I've eaten here a few times over the years, but most recently we booked a Hungry Bear fantasmic package, so this review will be for that. In general, Hungry Bear is one the cheaper and quicker options for a more filling meal that won't break your wallet. There's nice outdoor seating that overlooks the water and plenty of options for kids.
In regards to the Fantasmic package, I'm going to have to say that it wasn't worth it for us. I booked it a few weeks in advance. If you want to book one of these packages, whether it's here or Blue Bayou, get it ASAP. I was surprised to see all three packages offered only two weeks out from when we were visiting. If you're going over a holiday or generally busy time, get it as soon as you can because these packages will and do sell out.
Hungry Bear is the cheapest package they offer, and that's because the food is pretty mediocre. You get a TV dinner type tray and have a few options to pick from, one being vegetarian (not vegan). My wife got the chicken tray and I had the sloppy joe. If you don't like any of the offerings, you can get a cheeseburger instead.
With the trays, you get a drink of your choice, a side and dessert that are preselected. So mine came with a brownie and broccoli. You can pick from soda, hot chocolate, coffee or tea as your drinks. I got the hot chocolate, which was actually quite good and very warm. It was super cold out, so that was the best choice imo lol
The sloppy joe was alright, not great. It's good for what it is and something I'd normally eat but not worth it for the steep price of $35 per tray. If you're getting this package though, we all know you're doing it for the ticket and not because you expect some five course over the top meal. If you want excellent food, Blue Bayou is the better option. My wife said the chicken wasn't great. It was dry, mostly bone, and you couldn't taste the sauce on it.
I don't think the spots you get with the tickets are worth it either. What I didn't realize is that you're required to sit on the ground and if you're at the railings, they block your view of the show. So even though you can show up 45 minutes or whatever it is before the show, I'd say it's better to sit as far back as you can so you can actually see. Regardless having that spot for the show was nice, but I wouldn't do it again. I'd rather take my chances and show up early without buying a...
Read moreCan't believe I spent the money I did for two tasteless and overcooked hamburgers, along with two orders of lukewarm french fires. My wife and I were waiting in line at the Haunted Mansion (approximately 2 hours) and we were both hungry. I opted to use the mobile service to order the food from Hungry Bear, believing it would be the best use of my time. Boy was I wrong. The mobile app provides you with a window to have them prepare the food and I was able to walk to the restaurant and wait for five minutes before I could activate my order. And then, i waited. I watched the people in the walk-up line move faster and get their food quicker than I was able to do. At the time my phone finally told me the order was ready, I found myself getting elbowed by the ten other people who had made mobile orders. My order was confirmed at one window and then I was directed to move my immediate left. Unfortunately, this puts you directly in the path of the walk-up patrons who had their food and were making their way to the tables closest to the Rivers of America. I watched the employee behind the mobile pick-up window incorrectly fill FIVE of FIVE orders, the last being mine. The food was lukewarm at best by the time I had it in my hands. As I walked back to the Haunted Mansion, i held the food out in the sun hoping that it would warm the food, or at least keep it from getting colder. Side note - that didn't work. Back at the Haunted Mansion and found my wife and myself choking down this horrible food that was poorly presented and just nasty. I didn't expect a five-star meal from the Hungry Bear, but the food I purchased was so far below standard based on taste and delivery that I will avoid this place even if I'm starving. PS - the mobile order service, at least for this place, was flawed as it took more time to order it on my phone than it would have to order through the...
Read moreI'm happy to welcome the new Hungry Bear Barbeque Jamboree! Although I enjoyed some of the food before the change, I'm glad the park has a BBQ option since Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue closed many years ago. I'll be honest: I'm wary of BBQs in amusement parks, as they tend to be hit-and-miss or, some days, better than others.
The revamped menu has some delectable BBQ options, vegetarian and allergy-conscious items, desserts, and kids' meals. On my first visit, I ordered the Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with Beer-battered Fries. The brisket sandwich had a delicious and smokey flavor, with a soft toasted bun to hold all the goods. Unfortunately, my brisket was a little on the dry side. After adding more BBQ sauce, I still devoured the whole thing, but I would have enjoyed it more if it were a more tender and juicy brisket. BBQ can be a hit or miss; hopefully, I'll get a better cut next time. The pulled pork sandwich or combo platter would be popular options I can't wait to try.
The Beer-battered Fries were a nice change from the average fries that were available before. I love the crispy, seasoned texture, and it goes well with my ketchup-mayo with pepper dip or BBQ sauce. There are plenty of condiments to pair with your meal and ample seating on two levels with views of the Rivers of America.
A few new specialty drinks are available, and I tried the Sparkling Strawberry-Pickle Lemonade, which was a refreshing choice. The pickle flavor is subtle alongside the strawberry flavor, but the pickle spear is a delicious touch.
As with many of the restaurants in Disneyland, Hungry Bear will be able to offer seasonal items throughout the year. I can't wait to see what they create next.
Stand-by and mobile ordering is available for lunch and dinner. Magic Key pass holders can also apply their discounts here. I hope to try...
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