When visiting Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, choosing where and what to eat can be as overwhelming as deciding which rides to enjoy first. Both parks offer endless options in family dining as well as gourmet and ethnic cuisines, and cater to different diets including gluten-free, vegetarian, or to people with food allergies. Whether you crave hearty barbecue and gumbo, prefer sushi with seaweed, desire a quiet evening alone or want to share an exuberant meal with favorite Disney characters, Disney, as always, is happy to make your dreams come true.

Disneyland Cuisine Inspired By Its Backyard

Not surprisingly, Disneyland, the mother ship of Disney parks having opened in Anaheim more than a half century ago, and the adjacent Disney California Adventure Park, specialize in California cuisine, such as its award-winning restaurant Napa Rose. Considering its close border to Mexico, Disneyland also dishes up some delicious traditional Mexican flavors at Tortilla Joes.  At Carthay Circle Restaurant, located at Disney California Adventure Park, the menu features creative California cooking, such as strawberry-lemon roasted chicken salad.

Families looking to break bread with Disney princesses can try Ariel’s Grotto, where Belle or Snow White stop by while kids and parents enjoy from a fixed-price menu kid-friendly entrees like spaghetti or chicken skewers. Of course, kid-friendly foods are available everywhere at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park, such as pizza, quesadillas, and ice cream sundaes. The PCH Grill is another favorite that puts a California twist on American classics, like flatbreads with roasted garlic and salsa. Or get to PCH early for the Surf’s Up! Breakfast buffet with Mickey & Friends and fill up on waffles and pancakes before venturing out to the rides for the day.

For a complete list of Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure Park restaurants, visit http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/. To make a reservation or inquire for specific dietary needs, call (714) 781-DINE. Reservations are a good idea.

Disney World Dishes a World of Options

More than 250 restaurants at Disney World’s four major theme parks serve something for everyone at every price range, from budget to high-end, from buffets to haute cuisine. American cuisine can be found at many restaurants, but what if you are looking to branch out?  Like Disney’s Epcot Center itself, Disney World delivers flavors from across the globe, with dishes drawn from Africa, Europe, Asia and North and South America.

When was the last time you ate Norwegian food? Character dining is available at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall where lunches and dinners feature a Norwegian buffet (koldtbord) of cold dishes like salads, meats and cheese, with hot entrees available a la carte like meatballs made of pork, beef and capers known as “kjottkaker.” Princesses read stories aloud while diners enjoy their meals.

Hearty dishes reminiscent of chilly Norway or platters of fruit from a Pacific Rim tropical paradise? Or both? Visitors to Disney World can experience Polynesian cuisine at Disney’s “Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show” at the open-air theater in Luau Cove. A feast for the senses, the dinner and show feature hula dancer and fire performances on stage while diners nosh on rotisserie chicken, fried rice, pineapple and a Kilauea chocolate volcano.

Needless to say, Disney World appeals to all appetites. For a complete list of Disney World Resort restaurants, visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/.  The website is also helpful in providing updates about restaurant closings. For example, the popular California Grill is closed until August 2013 for renovations. Individual Disney World resorts can assist with providing information about different restaurants and meal plans, as well as coordinating reservations. Reservations may be necessary especially during weekends and holidays.

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