Plaza Inn opening at Disneyland
Page 1 of 1

On Friday, June 18th, 1999 the Plaza Inn reopened to the public after a five month rehab, and what a rehab it was! The new Plaza Inn is beautiful. Crystal chandeliers, themed soda fountains and enclosed patios create an exquisite dining experience that you can believe Walt had in mind when he converted the Red Wagon Inn to the Plaza Inn in 1965.

The Plaza Inn experience begins even before you enter. There is now a greeter stationed outside the front door to tell you where the different types of food can be located inside. The greeter then holds the door open for you as you enter the foyer and are met by another greeter to make sure you get a tray and find everything ok. In the foyer are two paintings that were brought in from Disneyland Paris. They depict the Plaza Inn's sister restaurant in Paris in summer and winter. Over time they will be rotated with two others that depict the same scene in spring and fall.

In the center of the food area is a salad and dessert bar. Desserts, which are huge, are self serve. The cherry cobbler is highly recommended. The highlight of this area are the Cobb Salads which are continually made fresh right in front of you. On opening day it was "James, the King of Cobb Salad" making sure he let everyone know exactly how much of each ingredient went into every salad. James also made sure you could get a custom Cobb prepared if any of the ingredients did not suit you.

The main entrees include fried chicken with seasoned fries and coleslaw with almond slivers, some of the pastas that used to be served at the Plaza Pavilion across the street, and a new Disneyland treat called Kettle Favorites. Instead of the bread bowls that are offered at many of the other food locations, Kettle Favorites start with a puff pastry that is topped with vegetables, pot roast and vegetables or turkey and vegetables, each with its own sauce. The Turkey Kettle Favorite was the most popular at our table. Drinks are served from well themed soda fountains and coffee pots. Refills are given on soft drinks

Like Redd Rocket's Pizza Port, the Plaza Inn is organized as food stations. Guests approach the station they're interested in and pick out the dish they want. This enables guests to get their food much quicker than in the traditional buffeteria system employed at many other Disneyland restaurants. Many welcome this change since the Plaza Inn often had a line out the door during busy periods. Guests can dine in the beautiful interior of the Plaza with its very comfortable booths and tables, or outside on the patio. The patio offers a decent, albeit partially obstructed view of the parade route, and during the winter months outside heaters will be brought in to keep guests comfortable.

The Plaza Inn is located at the northwest corner of Main Street. It is currently open for lunch and dinner only. Breakfast will be served beginning July 2nd. Discounts for premium annual passports are given.

Menu

Chicken: Three pieces of chicken, fried to a golden brown, seasoned with distinctive herbs and spices, served with potato wedges, buttermilk biscuit and coleslaw flavored with slivered almonds. $10.99

Pasta: Choice of Spaghetti or Penne topped with Parmesan cheese, served with Italian bread and one of three flavorful sauces: Marinara, Bolognese (all beef sausage) or Chicken Pesto Alfredo sauce: $9.99

Kettle Favorites:
Turkey: Delicious turkey, vegetables and potatoes, topped with a savory sauce, server over a flaky puff pastry. $9.99
Pot Roast: A family favorite of pot roast, vegetables and potatoes, topped with a thick hearty sauce, server over a flaky puff pastry. $9.99
Vegetable: A mixture of vegetables and potatoes topped with a flavorful sauce, served over a flaky puff pastry. $9.99

Salads:
Cobb Salad: Fresh tossed greens with chicken, bacons, eggs, tomatoes and blue cheese dressing. $8.99
House Salad: Mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes and choice of dressing. $2.49

Mousekameals (kid's meals):
Chicken: Crisp golden chicken leg, potato wedges, apple sauce,. buttermilk biscuits and child's beverage.$4.99
Pasta: Choice of spaghetti or penne, Marinara or Bolognese sauce, served with Italian bread and child's beverage: $4.99

Desserts include Cherry Cobbler, Carrot Cake and Chocolate Cake, among others.

Pictures

-- Story and photographs by Doobie Moseley