Hey, howdy, hey, Tamara! Welcome back to planDisney. Thanks for bringing another great question our way! I was looking through all the insightful questions you have brought us over the months. You are a true planner at heart, that you are! I see you mentioned in another question that you’re coming to Disneyland Resort for your very first trip. I’m honored to share some tips with you!
First things first, congratulations on securing a
Lunch Package with Reserved Viewing for one of my all-time favorite attractions at Disneyland Resort – the iconic
Main Street Electrical Parade! I squealed with excitement the day I found out this parade was coming back.
Good news, Tamara. Once you arrive at
Plaza Inn, simply let a Cast Member know that you and your husband have single reservations but would like to be seated together. The most important thing is that you each have a reservation, hence you have a spot for the Reserved Viewing for the parade! Plaza Inn should be able to seat you together. The reservations at this restaurant are meant more to manage the pacing of the crowd, in my opinion. I believe they will check you in, let you know where to pick up your lunch, and show you to a table. You can request indoor or outdoor seating once you arrive. By the way, the menu is making my mouth water! House-made smoked mac & cheese and Mickey-shaped sweet honey corn bread?! Yes please!
Some of my most cherished memories as a child include watching the Main Street Electrical Parade with my parents and little sister. The whimsical, sweet tune has swirled through my mind for decades. In fact, there are so many nostalgic places along Main Street, U.S.A. where I pause and take it all in…
~ I like to stop for a moment outside the Disneyland Fire Station and admire the light on in Walt Disney’s apartment just above the station. This lamp has remained on since Walt left this world to remind us that his spirit still shines bright. Pausing here reminds me what an incredible visionary Walt was. It’s inspiring to see how the Imagineers continue to balance the new with the old. Magical.
~ When facing Sleeping Beauty Castle, I wander to the right side into Snow White Grotto. This is a tranquil, cozy little spot with less foot traffic and great views of the castle (including less obstructed photos!) You’ll also find a Wishing Well (proceeds go to children’s charities), marble figurines of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and peaceful melodies playing softly in the background. It is one of my favorite places to slow down, eat my Disney snack and take a break!
~ I look forward to my comfort meal at
Jolly Holiday Bakery Café - the Jolly Holiday Combo! This includes a Toasted Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Basil Soup. The baked goods are also practically perfect and lovely to enjoy with a hot coffee or cocoa. There is plenty of outdoor seating to grab a table and enjoy the sights and sounds of Main Street, U.S.A..
By the way, something unique to Disneyland Resort - Disney Genie+ includes Disney PhotoPass, so stop and take the photos by the castle and other spots so you can enjoy the downloads!
Also, look out for the next episode of the planDisney Podcast coming soon, it’s full of tips about Disneyland Resort!
Tamara, I hope your first trip to Disneyland Resort is absolutely magical. Come back with more questions, you have a friend in me!
Kamini