Feature Article: The Jolly Holiday Bakery at Disneyland - A Disney Dining Review About This Page:

[PassPorter News]

The Jolly Holiday Bakery at Disneyland - A Disney Dining Review
by Dorothy Compton

I love Mary Poppins! My favorite scene is the one "inside" the chalk drawing with the song, "Jolly Holiday" with the penguins acting as waiters.

So I was really excited to visit this newly renovated eatery on Disneyland's Main Street to see how Disney imagineers would recreate this cartoon cafe in real life. The Bakery/Cafe is located at the top of Main Street on the left hand side as you face the castle. The outside seating area is easily spotted by the yellow and white umbrellas. White wrought iron furniture finishes the scene. As you pass under the archway into the restaurant, you will notice the penguins on each side of the marquee. The top of the building sports a weather vane with Mary Poppins holding her umbrella.

Two beautiful stained glass panels depicting the waiter penguins are set into windows on either side of the entrance, and as you enter, you can hear music from the film, Mary Poppins. The inside decor has various themed elements. Glass display cases flank the two cash register stations; one sports a sugar bowl with a spoon (suggesting a certain song), and Mary Poppins sitting astride a carousel horse. The other case also has sugar bowl with spoon, and a miniature carousel. Both sides have a painted panel of a tree draped with banners with the titles of the different songs from the movie. On the wall next to the entry doors are silhouettes in classic Disney silhouette frames: Mary Poppins, Jane Banks, Michael Banks, and the kite scene. Both walls have the same pictures. You advance to the counter to order your food when the cashier holds up a cardboard penguin.

The menu board outside the restaurant boasts a large assortment of fresh pastries, specialty coffees, and signature entrees including fresh salads, specialty sandwiches, soup & quiche selections, and kids meals. The outside sign board lists Merry Cherry lemonade, though this wasn't listed on the beverage board inside the restaurant, but we could order Practically Perfect Punch, which tastes remarkably like cran-raspberry juice. Regular coffee and the standard soft drinks are also available. The entree items are available after 10:30 am, the baked goods are available all day. Our party ordered the ham and cheese quiche with house salad; the hot Angus roast beef on toasted onion roll; and the chicken Waldorf on brioche. The sandwiches come with house chips, which seem to be home-baked potato chips. Each item was served with a bit of the London Times newspaper to add that British touch. After you order your food, you receive the food portion at the counter and move to the beverage counter to pick up your drinks. Utensils, napkins, salt and pepper, etc. are available as you leave the building.

The quiche and salad were tasty but probably better for a light eater, as the portions were a bit on the small side. The Angus beef sandwich was a good portion and very good. The caramelized onions, horseradish aioli, and white cheddar cheese really enhanced the flavor of the beef. The chicken salad contained chicken, apples, walnuts, celery, and craisens (dried cranberries). The sweet and savory mix was delightful and the bread was a perfect match.

The other food offerings were Jolly Holiday Combo (toasted cheese sandwich and tomato basil soup), Caprese (tomato and mozzarella), and oven-roasted turkey sandwiches. There are three salads all served with fresh breadsticks: Jolly Holiday Salad (blend of lettuce, spiced pecans, feta, red and yellow tomatoes, craisens, with raspberry vinaigrette), Angus roast beef salad (iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, pickled onions, with blue cheese dressing), and grilled vegetable and whole grain salad (seasonal vegetables, mixed greens, barley, spelt, with basil vinaigrette). Soups include tomato basil and classic chicken noodle. It looks like all the sandwiches, salads and soups have interchangeable options. There are also two kids meals: turkey sandwich, and macaroni & cheese. The kids meals are served with sliced apples and a choice of small low-fat milk, Minute Maid juice box, or small Dasani water, though soda is also available on request.

All seating is outside. There is seating under the front porch eaves, or under umbrellas. For us, it was very pleasant sitting outside and watching the people go by. Because the cafe is located at the forefront of the hub, everyone is crisscrossing about. I look forward to going back to sample some specialty coffee and one or maybe two of those lovely pastries! This place makes every visit to Disneyland a Jolly Holiday.

Added to PassPorter's Article Collection on 03-13-2012 02:03 PM

What do you think? Please add your own comments, experiences, or news related to this article in this thread! Reader feedback is welcomed and encouraged.