Hi Tracey!
Welcome, and thank you for bringing this Disneyland Resort planning question to us hEAR at the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
I think you'll be happy to know that Disneyland Resort has really stepped up its food game recently in many, many ways. The classics like hand-dipped corn dogs and Walt's famous fried chicken are still around, but you'll also find multiple fresh fruit carts, plant based entree items, even menu items that are as social media share worthy as they are delicious. There are so many
Disney Dining Locations and options now that I like to say that Disney is practically now an
Eat Park too!
Some of my favorite
Table-Service dining locations are Carnation Cafe, Storytellers Cafe, Wine Country Trattoria, and Cafe Orleans. But definitely check today for availability at any of these as reservations are able to be made 60 days in advance and are highly recommended.
Quick-Service options that my Mouseketeer and I both agree on are Plaza Inn, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Bengal Barbecue, Flo's V8 Cafe, and Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. Something that's been introduced since your last visit is
Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering; we actually like to use this feature to order and pick up a quick-service option for my son from a place that he likes and take it to a location that I like. So if you see a table eating a personal sized pizza at
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, that's me and my son. We most definitely picked it up from Red Rose Tavern and brought it with us to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge so I can enjoy my new favorite dish, the Batuuan Beef Pot Roast.
Don't forget that your Disney Theme Park Ticket allows you to leave the park and re-enter later in the day, so you can also take advantage of the great options in the
Downtown Disney District. One of our long-time favorites is Earl of Sandwich for their big selection of sandwiches, wraps and salads. But Black Tap Craft Burgers & Tap is our new go-to; their burgers are good, their chicken tenders are great, and their CrazyShakes are unbelievable. And what I love about the locations in Downtown Disney is that you don't have to go back through bag check!
Lastly, your visit happens to coincide with the start of the annual
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! Take a look at the awesome
Foodie Guide to this festival that the Disney Parks Blog put together. You could very easily Mobile Order meals for your kids and then you and your parents partake in some of the dishes from these marketplace kiosks for a super fun 'Taste of Disney!'
I hope that this gave you some great ideas to plan your upcoming Disney Day, Tracey, and We'll See You Real Soon!
~Kristen