White Water Snacks Review
White Water Snacks is a counter service restaurant in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort. This review features food photos, a look at the menu, thoughts on ambiance, and other random stuff. For starters, you might be thinking, “wow, this blog is reviewing a snack stand?! Really scraping the bottom of the barrel now, huh?”
My response is that I realize this blog has long been regarded as the pinnacle of fine journalism (where’s my Peabody Award?!), and I assure you that you should not dismiss White Water Snacks as a snack stand. The name is misleading, but I would say White Water Snacks is the underrated gem of Disneyland Resort dining.
Why is White Water Snacks so awesome? Let’s take a look at the relatively simple answer…
In terms of ambiance, it’s rather unassuming, and you might think that there’s nothing special about it. That’s true to a degree, as thematically it’s a major letdown in the otherwise richly themed Grand Californian. The one upside is dining at one of the tables outside in relative tranquility with only the sounds from the pool providing light background noise. Still, this is nothing special.
About the only time there’s anything special about the ambiance at White Water Snacks is during the Christmas season, when there is a small tree, gingerbread house, and some other decorations. It’s not heavily done, but I’d describe it as charming.
Then there’s the menu. A first blush, it’s fairly limited and basic: burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Wow! That’s the thing… it’s deceptively basic. Amongst those standard items hide three of the greatest counter service entrees in all the (Disney) land.
First up is the Carnitas Angus Burger. Think Disney burgers are something to be avoided? Then you’ve never tried this little beauty. This is far and away the best counter service burger at Disneyland Resort, and might even give the Carthay 8 oz Angus Burger a run for its money as best overall burger. (Okay, that’s a stretch, but seriously, this thing is good.)
I’m not sure if the beef patty is different here than at other Disneyland counter service spots, or if it just is masked by the carnitas, avocado, Pico de Gallo, and pepper-jack cheese. Whatever the case, this burger is always delicious. The pork is juicy, the avocado tastes fresh, and the flavors really work together well.
This has become one of my go-to entrees at Disneyland Resort. Whenever people I’m with are willing to go to the Grand Californian, I get this. (Note: I do not endorse the ordering of this burger this grapes–I normally get fries like any good American, but Sarah wanted the grapes.)
Then there are the nachos. As I write this, my mouth is literally watering as I look at them. You can get them with chicken or shredded beef, and they are spectacular. For a long time, these nachos have been discussed in hushed voices among Disneyland fans, not wanting the secret about their excellence to get out.
No, they are not as good as the Internationally-Acclaimed, Award Winning Cove Bar Lobster Nachos (some might say eating those is a spiritual experience), but they are darned good. The portion size is large, the salsa always tastes fresh, and the guacamole and jalapeños round out the flavor incredibly. Heck, dare I say these nachos would be excellent without the meat. (First I order grapes, now this? What is happening to me?!)
As icing on the cake, or ice on the Coke, as the case may be, White Water Snacks has Coke Freestyle machines! Not only do they have these machines, but they allow free refills at them (for now, at least). This is a huge victory for caffeine addicts everywhere. Seriously, Coke Freestyle is awesome, and free refills make it even awesomer.
If the awesome foods above aren’t your style, White Water Snacks also has a grab and go area where you can get sandwiches, salads, fruits & veggies…or CUPCAKES! They always seem to have a good selection of holiday (Halloween & Christmas) options, which we can all agree is distinctly patriotic.
Finally, there’s breakfast. White Water Snacks has the normal selection of uninspired breakfast items found all over Disneyland Resort, but lately, they have had a sign also “temporarily” offering breakfast quesadilla and a bagel sandwich topped with avocado. Both are excellent–two of the best breakfast items at Disneyland Resort.
During this year’s 24 hour party, every restaurant in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure had a 30 minute plus line for breakfast. Our group was thus debating walking to McDonald’s on Harbor Boulevard, because we thought that might be faster. Instead, we went to White Water Snacks, where there was virtually no one. This is frequently the case–hence the restaurant’s status as an underrated, overlooked gem. I really think the “Snacks” in the name (plus the out of the way location) causes guests to skip it.
Overall, White Water Snacks is an unassuming location that doesn’t necessarily have the most robust menu, but does have 3 items (the burger and 2 varieties of nachos) that are among the top counter service entrees in all of Disneyland Resort. Those 3 things, plus the Coke Freestyle machine, plus the desserts and breakfast overcome most qualms I have with the relatively bland decor and the rest of the menu. It’s not as “fun” of a restaurant as some (most) other counter service locations, but dang are those 3 things delicious.
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Overall Score: 9/10
Read our other Disneyland Resort restaurant reviews.
Your Thoughts…
Have you ventured into the overlooked gem that is White Water Snacks? Did you enjoy your meal? Have you had the life-changing Carnitas Angus Burger? The nachos? Are you planning on eating here? Share your thoughts in the comments!
I would give them 10/10. they are really good.
That’s what I was looking for. Very nice blog indeed, thank you admin
Such a nice post, keep providing good resources.
I read your review before my family trip in February. I am so glad I did! The food was delicious and great portions for our family of 6! Of course we loved the free refills. We never would’ve found this place if I hadn’t happened across your blog. It really is hidden. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge! We are planning on a Christmas trip this December for the first time, and have enjoyed reading all of your post.
Great article (again). We are staying at the DL hotel in a few months and are planning our experience with military precision. To get to WWS can you easily walk through the grandcalifornian? Can you confirm that you can by simple groceries such as milk and bread? Thanks
Hi
I like white water snacks very much this is really and delicious,
Regards
linda
I loved the eatery a great deal amid my last stay at the Grand Californian, yet my significant hamburger with it was the opening time. On an early section day into California Adventure at 7 AM, it didn’t open until … 7 am. Every one of those ravenous and hostage Grand Californian visitors simply holding up in line right adjacent could have been separating with their well deserved cash, particularly me. No less than a 6:30 am open would have made a difference! Rather, we had a churro for breakfast when the churro trucks were open. Delectable however not exactly the same.
As a very foodie, i really like your post & the white water snacks is just Yummy.. cant wait to hv it.. thanks for sharing with us …!!
We relied on WWS as a meet-up venue, when enjoying a casual meal with local relatives who were not going to the parks with us.* We happily grabbed a table outside, next to DCA, to enjoy at least the muffled sounds of Grizzly Peak as background to our conversation. I got a spinach/feta wrap, which was a spinach feta wrap and not a Carnitas hamburger, in anticipation for my earned corn dog later in the day. For what it was, it was ok. However, I can’t say enough about the convenience of WWS’ location and its lack of stress and lines. If you just need to chill for a while, without paying for a table service meal, this is the place for you.
*Word to the wise, DGC will not validate parking for patrons of WWS, although it will do so for SC and NR. Our relatives found that out the hard way.
We love WWS but have never actually eaten there. When staying at Paradise Pier we swing by on our way out of the park at night to grab fruit/yogurt/granola cups. Then the next morning we take the them to eat while standing in line for the gate (yeah we’re those crazy early morning people). They are good, reasonably (comparatively) priced and a healthier quick option than grabbing muffins in the morning.
they have mickey waffles for breakfast. one of the few counter serve places outside the parks at DL resort to have them
I like to get food at White Water Snacks and then walk over to the Hearthstone Lounge to eat and have an adult drink…Mmm
That sounds like a pretty awesome 1-2 punch.
@Tom Bricker
My mouth is watering. Cup cake Looks delicious.
We’re going to Disneyland one month from now , and this resembles an incredible lunch alternative!
Regards
Priyanka
I liked the restaurant a lot during my last stay at the Grand Californian, but my major beef with it was the opening time. On an early entry day in to California Adventure at 7 AM, it did not open until … 7 am. All those hungry and captive Grand Californian guests just waiting in line right nearby could have been parting with their hard-earned money, especially me. At least a 6:30 am open would have helped! Instead, we ate a churro for breakfast as soon as the churro carts were open. Delicious but not quite the same.
Dear Tom,
You are hilarious. I thank you for your website and frequent postings which are keeping the “magic” alive for me and my family as we eagerly await our next Disney visit. Keep up the good work!
But, Tom, you just let others know about this secret location!
Bad Blogger! No Cupcake!
😉
So glad I saw this! We’re going to Disneyland next week for the FIRST TIME EVER, and this looks like a great lunch option!
We’ve always been big White Water Snacks fans. The location is cozy, the Carnitas Angus Burger is pretty magical, and it gives us a good reason to hang out at the Grand Californian even if we aren’t staying there.
Totally agree. Decompressing in the lobby of the Grand Californian, listening to the pianist, is almost as enjoyable as any attraction.
Being in the lobby there is one of many places at Disneyland where it really hits you how much darn stuff is packed into “the block” that is the Disney property. I think that concentration of stuff is a large part of what gives Disneyland so much energy. You can do so many different things in one “small” place.
Can I easily get to this restaurant location by going from CA Adventure Park through the entrance by Grizzly River Rapids? Or is that exit/entrance for resort guest only?
After 10 am, the Grand Californian entrance/exit is open to anyone.
I will definitely have to give this place a try when I’m there in November. Thanks for the review, Tom!