Anahiem / Disney Gardenwalk is a fairly new mini-mall with some great options that locals and tourists are all sure to enjoy. And because Garden walk is located just across S-Harbor Blvd from the main park it doesn’t require a car or even a lot of energy to get to. So whether you want a good meal, a good drink or an escape here’s what you’ve got.

PF Changs - It’s not authentic chinese but boy it sure is good. Really good. PF Changs makes a perfect lunch or dinner spot and can be shared family style with a group. They also have a large and fully stocked bar. Prices start at about $15 per plate. Expect another $6-10 per drink.

CPK (California Pizza Kitchen) - The name says it all, except not really. CPK is a California favorite that does a mean BBQ Pizza (yum), pasta, and a number of other dishes. Drinks at the bar too. Prices start at $15.

The Cheesecake Factory – Like CPK the name is misleading. They do have cheesecake and it is killer but they also have a book (yes it seriously is a book) of other options. From complex pasta dishes to burgers to chinese food (there’s some) they make it. Not every dish is worth returning for but there’s many good ones. Meals start at about $10 per plate and about $15 for anything above the basics.

McCormick & Schmicks Grill - If you missed that Blue Beyua reservation you’re still in luck. McCormick’s is known for their steak and seafood and while it’s pricier than most of the other options it’s a great vibe, has a full bar and wonderful service. There are some deals on the menu but don’t plan to escape for less than $25 a person and more like $40

Roy’s – A Hawaiian classic Roy’s is all about Fusion and does it well. They have a more limited menu and are on the high end of the Garden Walk priceline but it’s one of those places you should definitely try, especially if Hawaii isn’t in the cards this year. Expect to pay $25 and up per plate.

Bubba Gumps – Now found all over the place Bubba Gump’s does a lot of shrip and seafood along with burgers and sandwiches. It’s lots of fun, very casual and makes a great mixed drink. Prices start at $10 for a burger.

Johnny Rockets- Not as upscale as some of the other options this is the suburban version of the classic 50s diner and has the same great burgers, fries and shakes they must have had when the park first opened. Prices start at about $10 per plate.

Besides the names we mentioned here you’ll find a couple of grab and go places including a Sbarro Pizza, La Salsa Mexican food, Hawaiin, Japanese and more. There’s also several options for a tasty snack or pick me up coffee.

You can find all the options at http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/dining/

Ok in all seriousness we all know that we have to be a little healthier even on vacation and Disneyland gets that. So whether you just want to cut a few calories for dessert or are trying to dine healthy there are some options that will fit.

For breakfast look past the pancakes and muffins and stop by just about any of the cafes for parfaits or a bowl of cereal. If you want something a little heartier try the restaurants in downtown Disney or across the park at places like Mimi’s café where you’ll find eggs, toast, and fruit salads.
As the day goes on and you get a little hungry look for fruit and veggie snacks on Main Street and at the vendor stand in the back of Fantasyland.

Expect to pay a few dollars for a banana or apple and about 8 bucks for a tuna or turkey sandwich so if you want to save a few bucks and eat healthy bring your own. It’s perfectly acceptable.
On the subject of your own food – we always try and grab a few pieces of fruit, a granola bar or two and a couple bottles of water. That way when the hunger starts there’s an option other than funnel cake that doesn’t cost more than a full meal. If you really want to stretch things pack some sandwiches in tin foil and they’ll be good for a few hours.

Our favorite choice for a heavier meal is the chef salads offered at the Carination Café. Packed with literally scoops of chicken, egg, tomato and other fresh items these salads are difficult to finish with any hunger level. Just be sure to sub out the calorie heavy dressing with something else. The Carination Café also has pasta dishes if you aren’t in the salad mood.

For other options you’ll find chicken burgers and turkey sandwiches at the Buzz Light Year Café in the main park, a variety of sandwiches and soups in the pier at California Adventure. If you’re willing to spend a few more dollars the Blue Beau and some of the other restaurants have grilled chicken breast and fish dishes.

After you’ve finished with the meals you can grab a caramel apple for a sweet snack – it’s not perfect but it’s a lot better than ice cream. Of course after being so healthy we suggest having the ice cream. After all you are on vacation (and walking an awful lot).

Yummy Lunch – Chicken strips are always a great option and not just for kids. While many places offer them, our favorite is the Stage Coach Café, a little shop in adventure land right by the boat launch.  The chicken strips run for about $8 and include a small portion of fries, a side of bbq or ranch sauce and all the ketchup you want. They also sell mozzarella sticks and fish and chips as well as funnel cake.

Yummy Dinner – If you’re looking for a nice sit down meal consider the Blue Bayou restaurant located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The quiet and cool atmosphere combined with the quality food makes this a popular pick for couples and groups. While the food is some of the best you’ll find in the park (think mahi mahi, steak, etc…) it’s also probably the most expensive and one of the most popular (our favorite when we have the time). Reservations are almost always required for dinner and can be booked before the park even opens so consider calling in advance.

For something more casual but still seated consider Cafe Orleans or River Belle Terrace. Both serve a variety of sandwiches and hot entrees with a little flare. Prices are in the $10-20 range. There can be a wait so check in and take another ride while you let the time pass.  Check the menus to see what’s been offered currently but generally either will have something to please most appetites and both have great outdoor seating for views of the water and any shows that happening to be going on.

The Pizza Port located in Tomorrow Land is even more casual with open tables and kiosk service. This restaurant offers more traditional Disneyland food including burgers, pizza and pasta. You can also find a variety of salads and chicken sandwiches on the other side of the building.

Healthy Options – The Plaza Inn serves a decent fried chicken and tasty pasta but if you’re looking to save the calories for desert they have a massive, fresh and even well priced (about $10) chicken chef’s salad which comes tossed in a ranch dressing or can be customized with your choice  chicken, bacon, tomato, cheese, hardboiled egg and dressing.  The salad is big enough to split for two medium appetites.  The Plaza Inn also offers a nice respite from the hustle of the park with cool temperatures indoors, ample outside seating, refills on soft drinks and enough space to generally let you stretch out.

Desert – Ice Cream is the mandatory desert for most guests and on Main Street there are two good places to get it. The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor shop which is attached to the larger candy shop offers the widest assortment of ice cream options from sundaes to chocolate dipped waffle cones. Unfortunately the crowds also flock to this location and lines can take 30 minutes or more. Luckily there’s a second and often overlooked option just down the street; the Main Street cone shop (look by the lockers) sells most of the same options as the larger shop but without the long lines (most of the time). Unfortunately they close down a lot earlier but when they are open it’s a great bet.

If Ice Cream isn’t your thing there’s just about everything else known to the world from funnel cake to caramel apples, fudge, chocolates, taffy, and on and on. You can find most of these at the Main Street shop but for funnel cake you’ll have to trek down to the Buzz Light Year Café in Tomorrow Land or the Stage Coach Café in Adventure Land.