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| Candy Palace |
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| I tried the Fruit Skewers this fine day! |
Strange as it sounds, we’re not big snackers. But we’re suckers for homemade. Anything. So the Candy Palace on Main Street U.S.A. calls to us every trip. Watching the candy makers hand roll toffee, candy canes, pecan nettles- you name it- is an attraction in itself. Did you know that can call each week to hear the schedule of which candy will be made fresh up to a week in advance?? Call the Candy Kitchen at (714)- 781-0112 and plan ahead!!
Attractions
While this is such a difficult choice, I believe Indiana Jones Adventure is my favorite. Traveling with Indy through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye is a raucous adventure filled with twists, turns and surprises. (With almost 160,000 possible ride variations, there will always be a surprise.) Be sure to hold on! And as always, it is the Disney storytelling that sets this attraction apart from a typical thrill ride.
The non-FastPass queue alone is over a quarter mile long, and sets the stage beautifully. Keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys, too. If you are a real detective, you may want to print out this decoder to decipher Mara’s warnings on the walls.
Restaurant
Table Service
This one’s easy. The Blue Bayou is such a unique experience that no other table service restaurant in this park can compare. Yet.
Unless you’ve eaten at Disneyland Paris’ Blue Lagoon, this is a one-of-a-kind dining adventure. The eatery takes you inside one of the park’s most popular attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean, and fully immerses you in life on the bayou after dark.
Quick-Service
Love it! The Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country serves up satisfying vittles (Pioneer Chili Cheeseburger!), vegetarian options (Fried Green Tomato Sandwich), and somewhat healthier options (sweet potato fries).
And best yet, you can grab a table by the Rivers of America and watch Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes paddle by.
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| Of course, I pity the souls trying to eat and enjoy some R & R the day my extended family took to the canoes. (Screams, ballads, lost oars and all…)
Disney California Adventure Park
Snacks
Pick a cone, really any cone.
If you have a hankering for something sweet to drink, something that tastes just like Le Fou’s Brew, for instance (they are the same!), head to Cone # 4 and order a Red’s Apple Freeze.
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My personal favorite is still the Chili Cone Queso; and I still call it a snack!
Attraction
Not just because it is the latest and the greatest, but, well, because it is. The incredible attention to detail in the surrounding Cadillac Range Mountains, and impressive ride technology mixed with Cars Audio-animatronics makes this attraction a winner! I am hoping some of last year’s kinks have been ironed out; report to follow!
Restaurant
Table service
Still the sentimental favorite is Ariel’s Grotto. While Carthay Circle is nicely appointed, and with a loving nod to Disney history, I find the menu, food and service still have some growing to do. (And again, we will reassess its progress later this month!) Ariel’s Grotto sits perched on Paradise Bay, overlooking “Instant Concert!… Just Add Water” with Maestro Goofy during the day, and World of Color at night. I find the food, both at lunch and dinner, delicious, and am thrilled that the World of Color Dinner Package has returned to this restaurant.
Quick-Service
Having lived in San Diego for several years, there are certain California foods that I still miss; sourdough is one of them. Pacific Wharf Cafe is owned and operated the San Francisco Boudin Bakery. Their bread products (especially their Mickey loaf) are to die for. Salads, soups and vegetarian chili are all served in sourdough bread bowls.
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| My personal favorite- Monterey Clam Chowder |
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:
1st Stop~ Delightfully Disney
2nd Stop~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
3rd Stop~ Disney on Wheels
Final Stop~ DIStherapy (You are here!)
Man, I really need to go out to Disneyland one of these days! Love reading your list of favorites.
Thanks Heidi- I'm giddy about getting there myself!! I appreciate you stopping by. 😀
I can't wait to see and try all of this! I am beyond excited. I need to come up with a new word. 🙂
Funny! I know how you feel Melissa; it's odd to suddenly feel like a Disney newbie again. Its strange yet wonderful!!
I've favorited this page so I can refer to it when we finally do book our trip to Disneyland! It all looks so magical!
Well thank you Jodi- I know you will have resources galore!
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Thanks much!!
I really enjoyed reading about your food and attraction favorites! I can't wait to check them all out myself!
And I can't wait to read about it Amy!