The best food to try at Disneyland

Where you can find it: Napa Rose at Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Why we love it: There are quick, do-the-trick restaurants in Disneyland, and then there are the restaurants you should reserve for a capital-M meal. The gem of them all is Napa Rose, not only one of the best restaurants in Disneyland in Anaheim, but one of the best restaurants in Orange County. The lauded California-cuisine affair boasts nearly 20,000 bottles of Californian and European wines on offer (complete with tastings), plus an always-booked chef’s counter, making this a destination not just for park-goers. It also offers a lounge, a bar and its standard dining room for a more casual experience. Given the extreme focus on seasonality, the menu is ever changing, but you’ll always find two items here, both fantastic: The Smiling Tiger Salad, where spicy Thai-style marinated beef meets lobster-and-shrimp fritters with greens tossed in a coconut vinaigrette; and the portobello mushroom “cappuccino,” an earthy, silk, luscious bisque under thyme froth. Order one, order both, order literally anything here. This restaurant is undergoing an extensive remodel but Disney has calmed the alarms, ensuring the iconic dishes fans have adored for years will return when it reopens its doors Fall 2025. 

Where you can find it: Various locations (Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen in Disneyland; Trolley Treats in California Adventure; Disney Wonderful World of Sweets in Downtown Disney)

Why we love it: I officially declare that Disneyland’s churro toffee has earned its rightful place alongside the park’s other iconic eats, like Dole Whip and corn dogs, held in the highest esteem. It’s a mind-bending combination adding the flavors of the theme park favorite churros to buttery toffee. The handheld dessert sees freshly made toffee covered in a creamy white chocolate before being drenched in cinnamon churro sugar. It’s absolutely delicious, surprisingly not too sweet and will make for an epic treat on the way out that will soften the sting of realization that your day at the happiest place on earth is over. 

Time Out tip: After devouring a yet-to-be-disclosed amount of churro toffee in my days, I recommend grabbing this sweet treat from the new Disney Wonderful World of Sweets, no park ticket required and for the utmost of convenience—a.k.a it’s not as hectic as the other locations this treat is available at. For even more ease, skip the line and mobile order. While visiting, also try the freshly made Werther’s Original Caramel popcorn, an import from Disney World that has an equally fierce following.

Where you can find it: Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park 

Why we love it: When Disney announced its restaurant along the banks of the Jungle Cruise, I knew I’d be in for something worldly, exciting and perhaps a menu that’s a little bolder than your usual popcorn and fried chicken fare (not that I don’t love those, too). Enter Tropical Hideaway’s cafeteria-style eatery that lets you pick and choose, and you should always choose the bao. Available in shrimp, pork char siu and lime chicken options, these steamed, stuffed buns are well-spiced, flavorful and an ideal snack (or meal, if you order a few). Enjoy with a side of Dole Whip—especially considering you can only find flavors like strawberry in this restaurant. Plus, there’s ample seating and prime views of Disneyland’s opening day attraction. It's the *chef's kiss* of ambience. 

Where you can find it: Maurice’s Treats and Edelweiss Snacks at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: Disneyland fans (myself included) just about lost it when the longtime bagel twist was replaced with the cheesy garlic pretzel bread. But the joke was on us as our newest foodie obsession far surpasses its predecessor. While not quite the makings of a photographic masterpiece, the tinfoil encased snack is a large loaf of soft, pretzel bread that’s filled with cheesy garlic spread. And when it comes to filling, they mean filled. The creamy herb mixture is both flavorful—I’m talking so much garlic you’ll repel any vampires in greater Southern California—and ample, pouring over its sides, ensuring every bite is a thrill for your palate. 

Time Out tip: The viral hack developed by Disneyland aficionados turns this nutrient-void bread into a complete meal with the addition of meaty skewers from nearby Bengal Barbecue. The park has caught onto the trend and has whipped up with their own bread-meets-protein combos, like a yummy breakfast version with eggs and sausage. 

Where you can find it: Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, Beignets Expressed at Downtown Disney

Why we love it: Disneyland Park’s beignets at New Orleans Square have somewhat of a cult following, but I’ve got to break my silence as I’m never one to gatekeep: The beignets in Downtown Disney are far superior not just to the in-park options, but to just about any beignets I’ve ever tasted. This probably has something to do with the fact that they’re from Ralph Brennan’s, a prominent New Orleans restaurant group. Found at Jazz Kitchen, the lively dining destination brings a distinctly West Coast energy to the menu while holding true to its Louisiana roots. Sure, you can’t beat the classic presentation of the French doughnut, but it’s Disney and they’ve spared no expense (or calories). Here, you can go bananas (pun very much intended) with a decadent vanilla bean crème anglaise-topped, bananas foster-glazed beignet. If you really want to let the good times roll, I suggest grabbing them from Beignets Expressed, the attached to-go spot. You’ll find the usual suspects in addition to a robust line-up of glazed beignets available with a variety of toppings, like the strawberry shortcake with sticky sweet strawberry icing and strawberry sugar. Commit to your impending sugar coma and pair it with a frozen mint julep. 

Where you can find it: Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Park

Why we love it: The force is strong with all five senses inside Galaxy’s Edge, bringing to life the world of Star Wars. Since its fruition, Ronto Wraps have served as the intergalactic mainstay, as ubiquitous as the gas station hot dog-but with a space twist, of course. You can find them at the open-air Ronto Roasters, centered by a large mechanical spit helmed by a pitmaster droid. Did I mention they go in hard on the theme? Morning, noon and night, the bite lusted by galactic adventurers of all kinds is available in classic, breakfast, and plant-based. In its original version, a soft pillowy pita is piled high with grilled sausage, roasted pork, a tangy slaw and heavenly peppercorn sauce. If you can brave the nightmare that is L.A. morning traffic, you’d be remiss not to try the breakfast version that uses the same tangy sauce and grilled sausage but adds egg and cheese. And even the most loyal carnivores will be fooled by the vegan version with a spicy kimchi slaw, plant-based sausage and gochujang spread.

Time Out tip: A new menu addition might be just as good as the OG Ronto: the Pijali wrap. Generous portions of mortadella ham, capicola, creamy whipped burrata, and pistachio pesto are filled in a fluffy pita. I was getting some serious throwbacks to a spring spent partaking in Rome’s vibrant street eats scene.

Where you can find it: Carnation Cafe at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: Main Street, U.S.A. is like peering into the childhood of Walt Disney, and in one restaurant there, you can actually dine like the Mickey magnate himself. Carnation Cafe is a popular but tucked-away little spot serving American standards, including one of Walt’s favorite foods. But Walt didn’t just love chili—he loved this specific chili: Carnation Cafe uses the same chili recipe that Walt would eat when he was alive, and it’s a straightforward, meaty, tomato-heavy classic that comes topped with cheese, sour cream and chopped fresh tomatoes.

Where you can find it: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel

Why we love it: The Tiki Room gets all the glory, but Disneyland Hotel’s tucked-away tiki bar is where the fun really is. A far cry from the sunny pool it sits next to, Trader Sam’s is a dark cave of a bar in nod to California’s classic tiki bars of yore, such as Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber. Nautical and tropical bric-a-brac hang on the walls and from the ceiling, and if you know which cocktails to order, some of the decorations even spring to life. I’m partial to the HippopotoMai-Tai, a boozy, stormy drink made with two kinds of rum, orange Curacao, almond syrup, agave nectar and fresh lime juice that comes in an adorable monkey face glass. And there’s also the large format Uh-Oa! that comes complete with a little show. With this being classic tiki, the cocktails here are booze-forward to say the least and best paired with an accompanying snack. The tempura-battered green beans are the ultimate in imbibing sustenance, crisped to perfection and served with a tangy, cool togarashi aioli. It’s the ideal nosh as you gawk at the Disney East egg eye candy that litters the walls. 

Time Out tip: Trader Sam’s offers both indoor and outdoor seating (with live music in the evenings!). With the theatrical, immersive nature of its indoor bar-it’s really the pinnacle of Disney imagineering-seats can be nearly impossible to snag and the only way in is via the app. When making an immediate walk-up reservation in Disneyland’s mobile app, head to the front kiosk and kindly let the team know you’d prefer to be seated inside. And hopefully, you’ll be bestowed with some pixie dust. This will likely increase wait time, but it’s soooo worth it. 

Where you can find it: Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: Plenty of Disneyland’s dishes have grown their own loyal followings over the years, but one of the most enduring is the fried chicken at Plaza Inn. The crackling and crispy shell is so thick and excellently fried that you can hear the crunch with every bite, while the meat stays succulent beneath it. It was a favorite of Walt Disney after all. Served with gravy, mashed potatoes, a biscuit and vegetables, it’s a down-home American classic done right, near the front of the park.

Where you can find it: Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. This childhood classic may be simple, but it’s well executed at Jolly Holiday Bakery, the Mary Poppins-themed eatery located a stone’s throw from Sleeping Beauty Castle. The classic tomato basil soup and grilled cheese is a year-round favorite, while Disney likes to show off its culinary muscles-and I am all for it-with seasonal specials, like a beef birria toasted cheese. This proves to be one of Disneyland’s most popular spots, and for good reason. Beat the crowds by mobile ordering this filling fixation, then head to the patio and enjoy the live pianist cranking out ragtime tunes at Refreshment Corner next door. Times are known to book up for hours in advance, so it’s best to pre-plan your visit here.

Time Out tip: If you like a little sweet with your savory, at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, you can order one of Disneyland’s most iconic desserts: the Matterhorn macaroon. Fashioned after the namesake attraction, it’s a buttery mashup of a cookie and the classic macaroon. Incredibly moist, it’s topped with melted white chocolate and sugar “snow.” And oh, it’s also adorable. 

Where you can find it: Bengal Barbecue at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: In the spirit of adventure and, of course, Adventureland, Bengal Barbecue offers vibrant food to eat on the go, located right across from the world-famous Jungle Cruise ride. Just make your way past the jungle vines and follow the tantalizing smell of barbecued meats and you’ll find it: The menu here is simple and straightforward-marinated, grilled meat skewers-but it’s executed perfectly. The pork belly is succulent and the “hot and spicy” beef skewers thankfully bring the heat; there’s also charred chicken, bacon-wrapped asparagus and a veggie skewer, if you want to change things up. My advice? Order the plate, which adds fluffy jasmine rice and a refreshing miso-and-citrus slaw to brighten it all up. 

Time Out tip: While the menu is small, it’s enough to make an entire meal out of it. I recommend pairing the skewers with the Tiger tail, a garlic, herb and cheddar cheese breadstick. Bengal Barbecue opens early, typically with the park, if you want to begin your day with a protein-focused breakfast that won’t weigh you down.

Where you can find it: Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: If you’re like me, there will always be a special place in your heart for the former Country Bear Jamboree (R.I.P.). The kitschy musical extravaganza is now memorialized at the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, which opened in 2024. And so the story goes, that once the bears retired, they’d share their traveling culinary finds with guests. Offering glorious views of Rivers of America, the deal here is legit barbecue. I’m talking regional favorites and impressively, house-smoked meats, including brisket and pulled pork. And funny enough, the meat-centric joint also has one of Disneyland's best, and most creative plant-based dishes. The corn ribs plate mimics “ribs” and is served with delicious chili lime aioli, parmesan, and crispy onions. 

Time Out tip: As tempting as it may be to devour these comforting delights, I urge you to save room for dessert. The banana pudding is the epitome of home-cooking, featuring dulce de leche and toffee, whipped cream, wafer cookies and bananas. Not too shabby for a quick-service locale.

Where you can find it: Carthay Circle at California Adventure Park

Why we love it: This gem is all about Old Hollywood glamour, designed after L.A.’s now-demolished 1920s Carthay Circle Theater and sporting a star-studded menu. Steaks, chops and some of the best cocktails in the park can be found here, but you’d be remiss to skip the fresh pastas, made in-house and decked out with seasonal vegetables, like the braised Colorado lamb stroganoff with fresh conchiglie pasta and wild mushrooms. You might be tempted to order a steak dinner a la an Old Hollywood exec, but trust me on the pasta. For a taste of Mickey’s white glove treatment sans reservations, park-goers can visit the more relaxed Carthay Circle Lounge located on the first floor. Belly up to the bar or take up a seat at one of the intimate tables while still basking in the Tinsel Town vibes. The menu does rotate seasonally, but you’ll find locals on its patio dining al fresco huddled over bowls of one of its menu mainstays, strozzapreti pasta with fresh San Marzano tomatoes. 

Time Out tip: Carthay Circle is a nod to a special time in Disney history: It’s modeled after the very theater where Walt Disney premiered 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And on your visit, you must drink as Walt did—I don’t make the rules. Prominently featured on the menu is his favorite cocktail, the Scotch Mist, crafted with Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch. 

Where you can find it: Harbour Galley at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: Although having recently debuted in 2024, Harbour Galley’s chocolate chip cookies have quickly become one of the most popular items in the entire resort. They’re perfect: Fresh, served warm and with a taste that’s straight out of your grandmother’s kitchen. Available in packs of six or 13, you’ll want to order one of the accompanying dips, like the addictive chocolate-hazelnut whip. When paired together, it has me seeing stars, further augmenting the cookie’s rightful position amongst the Mouse’s culinary phenomena. 

Time Out tip: These have quickly become the park’s hot ticket item and are only available each day while supplies last. When the stand switches it up with seasonal varieties, like a gingerbread cookie, they sell out like hot cakes. Heed this warning: Place your mobile order early if you want to get your sticky hands on these. 

Where you can find it: Naples Ristorante e Bar at Downtown Disney

Why we love it: If this full-service spot in Downtown Disney appears to know what it’s doing, that’s because it absolutely does. After all, it’s a Patina Group restaurant, one of L.A.’s most established hospitality groups and caterers. At Naples Ristorante e Bar, the team keeps a heavy focus on their Neapolitan-style wood-fire pizzas-thought the pastas aren’t too shabby, either, and you can round it all out with spritzes, wine and beer. The bottoms of these pies are firm but foldable—the perfect undercarriage for its gooey toppings. You can order classics such as pepperoni (I stan!) and margherita, or go wild with the hot honey soppressata loaded with salami and fresh mozzarella. These are pizzas I’d be happy to order outside of a theme park’s shopping district. Earth to Patina Group: Have you ever thought about opening a standalone a little closer to L.A.?

Where you can find it: Pym Test Kitchen at California Adventure

Why we love it: A sandwich shouldn’t be this funny, yet here I am. At the Ant-Man-themed Pym Test Kitchen, the comicality of a teeny tiny brioche bun sandwiching a massive plank of fried chicken is only mirrored by its deliciousness. The restaurant’s menu parallels the hilarity of Ant-Man and the Wasp’s quantum sizing (and resizing), and while this Avengers Campus spot offers a slew of big-and-small items, the chicken sandwich here is king. The schnitzel-like patty is fried to a perfect golden hue, and the shell is ideal: crunchy and textured, but not oily. Squiggles of teriyaki sauce and red chili mayo add light heat and sweetness underneath the pickled cabbage slaw, and while the buns don’t contribute much in the way of flavor (there’s not much of them to begin with), they add some serious Scott Lang-level playfulness.  

Time Out tip: Pym Test Kitchen has a sprawling outdoor patio with oodles of seating. But for the best seat in the house, head to the connected Pym Tasting Lab. Here, true Avengers in the know assemble to mobile order locally brewed beers and fun cocktails, like the X-Periment with tequila and playful popping spheres. And there’s even bar seating to have a bird’s eye view of all the nearby action in the lively land—you may even spot the Black Panther!

Where you can find it: Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Park

Why we love it: Easily my favorite attraction in Disneyland’s transportive Star Wars corner of the park, Oga’s Cantina is like stepping straight into the seedy, party-packed drinking dens of a galaxy far, far away. Oga also slings non-boozy concoctions for little ones and adults keeping sober-you know, in case they’re approached by the First Order. There are porg-shaped tiki mugs and flights of beer served in rancor teeth, but I can’t get enough of the Fuzzy Tauntaun, a peach-vodka concoction with peach schnapps, orange juice, tangerine and a theatrical layer of “buzz-button tingling” foam, which is plant-derived and produces a tingling sensation on your lips. 

Time Out tip: When drinking through the galaxy, one must pair their alcoholic conquests with hearty bites. Do or do not. There is no try. And while the food menu here is limited, it’s home to one of the best carb-focused snacks in all of Disneyland. The garlic-cheese five blossom bread is an irresistible pretzel knot served warm with a kicking chili de arbol cheese sauce. 

Where you can find it: Tangaroa Terrace at Disneyland Hotel

Why we love it: If you’re going to need anything to get through a day of lines at Disneyland, it’s stamina-which means starting your day with a solid breakfast. And the best breakfast to do the trick? Well that can be found just outside the park, at Disneyland Hotel’s Tangaroa Terrace café, just next to the pool. The loco moco breakfast burrito is hearty, fun and flavorful, giving you the best of the traditional Hawaiian dish-ground beef, yolky egg, steamed rice and plenty of deeply rich gravy-all tucked into a burrito with crispy fried onions.

Time Out tip: The loco moco burrito is also available next door at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, which recently introduced breakfast service. While the establishment doesn’t offer advanced reservations for the morning, you can use the mobile app’s walk-up feature to snag the next available seating. After all, the most important meal of the day is best paired with a boozy concoction. Amiright?

Where you can find it: Various locations (Tiki Room and Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park, Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s at Disneyland Hotel)

Why we love it: The icon, the legend, the dramatic tropical swirl so tantalizing it can wrap lines around a corner: I’m talking about the one and only Dole Whip, the most beloved and copied item on this list. The Tiki Room classic is a vegan, dairy-free Dole pineapple dessert, light and tart and first served right out front of Disneyland’s own temple to singing animatronic birds. As one of the most popular items to ever come out of the park, it’s spread to Disney World and beyond, with celebrity chefs such as Christina Tosi and Roy Choi paying respect to the treat. In Disneyland you can still find it in its original form, as well as in float form (served in a cup with pineapple juice). Around the corner at Tropical Hideaway you can find it as sundaes and flavors like strawberry and the fan favorite chile-mango whip swirl with chamoy and chile-lime seasoning.  

Time Out tip: Like the pirates say, we want the rum! And one of my favorite versions is served at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and next door’s Tangaroa Terrace. Here, you can order it with a hefty shot of coconut or dark rum. The park’s limited time twists are also worthy of seeking out. As a special for the resort-wide 70th anniversary celebration, try the pineapple upside down sundae. Available from The Tropical Hideaway, it combines Dole Whip pineapple with caramel drizzle and pineapple upside-down cake.

Where you can find it: Shawarma Palace at California Adventure Park

Why we love it: When the Avengers needed to fuel up after the Battle of New York they ate at Shawarma Palace, and I definitely see why: The New York-inspired street cart sells two varieties of shawarma-chicken, or a veggie option of falafel with roasted cauliflower-and they’re both excellent. That’s in large part due to a tangy coconut yogurt sauce that’s light and refreshing, with crunch and texture from cucumber and tomato, not to mention extra punch from a healthy smear of delectably potent garlic sauce. It’s a balance of cool and warm that’s big on flavor-and makes for excellent fuel, even if you’re not saving a city. 

Location: Avengers Campus at California Adventure

Where you can find it: Aunt Cass Café at California Adventure Park

Why we love it: Pacific Wharf Café may be no more, but the iconic bread bowls, a longtime Disney fan favorite, live on at Aunt Cass Café. Located in the reimagined San Fransokyo Square, the land takes inspiration from Big Hero 6 not only in its atmosphere, fusing the east with the west, but in its bites offering familiar tastes with Asian twists. The clam chowder has been given a welcomed refresh pairing the creamy soup with the umami notes of white miso. And have no fear, it continues to be dished out in the same delightfully chewy, hollowed-out bread bowl from famed baker Boudin-and I promise that each slurp continues to be as comforting as a Baymax hug. After ingesting this behemoth, take a stroll through the Boudin Bakery Tour just around the corner, one of Disneyland’s greatest hidden gems.

Where you can find it: Lamplight Lounge-Boardwalk Dining at California Adventure Park

Why we love it: When Disney announced that Cove Bar would flip to the Pixar-themed Lamplight Lounge, the question was almost deafening” What about the lobster nachos?!” Park-goers beelined for the pile of thick, crunchy tortilla chips smothered in warm lobster, black beans, aged cheddar cheese sauce, crema and pico de gallo, and blessedly, this dish stuck around as the area transformed into Pixar Pier. Vibrant, flavorful and an upscale twist on the bar food favorite, the lobster nachos are here to stay and forever mark a place in Disney dining history. Reservations are not accepted but the fastest fingers will seal the deal: Check the mobile app for walk-up availability. 

Where you can find it: Café Orleans at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: This is a sandwich so decadent that it might knock you out for a bit, but it’s a sandwich so good that I don’t even care. Disneyland’s take on the classic deep-fried, meat-and-cheese beauty comes packed with layers of turkey, ham and Swiss cheese that’s all battered, fried and heavily dusted with powdered sugar for that ideal sweet-savory balance that makes this a sandwich hall-of-fame legend. In lieu of jam this version comes with berry preserves, perfect for dunking. Looking for a meat-free version? There’s a three-cheese spin that involves Swiss, mozzarella and brie for equal indulgence.

Time Out tip: A taste of Disneyland’s monte cristo is like taking a bite of history. While Disneyland in no way invented the sandwich, it is largely credited with popularizing the dish in the U.S. For a more refined experience, you can also consume this behemoth in Blue Bayou Restaurant, the legendary restaurant with its own scrumptious history located inside of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Location: New Orleans Square at Disneyland

Where you can find it: Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums at California Adventure Park

Why we love it: Disney’s food teams do some next-level planning and design work when it comes to integrating rides and characters into their snack carts. The best of the bunch might just be Jack-Jack’s Cookie Num Nums, a food stand dedicated to The Incredibles’ cookie-obsessed superhero’s favorite treat—which, by the way, features prominently on the Incredicoaster ride next door. The cookie itself is thick, deep and studded with not one but three types of chocolate chips hand-placed in the dough so that every bite of this warm, gooey cookie is chocolatey and rich.

Where you can find it: GCH Craftsman Bar & Grill at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Why we love it: Since debuting in 2019, this under-the-radar eat has amassed a loyal following. So much so that there’s an unofficial club. (I’m serious! Look up the Hot Dog Social Club.) And each month, the collaborative team of chefs develop a new creation, like the Philly cheesesteak dog, Hawaii dog, and more. This isn’t your average humdrum hot dog, and even the bun, style of dog and toppings are known to change each month. Disney’s chefs rely on trends, family influences and seasonal ingredients for that spark of inspiration and we all reap the benefits. 

Time Out tip: The hot dog of the month is available from both GCH Craftsman Bar’s full-service outpost and the neighboring quick-service location. I say, make an affair out of it and enjoy it from the poolside retreat that’s especially delightful during sundown. Grab some friends, soak up the ambience and also order a pizza. Impressive, at least by SoCal standards, the GCH head chef reportedly spent six months perfecting the dough recipe. My favorite is the charcuterie pizza with pepperoni, prosciutto, sausage, arugula and fire-roasted tomatoes.

Where you can find it: Refreshment Corner at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: One of the joys of Disneyland is finding a portable bite to snack on while you roam between lands and, let’s face it, hop into lines. Main Street is colored with vendors and shops all selling quick bites, but when you want something beyond popcorn and candied apples, you must try the stuffed pretzels, specifically the jalapeño option, whose mild spice gets cooled by warm, rich cream cheese. You can tear off portions to share with friends, but why would you want to?

Where you can find it: Corn Dog Castle at at California Adventure Park

Why we love it: Amusement-park food can start to add up over the course of a day, so when you find a good deal—and one that’s filling—hang onto it. In the case of the goods at Corn Dog Castle, I mean that literally: These girthy, hefty corn dogs are so big they’re almost unwieldy, so hold on tight. Priced at $11 and under, these bad boys come fresh from the fryer, a perfectly crisp crust over fluffy corn flour breading. They’ve got a cheddar cheese option and a standard dipped hot dog, but the best is the hot link, a spicy and fennel-flecked sausage that isn’t afraid to bring the heat.

Time Out tip: Corn Dogs are a staple at the Disneyland Resort and if I’m being honest, the total package when it comes to a theme park snack. And if the craving strikes while in Disneyland Park, there’s the Little Red Wagon in the shadows of Sleeping Beauty Castle, serving hand-dipped corn dogs, traditional style. It’s an homage to Disneyland’s opening day restaurant, the Red Wagon Inn. 

Where you can find it: Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill at California Adventure Park

Why we love it: Disney doesn’t just tap into its location in SoCal, but hits a home run with a spin on this local favorite. The QuesaBirria Tacos have become a diet staple amongst those visiting in the know. Packed with the most tender birria beef, its quality and substantial portion size make it easily one of the best bangs for your buck while visiting Mickey’s kingdom. It’s served with a punchy tomatillo salsa, but I go right for the accompanying consommé that is downright addicting, providing a silly symphony of flavors that balance out the richness of the meat and cheese. Close your eyes and you’ll completely forget you’re within earshot of a roller coaster. This plentiful dish can also be accommodated for those with gluten and wheat allergy needs. 

Where you can find it: Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: It doesn’t take much work to find movie references scattered across Disney parks’ menus, and at the edge of Fantasyland, one of these references is so popular and sought-out, it sells out nearly every day. Named, of course, for the nebulous item in the tune “Be Our Guest,” now I know what the Lumière-touted “grey stuff” actually is: a creamy dessert that covers red velvet cake with gray cookies-and-cream buttercream frosting, and at the center, there’s raspberry filling. And yes, it’s delicious.

Where you can find it: Din Tai Fung at Downtown Disney

Why we love it: This wildly popular Taiwanese chain has arrived at Downtown Disney amid the district’s dramatic transformation. (Seriously! It’s a foodie’s paradise now!) And the international brand has made itself right at home, becoming one of the most coveted mealtime spots. It’s one of those places where you could truly close your eyes and point at the menu, and no matter what you land on, you’ll be happy. In particular, Din Tai Fung’s most famous dish, xiao long bao lives up to the hype. Also known as soup dumplings, there’s an art to these little beauties that are hand-folded precisely 18 times. Their spicy wontons equally shine, filled with shrimp and Kurobuta pork and drowned in their signature red-hot sauce. 

Time Out tip: The pork soup dumplings are undoubtedly the restaurant’s most famous dish, but when it comes to dessert, I insist you try the chocolate and mochi xiao long bao. You will thank me later (after a nap). You’re welcome. 

Where you can find it: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney

Why we love it: Sushi’s abundant for hundreds of miles outside Disneyland’s walls, but if you get the craving while visiting the park, you’re almost out of luck. Fortunately Downtown Disney’s bowling-alley-slash-restaurant Splitsville has you covered with utilitarian rolls that should satiate your needs, and with a full bar and bowling on deck, too. This isn’t omakase-quality, high-end sushi, but it’s the ideal spot to sit on a patio and nosh on volcano rolls, nigiri, spicy tuna and some seaweed salad—throw in one of those cocktails on draft and you’re good to go.

Where you can find it: Troubadour Tavern at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: A baked potato might not be the most obvious theme park snack choice, but hear me out: this is a must-try on your next visit to the Mouse House. And it would be more than easy to completely miss this unassuming quick-service location tucked away near the entrance of Toontown. The traditional baked potato has been a menu staple for years, hitting all the right notes with the standard fixings of butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits and green onions. Hole up somewhere nearby, and watch the historic Disneyland Railroad cruise on by. You’d be hard pressed to find a better way to spend the afternoon. 

Time Out tip: Locals will go to their grave, professing their love for this bona fide iconic Disneyland snack. And while the original is perfect—no notes from me here—there’s also seasonal creative twists, like the chicken pot pie baked potato and a bbq burnt ends potato. Heads up: this spot typically closes early, so make sure to get your potato fix earlier in your day.

Where you can find it: Café Daisy at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: If you still fantasize over the hot pocket of your youth, head to Café Daisy, located in the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown, for the pizza flop-over. Here, it takes the classic pizza and flips it on its head with fresh dough, zesty sauce and cheese that’s folded together like a taco and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll order the pepperoni version. They’re not reinventing the wheel here by any means, and it tends to be a bit greasy —hey, it adds character—but it hits the spot by satisfying that nostalgic craving while simultaneously fueling the body for the rest of your marathon park day. 

Location: Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland

Where you can find it: Tiana’s Palace at Disneyland Park

Why we love it: Princess Tiana’s dream of opening a restaurant finally came true-and now your tummy can enjoy the fruits of her labor. At Tiana’s Palace, the team is serving real deal New Orleans bites, tapping into Cajun and creole influences with Southern twists. There’s jambalaya with savory andouille sausage, a pretty legit muffuletta sandwich, and a po’ boy with finger lickin’ good southern-style shrimp. But my go-to is the plant-based 7 greens gumbo, chock full of okra, yam, sweet potatoes, white beans, and heirloom rice.  Meat is unnecessary, as this packs a flavor punch all by itself, but feel free to add chicken and andouille sausage. While visiting, it’s worth looking around the incredibly immersive restaurant that continues the story of everyone’s favorite, hard-working princess.

Time Out tip: Beignets are a big deal at Disneyland, like the famed Mickey Mouse-shaped ones found at the nearby Mint Julep Bar. But there’s something very special about those found at Tiana’s. Here, they are house-filled with a rotating lineup of fillings, including strawberry cream. You can even spot the team hard at work, hand-filling them behind the counter. For the park’s 70th anniversary, try the house-filled celebration beignet filled with raspberry mousse.