One of the most important things to decide on when planning your Disneyland trip is figuring out where you are going to eat and when. Planning your mealtimes wisely can help make a long day at the parks a little less stressful.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, shaded, kid-friendly lunch spot at Disneyland, Hungry Bear Restaurant is one of the best. Located in Critter Country overlooking the Rivers of America, it’s a quiet break from the crowds—perfect for families who need a reset in the middle of the day. This restaurant is a a self-seat restaurant that has optimal shade covering which makes it a fantastic choice for either a hot day or a rainy day at the park,
As you begin to plan your Disney Day – whether a day trip or multiple days across Disney parks, you’ll want to download my free one-page printable Disney Day Planner . This checklist has helped me plan so many of my Disney Days and helps make sure that each family member gets to choose some of the Disney magic!
Why Hungry Bear is Great for Families
✔ Shaded & Covered Seating
Hungry Bear has some of the best shaded seating in Disneyland. The trees, covered patios, and cool river breeze make it a comfortable spot even on hot days. It’s one of the few places where you can reliably sit down without baking in the sun. This is equally beneficial on days where you may experience rain if you are visiting Disneyland in the fall, winter or spring season.
✔ Restrooms Right Next to the Restaurant
This alone makes it a parent’s dream. No long walk, no hunting around—restrooms are directly beside the dining area. This dining location has been one of our favorites since we started visiting Disneyland when my daughter was around two-years-old. Every parent knows that a child’s need to go to the potty can come up right as everyone is ready to dig in to their food. Having the restrooms located in the first level of the restaurant make it extremely convenient for parents with young children.
✔ Relaxing River Views
Kids love watching the canoes and river boats float by. It helps keep little ones entertained while waiting for food. My six-year-old still enjoys watching the ducks pass the small riverbed.
We also love choosing this location when visiting with a group of friends because some of us can order food and get started with eating while others sneak in one more ride before joining us. When they are done, their food is ready for pick up and they have a spot to sit at. Great option for those who are also travelling with older parents or grandparents that need some extra breaks. Even if some members of the group are just ordering small bites and drinks, it allows for grabbing a table and getting some space to rest.
What to Order at Hungry Bear (Kid-Tested Favorites)
🍋 Specialty Lemonades
Hungry Bear is known for refreshing seasonal lemonades—often flavored with berry, honey, or citrus mixes. They’re the perfect midday treat for both adults and kids. The seasonal lemonades are such a treat after a lot of walking and finally getting a chance to sit down.
🍗 Chicken Strips Kids’ Meal
A kid-approved classic. The chicken strips are crispy, not overly seasoned, and come with sides that children actually eat. The cuties mandarin orange and baby carrots were great sides that my daughter enjoyed. Great for picky eaters.
🥪 Pulled Pork Sandwich
This one is flavorful, hearty, and a great choice for parents. The smoky sauce and tender meat make it one of the better quick-service sandwiches in the park. Definitely worth the price and a protein-filling choice. The coleslaw topping gave it such a great taste.
🥩 Brisket Sandwich
Not every quick-service spot offers brisket, but Hungry Bear does—and it’s surprisingly good. A great option if you want something filling but don’t want to commit to a sit-down meal. A meal like this will carry you through diner and will not disappoint!
Tips for Choosing the Best Lunch Spot in Disneyland
🍽 Mobile Order Early
Place mobile orders before the lunch rush (usually 11:30 AM–1:30 PM). It saves time and reduces stress. I can’t emphasize this enough, you may want to enter your mobile order as early as 10am just to make sure your order gets in and your party is happy as can be. Using the Disney Day trip planner linked at the beginning of this post can definitely help keep your plans in place.
🕛 Eat Early or Late
Families who eat at 11 AM or 2 PM avoid crowds and find better seating. Even a 1 PM lunch time is fine. You may have to wait around for a table if you show up around 12 PM. We’ve never had an issue as there are two levels to choose seating from.
🌤 Choose Restaurants With Shade
Shade = happier kids and a smoother day. Hungry Bear wins in this category. Disneyland is really good about having most restaurants located in shade but you have some with outdoor seating that can be a hit or miss when it comes to shade. This is also something that is very important to consider if you are visiting with a group larger than 4 people. Carnation Inn, The Plaza, Holly Jolly can all have semi-shaded seating but definitely not guaranteed if you have a larger group.
Also something to keep in mind, a restaurant like this is easier to bring in your own little kids packed snacks and meals versus a sit-down restaurant with indoor seating such as River Belle Terrace or Carnation Inn.
🚻 Pick Spots Near Restrooms
This is something most parents forget to check—but it makes a huge difference. Again, I’ve lost count of the number of times where we need a restroom break mid-meal. If you’re dining at River Belle Terrace, good luck. You’ll have to walk quite a distance before getting to the restroom.
Why Families Love Disneyland Quick-Service Lunch Options
Disneyland’s quick-service restaurants are ideal for busy park days. You get:
- Faster ordering
- Fresh meals without long waits
- Kid-friendly menus
- Lots of outdoor seating
- Affordable lunch options compared to table service
Choosing the right lunch spot can help your family recharge and enjoy the rest of your Disneyland day.
Final Thoughts: The Best Disneyland Restaurant for Lunch
Disneyland has many lunch options, but Hungry Bear Restaurant stands out as one of the best for families. With shaded seating, convenient restrooms, kid-friendly meals, and refreshing specialty drinks, it’s our top pick for a relaxing break in the middle of your park day.
Wishing you the best as you begin to plan for your Disney Day ahead. There are plenty of helpful posts on Disney Dining that includes the Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Just enter keywords in the search bar and it will bring them right up for you!
Also if you are looking to add to your Disneyland vacation by checking out other theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm or Soak City you’ll want to read this blog post. If you are looking to visit beach destinations in San Diego, search for San Diego in the search bar and the blog posts will come right up!
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