Dining in Disneyland columnist Heather Sievers shares a photo tour of her Disneyland Star Tours 5K route and brings us along to breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace after the race!

When, several months ago, I signed my family up for the Disneyland “Star Tours” Family Fun Run 5K, I didn’t really think that we’d actually be running.  I thought it might be a fast walking, behind the scenes look at Disneyland & California Adventure’s backstage areas.  You know, fast enough to burn a few calories, but slow enough to take photos?

So, when my husband decided that the four of us were going to kick it into high gear and run, I got a little nervous — nervous that I was going to miss something cool as we jetted (exaggeration) through the course.  At least I knew that I was running for rewards: a cool medal and some fun snacks, followed by my first breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace.

The Starting Line and Star Tours 5K

Our journey started early at the tram roundabout near the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure.  A jedi master stood at the start line and wished us well, sending us off to the tunes of the cheery Cantina Scene music.

We couldn’t run yet as the crowds of people still had to disperse.  Instead of taking the tram route, we were lead into the backstage gate on the left where we got a great look at the fabrication shop.  We saw several attraction pieces getting mini makeovers.

I really wished that I could have nosed around for a bit, but we had to keep moving; and at this point, my husband decided there was enough room to kick it into high gear.

We ran past the Sign Shop and the Staff Shop before entering into Critter Country.

We then passed the Haunted Mansion and were led through a backstage tunnel that took us by the back of the Storybook Canal (we saw where the boats sleep!) as well as the Roundhouse Facility where they work on the trains and monorail. They even had one of the trains out to greet us.

The route continued on past the train tracks and the “Agrifuture” sign and we were then running through Fantasyland.

It was pretty amazing to see the rides completely empty.

I made my family stop to take a photo in front of the castle, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve never seen a photo in front of the castle with no one else in the background. It was like we had the whole place to ourselves.

After passing the castle, we jogged down Main Street USA and then exited the park where we were guided to another backstage area.  We passed by the Cast Member News Stand where we hit Mile 2, and then filed into a tunnel that led to California Adventure’s backstage.

Here we got to see a dissected Heimlich from his “Chew Chew Train” as well as the backside of Carsland and the Carsland Team Imagineering Office.

We also saw pieces of California Screamin’, empty concession carts, and the Fire Department (excuse the blurry photo, I was running!).

After passing the Fire Department, we were led right onto Paradise Pier. We followed it along past the Silly Symphony Swings where we caught a glimpse of the Mile 3 marker and the Finish Line.

Here, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, & Donald cheered everyone on while dressed in their finest Jedi costumes.

As soon as we crossed the finish line, volunteers gave us our Starspeeder medals and we were directed to the post-race “snack” area in front of Grizzly River Run.

There were several tables lining the “road.”  Banana-filled tables, Cliff Bar-filled tables, and tables with bottled water.

We grabbed some snacks (the cool mint chocolate Cliff Bars were really tasty) and posed for a family photo with our medals.

After eating a banana and “dropping our debris,” we exited next to Soarin’ Over California into Downtown Disney where we continued on to the main event: Breakfast.

Breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace

A counter service eatery located in the Disneyland Hotel right next to the Monorail Pool, I’d visited Tangaroa Terrace a few times for lunch.  Since we we still had to check out of our room at the Disneyland Hotel, this was the perfect place to grab breakfast before heading out.

We started off at the self order kiosk (see our past review for kiosk details) where we decided to share a variety of menu items.

All meals are made to order at Tangaroa, so after placing our order we chose a nice table outside (the indoor seating is pretty limited and the ambiance outside is quite nice).  You are given a number to put on your table and your food is brought out to you.  So I guess this is actually a counter/table service meal…

I chose the French Toast, which was really tasty.  Topped with warm banana caramel sauce (pretty much banana tasting syrup), sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, the meal was more like dessert than breakfast.

I loved the fact that the toast was more on the crisp side and not soggy at all.  The French Toast also came with a side of bacon.  Although I donated my side of bacon to my oldest son, the bacon lover, I can assure you that every piece was eaten, so it must have been good.

We also ordered the Breakfast Wrap, which consisted of scrambled eggs, ham, avocado, and shredded cheese in a whole wheat wrap.  Another great choice, the wrap was a hit.

I have a huge pet peeve with soggy breakfast food, and the wrap was perfectly cooked.  The outside was actually a little crisp, which made biting into it really nice. The different textures of the crisp wrap and the soft, but not soggy, insides was a great combination.

The Breakfast Wrap came with a side of roasted potatoes that were also a nice accompaniment.

My oldest son went for the Kid’s French Toast, which was sprinkled with powdered sugar, served with bacon and fresh fruit (grapes).

This is a smaller portioned “kid” version of the entree as it does not come with the banana caramel sauce or sliced bananas.  My son did try the “adult” version and preferred his “normal” French Toast.

For our youngest, we actually ordered the Adult Breakfast Platter thinking that we’d “share” some of his meal.  For only $1 more, you actually get quite a bit more food than the “kid” version.

The Breakfast Platter comes with scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted potatoes, and a biscuit.  All items were your standard breakfast fare and cooked to perfection.

Just for kicks, we decided to get an order of the Grilled Cinnamon Spiced Oatmeal Cakes.  These are served with Island Fruit Compote topped with plain Greek Yogurt.

My husband did not like these at all, my kids wouldn’t even try them, and I thought they were so-so.  The texture was a little bit funky to me and the “spice” taste was pretty overpowering.  I felt like I was eating Christmas.  Sort of a potpourri sachet type of flavor… I did enjoy the Island Fruit Compote though.

There was only one breakfast meal that we did not try — the Egg White Vegetable & Tofu Bake, which appeared to be a pretty healthy alternative to my dessert … I mean French Toast breakfast.  The Tofu Bake includes silken tofu, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions & cheese topped with a sauteed mushroom tomato vinaigrette, and is served with fresh fruit.  A great vegetarian option.

Looking to grab a quick breakfast bite?  Tangaroa Terrace also has whole fresh fruits, yogurt parfaits, individual boxes of dry cereal, and lots of baked goods to choose from.

Overall

Overall, I really enjoyed breakfast at Tangaroa Terrace.  The food was excellent, the ambiance was relaxing, it was clean, and we experienced excellent service.  If you’re looking for a quiet breakfast before heading into the parks for the day, I say take a little visit to Tangaroa Terrace.