I think you have to do Blue Bayou if you haven’t before and request a table on the water at 11am or whenever they open that day. I haven’t been in a few years and but the last meal I had there- Lobster tail and filet mignon was pretty good. Sounds like food quality may have gone downhill a little which is interesting as I think for the most part the quality has gone up across the resort. Portions are getting smaller though. Anyway it’s a classic Disneyland experience and it would be a crime if you did Storytellers and not Blue Bayou.
Storytellers is a giant waste of money IMO and I say that with kids. For two adults I’d say skip it. Characters are everywhere at DL and the food at Storytellers isn’t great. I can only speak for Breakfast though and during Covid times where all they do is parade around. I think the character interaction has since gone back to normal but still don’t think it’s worth it.
I’d say cancel Craftsman, Ralph Brennan’s and Storytellers. Definitely do Trader Sam’s and sit inside but if you can’t get a table inside the ambiance on the outdoor patio is very nice at night with tiki torches and live music sometimes.
Defintely eat I had the Plaza Inn MSEP package a couple weeks ago and it wasn’t bad. Worth the up charge for the parade viewing especially since you’d want to eat there regardless.They let my wife substitute the roast for fried chicken but wouldn’t let me substitute green beans for carrots
. The spot they give you for MSEP viewing is in Town Square on the curb facing the train Station. I would get to check in about 30-45 min early to ensure you have a spot on or near the curb. Just be prepared for a little bit of a wait as the parade takes 15 minutes to arrive to Town Square from IASW. Also I’d sit at the far left (closest to the right entry tunnel/ Disneyanna) of the section they have roped off for the dining package folks as it’s the best angle to view the parade since it’s comes around from the other side of Town Square. The view isn’t bad but I prefer the bench in the corridor between the Castle and Pixie Hollow where I watched MSEP a few years ago.
Your other option is not doing the MSEP package, just getting regular Lunch at Plaza Inn and just grabbing a spot for the later showing of the Parade where its much easier to grab a good spot closer to showtime. The only reason we didn’t do that is the kids are asleep by that time. Since on your on vacation though I’d say just eliminate the something you have to worry about and just buy the package.
Cathay and Carnation are worth keeping. Haven’t eaten at either in a while but they seem to get positive-ish reviews.
For good counter service. I’ll only give you options I have recent experience with as counter service is more or less strictly about the food
DISNEYLAND
- Plaza Inn - But you already knew that
- Jolly Holiday - recently had the Birria toaster cheese sandwich and it was tasty.
- Bengal BBQ - good option for a quick snack. It’s a little overrated so think snack not lunch. Take it over to Tropical Hideway and eat there. The pork egg rolls aren’t bad at Hideaway either.
- Harbour Galley - can’t speak for the food but people seem to like it. Take a load off and eat at one of those tables at the back of Fowlers Harbor.
- Mint Julep Bar - Must get that Passionfruit Mint Julep! Find a nice spot or bench in Magnolia Park in facing the train station/ adjacent HM.
Red Wagon - Corndogs. Don’t want to hype it up.
Ronto Roasters - both the regular and Vegan Ronto wrap are pretty good. Most people in my family prefer the vegan one.
If you Think food at DL think Main Street and the West side of the park. There is nothing in Tomorrowland or Fantasyland that I’d recommend to anyone.
DCA
Cocina Cucamonga - Get those Birria Tacos! They’re very good.
MickEblu’s Turkey Leg and Baguette Special - trust me on this. Go grab a Baguette from the Pacific Wharf bakery. Then go grab a Turkey leg from Poultry Palace at the pier (unless they have a cart off the main DCA Corridor between Avengers Campus and Pacific Wharf serving them) Grab some Mayo, mustard and a knife from either vendor: Walk it all over Flo’s. Sit at one of those tables outside in the shade facing RSR and enjoy. I just make little mini sandwiches and bites with some Turkey leg meat and the fresh bread. Sometimes slather on some mustard/ mayo. Some bites just bread and meat. To make it a complete meal mobile order some of the those great Steak Fries from Flos.