If you’re looking for a relaxing sit-down meal in Disneyland, Carnation Cafe on Main Street is a must-visit! We recently booked a reservation during our January day trip and were reminded of the charm behind this classic restaurant. Whether you’re stopping for by for lunch or dinner you’ll find hearty options, nostalgic flavors and a prime location to soak in the Disney Park atmosphere.
In this review, I’ll share my experience with three standout menu items that are essentially available year-round: the Wedge Salad, Walt’s Chili and the kids Chicken Fried Tenders. Plus, don’t miss my Disneyland Day Trip Planner at the end to make the most of your visit!
Wedge Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Start
The Wedge Salad is the perfect meal for those of us that are salad lovers! While visiting the park, I love to indulge in the variety of treats and drinks available so sometimes keeping my lunch consistent with something that I would eat for lunch on an average day makes sense. The salad features crisp iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, applewood-smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles and a delicious buttermilk ranch dressing.
The flavors are balanced this can either be a great starter before diving into a dish or a meal all on its own.
Walt’s Chili: A Disneyland Classic
This is likely one of the most famous items on the menu- a recipe inspired by Walt Disney himself! It’s comforting and flavorful. This chili has a rich flavor with just the right amount of spice. I would say if you’re looking to try something at this restaurant and are undecided this dish will not disappoint.
Kids’ Chicken Fried Tenders: A Hit with Little Ones
Okay so my five-year-old daughter can be a picky eater. But I will always recommend anything she approves for families with littles. After a fun and early morning day at Disney, we had booked a later reservation (1pm) for lunch and she absolutely ate everything on her plate. I love that they have fresh fruit and veggies as an option for sides because it really helps balance the nutrient quality in her meals throughout the day.
The portion (and price) is perfect for little appetites and the crispy coating on the chicken tenders is satisfying. This dish is a winner!
Why You Should Dine at Carnation Cafe
I’ll give you a quick list of my top reasons:
- Great location on Main Street U.S.A, making it easy to access
- Delicious comfort food with nostalgic Disney history
- Table-service experience for a relaxing break from the park’s hustle and bustle.
When we visited in January it rained the day before our trip and the rain picked up during lunch as well. Even though we were seated outside at the restaurant we had patio heaters and a covering to keep us both dry and warm! Our table gave us a great view of Main Street.
Visiting Disneyland in January calls for careful itinerary planning. This is one of the main reasons I recommend booking table-service reservations for at least one of your meals. It just gives everyone time to have a rest break or a longer meal in case the rain decides to come down.
Since this restaurant is popular, reservations are highly recommended through the Disneyland app or website!
Make Your Disneyland Day Even More Magical!
Planning a Disneyland Day trip can be overwhelming, but I’ve got you covered! My Disneyland Day Trip Planner helps you:
- Plan your rides and dining in advance.
- Maximize your time
- Stay organized with a printable checklist.
Grab your copy today and make your Disneyland trip stress-free!
Have you dined at Carnation Cafe? Let me know your favorite dish in the comments!
x,
The Sun Queen
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