I’ve written about each before, but in anticipation of the upcoming runDisney race season, I thought I might compile my favorite celebration spots (you can see my priorities) in all three running venues. Whether Walt Disney World, Disneyland (I can still dream!), and Disneyland Paris, here’s the top spots to celebrate runDisney contests. Let’s call it training incentive… Salivate away!
Top Spots to Celebrate runDisney
Brunch at the Top
Walt Disney World
I have a new favorite! California Grill’s Brunch at the Top now gets my gold medal at this park. Perfect for that immediate gratification, this has everything a tired, ravenous, and jubilant runner is looking for; unlimited food, a signature brunch cocktail (though for this record, I enjoyed complimentary Mimosas throughout my meal), live classical/Disney music, and that view… (Not to mention the view of Chef Dennis Thompson’s show kitchen.) I must confess, it was so novel to experience the California Grill in the light of day! Here is how your party of winners will be serenaded at the door.
Didn’t we just run through that castle?!!
View from “The Top!”
I almost forgot, you’ll be hungry.
Held every Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (don’t dally post race!!) this brunch will set you back $80, but for the expansive self-serve buffet selections and menu items (my Eggs Benedict with Butter-Poached Maine Lobster were perfection) and ATMOSPHERE, I felt the price was justified. How much did you spend on that race again??
Disneyland
Headed to the Left Coast, for me, the choice remains the same. Let’s be real, in this Disney park, nothing says special celebration like Club 33.
But if you are not one of the Chosen Ones (or friends with one), my next vote still goes to Napa Rose’s Chef’s Counter. Located in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you and 13 other lucky Guests can watch Disneyland’s renown star Chef Andrew Sutton “perform” for you. You get to eat and drink too! Choose from 2 seatings, 5:30 and 8:30 pm, expect to park yourself for 3 hours, and thoroughly enjoy your 5-course meal. (I completely suggest you add the wine pairings for a complete “You did it!” experience.) The cost of the meal is $100, and the pairing with add another $45 to your bill, but again- how much did you spend on your race??! This dining adventure truly comes with a side of entertainment, or perhaps it is the other way around…
Disneyland Paris
Last but not least are the offerings at Disneyland Paris. Perhaps you may have heard that the Parisienne food here is not. Very. Parisienne. But putting that aside, for my miles, no meal tops that presented at the restaurant that is Walt Disney’s namesake. Second only to the original Club 33 in its Walt memorabilia and tributes to THE man himself, you may feel as though you are eating in the Disneys’ living room.
Walt’s- an American Restaurant foyer.
With sweet views of Main Street, U.S.A., Walt’s- an American Restaurant is reminiscent of Disneyland’s Dream Suite, the apartment he and Lillian had planned above New Orleans Square. The dining areas are themed to model Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoverland (Disneyland Paris’ answer to Tomorrowland), the Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Canyon, and Frontierland.
Unfortunately, this restaurant has limited hours. During last year’s race weekend, the latest reservation I could procure was 5:30 pm. Soooo, go for a lunch extraordinaire! Although a la carte is available, the more sensible way to go is prix fixe. For starter, entree, and dessert, Walt’s Menu is 49.99 Euro, Premium Menu is 59.99 Euro, and Signature Menu is 69.99 Euro. The quality of the food is as good as you will find on this property, though the quantity may leave American runner tummies wanting more. Compare with other choices at The Best Restaurants to Celebrate Your Disneyland Paris Half Marathon.
There you have it, for my (many) pennies, these top spots to celebrate runDisney events will not disappoint. Remember the mantra, you earned it!!!
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