Signature Dining at Disneyland Resort

While signature dining options are somewhat limited at Disneyland Resort, there are a few exceptional experiences worth making time for. Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure are the standouts, offering wonderful cuisine in two very different settings. For families with young princess fans, Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose offers a special experience that goes well beyond traditional character dining.

Napa Rose

Located at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, Napa Rose has long been one of my favorite restaurants at Disneyland Resort. Inspired by California's wine country, the restaurant is known for its sophisticated atmosphere, exceptional wine selection, and creative cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients. Following its recent transformation, Napa Rose now offers only a multi-course Chef's Tasting Menu, with several choices for each course and an emphasis on California ingredients and international influences. And even better, they have added a la carte items as well for more flexibility. 

On my last visit, I chose the tasting menu and started with the Wild Blue Shrimp with avocado, aguachile, and cilantro, an unusual combination that I really enjoyed. The sustainable fish with Dungeness crab and clam beurre monté sounded promising, but what arrived was overcooked and dry, a shame considering the lovely ingredients. I'd steer you instead toward the Prime Eye of the Rib-eye with Hatch chilies and roasted corn, a much more satisfying choice. Dessert brought things back on track with a wonderful combination of Masumoto Farms peaches, creamy buttermilk semifreddo, lemon pound cake, and fresh local raspberries. A lovely finish to the evening!

Of course, the tasting menu changes seasonally, so these particular dishes may not be available during your visit. Despite my reservations about the new format, Napa Rose remains one of Disneyland Resort's most sophisticated dining experiences and a lovely choice for a special evening.

Carthay Circle Restaurant

Housed in a replica of the original Carthay Circle Theatre, where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937, this lavish second-story restaurant exudes classic luxury and emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. No dowdy décor here. Instead, there's a masculine, old-Hollywood look with heavy drapery, hardwood floors, rich wood paneling, a frescoed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ceiling, inlaid tables, plenty of banquettes, and candelabra-style chandeliers. The wine program is equally impressive, with an extensive international selection and knowledgeable sommeliers. My one reservation is that the cuisine can sometimes be hit or miss.

For intimate dining worlds away from the theme parks' bustle, request a table in either the Hyperion or Buena Vista room. These private dining rooms seat up to five guests and offer a wonderfully quiet, personal experience. They're a real treat, particularly for a special occasion. Of course, as elegant as Carthay Circle may be, it's still located inside a theme park, so don't be surprised to see guests in shorts, Mickey Mouse ears, and sneakers. But if you're looking for a peaceful escape and a meal several notches above typical theme park dining, Carthay Circle is an excellent choice.

Cara's Tip: Choose a table on the outdoor terrace to watch the activity along Buena Vista Street, but keep in mind you'll miss the beautiful atmosphere of the interior dining rooms. For something lighter, head downstairs to Carthay Circle Lounge, where classic cocktails are paired with a selection of small plates and appetizers.

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

For little girls who dream of meeting their favorite Disney princesses, Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose is something special. This isn't your typical character breakfast! The experience includes an elegant three-course meal, along with storytelling, activities, and plenty of opportunities to interact with the princesses and take photographs. Rather than the usual quick visits to your table, there's time for more personal encounters with several Disney princesses. It's a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday or another special occasion, and certainly one of Disneyland Resort's more elaborate character dining experiences. Reservations are a must!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Luxury Disneyland Vacation

From a wonderful dinner at Napa Rose to an elegant meal at Carthay Circle or a special morning with Disney princesses, Disneyland Resort offers several dining experiences worth including in your vacation plans. At Glass Slipper Concierge, our advisors can help you choose the right experiences for your family and weave them into a beautifully planned Disneyland vacation, along with luxury accommodations and private VIP Tours.

Begin planning your luxury Disneyland vacation by submitting an online consultation request.