Plaza Inn or Carnation Café and a few other questions.

[Marc Gil]

Okay so I really want to try the Pot Roast or the famed Fried Chicken at the Plaza Inn, but I also really want to try Walt's Chili at Carnation.I'm making all my reservations in the next coming days. So another question I ask is that if it is necessary to make reservations for these two restaurants? I know Disneyland dining isn't as hectic as WDW dining, but really, how crazy is it? Last question! Is there any good dining in the Downtown Disney area?

 

[Californian Elitist]

I wish there was a both option haha.

Plaza Inn is quick service, believe it or not. It looks like a table restaurant, but it's not. You just walk up, grab a tray and let the servers pile on the delicious fried chicken and the delicious mashed potatoes. De-li-cious. Little bit of trivia, the Plaza Inn used to be called the Red Wagon Inn an it was one of Walt's favorite places to eat.

Carnation is table service, and since there isn't much seating, I'd make a reservation, just to be safe. I'd recommend both Carnation and Plaza. They're both legendary status at Disneyland.

Dining reservations are usually unnecessary at the DLR, but I know most WDW vets feel more comfortable making them because of what you guys are used to. I've never made a reservation at any DLR restaurant.

In regards to DtD, I LOVE Tortilla Jo's. So good and the atmosphere is really nice. Other recommendations would be Catal, Ralph Brennan's and Naples. I like House of Blues, but that's in Florida, right?

 

[Marc Gil]

I wish there was a both option haha.

Plaza Inn is quick service, believe it or not. It looks like a table restaurant, but it's not. You just walk up, grab a tray and let the servers pile on the delicious fried chicken and the delicious mashed potatoes. De-li-cious. Little bit of trivia, the Plaza Inn used to be called the Red Wagon Inn an it was one of Walt's favorite places to eat.

Carnation is table service, and since there isn't much seating, I'd make a reservation, just to be safe. I'd recommend both Carnation and Plaza. They're both legendary status at Disneyland.

Dining reservations are usually unnecessary at the DLR, but I know most WDW vets feel more comfortable making them because of what you guys are used to. I've never made a reservation at any DLR restaurant.

In regards to DtD, I LOVE Tortilla Jo's. So good and the atmosphere is really nice. Other recommendations would be Catal, Ralph Brennan's and Naples. I like House of Blues, but that's in Florida, right?

Ugh! It's still so hard to decide! Well, I'll try my hardest to do both. I'll check out Tortilla Joes. Thanks for the info btw. You've been awesome! I had no idea the Plaza Inn was counter service lol.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Ugh! It's still so hard to decide! Well, I'll try my hardest to do both. I'll check out Tortilla Joes. Thanks for the info btw. You've been awesome! I had no idea the Plaza Inn was counter service lol.

Anytime! How about you just go with Plaza Inn? That way you won't have to worry about making reservations and you'll still receive great food. Plus, it was one of Walt's favorites. Score for Plaza Inn.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with Tortilla Jo's. It's not the best Mexican food I've had, but it's good.

I'd also recommend Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel. I don't drink and I still have a great time at that bar. It's really great.

 

[Marc Gil]

Anytime! How about you just go with Plaza Inn? That way you won't have to worry about making reservations and you'll still receive great food. Plus, it was one of Walt's favorites. Score for Plaza Inn.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with Tortilla Jo's. It's not the best Mexican food I've had, but it's good.

I'd also recommend Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel. I don't drink and I still have a great time at that bar. It's really great.

I'm definitely trying the Plaza Inn then, but I'm still keeping Carnation Café in mind. I'll just have to see when I get there! I'm most definitely making a side trip to the Disneyland Hotel for Trader Sams! Just the whole environment looks awesome. I'm so excited lol. Don't they have a Polynesian style restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel? (I'm assuming Trader Sams is just the bar and a place to get snacks or something)

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'm definitely trying the Plaza Inn then, but I'm still keeping Carnation Café in mind. I'll just have to see when I get there! I'm most definitely making a side trip to the Disneyland Hotel for Trader Sams! Just the whole environment looks awesome. I'm so excited lol. Don't they have a Polynesian style restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel? (I'm assuming Trader Sams is just the bar and a place to get snacks or something)

Trader Sam's is seriously gnarly (California talk for extreme or out of this world). Yes, Tangaroa Terrace. Trader Sam's has food, as well as drinks. I'd take Trader Sam's over Tangaroa Terrace any day.

When is your trip?

 

[Marc Gil]

Trader Sam's is seriously gnarly (California talk for extreme or out of this world). Yes, Tangaroa Terrace. Trader Sam's has food, as well as drinks. I'd take Trader Sam's over Tangaroa Terrace any day.

When is your trip?

Haha, well we arrive August 3rd. I purchased a So Cal city pass, so three days in Disneyland/DCA, then Universal Studios, and Sea World. I'm not visiting Sea World, but I saved money on this pass anyway. We're in So Cal for 9 days. We plan on going to Disneyland every 2 days or so while visiting some other places in LA. We're staying in the LA area mostly and then we're taking a weekend trip to Santa Barbara, then back to FL I'm actually still looking at hotels believe it or not! I'm right now looking at the Embassy Suites at Garden Grove (most practical). Btw one question: Is traffic from Anaheim to LA horrendous?

 

[TP2000]

Btw one question: Is traffic from Anaheim to LA horrendous?

Yes, it can be. At least until you hit the Orange County line about 10 miles north of Disneyland, then the freeway widens to 14 lanes and becomes very modern and free-flowing.

But up in LA County where they stopped investing in freeways back in the 1970's, things are pretty crummy and most freeways are poorly maintained and woefully inadequate for 21st century traffic loads. Especially during peak travel times from about 6AM to about 8PM.

Check out this local traffic website http://www.sigalert.com/map.asp?region=Greater Los Angeles#lat=33.81796&lon=-118.09121&z=2

It will give you a good idea of what travel is like on the I-5 Santa Ana Freeway to and from LA County. But once you get into Orange County, things become much easier and much better maintained. As an example, view all the freeway cameras every mile in Orange County on that website, versus the freeway cameras once every 10 miles in LA County.

If you can make it to Orange County, you will be fine. But when you are in Los Angeles County, well, we will pray for you.

 

[Marc Gil]

Yes, it can be. At least until you hit the Orange County line about 10 miles north of Disneyland, then the freeway widens to 14 lanes and becomes very modern and free-flowing.

But up in LA County where they stopped investing in freeways back in the 1970's, things are pretty crummy and most freeways are poorly maintained and woefully inadequate for 21st century traffic loads. Especially during peak travel times from about 6AM to about 8PM.

Check out this local traffic website http://www.sigalert.com/map.asp?region=Greater Los Angeles#lat=33.81796&lon=-118.09121&z=2

It will give you a good idea of what travel is like on the I-5 Santa Ana Freeway to and from LA County. But once you get into Orange County, things become much easier and much better maintained. As an example, view all the freeway cameras every mile in Orange County on that website, versus the freeway cameras once every 10 miles in LA County.

If you can make it to Orange County, you will be fine. But when you are in Los Angeles County, well, we will pray for you.

Wow! This is insane lol! Thanks for the links and info

 

[Californian Elitist]

Haha, well we arrive August 3rd. I purchased a So Cal city pass, so three days in Disneyland/DCA, then Universal Studios, and Sea World. I'm not visiting Sea World, but I saved money on this pass anyway. We're in So Cal for 9 days. We plan on going to Disneyland every 2 days or so while visiting some other places in LA. We're staying in the LA area mostly and then we're taking a weekend trip to Santa Barbara, then back to FL I'm actually still looking at hotels believe it or not! I'm right now looking at the Embassy Suites at Garden Grove (most practical). Btw one question: Is traffic from Anaheim to LA horrendous?

LOL, why aren't you going to Sea World? Too far away?

I'm glad you're doing something else, besides Disneyland. I love Universal Studios Hollywood. Let me know if you need any suggestions for places in LA.

Traffic can be bad going from LA to Anaheim, but usually not that bad going from Anaheim to LA. Hopefully it won't be too bad for you.

I think you should get going on the hotel choice LOL.

 

[Marc Gil]

LOL, why aren't you going to Sea World? Too far away?

I'm glad you're doing something else, besides Disneyland. I love Universal Studios Hollywood. Let me know if you need any suggestions for places in LA.

Traffic can be bad going from LA to Anaheim, but usually not that bad going from Anaheim to LA. Hopefully it won't be too bad for you.

I think you should get going on the hotel choice LOL.

Okay, so is staying at an Anaheim hotel and driving to LA every couple of days a bad idea? I'm looking at both the Marriott Anaheim and Embassy Suites Gardern Grove. What's your opinion on both (If you visited)? Yeah, I'm skipping Sea World mainly because it really doesn't interest me. If I want to see fish or other sea creatures I could take my boat up the intercostal! And I always wanted to take the Studio Tour at USH.

 

[teacherlady19]

Some may hate me for saying this, but by bypassing Sea World, you are doing yourself a favor. We will not go any more. It's less and less focused on the sea life, and more and more focused on the bottom line. If we want to see sea life, we'll go to Birch Aquarium (in La Jolla).

Others have warned you about driving to LA. I would be careful trying to do that anywhere between 5:30 am and 9:30 am on weekdays. Freeways can resemble parking lots up there. When we go to DL, we try to go up the night before and stay overnight.


Donna

 

[Californian Elitist]

Okay, so is staying at an Anaheim hotel and driving to LA every couple of days a bad idea? I'm looking at both the Marriott Anaheim and Embassy Suites Gardern Grove. What's your opinion on both (If you visited)? Yeah, I'm skipping Sea World mainly because it really doesn't interest me. If I want to see fish or other sea creatures I could take my boat up the intercostal! And I always wanted to take the Studio Tour at USH.

I've never stayed at either. The only offsite hotel I've stayed at near Disneyland is the Best Western, directly across the street. The room was very nice and clean. Plus, free breakfast.

 

[Marc Gil]

@raven24 I forgot to ask you about the top must see places in So Cal. I mean we've all seen Hollywood Blvd, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Rodeo Drive etc. but what are some of the best "unknown areas" of LA. Also, what's your favorite beaches in the LA area?

 

[007mickey]

Anytime! How about you just go with Plaza Inn? That way you won't have to worry about making reservations and you'll still receive great food. Plus, it was one of Walt's favorites. Score for Plaza Inn.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with Tortilla Jo's. It's not the best Mexican food I've had, but it's good.

I'd also recommend Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel. I don't drink and I still have a great time at that bar. It's really great.

As a recent DLR and DLH visitor, I second the Plaza Inn and Trader Sam's choices. Plaza Inn is one of the best counter service meals anywhere (IMO). And you can't beat the atmosphere at Trader Sam's. Also, we spent one day in LA site seeing before heading to Disney. Some of the worst traffic we encountered was leaving from Randy's Donuts and getting to Anaheim.

 

[Californian Elitist]

@raven24 I forgot to ask you about the top must see places in So Cal. I mean we've all seen Hollywood Blvd, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Rodeo Drive etc. but what are some of the best "unknown areas" of LA. Also, what's your favorite beaches in the LA area?

Unknown areas? Hhmm... I would've said Downtown LA, but ever since they started sprucing it up, more and more people have been coming. LA Live can be fun, with the appropriate activities and the right people.

I really love The Grove and Farmer's Market. If you want to see a celebrity, guaranteed, visit The Grove on a weekday. Mario Lopez and Maria Menounos film Extra at The Grove everyday, on the weekdays, with special guest stars.

I love diners, so I'd recommend Dupar's at Farmer's Market (next to The Grove). A little pricey, but delicious breakfast. Right across the street from The Grove and Farmer's Market is Andre's. They sell Italian food and it's so good. On Beverly and Rampart, you've got Original Tommy's, a Los Angeles classic. Don't forget the famous Pink's. They have all sorts of hot dogs you can order. The line can get seriously long, though.

Plenty of museums you can visit. LACMA, the Getty, Petersen's (a seriously cool car museum)... The Museum of Tolerance is nice but depressing. Most of the tour guides are survivors of the Holocaust. I remember my tour guide showed us her number on her wrist, from the camp she was put in.

Griffith Observatory is really cool. It's best to go at night.

 

[Californian Elitist]

As a recent DLR and DLH visitor, I second the Plaza Inn and Trader Sam's choices. Plaza Inn is one of the best counter service meals anywhere (IMO). And you can't beat the atmosphere at Trader Sam's. Also, we spent one day in LA site seeing before heading to Disney. Some of the worst traffic we encountered was leaving from Randy's Donuts and getting to Anaheim.

I agree, both Plaza Inn and Trader Sam's are amazing.

Traffic can get really terrible. It gets pretty annoying.

 

[Marc Gil]

Griffith Observatory is really cool. It's best to go at night.

I'm definitely going to the Griffith Observatory! I mean Rebel Without A Cause was filmed there! It's one of my favorite films! Thanks for all the other info. I'm researching now. I love planning lol it gets me so excited.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'm definitely going to the Griffith Observatory! I mean Rebel Without A Cause was filmed there! It's one of my favorite films! Thanks for all the other info. I'm researching now. I love planning lol it gets me so excited.

Classic film! James Dean was the best.

I forgot about beaches! Venice and Santa Monica are really touristy. The water can get filthy, but they're both classics.

Planning is so much fun. We should make up a countdown!

 

[Marc Gil]

Classic film! James Dean was the best.

I forgot about beaches! Venice and Santa Monica are really touristy. The water can get filthy, but they're both classics.

Planning is so much fun. We should make up a countdown!

Oh yeah about beaches... Where's Zuma Beach? (If that's even the name?) One of my family members recommended it. It's also where they shot Planet of the Apes lol. (Remember the Statue of Liberty scene?) I've been to Santa Monica and Venice plenty of times in the past.I love the Santa Monica pier, but too there's so much hoboes lol.