Earlier this year while attending the TECHmunch LA conference at Disneyland, I had the opportunity to learn about Disneyland dining options. As often as my family goes to Disneyland, I already considered myself a Disney food expert but was blown away by all the new food I discovered during the conference. Visiting Disneyland with out my daughter allowed me to spend more time in a few park restaurants with friends. With my family we are big fans of quick dining options like the Hungry Bear Restaurant or the River Belle Terrace but with new favorite dining spots like the Cafe Orleans, I plan to introduce my family to unique dining experiences during our next visit.
I have heard of the famous Cafe Orleans Monte Cristo sandwich and was looking forward to lunch with a couple of good friends, Sara from Mom Endeavors and Sara from Clever Pink Pirate.
The casual restaurant features dark wood, brass fixtures, and stained glass creating an atmosphere reminiscent of New Orleans. Decor includes the exact espresso machine that brewed Walt’s favorite cup of coffee each morning. Seating is both indoors and outside. The perfect weather had us sitting outside with a great view of the Mark Twain Riverboat.
Since dining at Disneyland with out children felt like a treat for all of us, we chose to order an appetizer, sandwiches, and dessert. Our meal began with the Pommes Frites appetizer.
Pommes Frites
Traditional French Fried Potatoes tossed with Parmesan, Garlic, and Parsley served with Cajun Spice Rémoulade
The warm fries covered in parmesan, garlic, and parsley are delicious. The sauce was not spicy and accompanies the appetizer perfectly. The appetizer was bigger than expected and plenty for our table of three to share.
Next our main entrees arrived. Between the three of us, we shared two sandwiches: the traditional Monte Cristo and the Three-Cheese Monte Cristo.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Sliced Turkey, Ham, and Swiss fried in a light batter and served with Berry Purée dusted with Powdered Sugar
The fried batter in the menu description interested me but I wasn’t sure I would like the berry purée or powdered sugar on the sandwich. The sandwich was plated nicely with fresh fruit and just a light dusting of powdered sugar. One bite and I was convinced I had been missing out my entire life.
Being skeptical of the berry purée, I first only dipped a small bite of the sandwich in the sauce. I then quickly smothered my entire piece of sandwich with purée because it was delicious. The large sandwich is fantastic but I am happy I had friends with me to share and leave room for the rest of our meal.
I was sure the previous sandwich couldn’t be topped but then the Three-Cheese Monte Cristo arrived to our table.
Three-Cheese Monte Cristo
Swiss, Mozzarella, and Double Crème Brie fried in a light batter and served with Berry Purée dusted with Powdered Sugar
The Monte Cristo sandwich with out the turkey and ham felt much lighter but was equally delicious.
The sandwich tasted amazing dipped in the berry purée.
We were all quite full from our Pomme Frites appetizer and both Monte Cristo sandwiches but we opted to complete our meal with dessert. The mickey-shaped beignets are a must when visiting the Cafe Orleans in Disneyland!
Mickey-shaped Beignets
topped with Powdered Sugar served with House-made Fruit Coulis and Vanilla Bean Crème Anglaise
The picture speaks for itself. The lightly fried bread topped with powdered sugar was the perfect French dessert to finish our meal at Cafe Orleans.
And now to the big question, which Monte Cristo sandwich from Disneyland’s Cafe Orleans is my favorite?
I loved both sandwiches and my next order will definitely depend on the type of meal I’m seeking. Sitting down at a restaurant hungry after a long day in Disneyland, I would choose the traditional Monte Cristo. But if I’m looking for something lighter, I might opt for the Three-Cheese Monte Cristo. Regardless, I would definitely plan to bring a friend along because both sandwiches are big enough to share. Don’t forget to leave room for those famous mickey-shaped beignets for dessert!
Dining in Disneyland at the Cafe Orleans with two of my favorite friends was an unforgettable Disney experience.
The Cafe Orleans is located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square directly next to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Reservations are recommended and can be made in advance by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE. Our small group of three did have lunch reservations and experienced no wait when we arrived.
Which Monte Cristo will you order at the Cafe Orleans in Disneyland?
If you’re planning a visit to Disneyland with children, be sure to see Travel Tips: Disneyland with Infants and Toddlers.