 2-course meal for younger guests.
Pricing: Lunch or Dinner: $69 for guests 10+ ($10 upcharge for rib-eye steak) and $41 for guests aged 3-9.
Dining Hours:
Lunch: 11:00 AM to 3:55 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM to 7:50 PM
Magic Key Terrace (Disney California Adventure Park):
Exclusively for Magic Key holders, offering a 3-course prix fixe meal with a nonalcoholic beverage.
Pricing: Lunch and Dinner: $69 for guests 10+ ($10 upcharge for beef short ribs), and $41 for guests aged 3-9.
Dining Hours: Available for both lunch and dinner (exact hours vary by availability).
Additional Details:
The World of Color Dining Package includes a reservation for the standing viewing area at Paradise Gardens Park for World of Color.
Reservations are required and must be made at the restaurant or via the Disneyland app for the Magic Key Terrace.
Same-day reservations are available on a limited basis, subject to availability.
No exchanges, rescheduling, or refunds are permitted, even if the show is canceled.
Disney California Adventure World of Color Dessert Party. Photo by Get Away Today.
The World of Color Dessert Party at Disney's California Adventure offers guests reserved seating with prime views of the nighttime World of Color - Season of Light show at Paradise Gardens Park. Each person must purchase a Dessert Party Package, which includes a selection of desserts (e.g., bundt cake, cheesecake, macaron) and beverages (e.g., soft drinks, coffee, seasonal mocktail). For adults 21+, alcoholic options are available.
The cost is $89 per guest, including tax and gratuity, and children under 2 can attend for free if seated on an adult's lap. Reservations are required and must be made for each person in the party. Guests should arrive at the Eureka water wheel for check-in, and the show takes place about 60 minutes after the dessert party reservation.
Special dietary requests can be made when booking, but same-day accommodations are not guaranteed.
Disneyland Resort offers themed dining packages for Disneyland After Dark events. Be sure to visit the Disneyland website for details about the specific event you plan to attend, including information on available dining packages, locations, menus, pricing, and availability.
Click on the link below to check availability and to book your Disneyland Resort dining package.
Make Restaurant Reservations
To make a dining reservation at Disneyland CA, you can do so up to 60 days in advance through the following methods: by calling Disneyland Dining Reservations at (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463, using the Disneyland dining reservation system on the Disneyland Resort website, or through the Disneyland app. A credit card is required as a deposit, and failure to show up will result in a $10 per-person cancellation fee. Reservations open at 6 am PST each day, and if you don’t see availability on the morning of your 60-day window, keep refreshing your screen or try again, as times may become available after 6 am.
After making a reservation, you’ll receive a confirmation email unless you booked via phone or a travel agent. You can view your reservations under "Future Plans" in the app or "My Disneyland" on the website. Changes to your reservation, such as party size or time, can be made online or through the app. Be sure to link your reservation to your Disney account before making changes.
To cancel, go to "Today's Plans" or "Future Plans" in the app, or sign in on the website under "My Disneyland." You can also cancel by calling Disneyland Dining Reservations. Each restaurant has its own cancellation policy, which you can find by clicking on the restaurant's link. Most table service and character dining options allow cancellations at least 2 hours in advance without penalty. If you fail to cancel or show up, a $10 per person fee applies. Make sure to modify or cancel as soon as you know you cannot attend.
Getting the hardest dining reservations at Disneyland Resort in California can be challenging, but it’s possible with a little planning and strategy. Here are some tips to help you secure those sought-after reservations:
1. Plan Ahead
Dining reservations open 60 days in advance. Mark your calendar and be ready to book right when the reservation window opens. You can make reservations on the Disneyland app or website.
Popular restaurants like Café Orleans, Blue Bayou, and Oga’s Cantina tend to fill up quickly, so being there the minute reservations open increases your chances.
2. Use the Disneyland App or Website
The Disneyland app is one of the fastest ways to book reservations. Make sure it's updated, and you have a Disney account ready.
Consider setting reminders to notify you when your reservation window opens, especially if you’re targeting specific times.
3. Be Flexible with Timing
Popular spots may be hard to book during peak mealtimes (e.g., lunchtime or dinner), so consider opting for earlier or later times, which may have better availability.
If you can be flexible with your dates (such as booking on weekdays instead of weekends), you may have better luck.
4. Check for Last-Minute Cancellations
Even if you don’t get your first choice, reservations can open up last minute as people cancel or change their plans.
Keep checking the Disneyland app or website for these openings, especially closer to your visit.
5. Consider Walk-Up Availability or Joining the Wait List
Some restaurants have limited walk-up availability. For example, Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge might not have reservations available, but you may be able to snag a spot by arriving early or checking back during quieter times.
Similarly, places like DCA’s Lamplight Lounge and Café Orleans sometimes offer walk-up availability.
While dining reservations are highly recommended, you may be able to add your party to the walk-up list at select table-service restaurants at the Disneyland Resort (subject to availability).
To join the wait list for a dining location you will need to check availability at participating restaurants via the app—or by scanning a QR code located near the restaurant entrance. There's no need to visit the host stand to check availability.
Then, use the app to add your party to the walk-up list of an available restaurant. At this time, you can also confirm your party details, including special dietary requests.
Once your table is ready, you'll be notified to proceed to a specified location. All members of your party must be present when you arrive—as your entire party will be seated at once.
If you are looking to get on the wait list for Oga's Cantina in Galaxy's Edge if you go either right before or during the fireworks I find that getting into Oga's is not as difficult and usually get in within 15 minutes. Then it is not as busy inside either since everyone is out watching the fireworks.
6. Look for Hard-to-Get Spots
Blue Bayou Restaurant (inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride) and Carthay Circle (Disney California Adventure) are notoriously hard to book. Aim for off-peak times, such as midweek or during slower seasons.
Character dining experiences like Goofy’s Kitchen or Storytellers Café often book up months in advance. Try to book early and consider calling to inquire about availability.
7. Use a Concierge or Special Service
If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you can sometimes book dining reservations through the concierge desk as part of the services they offer.
Concierge staff may also know about any special events or VIP access that could help you secure hard-to-get spots.
8. Call Disney Dining
If you're not finding what you're looking for online, call Disney Dining directly at (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463. Occasionally, they can assist with reservations, or you may be able to join a waitlist.
Disney cast members may also have additional tips, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice on how to secure your reservations.
9. Use a Dining Reservation Service (Last Resort)
There are third-party services (like Reserve Direct or TouringPlans), which might offer tips or alerts for getting reservations. But be cautious, as some services charge fees for premium features. Personally, I have not tried this option so I cannot speak on it, but I would be cautious. I still recommend being patient and going through the normal channels to make your Disneyland dining reservations.
10. Be Persistent and Patient
Finally, persistence pays off. Keep checking for availability even after your initial attempts. Guests might cancel or change their plans, which could open up a reservation you’ve been hoping for.
Disneyland Resort Dining Phone Number:
(714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463
Disneyland Resort Dining Website:
Disneyland App Links:
