UPDATE: Please note that the Tomorrowland Terrace has been redesigned; this location is now the Galactic Grill serving Star Wars-themed foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Greetings from THE FUTURE!!

Tomorrowland’s version of the Future, that is! We’re grabbing a quick bite at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Terrace (not to be confused with Disney World’s  seasonally open Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant). Would you believe I’ve never reviewed this spot for the blog before? Well, my recent trip out west for the kickoff of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration finally gave me an opportunity to change that. So, let’s blast off!

Atmosphere

The setup at Tomorrowland Terrace is fairly simple. It’s an outdoor spot, primarily, though the ordering area and a fair amount of seating are covered by an overhang.

You’ll see multiple lines form at ordering windows, so just look for the shortest one (usually it’s the one on the end).

Speaking of, when you are under cover in the seating area, it’s worth looking up to check out some of the cool, celestial detail.

Also, I was struck on this recent visit by the attention to detail in the choice of light fixtures for Disneyland’s counter service spots — specifically in the ordering areas. I totally want one of these in my house:

But, really, one of the major draws of the setting is the primo viewing of the Jedi Training Academy right here at the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage!

If you’ve never had a chance to take in this show at Disneyland or Hollywood Studios, you should check it out whether you have a Padawan of your own participating or not. It’s pretty dramatic, and so much fun to watch!

On a beautiful So Cal day, this is a great option for a low-cost meal break.

Eats

At a quick glance, Tomorrowland Terrace is your basic Counter Service burgers-and-fries operation.

But on closer inspection there’s a bit more to it with items like the Chicken Sandwich with Avocado Salsa and the Grilled Chicken Chop Salad with a roasted red pepper ranch dressing.

Parents, check out the Toddler Meal option! (Note that there are more kids’ meals listed on the menu pic above.) And you gotta have respect for a spot where the number of desserts nearly equals the number of entrees ;).

I started with the headliner item: the Angus 1/3 Pound BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger.  It comes to you all wrapped up in a paper and foil wrapper.

I grabbed fries as my side for this one.

There is a basic condiments bar available, but I’m putting stress on the word basic.

Fortunately, this one comes pretty well dressed, topped with Jack cheese, barbecue sauce, bacon (of course!) and a big ol’ onion ring.

The choice of jack cheese is a departure from the typical American or cheddar, and of course I loved the crunchy onion ring adding both texture and flavor.

Otherwise, though, it’s your fairly standard Disney Burger, with the small exception of the slightly heartier bun.

After the bacon-topped-beef sammy, I went with the Portobello and Vegetable Sandwich next. Again, thanks to the wrapping, this would be an easy one to take on-the-go, if needed.

The spread here — served cold — includes Portobello mushrooms, red pepper, zucchini, onions, arugula, and Provolone cheese. The condiment is a basil aioli, and I found it to be just the right amount.

I thought the veggies were in great shape, with the exception of the slightly wilted arugula. The huge pepper lent a nice flavor punch, and the multigrain roll is a great touch.

Since I was on a roll with the veggies, I went with the fresh fruit as the side for this one – a small mix of melon and berries with a lone pineapple stowaway.

But clearly, I was most pumped about what was up next: DESSERT — times two! I grabbed the Carrot Cake and the Chocolate Parfait.

I’d heard great things about the carrot cake here, and the presentation has changed somewhat since my last visit.

But I’m not complaining one bit. Both desserts are layered up, and you’ll notice this allows for a nearly equal ratio of carrot cake to icing.

Well played, Tomorrowland Terrace. And the cream cheese icing was top notch.

It reminds me a little of my beloved Gourmet Cake Cups served at Cheshire Café in Magic Kingdom. What I wouldn’t give now to see a Carrot Cake version of that treat, having enjoyed this one so much!

Interested guests can find ingredient info on the packaging.

Over to the Chocolate Parfait, it’s always fun to see this little friendly face!

Ingredients are on this one as well.

The smooth chocolate mousse was better than I’d expected (that always seems to happen — I usually expect chocolate mousse to be a super-snore dessert, but it often catches me off guard). The cream and chocolate layers were thick and rich — and the portion size is quite large.

I really think they’ve taken the standard Counter Service desserts to a higher level here with just a little more TLC than the typical prepackaged items. For instance, check out the HUGE cookie crumbles between the smooth chocolate and cream layers in the Chocolate Parfait.

And, of course, the Mickey Topper, surrounded by bits of shaved chocolate! There’s a lot more going on here than the simple name implies.

Overall

When it comes to counter service eats, Disneyland has an embarrassment of riches. SO many restaurants here are absolutely delicious. And as a result, though it has the draw of the Jedi Training Academy show, Tomorrowland Terrace wouldn’t be on my top five must-eat list for Disneyland. The food here is fine — it’s passable — and dessert was great, but when it’s competing with places like Rancho del Zocalo, French Market, and Hungry Bear, it’s just not EVER what I’m going to choose.

If you do head over here, note that that Jedi Training Academy proximity can often mean a lack of seating to eat your meal, so try to time your visit to before the show starts so that you can grab a seat.

Has Tomorrowland Terrace played a part in your Disneyland dining adventures? Please let us know with a comment!