Hello Babes in Disneyland Blog Readers!! My name is Kendra, and I am a minivan-driving, trip-planning, “Mouse”-loving, mommy, wife, and full-time corporate worker bee trying to make the most of my crazy life. My husband Chris and I live two hours north of the “Happiest Place on Earth” with our amazing kiddos, Evan and Emma.Whether I am traveling with first-time visitors or seasoned professionals, one of my favorite ways to add magic to an itinerary is to visit one of the five character dining options that the Disneyland Resort has to offer. At each of the restaurants the characters rotate through the dining room and visit each table offering plenty of time for autographs, photos and lots of laughs. The interactions and quality time at the character dining restaurants are for more extensive than those you will find inside the parks. Additionally, character dining often allows access to characters that are not readily available at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park (i.e. Rafiki, Baloo, and Captain Hook). Cast Members are on hand to take pictures of your entire party, and several of the restaurants offer a formal photo that is available for purchase during your meal.
Character Dining Options:
Goofy’s Kitchen: Located at the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen is near and dear to my heart. So near and dear in fact, that we often visit even if we are not staying at the hotel. Goofy’s Kitchen serves brunch and dinner. The buffet menu for both is extensive serving up everything from made-to-order omelets for brunch to peanut butter and jelly pizza for dinner. The food is wonderful, but I have to say that the entertainment is unmatched. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get out of your seat and do the twist with Goofy and friends.
Cost for Brunch: $26 adult/$14
Cost for Dinner: $32 adult/ $14 child + gratuity
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| Evan, Logan, and Pluto at Goofy’s Kitchen |
“Minnie & Friends- Breakfast in the Park”: The Plaza Inn features “Minnie & Friends- Breakfast in the Park,” and is the only Character Dining option within the gates of Disneyland park. Located on Main Street, the Plaza Inn is a great way to take a break from the lines and hustle and bustle of the park and meet some of your favorite characters. Among our favorites here is enjoying a Mickey Mouse shaped waffle on the outdoor patio while visiting with Captain Hook.
Cost- $24 adult/ $12 child
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| Emma, Me, and Minnie Mouse at “Minnie & Friends- Breakfast in the Park” |
Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends: Located inside Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is Disney’s PCH Grill, home to the only character dining option featuring Mickey Mouse. The Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends is full of colorful beach-y decor, energetic characters and Cast Members, and tasty food. Even though this restaurant is quite a distance from the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, it is worth a visit, especially if quality time with Mickey is a priority. The food offerings here are traditional with a modern/ California flair and are unlike any other buffet options you will find at the Park.
Cost- $26 adult/ $14 child
Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast: Relax and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Storytellers Cafe. Whether you order from the menu or indulge in the buffet, you are warmly greeted by several lovable and furry woodland creatures. This, in my opinion, is one of the “lower key” character dining experiences. Generally, there are fewer characters (but still plenty of time for photos and autographs) and less guests, allowing for a more leisurely pace than some of the other character dining options.
Cost- $27.99 adult/ $13.99 children 9 and under + gratuity
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| Chip, Evan, and Meeko at Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast |
“Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration”: Ariel’s Grotto is open for breakfast and lunch in the heart of Disney California Adventure. This is a fantastic opportunity for your princess or prince to interact with Ariel and her princess friends. Instead of a buffet, this restaurant offers a fixed-price menu to order from as well as fruits, desserts, and other items served family-style to the entire table. Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful Paradise Bay view and request a seat on the outdoor patio.
Cost for Breakfast- $35.99 adult/ $19.99 child + gratuity
Cost for Lunch- $37.99 adult/ $21.99 child + gratuity
Cost for Dinner- $37.99 adult/ $21.99 child + gratuity
Once you’ve decided to take advantage of one of the awesome restaurants listed above please keep in mind a few general tips:
- Make reservations!
I highly recommend calling Disney Dining (714) 781-DINE, up to 60 days prior to your arrival or as soon as you know when you will be visiting. Availability can be limited, especially during peak times i.e. spring break, summer vacation, and around holidays. - Bring a camera, video camera, or both!
The interactions with the characters are priceless and so fun to revisit when you get home. - Don’t forget your autograph books
They are fairly inexpensive and make great souvenirs.
Please check back for future posts for more detailed descriptions of each character dining option, as well as characters generally seen at each location, photos, and even suggestions.
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Minnie in the Park character dining is my staple. I haven’t been to Disneyland in 5 years without first going to this all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. You get to see characters such as Hook, Tigger, Pooh, Rafiki, Minnie, Max (Goofy’s son), and a series of other characters. This place is perfect if you are looking to round out your signatures as well!
Thanks so much for posting about this! It has really helped me to find the info I was looking for, in one place!