Hey there, Rosalee and welcome to planDisney! You must be getting excited for your Disneyland Resort visit in just a few short weeks. You're 'Almost There!'
Dreams do come true in New Orleans! Have you heard the good news about the exciting retheming of the
French Market Restaurant to become Tiana's Palace? I can't wait to see how Princess Tiana's story continues through the newly reimagined spaces. This work will begin on February 17, which means that both French Market Restaurant and Mint Julep Bar will be closed for refurbishments around the time of your visit. Over in the Downtown Disney District, another cajun-inspired dining location, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is also under refurbishment during the same time period. I know this seems like disappointing news since those two dining locations are the only two that list those beloved beignets on their menus.
Now, let's 'Dig a Little Deeper,' to see if we can find some alternatives for you during your visit! If a refreshing Mint Julep is a "must-sip" on your vacation, I have some good news for you! Classic New Orleans Mint Juleps are on the menu at
Blue Bayou Restaurant, just a few steps away in New Orleans Square. They even have a seasonal 31 Royal Street Mint Julep that I'm planning to try on my next visit. I always recommend an advance dining reservation for Blue Bayou Restaurant as it is a very popular dining location. Or, you can try using the
mobile dine walk-up list through the Disneyland mobile app. After all, "there's magic in the air tonight, and anything can happen!"
While I realize there is likely no perfect substitute for beignets, I've called on my fellow panelists to come up with a list of our favorite beignet-adjacent treats around the theme parks of the Disneyland Resort.
Melissa suggests the Churro Gears at
Maurice's Treats in Fantasyland, while
Amanda recommends the donuts available on the lunch and dinner menus at
Lamplight Lounge. Best of all, you will be visiting Disneyland Resort during the Disney100 Celebration which has its own menu specially curated to commemorate the platinum anniversary celebration. You can check out the
Foodie Guide for the Disney100 Celebration's limited-time eats, treats, and sips across Disneyland Resort! And if you want to try your hand at making a fresh batch of beignets right from home, my friend and panelist
Al shared
this recipe from the Disney Parks Blog. What a great idea for a fun (and sweet) memory to make with your family and loved ones!
Rosalee, I hope we were able to share some helpful advice as we await the reopening of some of our favorite dining locations. You can stay updated with all the announcements on the Disney Parks Blog. If we can help with any further ideas, please come back and
visit planDisney again!
Blue Skies and Sunshine,
Tishra