Head to Anaheim, California for a magical getaway at Disneyland. When you choose an Anaheim vacation rental, there’s a very good chance you’re going to enjoy unforgettable dining experiences. Fortunately, many restaurants inside Disneyland serve up yummy food, and, not surprisingly, they’re all kid-friendly. When you take a break from the amusement park, visit the greater Anaheim area or Downtown Disney for intriguing restaurants. Take a look at 12 kid-friendly eateries easily accessible from your Anaheim vacation rental.
1. Blue Bayou
If you visit Disneyland for a special occasion, like a birthday, consider making reservations at the Blue Bayou, one of the most magical restaurants in all of Disney. Sit by the water to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean ride floating past you, with the sights and sounds of the bayou all around. Reservations are a must for this popular restaurant, which gives your kids an experience to remember. Check out the special dining packages that combine dinner at the Blue Bayou with reserved spots for watching the Fantasmic show.
2. Sweetbird
If you dread handing your kids a menu with lots and lots of choices because it takes them forever to make a decision, then you’re likely to love Sweetbird. This simple restaurant serves two things: fried chicken sandwiches (in three varieties) and smashed potatoes. The chicken is juicy and delicious, and the potatoes combine the crispness of French fries on the outside with the yummy softness of mashed potatoes inside. Don’t be surprised if your kids ask if you can pick up dinner to take back to your vacation rental.
3. Tru Grits
Tru Grits, located in the Hotel Menage, is one of those restaurants with a little something for everyone. Stay healthy with organic garlic edamame, or indulge in some coconut shrimp. The adults in the family are likely to enjoy pan-seared salmon, while the kids chow down on chicken sandwiches, fettuccine, and popcorn chicken. Treat the kids to a “mocktail” made just for them while you enjoy a more adult libation.
4. Catal Restaurant
Even on a day when you don’t hold Disneyland Resort tickets, you can still visit Downtown Disney for fun and exciting dining choices. Catal is a fine dining restaurant where you’re welcome to bring the kids, who can enjoy a kids’ menu offering everything from chicken fingers and hot dogs to grilled flank steak and healthy salads. Choose from several paella recipes, or come back for a sumptuous weekend brunch.
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5. Little Red Wagon
When you’re hungry, but you don’t want to take time out of your Disneyland adventure to sit down and be waited on, keep your eyes open for the Little Red Wagon at the end of Main Street. Yes, you’re buying your kids corn dogs — with or without chips or apple slices — but wow, what corn dogs! Disneyland fans in the know praise these as the best corn dogs to be found anywhere, and when you bite into one, you’re bound to agree.
6. The Kroft
The Kroft describes itself as serving “comfort food reinvented,” and you’re likely to agree, especially if you’re a fan of poutine, a Canadian specialty that’s hard to find in California. Try the country fried chicken or short rib poutine to feel as if you’ve ended up in foodie fusion heaven. This quick-serve restaurant puts an unexpected spin on fast food, and it serves craft beers to the adults in your group.
7. Carolina’s Italian Kitchen
Carolina’s offers all the Italian specialties you and your family love on both its dine-in and takeout menus, making it easy to pick up some spaghetti, penne pesto, fettuccine Alfredo, or pizza to take back to your vacation rental. If you choose to eat in, you’re still likely to end up taking food back to your place, since the portions are huge.
8. Tortilla Jo’s
Given its location at Downtown Disney, Tortilla Jo’s serves up surprisingly authentic Mexican food, including guacamole that’s made by hand right by your dinner table. As with most Disney-related restaurants, kids are welcome here. Kids enjoy appropriately sized burritos, tacos, tostadas, and carne asada meals, and if they’re hesitant about trying Mexican food, the menu also offers hot dogs and chicken tenders. Consider coming back for the reasonably priced brunch menu, which starts with a fruit platter served family-style and ends with a platter of south-of-the-border desserts.
9. Goofy’s Kitchen
If your kids are young enough to adore Disney characters, a trip to Goofy’s Kitchen is a definite must. This restaurant is at the Disneyland Hotel, but you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel or have park passes in hand to eat here (annual pass holders get a significant discount, though.) This buffet-style restaurant has something for everyone, and no one leaves here hungry. Best of all, you can count on Disney characters to show up for photo ops and funny moments. Make reservations at Goofy’s especially if you’re aiming for one of the popular character breakfasts.
10. Rainforest Cafe
Some kids point to the Rainforest Cafe as their favorite Disney dining choice. If you’ve never been to this upscale chain restaurant, head to Downtown Disney to pay it a visit. Eat here to yourself surrounded by audio-animatronic animals that put on a show (complete with a little thunder, lightning, and rain) every 15 minutes or so. This extremely kid-friendly restaurant plays the theme to the hilt, and your kids are invited to walk around and see all the animals. Be warned that you have to exit through the gift store, which may pose an overwhelming temptation to your kids.
11. Jimboy’s Tacos
When you’re exhausted from a day of theme parking, but you want something more than a phoned-in pizza, head to Jimboy’s Tacos to pick up a Family Fun Pak to take back to your vacation rental. As you hand around the beef tacos, bean and cheese burritos, Spanish rice, avocado salad, and nachos, it’s easy to find something for everyone to enjoy.
12. Storytellers Cafe
Leaving the hecticness of the California Adventure park to head into the Grand Californian Hotel is a lovely respite in your day, and you can make it even better by heading to Storytellers Cafe for lunch. This grand dining room features elevated versions of comfort food in a restful and beautifully designed environment. You may be tempted to fill up on corn muffins (yes, they’re that good), but save room for the actual meal as well, whether you order off the menu or choose the buffet option. The children’s menu is appealing, and you can often find Disney characters roaming the dining room.
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