Disneyland Quick Service Dining: Complete Guide for Families

Disneyland dining is a highlight of any trip to the Disney theme park in California. In between the pricier full-service restaurants and Disneyland character dining, quick service dining locations fill you up fast on yummy quick meals and treats. Get the tips on which quick service Disneyland dining locations are best for families, and where to eat when you’re on a budget. You can even learn how to use mobile ordering can save time on your trip. More ride time? Yes, please!

Disneyland Quick Service Dining Guide

Disneyland quick service is ideal for families looking for meals and snacks served fast and within the budget. Of course, full service restaurants like Napa Rose and Carthay Circle Restaurant are perfect for a splurge. And Disneyland character dining like Goofy’s Kitchen is a great way to see Disney favorites while enjoying a wonderful meal. But these Disneyland dining experiences are definitely pricier. An additional cost – they eat up more of your park time.

Fortunately, Disneyland restaurants have quick service dining locations serving great food at a decent price. This guide will help you choose the best places to eat. It will include choices for those on a budget and/or restricted diet. I’ve indicated whether the location is inside Disneyland, Disney California Adventure park, the Downtown Disney District shopping area or at one of the hotels at the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Restaurants – Ultimate Dining Guide

Disneyland for first-timers can be overwhelming, but this ultimate dining guide will help food planning during your trip. The two Disneyland parks have a great many options. And many don’t require Advanced Dining Reservations. You can plan your meals on the go during a Disneyland vacation; very unlike a Walt Disney World vacation, when you’re booking dining 180 days in advance!

Watch for the SheBuysTravel’s Choice, where I feature my personal favorite Disneyland quick service dining spots! As a budgeting key, see the dollar signs next to each location description. The most expensive options on the menu at quick service dining locations are options to feed the entire family, like a whole pizza.

● $= under $10 ● $$= $11-$30 ● $$$= $31-$60 ● $$$$= above $60

Top Disneyland Dining for Kids

Almost all of the quick service dining is kid-friendly. But these Disneyland restaurants really hit the spot for young guests. Kids menu options offer a wide variety. Older kids or pickier eaters will find what they’re looking for on the regular menu.

Alien Pizza Planet (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering. $-$$$

Dining location inspired by the Little Green Men (aliens) from the Toy Story franchise. Kids will love the pizza, of course, but there are great options for grown-ups too. These include a chicken fusilli pasta dish and various salads. The alien-shaped macaron is a fun treat!

Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta (Disney California Adventure) $-$$$

Basic Italian fare, including pizza and pasta dishes. Order an entire pizza to feed them all, or order by the slice. Plenty of indoor or patio seating.

Galactic Grill (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering $-$$

All three meals are served at this outdoor outer-space themed location in Tomorrowland. Everything from basic burgers, chicken strips and fries to the healthier veggie wrap and chopped salad. Classic Star Wars theme including a purple striped Galactic Parfait and Darth Vader stein.

Hungry Bear Restaurant (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $$

Burgers and chicken sandwiches with onion rings and fries on the side are on the menu here. Naturally, kids will enjoy the chicken nuggets or cheesy macaroni off the kid’s menu. Seasonal funnel cakes are the dessert go-to. Two-story outdoor seating overlooks the Rivers of America in Critter Country.

Best Disneyland Quick Service Restaurants to Share Food

With my large family, we enjoy purchasing several platters of food and then sharing between us. Everyone tries a little of everything and nobody walks away hungry. These are the Disneyland quick service spots with the best entrees for sharing. Don’t forget to request extra plates when you pick up your food!

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering $$ This Mexican-themed quick service location offers outdoor shaded patio seating in the Pacific Wharf area. Tacos, rice bowls or large platters of marinated chicken and pork al pastor are sharable for families. Order a side of chips and guacamole or the fruit with spicy chamoy and lime salt.

The Plaza Inn (Disneyland) –  $$ Lunch and dinner options feature hearty platters of fried chicken, pot roast, penne pasta, or salmon. Order extra buttermilk biscuits and bread sticks (you won’t be sorry). The Victorian-themed restaurant offers plenty of indoor and outdoor covered seating and a serve-yourself soda bar. You might be able to catch a view of the parade going down Main Street! SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Flo’s V-8 Cafe (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering $$ Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating in this 50s diner-inspired spot in Cars Land (sit outside and watch the cars zoom by on Radiator Springs Racers!) Home-style favorites like a club sandwich, cobb salad, fried chicken and classic milk shakes are ideal for sharing. The big American breakfast and brioche French toast are perfect to start your Disney day! SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante (Disneyland) – $$ Order a few of these large platters of Mexican food and share between the family! Fish tacos, burritos, and nachos are kid-friendly too, with plenty of refried beans and rice to go around. Indoor and outdoor seating is particularly pretty at night when overhead lanterns glow.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking for the famous Monte Cristo sandwich? You’ll only find it at full service restaurants, Cafe Orleans and Blue Bayou Restaurant.

Locations with a View

Choose to eat at these Disneyland locations and be treated to dining with a view. Parade and show watching, dueling pianos or even a nighttime extravaganza!

Harbour Galley (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $-$$ Seafood’s on the menu at this petite waterside dining spot. Grab one of the popular lobster rolls and watch the action happening along the Rivers of America. Seating is outdoors on the dock, tucked around the backside of the restaurant.

The Golden Horseshoe (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ Open for lunch or dinner, The Golden Horseshoe is the perfect indoor spot for a meal and a musical show. Hearty appetizer-like meals include chicken fingers, fish & chips, loaded potato skins and mac & cheese. Save room for dessert because they are the real showstoppers (the cookie sundaes are my personal favorite!). Check the Disneyland app for show times so you can schedule your meal appropriately. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Refreshment Corner (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $-$$ Simple hot dogs, macaroni & cheese and chili on the menu with a spotlight on Mickey-shaped pretzels. Limited patio seating with live piano music, a view of Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street USA. Time it right and you’ll spy the daily parade marching by!

More Disneyland Restaurants with a View

Royal Street Veranda (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $$ This walk-up location on the fringe of New Orleans Square offers just one thing – soup in a sourdough bread bowl. Choose from clam chowder or gumbo (steak or veggie). Seating is limited but in a great spot for people watching and to see the Mark Twain Riverboat floating by.

Stage Door Cafe (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ Nestled next to The Golden Horseshoe, guests can get fried favorites including hand-dipped corn dogs, chicken fried steak sandwiches, tenders and fries with funnel cakes for dessert. Outdoor seating is best for a late-night snack. Arrive early for the second nightly showing of Fantasmic! and you’ll have a decent viewing spot.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For World of Color you can spring for one of the spendy dining packages or a meal with a view on the patio of Lamplight Lounge. Or just book your free FASTPASS on the morning of your visit to score a standing-room location directly in front of the show.

Most Creative Quick Service Dining

Why stick to burgers and fries when you can dine on unique and creative options, like the ones that are offered at these Disneyland quick service locations?

Award Wieners (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $ – If you love hot dogs with a creative twist, this is your place! Options include all-beef and plant based as well as loaded fries. Outdoor covered seating next to the walk-up window.

The Tropical Hideaway (Disneyland) – $ Ideal when you just need a small snack, the shareable bites from this eatery are fun. Try sweet and savory varieties of lumpia, bao and PB&J mochi. The Dole Whip Swirl is the star of the menu, served with your choice of two (raspberry, lemon, pineapple or mango). Open air seating offers a unique view along the waterfront of the Jungle Cruise attraction. Don’t miss Rosita the cockatoo, who chats with dining guests! SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $$ One of my new favorite quick service locations, this dining option in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers unique and delicious dishes. Sticky pork ribs, shrimp salad and outer-space inspired desserts. Maybe not the best place for a picky eater and some kids will turn up their noses. But if you’re looking for something other than the usual park-fare, this is your best bet. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Cozy Cone Motel (Disney California Adventure) – $ This grouping of 5 walk-up windows in Cars Land resembles the Cozy Cone Motel in the movies. Each cone serves up different foods, all served in a…cone! Chili Cone Queso is served in a bread cone, soft serve cones and flavored popcorn including dill pickle and buffalo ranch. Outdoor seating is limited and in the sun. Indulge in one of the beverages, like Red’s Apple Freeze or a vodka & pomegranate limeade.

More Creative Options at Disneyland Restaurants

French Market Restaurant (Disneyland) – $$ Get a taste of New Orleans with cajun offerings that are great for cooler temperatures. Items like the corn chowder and beef stew, served in a sourdough bread bowl are big favorites. Po’ Boy sandwiches and jambalaya add variety. Outdoor shaded patio has a small stage where a jazz band sometimes plays.

Paradise Garden Grill (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering $$ This outdoor dining location morphs year-round in conjunction with the seasonal events happening in the park. The creative, ever-changing menu offers foods you won’t find anywhere else in the park. There are often sampler sized items offered with the Sip & Savor Pass during festivals like Disney California Food and Wine.

Quick Service with Lighter Options

If you’re looking to avoid heavy or overly rich foods, these lighter meals at Disneyland will satisfy. Most restaurants do offer healthier choices including plant-based and vegetarian/vegan items on the menu. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or need a substitution, just ask to speak with the chef.

Lucky Fortune Cookery (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering $$ Freshly prepared Chinese food with sauteed vegetables. Open air dining in a covered patio.

Pacific Wharf Cafe (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering $ Lighter options include soups in sourdough bread bowl, sandwiches and salads (the Chicken, Apple & Walnut is my favorite). Always fresh and delicious! Usually plenty of seating on the outdoor patio, with a view that overlooks the water. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Troubadour Tavern (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $-$$ Baked potatoes with a variety of toppings are on the menu here. Those watching the calories can request toppings on the side. For anyone wanting something heartier, there’s also a giant bbq turkey leg or bratwurst sausage!

Disneyland Breakfast Quick Service Hot Spots

If you’re maximizing the first two hours at Disneyland, a leisurely breakfast or brunch at Carnation Cafe isn’t for you. If you have the time, these breakfast spots can’t be beat, especially if you use mobile ordering.

Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe (Disney California Adventure) – $ Reasonably priced breakfast sandwiches, pastries and cinnamon rolls. And did we mention this location also serves Starbucks? Plenty of indoor seating with a few outdoor tables overlooking Buena Vista Street.

Red Rose Taverne (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $-$$ Themed around Beauty and the Beast, this charming Fantasyland location has both plentiful indoor and shaded outdoor seats. Lunch and dinner options are just as hearty as the breakfast menu, including Beast’s Breakfast Burger, Garden Vegetable Hash and Stuffed French Toast (with orange-marmalade cream cheese!).

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $-$$ A sweet Mary Poppins-inspired dining location with a view of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The multi-leveled outdoor patio offers shaded dining on fresh baked pastries, coffees and egg dishes including croissant sandwiches and quiche. Return in the afternoon and evening for light sandwiches, salads and soups. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Market House (Disneyland) – $ Inexpensive egg sandwiches and wraps to-go with a Starbucks coffee on the side! Be prepared for long lines in the morning as this Main Street location is the only Starbucks inside Disneyland and doesn’t offer mobile ordering.

Grab and Go Dining Locations

Sometimes you just want something quick and hand-held. Grab one of these fast bites and eat while waiting in line or walking to the next attraction! Most of these spots don’t have designated seating until mentioned in the notes.

Angry Dogs (Disney California Adventure) – $ Hot dogs served up by Anger from the Pixar movie, Inside Out. Simple two item menu – the spicy Angry Dog or the not-so-spicy Slightly Annoyed Dog!

Bengal Barbecue (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ Skewers to-go, loaded with your choice of meat and/or veggies. Opt for hummus and “tiger tail” bread sticks to round out this snack. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Corn Dog Castle (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $ Corn battered hot dogs, hot links or cheddar cheese are a fun park snack.

Daisy’s Diner (Disneyland) – $ Simple menu of pizza and Cobb salad in a quiet area of Mickey’s Toontown. Outdoor seating in a surrounding courtyard.

More Grab and Gos

Pluto’s Dog House (Disneyland) – $ Basic foot-long hot dogs and chips served quick at this tucked away spot in Mickey’s Toontown. Plenty of outdoor seating in the courtyard.

Poultry Palace (Disney California Adventure) – $ Inspired by a Toy Story short, this walk-up window serves chicken drumsticks, turkey legs and corn on the cob.

Ronto Roasters (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $-$$ A large sandwich wrap with both pork and sausage and tangy slaw. Creative juice blends round out the meal. If you’re in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge consider stopping by for a quick breakfast wrap. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Studio Catering Co. (Disney California Adventure) – $ Tacos and nachos with lots of fresh veggie toppings. Some outdoor tables and chairs.

Quick Snacks on the Go

Just a little something and perfect for sharing with the family, these are the quick service snacks at Disneyland. In addition to these walk-up locations there are also various popcorn, pretzel and turkey leg carts around the parks.

Edelweiss Snacks (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ Random snacks (turkey legs, chips, slush, corn on the cob and a chimichanga) are on the menu here.

Kat Saka’s Kettle (Disneyland) – $ Two varieties of popcorn – Chocolate kettle corn with red salt or the Outpost, a sweet and spicy blend.

Maurice’s Treats (Disneyland) – $ This Fantasyland snack wagon menu offers pastry twists in sweet and savory flavors as well as flavorful slush freezes like peanut butter and jelly! SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Senor Buzz Churros (Disney California Adventure) – $ Choose from the standard cinnamon-sugar variety or a spicy Caliente Churro.

Best Places for a Beverage

Especially great on a hot day, these inspired drinks are all alcohol-free and kid-friendly. Some locations offer only beverages and other spots include small snacks.

Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $ The Pixar Pier Frosty Parfait with nondairy lemon soft serve and blue raspberry swirl is the highlight here. There’s straight-up lemon, chocolate and vanilla soft serve as well.

Fillmore’s Taste-In (Disney California Adventure) – $ Bottled drinks to-go along with healthier snack options like fresh fruit, snack cheese and chilled pickles.

Milk Stand (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ Curious to try the Banta milk from the Star Wars movies? This chilled plant-based beverage is thick and creamy with a texture some don’t care for. The Blue Milk has a sweeter taste while the Green Milk is more fruity. The Toydaria Swirl has a spicy kick of Green Milk swirled with mango jelly and lime seasoning.

Mint Julep Bar (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ On a hot day, a refreshing Mint Julep hits the spot. Get an order of the seasonal beignets or the always available Mickey-shaped version. Seating available in the patio of French Market Restaurant. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Schmoozies! (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $ Smoothies, milk shakes and other seasonal drinks top this beverage-only quick service location.

Where to Get Grown-Up Drinks

There’s only one location at Disneyland to get an alcoholic drink (Oga’s Cantina inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) and that’s for reservation only. You’ll find alcohol served inside Disney’s California Adventure park including all full service locations like Wine Country Trattoria. Many of the quick service dining locations mentioned in this article offer some kind of alcoholic drinks. In addition, these walk-up spots serve up a variety of beer, wine, and cocktails.

• Bayside Brews (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $
• Hollywood Lounge (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $
• Pacific Wharf Distribution Co. (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $
• Rita’s Baja Blenders (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $
• Sonoma Terrace (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $

Ideal Spots for Healthier Dining Options

If you’re on a healthy dining plan, no fear at the Disneyland parks. Many of the quick service locations offer healthy choices as well as plant-based meals. On the kid’s menu, look for the Disney Check options that indicate healthier choices.

Fairfax Market (Disney California Adventure)  – $ Refresh with healthier snack choices like veggies, dips, fruit and coconut water.

Smokejumpers Grill (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $ The help-yourself condiments station is what makes this quick service location so great. Get a veggie burger and load up on all the toppings you want! There’s also a delicious grilled chicken salad. Yes, you’ll still find indulgent dishes like loaded macaroni and cheese, burgers, onion rings and over-the-top milk shakes. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating at this Natural Park-themed restaurant. SheBuysTravel’s Choice

Tropical Imports (Disneyland) – $ Get your tropical fruit fix at this Adventureland outdoor market that also has chilled pickles and bottled drinks.

Top Places for Sweets and Treats

You really can’t go wrong with the desserts and sweet treats at the Disneyland parks. Every single one of these locations earns a SheBuysTravel’s Choice from me! Watch the cast members make the waffle cones while you wait for your dessert. If you don’t find what you need at these quick service stops, there are plenty of churro and frozen treat carts around the parks.

Clarabelle’s (Disneyland) – $ This walk-up window in Mickey’s Toontown serves up soft serve, sundaes and floats. Outdoor patio seating.

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Disney California Adventure) – Mobile Ordering – $ Everything sweet…and the Kitchen Sink! This shareable sundae comes in a souvenir “sink”. Hand-dipped ice cream bars and cones too. Generous indoor seating, shared with Fidler, Fifer and Practical Cafe.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (Disney California Adventure) – $-$$ This is the place if you’re craving a BIG sundae! Milk shakes, sundaes and the behemoth Earthquake to share. Or choose a latte or hot cocoa to drink. Outdoor seating.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ Classic ice cream scoops or sundaes served in a fresh waffle bowl. Seasonal flavors and sundaes are often offered. Minimal indoor seating.

Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums (Disney California Adventure) – $ Deep dish chocolate chip cookies served warm at this kiosk location near the exit of the Incredicoaster.

Tiki Juice Bar (Disneyland) – Mobile Ordering – $ Classic Dole Whip, pineapple juice and Dole Whip Floats (soft serve with pineapple juice) at this location outside of the Enchanted Tiki Room (you can take your treats inside the attraction).

Downtown Disney Quick Service Dining

You don’t even need to set foot inside the Disneyland parks to get a taste. These quick service locations are inside the Downtown Disney District, an outdoor shopping and entertainment area. Some of these restaurants have full service dining for a leisurely meal as well as the quick walk-up windows mentioned here. A few of these locations have dedicated seating and others are limited to area benches.

Asian Street Eats – $ Street truck offers healthier options including mixed bowls, wraps and pot stickers.

Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes – $-$$ Expect a wait to get inside this popular eatery with indulgent appetizers, craft burgers, fries and CrazyShakes. Indoor bistro seating.

CrazyShake Window by Black Tap – $$ Grab an Instagram-worthy CrazyShake from this walk-up window.

Earl of Sandwich – $ Fantastic location near the Disneyland Hotel to grab an inexpensive breakfast sandwich at the start of the day. Large hot sandwiches and salads are great for the budget-conscious traveler. Indoor & outdoor seating.

Jamba – $ Another ideal breakfast spot for fruit and veggie smoothies, bowls and healthy egg white wraps and sandwiches.

More Downtown Disney Dining

La Brea Bakery Express – $-$$ Full breakfast, lunch and dinner options including a brioche French toast platter, grilled skirt steak, panini and personal pizzas. Grab and go items from the fridge, too. Outdoor patio seating.

Napolini Pizzaria – $-$$ At this side-kick of Naples Ristorante, create your own pizza or have a fresh specialty pizza made to order. Plenty of grab and go sandwiches and salads. Outdoor patio seating.

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express – $-$$ Get your beignet fix along with other hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner choices including gumbo, popcorn shrimp and burgers. Outdoor patio seating.

Salt & Straw – $ Creative scoops of ice cream are on the menu, including honey lavender, sea salt with caramel ribbons and black olive with goat cheese (yes, really!).

Sprinkles – $ Gourmet cupcakes and cookies with options that are gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free.

Taqueria at Tortilla Jo’s – $-$$ Mexican food served for all three meals, including bowls, burritos, tacos and nachos. Indoor and outdoor patio dining

Wetzel’s Pretzels – $ They aren’t Mickey-shaped but the buttery pretzels here come in sweet and savory varieties with dips sold on the side.

Disney Hotel Quick Service Spots

These hotel quick service locations are some of the best. You do not need to be a resort guest to dine at these spots! Unfortunately there aren’t any quick service dining locations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (Disneyland Hotel) – $-$$ Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at this tropical inspired restaurants. Menu items reflect the influence, including loco moco burrito, poke bowl, tempura shrimp and avocado toast. Indoor and outdoor patio seating with a view of the Disneyland Hotel pool area.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Tangaroa Terrace is right next door to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. In the evening the patio is lit with tiki torches and there is occasionally live music.

The Coffee House (Disneyland Hotel) – $ This sweet breakfast spot offers a wide variety of coffees as well as pastries (it’s only open until early afternoon).

GCH Craftsman Grill (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa) – Mobile Ordering – $-$$ All three meals are offered at the roasted vegetable quiche, fish tacos, artisanal pizza and skewers. Grab and go items to take to the parks, hotel room or pool. Covered outdoor lounge dining is next to the hotel pool.

Tips for Mobile Ordering at Disneyland

Mobile ordering is one of the best ways to save time at Disneyland. Who wants to be waiting in line to order and pick up food when you could be enjoying your day? Mobile ordering is particularly helpful on a crowded day at Disneyland. Here’s how mobile ordering works and the tips you need to know.

• Download the Disneyland app before your trip. This is how you’ll place your dining orders in the park.
• Click the center + button and then the tab that says, “Order Food”.
• Select an arrival window at the dining location of your choice. If the time you want isn’t shown, click the button that says, “More Times”.
• Scroll the menu to click and add the items to your order.
• When you’re ready to place the order, click the tab “View My Order”.
• Review or modify the order, then click “Purchase” at the bottom to complete and submit.
• Arrive to the restaurant during the chosen time period and click the “Prepare My Order” button.
• Watch the app for updates on when your meal is ready.
• Approach the Mobile Ordering window to pick up your food. You’ll need to show the order number on your app.

Important Things to Know about Mobile Ordering at Disneyland

• • Not all quick service dining locations participate in mobile ordering.
  • You’ll only be able to pre-pay for the order using a credit card. No cash or gift cards can be used at this time.
  • Maximize time by mobile ordering for food while waiting in line.
  • Need to make a special request? There are ways to do this when mobile ordering.