Almost Free Traveling

There’s something to be said for making Disney Dining reservations ahead–ensuring you can enjoy sit-down meals during a Disney vacation–but there’s also enjoying the flexibility of simply eating when you feel hungry in the parks. Because we love saving money, travel hacking and maximizing our park days, we typically skip reservations, mobile order food and enjoy Disney quick-service options.

Before we get into a review of our top three QS Disneyland restaurants, let’s talk about maximixing your credit card points when dining in the parks.

Cards to Use at Disney

It’s hard to redeem points for food at Disneyland, but it’s easy to earn 3x dining miles on specific credit cards: here are two we recommend.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

One of the many reasons we recommend starting with this card is because Chase will stop issuing credit cards to individuals once you’ve opened 5 cards from ANY bank within a 24 month period (it’s called the 5/24 rule). For that reason, you’ll want to open Chase cards before any others.

Now is a great time to open this card, because the sign-up bonus is elevated: open a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (that’s $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®). For only a $95 annual fee, you’ll earn 3x points on dining.

Citi Premier Card

(FYI this is not the highest I’ve seen this welcome bonus–I’ve seen it at 80,000 before). Open a Citi Premier® Card and earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. With only a $95 annual fee, earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants.

Put all your food purchases inside the parks on one of these cards, and you’ll maximize your earning while you vacation! And now onto our three favorite Disneyland counter-service options:

Bengal BBQ in Adventureland

Right across the way from Indiana Jones, Bengal BBQ serves one of our favorite Disneyland meals: pork belly skewers.

On the more expensive side, the Bengal Rice Plate comes with two skewers, Jasmine Rice and Citrus-Miso Slaw (you can also purchase skewers ala carte for around $6/each).

Even if you mobile order Bengal BBQ–which we did–you may have to stand in line to pick up your order during your window, so plan accordingly. There also isn’t a lot of seating inside, so send someone ahead to scout out tables, or take your food and eat across the way at Tropical Hideaway:

Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland

Nestled between the Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise, the atmosphere pairs well with the cuisine. We ate lunch or snacks several times in this bright, airy restaurant boasting lots of seating; like most quick service dining areas, you can bring in outside food, and eat as you watch boats navigate the jungle cruise.

There’s something for everyone, including several types of bao & lumpia, and a variety of dole whip flavors.

If you’re hungry for heartier fare in a marine setting, head over to New Orlean’s Square:

Harbor Galley at Pelican’s Landing on the Rivers of America

Pelican’s landing is a new dining platform on The Rivers of America, across from Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square.

We mobile-ordered food from the adjacent Harbor Galley; I held a table while the rest of my group rode Haunted Mansion. We enjoyed the Lobster Roll & Lobster Mac N Cheese:

Watch the various ships and canoes make their circuit around Tom Sawyer’s Island while you dine, and don’t forget to grab complimentary ice water from Harbor Galley or any other restaurant in Disneyland.

You might like: Where to find water in Disneyland/California Adventure

TAKEAWAYS

With these three quick-service options available, don’t stress about reservations at a fancy Disneyland restaurant; mobile order your food and spend your time having fun at park attractions instead!

Learn more about how we travel for almost free on Instagram @almostfreetraveling and join the conversation on facebook.com/almostfreetraveling

Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.