The Ultimate 48-Hour Foodie Guide at Disneyland Resort

When you think of theme park food, you might picture limp hot dogs and lackluster ice cream cones. However, Disneyland's culinary offerings are anything but ordinary. Spend 48 hours in the Happiest Place on Earth and discover an array of flavorful delights, including creative cocktails, exceptional sit-down meals, and Instagram-worthy treats.

Wondering how to experience all the top attractions and savor the best churros at Disneyland Resort? Whether you're taking a fun day off with friends, enjoying a family vacation, or making a quick trip before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge draws crowds for months, we’ve got your eating and drinking itinerary covered. Plus, we’ll suggest some activities to help you work off those indulgent bites.

If food is your main focus, don’t miss our list of the 38 Must-Try Eats and Drinks at Disneyland. If you’re on the other coast, check out our Complete Guide to Dining at Disney World.

Day 1: Disneyland Adventures

7:45 a.m. To beat the crowds, it’s crucial to arrive early. Skip the ticket lines by downloading the Disneyland App and purchasing your tickets there. Consider splurging on the MaxPass for the convenience of booking FastPasses without running all over the park. Once inside, head straight to Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo before the lines get crazy. Also, secure FastPasses for thrilling rides like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure.

9:30 a.m. After some morning fun, make your way to River Belle Terrace for a breakfast break. Enjoy Southern-inspired delights like fried green tomatoes, chicken and biscuits, and a savory slow-cooked short rib skillet that rivals any LA brunch spot. Be sure not to miss the monkey bread—it’s a must-have.

11:15 a.m. Dive into classics such as Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Star Tours, which consistently deliver thrills. Then venture to the more remote areas of the park, including ToonTown and Critter Country.

2 p.m. With FastPass times making a sit-down lunch challenging, opt for quick bites. Head to Main Street, U.S.A. for Plaza Inn’s renowned fried chicken, Little Red Wagon’s hand-dipped corn dogs, or, if the weather is cooperative, Jolly Holiday’s grilled cheese and tomato-basil soup.

4 p.m. Recharge with some leisurely attractions that also serve as perfect naptime spots. Note that this park doesn’t yet offer alcohol, except at Star Wars Land’s cantina. Relax aboard the Disneyland Railroad, enjoy a scenic ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat — a charming and often overlooked option — or float through It’s a Small World, whose cheerful tune is a welcome escape from the usual news cycle. If you're in the mood for a snack, grab a seasonal churro (available throughout the park) to satisfy your sweet tooth, or use the Disneyland App’s mobile ordering to skip the line for a Dole Whip, a convenience for savvy park-goers.

7 p.m. Enjoy an outdoor dining experience with a taste of New Orleans at Cafe Orleans, which typically requires a reservation. Start with their Parmesan- and garlic-crusted pommes frites, and if you’re up for it, don’t miss their famous deep-fried Monte Cristo. For a romantic touch, consider Blue Bayou, where you can savor upscale NOLA fare in a dimly-lit setting within Pirates of the Caribbean.

If you prefer a more spontaneous option, pick up a bag of powdered Mickey-shaped beignets from the nearby Mint Julep Bar and enjoy the live jazz band that often performs in the evening.

9 p.m. End your evening with the spellbinding Fantasmic!, Disneyland’s dazzling waterfront spectacle featuring acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and Mickey creating sparkles with his gloved hands. Stick around for the fireworks display, which can be enjoyed from the Fantasmic! area, helping you avoid the throngs at the castle.

10:15 p.m. Head over to Trader Sam’s, the legendary Tiki bar at the Disneyland Hotel tucked at the end of Downtown Disney. The lively indoor area is renowned for its nautical-themed fun and immersive effects, but relaxing on the comfy outdoor couches while enjoying live music offers a more laid-back experience.

Day 2: Disney California Adventure

8 a.m. Start your day with a Storytellers Cafe character breakfast at Disney’s Grand Californian. After dining, use the hotel’s private entrance to head straight into the park. The buffet features classics like Mickey Waffles and bagels with lox, as well as exciting options like chilaquiles and drinkable “cereal milk,” plus character visits from Mickey and friends. In a hurry? Grab tamales from Flo’s V8 Cafe and save some space for an early lunch.

9:15 a.m. MaxPass lets you secure FastPasses as soon as you enter the park, so start by booking Radiator Springs Racers, the ride with the longest wait. When you’re ready to book again, choose Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout (Marvel’s exhilarating reboot of Tower of Terror) or Toy Story Mania for a playful and competitive shooting game.

11 a.m. Sample Pixar Pier’s Toy Story-inspired chicken boxes and gooey deep-dish chocolate chip cookies before the heat sets in. Once the sun is blazing, cool off on the Soarin’ ride with its refreshing air conditioning. Wander over to Paradise Gardens, often transformed for festive events like Día de los Muertos and Lunar New Year.

12:45 p.m. Skip a formal lunch and indulge in park snacks perfect for sharing. Try out quirky theme park treats like Corn Dog Castle’s cheesy corn dogs and Clarabelle’s dipped ice cream bars—both available for mobile order. Also, check out Cozy Cones in Cars Land and grab some sourdough goodies from the Boudin bakery (pop in for a tour and a sample).

3 p.m. Secure seats for the afternoon performance of Frozen — Live at the Hyperion for a top-tier show without needing to purchase extra tickets. Dive into fun interactive spots like Animation Academy and Turtle Talk with Crush if you haven't yet. If you're with a group of adults, skip the kid-friendly attractions and head to Carthay Circle’s street-level lounge, where you can savor small plates and a sophisticated cocktail menu.

4:45 p.m. Enjoy happy hour with a visit to easy-going attractions such as The Little Mermaid, Silly Symphony Swings, or Cars Land’s Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters, which usually have minimal wait times.

6 p.m. For an upscale dining experience, Carthay Circle Restaurant is a top choice. However, if you prefer a more relaxed vibe with stunning sunset views, Lamplight Lounge offers delicious American fare and a great atmosphere.

8:15 p.m. Experience the Incredicoaster at night for a thrilling ride under the stars, then pick your spot for Disney’s evening spectacles: Paint the Night, a dazzling multimedia parade, and World of Color, a breathtaking waterfront projection show.

10 p.m. Wrap up your night with a thrilling ride on the Guardians of the Galaxy’s drop ride, which offers a darker, more intense experience after dark. (Don’t forget: if you're in line before closing time, they’ll still let you ride!) Pick up a Mickey-shaped Boudin sourdough loaf on your way out as a tasty reward for conquering the day’s adventures.