Reader’s Choice: Disneyland

For the past two and a half years, readers have shared their
experiences at Disney resort-area hotels and restaurants by posting reviews
to our Restaurant and Hotel
Review System. Reviewers are asked to provide a rating between one
to five (in the form of planet symbols), and submit a detailed review
of their experience with each hotel or restaurant. In late 2004, we also
began to accept reviews for local ground transportation services.

To qualify for a Reader’s Choice Award, a hotel, restaurant or service
must have received at least three reviews, with an average score of 4.5
planets or better. In the event of a tie, the establishment with the most
reviews receives the higher ranking. These awards are based entirely on
the reviews submitted by MousePlanet readers and staff.

The award winners in the hotel and restaurant categories are listed below,
along with their average score and a notable quote from one of the reviewers.
We recognize Disneyland Resort-area hotels and restaurants today, with
the Walt Disney World-area hotels and restaurants recognized next week.
Ground transportation services will be recognized starting with the 2005
awards.

Most Popular Disneyland-Area Hotels

First Place: Howard
Johnson Plaza Hotel

• Location: 1380 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
  
• Description: An off-property hotel on nearby Harbor Boulevard, within
  reasonable walking distance.
  
• Average Rating: 4.6
  
• Number of reviews: 29
  
• Notable reader comments:
  
  
  
  • “I think it is a hotel that caters to families best.”
  • “If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the
    freeway.”

Second Place: Disneyland
Hotel

• Location: 1150 Magic Way
  
• Description: The original on-property hotel of the Disneyland Resort.
  
• Average Rating: 4.6
  
• Number of reviews: 23
  
• Notable reader comments:
  
  
  
  • “I loved the Mickey soaps and all the Disney touches throughout
    our room including the glowing Pixie Dust.”
  • “Because of the proximity of this hotel to the parks and
    quality of the room and room service, we would never stay off-site.

Most Popular Disneyland-Area Restaurants

First Place: Carnation
Café

• Location: Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A.
  
• Description: Breakfast, lunch and dinner served in an open-air patio
  along Main Street.
  
• Average Rating: 4.8
  
• Number of reviews: 13
  
• Notable reader comment: “We love the location (for people watching)
  and the service.”
  

Second Place: Whitewater
Snacks

• Location: In the Grand Californian Hotel
  
• Description: Counter service restaurant featuring burgers, pizza,
  light fare.
  
• Average Rating: 4.8
  
• Number of reviews: 5
  
• Notable reader comment: “Without a doubt the best-kept
  secret for either resort.”
  

Third Place: ESPN
Zone

• Location: At Downtown Disney
  
• Description: The Studio Grill serves fans and families alike.
  
• Average Rating: 4.7
  
• Number of reviews: 14
  
• Notable reader comment: “While the food at the ESPN Zone is average
  (at best), the novelty factor of being immersed in sports in the screening
  room makes the trip worthwhile.”
  

Fourth Place: (Tie) Hook’s
Pointe & Wine Cellar

• Location: At the Disneyland Hotel
  
• Description: Hook’s Pointe prepares meals on their signature mesquite
  grill. The basement Wine Cellar specializes in California vintages.
  
• Average Rating: 4.5
  
• Number of reviews: 4
  
• Notable reader comment: “The outstanding food, paired with the
  out-of-this-world customer service make it a good place for a special
  meal.”
  

Fourth Place: (Tie) Strips,
Dips, n’ Chips

• Location: At Disney’s California Adventure park
  
• Description: Chicken Strips, fries, and a variety of dipping sauces
  are served up at this boardwalk snack stand.
  
• Average Rating: 4.5
  
• Number of reviews: 4
  
• Notable reader comment: “If you like fish and chips, you really
  have to give this place a try.”