As someone who has spent countless hours exploring the culinary delights of Disneyland over the years, I must say that my recent visit to the Hungry Bear BBQ Jamboree was nothing short of magical! While I’ve always been skeptical about quick-service restaurants in theme parks due to their hit-or-miss menus and service speeds, this gem has managed to turn my skepticism into delight.
Generally, people tend to prioritize finding the best rides at Disneyland during their visits, but for me, it’s all about the food. I’m always on the hunt for the most delicious dishes in Disneyland, and over the years, I’ve come to know the spots pretty well. So, you can imagine my shock when a restaurant that I typically wouldn’t consider noteworthy moved up near the top of my list during my last visit.
A while ago, Disneyland’s Critter Country’s Hungry Bear Restaurant shut down temporarily and has since reopened as the Hungry Bear BBQ Jamboree. I recently visited it when I was nearby exploring Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that just debuted in the park, and I was delighted to enjoy some tasty dishes there.
Few Theme Park Quick Service Restaurants Really Impress Me
Initially, let me clarify that one reason for my dislike of the old Hungry Bear is because quick-service restaurants in theme parks seldom leave an impression on me. When I’m at a theme park, I usually opt for quick bites to eat on-the-go, such as a Frontierland breakfast chimichanga or a Dole Whip cup. Alternatively, I prefer to dine at a table where someone takes my order, allowing me to unwind over a leisurely meal. Quick-service restaurants tend to be too sluggish when I’m in a hurry and too swift when I want a sit-down experience.
Additionally, I often find the offerings on quick-service menus to lack imagination. While Disneyland and other theme parks offer a variety of truly innovative and delicious dishes, these are typically found in premium meals or creative snacks/desserts. At quick-service restaurants, you’ll usually encounter more traditional sandwiches, burgers, and similar items. Frankly, I can find such food at any regular restaurant. If I’m going to spend theme park prices on food, I expect it to be special in terms of creativity, if not flavor.
Whenever I visit fast food establishments, I prefer to utilize them as self-service spots. The invention of mobile ordering allows me to stroll into Docking Bay 7, pick up a Cold Brew Black Coffee without having to wait in line.
The Hungry Bear Restaurant Just Did Nothing Special
Last time I dined at the Hungry Bear Restaurant, I’m not sure of the exact date, but let me tell you, it didn’t leave a particularly memorable impression. The menu seemed quite ordinary, offering sandwiches, burgers, and steaks that are commonplace in most chain restaurants. In fact, these dishes can be found elsewhere at Disneyland, and I believe they are offered with equal or even superior quality compared to my experience at Hungry Bear.
Additionally, since Hungry Bear is situated at the cul-de-sac of Critter Country, it made little sense for me to venture there unless I intended to take a ride on Splash Mountain (previously known as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure). Frankly, the food wasn’t enticing enough to make the trip worthwhile.
To be honest, I’d only heard wonderful stories about the Hungry Bear BBQ Jamboree. But honestly, it surpassed all my expectations.
The Hungry Bear BBQ Jamboree Is Different And Delicious
The Hungry Bear BBQ, reminiscent of its previous eatery neighbor – the Country Bear Jamboree, echoes this history with a blend of music from both iterations of the show, including the contemporary country renditions of Disney tunes played at Magic Kingdom now. Decorative elements and artistic touches are scattered throughout the building, yet the main attraction remains the delicious food on offer.
A total menu overhaul can significantly enhance a restaurant’s appeal, transforming it from serving just sandwiches and burgers to a full barbecue establishment. The main attraction now is a smoky barbecue combo platter, which offers tantalizing options such as pulled pork, beef brisket, spareribs, or sausage links. Additionally, sandwiches made with pulled pork or beef brisket are also on the menu for those who prefer a more traditional option.
Unsure if I could finish a full barbecue platter, I opted for the brisket sandwich instead, along with beer-battered fries, strawberry shortcake lemonade, and the latest banana pudding. As expected, it all tasted excellent.
While I’m not claiming Hungry Bear surpasses your beloved hometown BBQ spot, it certainly raises the bar compared to what was previously there. The brisket was tender and flavorful, the BBQ sauce had a tangy kick without being overly sweet – a rarity in theme park cuisine. I couldn’t resist devouring that sandwich.
At the venue, the Strawberry Shortcake Lemonade, one of their iconic beverages, was quite enjoyable. Reminiscent of the Galaxy’s Edge Black Caf, it boasts a layer of creamy sweetness adorned with shortcake crumbs and strawberry powder, enriching the traditional strawberry lemonade with an intriguing complexity in taste and texture.
Without a doubt, banana pudding is a delight that many have admired before me, and it’s likely to continue winning hearts in the future. It’s built with alternating layers of crumbled wafer cookies, creamy dulce de leche, ripe bananas, and whipped cream, all crowned with crispy toffee chips. Expect this scrumptious dessert to become a frequent item on my mobile ordering list from now on.
As a devoted Disneyland enthusiast, I’ve been longing for the delightful aroma of sizzling barbecue ever since Big Thunder Ranch bid its farewell to make room for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The rumor that the coleslaw at Hungry Bear now serves the same recipe as what was once served at Big Thunder has my heart racing with excitement! It’s a joyous moment indeed, relishing in its return and savouring its exceptional taste.
I’m Still Not Sold On Quick Service, But Hungry Bear BBQ Is Worth The Time
The Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree didn’t entirely shift my perspective on quick-service dining at theme parks. Although I might still prefer a more laid-back ambiance if I’m to enjoy a full meal in a resort, even in a theme park. Since exploring a theme park can be quite hectic, finding moments of tranquility is crucial, which swift service options often lack.
From now on, when I’m at Disneyland and looking for something more substantial than a quick bite, I’ll likely opt for the Hungry Bear restaurant. It offers some scrumptious dishes and currently has one of the best quick-service menus in Disneyland.
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2024-11-19 04:08