LAGuide
The Best Food At Disneyland, Ranked
Everything worth eating and drinking at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Greetings from the Happiest Place on Earth, or as some people view it, the 160-acre hellscape along the 5 Freeway where grown adults sprint to children’s rides and public family meltdowns are celebrated. It’s a polarizing place, but no matter how magical (or intolerable) you find it all, there’s one thing we can all agree on—the food leaves something to be desired.
Hidden behind the mass-produced menus and packaged carnival treats, however, are some pretty fantastic snacks you maybe never knew existed. That’s what this guide is for—and even better, it was written by someone who used to work at The Mouse’s House. So get there early and be sure to download the official Disneyland app beforehand: you can now pre-order food from select restaurants and skip the lines entirely.
Pineapple Dole Whip
Location: Enchanted Tiki Room, Adventureland, Disneyland
Surprise, surprise. The single most famous item of food at Disneyland is also the best, and if you come to the park without eating this glorious mountain of soft serve, you probably shouldn’t even tell people you came. Yes, there are lots of different flavors and add-ons these days (like the incredible chile-mango around the corner at Tropical Hideaway), but there’s still something so pure about the silky-smooth pineapple original. Whichever flavor you go with, just be sure to ask for a packet of the tajin to sprinkle on top. It’s salty, tangy, and takes this legendary dessert to a completely different level.
*Only available through mobile pre-order.
Ronto-Less Garden Wrap
Location: Ronto Roasters, Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland
Galaxy’s Edge has a lot going for it: manic crowds, “Citizens of Batuu” dressed up like Burning Man rejects, and a ride that uses the same VR technology as the other Star Wars ride that’s been open since 2011. But our favorite feature is easily the Ronto-Less Garden Wrap from Ronto Roasters. We like all the pita wraps that are served there, but it’s the Garden Wrap’s mix of plant-based sausage, spicy kimchi slaw, and sweet pickled cucumber gochujang spread that remains closest to our galactically desolate hearts.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
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QuesaBirria Tacos
Location: Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Pacific Wharf, California Adventure
You know we’ve reached peak birria hysteria when Disney is serving its own take on the dish—and somehow it’s really good. A little greasy? Perhaps, but at least the braised beef is moist and succulent, the cheese is gooey, and the rich, salty consomé is perfect for dipping. It’s not spicy, but if you do want some heat, liberally use the tomatillo salsa that comes on the side. This is easily the best food item inside California Adventure, and considering wait times can be close to an hour (even when using mobile pre-order), the secret is clearly out.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Pickled Corn Dog
Location: Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, Downtown Disneyland
There’s some debate over which stand at Disney makes the best corn dogs, but for us, the answer is easy: Blue Ribbon. This tiny kiosk on the far side of Downtown Disneyland (almost at Disneyland Resort) sells the single best corn dog we’ve ever eaten anywhere: the pickled corn dog. The kosher all-beef dog is stuffed inside a giant dill pickle, which is then hand-dipped in batter and fried in a crunchy panko crust. It sounds like a lot, but is the perfect blend of sour, salty, savory, and an ideal excuse to ghost your family for a half-hour.
Pork Lumpia
Location: Tropical Hideaway, Adventureland, Disneyland
While we’ll forever mourn the loss of the completely useless Aladdin’s Oasis photo area, its replacement, Tropical Hideaway, could very well be the best all-around quick meal spot inside Disneyland. The pork lumpia are fantastic and something we’d actually eat outside of the park, but the sweet banana-jackfruit version, spiced vegetable bao, and new flavors of Dole Whip (the mango-chile is a masterpiece) are just as good. Perhaps our favorite feature, however, is the sunny outdoor patio, which provides unobstructed views of dead-eyed Jungle Cruise conductors blurting out zebra puns that were written 40 years ago
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Monte Cristo Sandwich
Location: Cafe Orleans, New Orleans Square, Disneyland
Look up “Not giving a flying f*ck” in the dictionary and you will find the picture of every person who’s ever ordered this beautiful caloric cannon. Yes, it’s a deep-fried, sugar-coated ham-and-cheese sandwich and no, you’re not going on any more rides after this. But we say throw caution to the wind, because you’ll be rewarded with a sandwich that ranks as the very best at Disney in our books. There’s a spot to lie down and figure it out over by Matterhorn.
The Churro
Location: Various stands
Of all the food groups represented at Disneyland, the churro is definitely the most important. They’re basically warm cinnamon bolts of perfection and completely make up for whatever the Finding Nemo ride is about. Plus, you can find their stands all over the park, guaranteeing you’re only about 50 yards away from one at all times. Disney magic, indeed.
Potato Sambusa
Location: Troubadour Tavern, Fantasyland, Disneyland
At Disneyland, it’s not a matter of if, but when, you hit your physical and emotional breaking point—which is why having a predetermined safe space is crucial. Our go-to spot is the Fantasyland Theater. This giant amphitheater is somewhat hidden from the main flow of traffic, which means plenty of open tables, lots of shade, and food from the vastly underrated Troubadour Tavern. We like a lot of things on the Lion King-themed, East African-inspired menu here (the berebere popcorn is our favorite popcorn in the park), but the standouts are the potato sambusas (otherwise known as samosas)—warm, flaky pastry encasing a mixture of curry-spiced potatoes and vegetables. They also come with a sweet mango-ginger chutney for dipping.
*Available for mobile pre-order
Not So Little Chicken Sandwich
Location: Pym Test Kitchen, Avengers Campus
It only takes a few minutes to realize how utterly boring the new Avengers campus is, but before you leave, be sure to stop at the Pym’s Test Kitchen. The gigantic quantum pretzel is a must-order if you’re with some friends, but it’s the chicken sandwich that’s quickly become one of our favorite dishes in all California Adventure. The fried chicken is crispy and juicy, the pickled cabbage slaw and teriyaki sauce provide some nice acidity, and the teeny tiny brioche bun is hilarious even if you don’t get the joke.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Grey Stuff Gâteau
Location: Red Rose Taverne, Fantasyland, Disneyland
Located in the back part of Fantasyland where sh*tty kids decide once and for all to ruin the day for the rest of their family, Red Rose Taverne is a pretty standard order-at-counter Disney restaurant. And by pretty standard, we mean terrible—except for the Grey Stuff Gâteau. A raspberry-filled red velvet cake topped with an icy white chocolate mousse, it’s one of our favorite desserts in the park and the perfect treat to snack on while watching two parents from Phoenix realize having children wasn’t the answer to their problems after all.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Mickey-Shaped Beignets
Location: Mint Julep Bar, New Orleans Square, Disneyland
No, this is not Cafe Du Monde, but still it’s an iconic Disney treat and absolutely fantastic. Situated on a side street in the squeaky-clean New Orleans Square, this walk-up window is also enjoyable because you get to plop down on a nearby bench and reflect on the fact that one day, these children will probably see what the actual French Quarter is like. Mon Dieu!
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Tiki Drinks At Trader Sam's
Location: Main pool, Disneyland Hotel
On the far side of the sprawling Downtown Disney sits the perpetually dated Disneyland Hotel and its faint attempt to hold on to whatever allure Anaheim might’ve had in the 1950s (Hint: It was oranges). That said, one incredible gem remains on the premises: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. The kitschy, overpriced, and absolutely legendary pool bar is a must-visit and the thunderstorm-inducing Uh Oa! cocktail is the rum-filled tiki fishbowl you’ve been searching for your entire life. Besides, you just waited two hours in line for a 30-second glow-in-the-dark Peter Pan ride and you need alcohol, stat. Ooooooooooo-ga!
Felucian Kefta & Hummus Garden Spread
Location: Docking Bay 7 Food And Cargo, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Without checking the history books (i.e., fan Reddit), we’re going to assume Batuu has a long history of vegetarianism, because right around the corner from Ronto Roasters is another excellent meatless option—the Felucian kefta at Docking Bay 7. This dish comes with fresh herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish, plus three massive Impossible meatballs that are so juicy and flavorful, you’ll forget how motion sick you still are from the Millenium Falcon ride.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Cream Cheese-Filled Pretzel
Location: Refreshment Corner, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland
Of all the places that catch your eye at Disney, Refreshment Corner is absolutely not one of them. It’s basically the 7-Eleven of Main Street and probably most famous for being the spot parents give up and let their children drink Diet Coke. But there’s a little secret inside - the Cream Cheese Pretzel. This giant sweet-and-savory soft pretzel, stuffed with all the cream cheese they could muster inside, might be the most overlooked snack in the whole park.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Lobster Nachos
Location: Lamplighter’s Lounge, Pixar Pier, California Adventure
You lost your little nephew somewhere on Pixar Pier and need to put your feet up. Good news: Lamplighter’s Lounge (formally Cove Bar) is right around the corner for all your de-stressing needs. Though the menu went through a pretty massive overhaul, one hold-over from the original Cove Bar is the tremendous lobster nachos that we order every time we’re in California Adventure. What seems like an obvious theme park no-no is actually one gigantic YES. Be sure to ask about the secret cocktail menu as well.
Creamy Clam Chowder
Location: Royal Street Veranda, New Orleans Square, Disneyland
Some kid just ralphed his Cheerios into the Pirates of The Caribbean river and now you’re starving. Thankfully a Disney staple awaits you at the exit. The sourdough bowl is a park classic and the long lines will warn you of that. It’s an especially great treat on a cool Anaheim day when temperatures dip down into the mid-90s.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Safari Skewer
Location: Bengal Barbecue, Adventureland, Disneyland
You rolled your ankle chasing your reckless child through Tarzan’s Treehouse and you need a break. Go nurse your body at Bengal Barbecue. One of the few vegetables on this list comes wrapped in pig fat, because that’s simply how this place works. Residing next door to the best ride in the park (Indiana Jones Adventure), Bengal Barbecue is a pretty solid all-around food outpost, and this faint attempt at getting your greens in should be your go-to order.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
House Biscuits
Location: Carthay Circle Lounge, Buena Vista Street, California Adventure
If there’s one full sit-down restaurant we’d recommend inside the Disney parks, it’s Carthay Circle (Club 33 doesn’t count—we’re not Jack Nicholson, and neither are you). The food at Carthay is solid across-the-board, and if you only have a few minutes (or couldn’t get a reservation for inside, the al fresco dining situation has great bar snacks and even better cocktails. We love the Vietnamese twice-baked beef lettuce wraps and their perfectly-made Manhattan, but Carthay’s true gift to the world is undeniably the house rolls. Hot and crispy on the outside with a lava flow of white cheddar cheese on the inside, it’s like you’re not even at Disney anymore.
Jumbo Turkey Leg
Location: Various stands
Let’s address the elephant in the room—there isn’t a more polarizing piece of food at Disney than the turkey leg. Whether the meat is actually turkey, or emu, or ripped from the piled-up corpses in Disney jail, we can all agree it has the curb appeal of a Freddy Krueger massage circle. But fear not. This greasy mess is delicious and an easy way to let everyone else in the park know you aren’t to be f*cked with.
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House Potato Chips
Location: Jolly Holiday, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland
Not much food at the park is actually made in-house, but we believe them when they tell us these warm, crunchy chips are. Unfortunately, the days of being able to order them a la carte are gone—you have to order a pretty generic turkey or roast beef sandwich to get them—but that’s a small price to pay for these little angels. Then find a seat on Jolly Holiday’s scenic, castle-facing patio and enjoy as one of the carriage horses absolutely unloads in front of you.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Pork Ramen
Location: Lucky Fortune Cookery, Pacific Wharf
Believe it or not, temperatures do fall below 70 degrees in Anaheim on occasion, and when that happens, you’ll find us slurping ramen at Lucky Fortune. This substantial dish is filled with a light and salty broth, properly chewy noodles, and pork that’s tender and not too fatty. Soups at Disney tend to be somewhat heavy affairs (we’re looking at you, bread bowl), but this is a nice option when you’re hungry, but still have a lot of rides to hit afterward.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Matterhorn Macaroon
Location: Jolly Holiday, Main Street U.S.A., Disneyland
Whatever progress you made on your lower-back pain this year was just completely wiped out in 90 seconds on The Matterhorn. Head over to Jolly Holiday for a macaroon. This Instagram-friendly treat is all coconut, and not really a macaroon, but it’s still completely worth your time.
*Available for mobile pre-order.
Breakfast Chimichanga
Location: Ship To Shore Marketplace, Frontierland, Disneyland
There’s a reason your Disney-adjacent hotel forces continental breakfast on you every morning: they know you’ll need it. Most breakfast options at Disneyland are downright foul, but sometimes, your body’s screaming for some early sustenance and you forgot the Clif Bars in the car. Grab a breakfast chimichanga. You can find them at a few stands around the park, but we like the one in Frontierland because it’s conveniently located on everyone’s early morning sprint route to Galaxy’s Edge.
Cheddar Garlic Bagel Twist
Location: Maurice’s Treats, Fantasyland, Disneyland
No day would be complete without one last pit stop at the Fantasy Faire. You just watched two bummed-out Chapman grads lip-sync their way through a weird Disney renaissance show and your tummy’s rumbling for one last snack. Luckily, there’s a tiny little stand beside the theater called Maurice’s Treats and it’s serving savory, garlic-y, twisty bread sticks that you’ll be eating all the way to the parking lot.
