Even with the upcoming introduction of mobile ordering to the Disneyland Resort, it’s still important to which restaurants to eat in on crowded days, because when you’re hungry, there’s nothing worse that waiting in a long line to order food. The restaurants featured in this article have been selected based on the typical time to wait, seating and menu variety.
Best Restaurants at Disneyland Park on Crowded Days
Refreshment Corner (aka Coke Corner) on Main Street: The menu may be small, but you can grab a specialty hot dog, bowl of chili, soft pretzel or fountain drink on the go. Seating can be limited, especially when one of the pianists is performing, but the food is very portable and you can usually grab a seat next door at the Jolly Holiday Bakery or, if you time your meal right, you can grab your meal and eat it curbside while waiting for or watching a parade.
Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country: Perhaps my all-time favorite place to eat in the park, this restaurant has the most important things every family looks for in a perfect restaurant during crowded days: relatively manageable lines, TONS of seatings, TONS of shade and really large restroom facilities. Do yourself a favor and try to get a seat downstairs, where I swear you will experience a noticeably cooler temperature on hot summer days. Toddlers and preschoolers love the dock-side seat to all of the traffic on the Rivers of America and parents love the peace, tranquility, and proximity to the restroom for handwashing and potty breaks.
The Hungry Bears serve a variety of burgers and sandwiches, salads, kids meals and more. Grab a funnel cake for dessert and relax while the kids get the wiggles out watching the river traffic cruise by.
Harbor Galley Restaurant in New Orleans Square: This is a very, very small quick-serve restaurant. In fact, I think it could possibly be THE smallest at the resort! I feel like the menu changes at this restaurant pretty frequently. At the time of this article being published, the current menu included a to-die-for lobster roll and several different salads featuring fish. While menu items have come and gone throughout the years, one thing I’ve already relied on is the fact that the food is always good and the service is quick and sold. Seating isn’t always plentiful, but there are two places to sit close by where you will be able to find a table – the French Market in New Orleans Square or the Hungry Bear Restaurant. (The Hungry Bear is your best bet on busy days.)
Best Restaurants at Disney California Adventure Park on Crowded Days
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta: This restaurant located in Paradise Pier is rarely packed and offers really great kids meals, pastas and salads. The pizza is good, but the pastas and salads really what set this restaurant apart from the rest. I would say of all of the restaurants featured in this post, these dishes make for the nicest meal–especially for dinner.
There are always plenty of places to sit in the outdoor seating area shared by Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, as well as large restrooms.
Paradise Garden Grill: Located in the same comples as Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, Paradise Garden Grill offers an ever-changing, festive menu. The menus typically coincide with special events or the time of year. I always like this spot because it feels like this is where Disneyland really offers their most innovative food items because the food team is constantly coming up with new menus.
Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land: After walking and walking and walking at the Disneyland Resort, a little comfort food can really recharge your batteries. We love Flo’s for its classic diner food, ample seating and proximity to restrooms, including a “family” restroom.
Bonus Restaurant Just Outside the Parks
If it’s super packed and you want to be able to quick a quick bite and enjoy it in a quiet atmosphere, I recommend heading out the side entrance of Disney California Adventure Park and grabbing a meal at White Water Snacks in Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa. This restaurant is a great alternative to crowded park restaurants and offers ample seating and food options.
More Tips for Busy Days at the Disneyland Resort
Check out our other posts on how to make the most of your visit on busy days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure:
- Make a dining reservation and skip the crowds all together! (Learn about the no-show fees before you make your reservation.)
- How to avoid crowd standstills on busy days.
- The best rides on crowded days.
- Don’t battle it out for seats for the Pixar Play Parade! Get a spot in the reserved viewing area with the picnic meal viewing packages.
