Are you thinking about a Disneyland Resort vacation? I recently experienced the Disneyland Resort in California where I participated in the runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon and took part in the final days of the Diamond Celebration, celebrating 60 years of Disneyland. This was my first half marathon and I wanted to do it with Disney!
The Disneyland Resort has 2 parks; the original Disneyland and California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District and 3 resorts on property – Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland’s Grand Californian. It is an easy resort to walk and explore and the weather is always beautiful in Southern California. And both Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park still use the paper FastPass system for “skip the line” access to many attractions.
Disneyland, the original Disney park, offers many magical attractions and experiences – some of which you can also find at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight and Pirates of the Caribbean) and some experiences only offered at Disneyland (such as Alice in Wonderland, Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse, Finding Nemo Submarine voyage and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride). The castle at Disneyland is Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and, of course, there are many Character Meet & Greets as well as nighttime fireworks, including select nights for Fantasmic!, and the Disneyland Monorail which will transport you around the parks and Downtown Disney District area.
And don’t miss Star Wars Launch Bay if you have a Star Wars fan in your party! There are many great dining venues at Disneyland too, both quick service and table service. We chose table service dining at Blue Bayou where your experience includes a view of the boats passing through on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Blue Bayou was a magical dining experience with delicious food and exceptional service.
California Adventure Park was added as a second park at Disneyland in 2001. This park is a little more spacious, also offering many magical attractions and experiences – some of which you can also find at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (such as It’s Tough to be a Bug, Monster’s Inc., Soarin’ Around the World and Toy Story Midway Mania!) and some experiences only offered at California Adventure (such as Radiator Springs Racers, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and California Screamin’). You can also find a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
The highlight of your experience at California Adventure Park is Cars Land! In Cars Land you will find meet & greets with Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen and you can dine at Flo’s V8 Café. In addition to Flo’s v8 Café, there are many quick service and table service dining experiences at California Adventure Park, all with a little something different to offer.
We reserved the World of Color Dining Package. I highly recommend the dining package for World of Color and you can choose from three restaurants for this experience; Wine Country Trattoria, Carthay Circle Restaurant – both offer lunch or dinner for the World of Color Dining Package – and Ariel’s Grotto for dinner only. Ariel’s Grotto also offers breakfast and lunch but both dining times are character dining experiences and do not include the World of Color Dining Package.
And if you want a quiet place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks, but still enjoy the magic of Disney, be sure to check out the Alfresco Tasting Terrace at California Adventure Park, where you can relax on the patio overlooking Radiator Springs as you tour the wine country with an expertly chosen flight. Or pair a glass with an assortment of delicious Italian-inspired appetizers. They also offer beer tastings for those who prefer beer over wine – or try both!
During our Disneyland Resort vacation, we also explored the Downtown Disney District area which offers shopping and dining as well as fun entertainment. The Downtown Disney District is free to enter with a parking fee, but if you dine at one of the participating restaurants you can get your parking pass validated for free parking.
There are many dining experiences and it was hard to choose but we narrowed it down and experienced lunch at ESPN Zone with dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen where we dined New Orleans style on the balcony. The food was delicious and I would recommend both for your visit.
If you are planning to experience Disneyland Resort in California for your next vacation I recommend at least 3 days so that you can experience all of the magic!!
As I was finishing my Croughnut the idea of a walk to the other side of the World Showcase Lagoon was sounding less and less desirable. Hard as it is to believe, the idea for lunch at Via Napoli, in the Italy Pavilion, was beginning to form just as the final bite of Croughnut was disappearing from the ducks view. In order to make myself feel better about the quick lunch, today’s Croughnut will be classified as an appetizer.
Almost directly across from The Refreshment Port is a dock for boarding the Friendship Launch. Disney refers to it as launching from Canada, but more accurately we will refer to it as the Croughnut Launch. From our seat at the Croughnut observation post we watched a couple of Friendship Launches make their way over to the other side of the lagoon.
Those with the sharp eye will note that this is not across from Croughnut heaven. That’s right, I liked this picture better. Consider it artistic license.
This boat makes it way from the Croughnut Launch Dock to another dock situated between France and Morocco. I would estimate the cycle time for pick-up and departure for the Friendship Launch about every 20 minutes.
The boat is enclosed and air conditioned. It’s a nice change of pace when the sweat quits running down the small of your back. But don’t worry it’s only a short time until you reach the other side.
For those who prefer to maintain their outdoor swagger, there is a bench seat outside the cabin at the rear of the boat… or for you nautical types the stern. This is my favorite seat. Seating is very limited (see first picture). When you are on the water you should be outside absorbing the sea/lake/pond air, unless of course it’s the end of an evening on a cruise ship where shipmates will have uncomfortable glances while you are strolling the deck in your pj’s.
Hanging out at the back of the boat, preparing to depart from the Croughnut Launch Dock.
Where am I going with this you may be wondering.
It’s been years since the last voyage and I have forgotten how enjoyable this small excursion is across the World Showcase Lagoon. It may take more time than walking to your destination, but is it a race to each attraction? Is that any way to spend a vacation… racing from attraction to attraction. For some it is and I do admit we did the same thing, but eventually we decided to slow down and enjoy our trips at a different pace.
I may be beating a dead horse here, but if you look closely as departing the Croughnut Dock The Refreshment Port sits between the two buildings. Au revoir Refreshment Port!
Rounding the first corner of the World Showcase Lagoon is Canada.
The smell of fish and chips waft across the water as you make your way by England. That wafting may be dependent upon current wind direction. We stopped by the Yorkshire County Fish Shop and had the fish and chips at the start of food and wine. One order of Fish and Chips consists of two pieces of fish and some fries. The fish was cooked well (a light golden brown) and the fries were crispy. One order fish and chips $10.49 two bottled water $3.00 each, total with tax $17.18.
Sitting between Disney’s England and France pavilions beyond this bridge is the International Gateway. The channel after the bridge leads to Crescent Lake where the Boardwalk Resort and Yacht and Beach Club sit along the shore. Another channel leads between the Swan and Dolphin Resort and on to Disney Hollywood Studios. The boat ride from the International Gateway to Disney Hollywood Studios is about 25 minutes which includes stops at Boardwalk, Yacht Club, The Swan.
France is in sight as you approach the dock between France and Morocco.
The boat ride along the lagoon provides a different perspective of the World Showcase. It gives you a little time to sit back and relax. So enjoy the ride and the view, it’s a short ride, but a nice change of pace.
There’s a place in Epcot that at one time Ray Kroc would have been proud to see… a hybrid McDonald’s selling smakerals of their signature food to theme park goers. Alas, it is no more (when it went to the big fryer in the sky I do not know). In its place there is a simple menu with only one item that I really care about. That would be the Croissant Doughnut… Croughnut. I like this spelling.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE CROISSANT DOUGHNUT.
This trip was designed specifically for a Croughnut. If you visit Epcot for no other reason but a Croughnut, then it will have been worth it. Whoa… slow down… Dougie. That may not quite be true if you are vacationing on a non-hopper ticket. Then you will definitely want to see more than a Croughnut… maybe two Croughnuts… no… better see some of the other attractions.
My point is this should be a stop for the family.
But, beware. There are some shady characters who may want to sample your Croughnut. I heeded the advice of the sign and didn’t feed the wildlife. Not because of my concern that they will get aggressive, but because I wanted the Croughnut all to myself. From the picture below it appears that we are beyond wildlife acclimation to the Croughnut diet. It seems he knows what it’s all about.
LOOK INTO MY EYEEEES! GIVE ME YOUR CROUGHNUT!
The Croissant Doughnut is currently going for $4.99.
Other than the Croughnut and a water, that is the extent of my culinary experience at this location. I haven’t paid attention to the other featured items, but notice in this picture… I’m a bit taken aback by the Godiva Hot Cocoa with Godiva Liqueur at $9.50. After a bit of research I found that the Godiva Liqueur is 15% alc/vol. It is a bit more than just a hot cocoa. That may go well with the Croughnut in wintertime and should provide your daily sugar intake requirements.
TUNNEL VISION FOR THE CROUGHNUT.
The Refreshment Port is located just as you enter World Showcase and make the right hand turn towards Canada. It will be to your right. To your left is a lake. Bring our Canadian friends a Croughnut, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind some fried dough, cinnamon and sugar… word on the street is that Canadians enjoy a good doughnut or a Timbit.
THE REFRESHMENT PORT IN ALL ITS GLORY.
Educational Note for Ray Kroc – In 1917 Ray lied about his age and joined the Red Cross to be an ambulance driver. Thought it an interesting similarity to another gentleman from that era.
Shout-Out Note to the Johnson Family for introducing us to the tasty Croughnut.
A favorite find is a restaurant that is a local creation, has a unique personality and great food. These places don’t need to be a part of the hottest retail strip or an overwhelming marketing push. There is a “feel” to the place from the moment you walk through the door or step on the patio. Chains try to mimic the homegrown vibe, but it’s an experience hard to replicate.
I believe the personality of the creator (Fish) is part of the ambiance at Yellow Dog Eats (make sure to read Jayme’s profile too). I knew it was going to be an experience to our liking as we approached the newly restored VW bus walking in from the parking lot, saw the irreverent signs, chalk art, and cool 70’s like flashing lights on the patio.
Those who were fortunate enough to be present at the creation (thanks Dean Acheson) of Yellow Dog Eats witnessed something special, fortunately they passed their good fortune and good find on to other family and friends who visit and pass the good experiences and good vibes down the line. Which brings us to a big Thank You to our neighbors who were so kind to invite us to share lunch and introduce us to Yellow Dog Eats!
Words are not enough. I will let the food photos speak with their obvious tasty goodness.
Approaching the back patio area from the rear parking lot.
1/2 Rack of Ribs with “Gold” Sauce. $9.95
This was my choice for lunch. Fish’s Gold Sauce is a perfect compliment to the tender ribs. A large side of the “Gold” Sauce is served with the ribs. I didn’t make use of the extra sauce as not to drown the ribs. (Not that there is anything wrong with that). The ribs can stand alone if you so desire… which I desired.
Mr. Smokey – Our tender pulled pork topped with juicy smoked pineapple slices, fried onions, pecan-smoked bacon and Fish’s Gold BBQ sauce on a fun fluffy bun. $10.95
Smokey’s Smoked Salmon Salad – Fresh Salmon dry rubbed with Yellow Dog’s special seasoning blend and smoked to perfections. Served on a bed of field greens and garnished with cucumbers, grape tomatoes, carrots, sun dried fruit & nut blends, sprouts, red peppers, scallions and sliced red onions. $13.95
The dry rub salmon stood out from across the table. The salad is top notch.
Drunken Pig – Our “Club Elvis” smothered with homemade beer-cheese soup, topped with scallions… $10.95. ….. Club Elvis, – Our tender pulled pork decadently topped with pecan smoked bacon, gouda cheese, crispy fried onions and topped with Fish’s Gold BBQ sauce, served on a fun-fluffy bun
The Holy Crap – Named by a beloved friend and customer, this weekly special quickly became a fan fave! Featuring our honey mesquite roasted turkey piled high and pressed to perfection with avocado, pecan-smoked bacon, goat cheese, red onions and basil mayo served on our thickly sliced multi-grain bread. $10.95
Back patio decor.
A refurbished VW Bus. It’s open, but it looks too nice to eat inside. A closer look is in store next trip.
The Disneyland Resort has 2 parks; the original Disneyland and California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District and 3 resorts on property – Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland’s Grand Californian. It is an easy resort to walk and explore and the weather is always beautiful in Southern California. And both Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park still use the paper FastPass system for “skip the line” access to many attractions.
Disneyland, the original Disney park, offers many magical attractions and experiences – some of which you can also find at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight and Pirates of the Caribbean) and some experiences only offered at Disneyland (such as Alice in Wonderland, Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse, Finding Nemo Submarine voyage and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride). The castle at Disneyland is Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and, of course, there are many Character Meet & Greets as well as nighttime fireworks, including select nights for Fantasmic!, and the Disneyland Monorail which will transport you around the parks and Downtown Disney District area. 
And don’t miss Star Wars Launch Bay if you have a Star Wars fan in your party! 
There are many great dining venues at Disneyland too, both quick service and table service. We chose table service dining at Blue Bayou where your experience includes a view of the boats passing through on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Blue Bayou was a magical dining experience with delicious food and exceptional service.
California Adventure Park was added as a second park at Disneyland in 2001. This park is a little more spacious, also offering many magical attractions and experiences – some of which you can also find at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (such as It’s Tough to be a Bug, Monster’s Inc., Soarin’ Around the World and Toy Story Midway Mania!) and some experiences only offered at California Adventure (such as Radiator Springs Racers, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and California Screamin’). You can also find a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
The highlight of your experience at California Adventure Park is Cars Land! In Cars Land you will find meet & greets with Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen and you can dine at Flo’s V8 Café. In addition to Flo’s v8 Café, there are many quick service and table service dining experiences at California Adventure Park, all with a little something different to offer.
We reserved the World of Color Dining Package. I highly recommend the dining package for World of Color and you can choose from three restaurants for this experience; Wine Country Trattoria, Carthay Circle Restaurant – both offer lunch or dinner for the World of Color Dining Package – and Ariel’s Grotto for dinner only. Ariel’s Grotto also offers breakfast and lunch but both dining times are character dining experiences and do not include the World of Color Dining Package.
And if you want a quiet place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks, but still enjoy the magic of Disney, be sure to check out the Alfresco Tasting Terrace at California Adventure Park, where you can relax on the patio overlooking Radiator Springs as you tour the wine country with an expertly chosen flight. Or pair a glass with an assortment of delicious Italian-inspired appetizers. They also offer beer tastings for those who prefer beer over wine – or try both!
During our Disneyland Resort vacation, we also explored the Downtown Disney District area which offers shopping and dining as well as fun entertainment. The Downtown Disney District is free to enter with a parking fee, but if you dine at one of the participating restaurants you can get your parking pass validated for free parking.
There are many dining experiences and it was hard to choose but we narrowed it down and experienced lunch at ESPN Zone with dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen where we dined New Orleans style on the balcony. The food was delicious and I would recommend both for your visit.
If you are planning to experience Disneyland Resort in California for your next vacation I recommend at least 3 days so that you can experience all of the magic!!
