If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland for the first time or for a few days, I highly recommend making reservations for a character dining experience. Character dining can be a bit on the expensive side but it’s worth it in the end if you and your kiddos love meeting Disney characters.
Just like regular full-service dining locations at Disneyland, reservations are strongly advised and honestly, they feel required for these popular character dining experiences. Guests can make dining reservations 60 days in advance on the Disneyland website or the Disneyland app.
Please remember that Disneyland is in California and Disney World is in Florida. They have separate apps and websites. Please book at the correct park because reservations and tickets cannot be transferred.
This post is all about character dining at Disneyland.
Is it worth it to book a Character Breakfast at Disneyland?
Short answer, yes, character dining is worth it at Disneyland. Character meals are perfect for families that are eager to meet every character, grab a photo and get an autograph. Character dining saves so much time and guests can meet multiple characters at once, making scheduling throughout the day a lot easier.
Do your research on every character dining experience available to see what characters would fit your group the best. I would suggest doing at least one of these meals during your trip. They are tons of fun, you get to relax and enjoy lots of food and meet all of your favorite characters. It really is a memorable moment and perfect for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and even honeymoons!
Tips for Character Dining at Disneyland
Make your reservation early
Guests can make reservations for character dining 60 days in advance on the Disneyland website or the Disneyland Mobile App. Walk-up reservations are typically not accepted due to long wait times and booked reservations.
Don’t forget your camera or phone
Only some character dining experiences offer guests a complimentary photo pass option but I suggest using your phone or camera for free photos. It’s always fun to take multiple pictures and even do a short video with the characters. Each party has a set time with them to make sure they can greet every table but you will definitely have time to say hi, sneak a hug and grab an autograph.
Pack your autograph book
Autograph books are a great way to remember the moment. You can purchase one at the parks or buy or make your own at home. Decorate a cute notebook and leave space for photos, like a mini scrapbook of your trip. Characters can sign hats, mugs, bags, and a lot of different items but it can’t be on your body when they do it – they can’t sign a shirt you’re currently wearing. Get creative and find the perfect way for your group to remember the moment.
Don’t Rush
Character dining meals are best to plan on days that aren’t busy and full of multiple early morning reservations. Give yourself time to enjoy the meal, meet the characters and relax before heading back into the parks and rushing to rides. These meals aren’t quick and you don’t want to miss a ride reservation because of the meal. Schedule ahead and make sure you will have time to really enjoy it without it interfering with the rest of your plans.
So, what are the character dining options available at Disneyland? Let’s take a look!
Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park
Characters: Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Chip & Dale (Rotating Character List)
Location: Plaza Inn, Disneyland Park
Price: $35 – $59/adult
Hours: Only available during Breakfast hours
The Minnie & Friends breakfast at Plaza Inn is the only character breakfast available inside a Disney park. Guests can enjoy a meal with Minnie Mouse right on Main Street in the heart of Disneyland. This breakfast experience includes a buffet with Disney favorites like Mickey Waffles and breakfast classics like omelets, sausage and eggs, and breakfast potatoes.
Because this dining location is inside Disneyland, guests must also have a valid park admission and reservation for the day of their dining reservation.
You can view the full Minnie and Friends Breakfast menu here
***Please note that the character dining option is only available during breakfast hours. Plan accordingly 🙂
Mickey’s Tales of Adventure – Breakfast Buffet
Characters: Mickey Mouse, Chip and Dale (Rotating Characters)
Location: Storyteller’s Cafe, Grand Californian Hotel
Price: $35 – $60/person
Hours: Breakfast 7 AM – 10: 55 AM, Brunch 11 AM – 1:30 PM, Dinner 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Mickey’s Tales of Adventure is a classic character buffet offered at the Grand Californian Hotel. This experience will take you through a gorgeous menu filled with hand-carved meats, Disney’s famous Mickey waffles, chile Verde chilaquiles and so much more.
Guests do not need to have theme park reservations to dine at the hotels. You can simply make a dining reservation online and come for that time only. Complimentary 3-hour parking is available with validation at the restaurant. Just like at the Plaza Inn, the characters are only out during the breakfast and brunch seating, not dinner seating.
You can view the full Mickey’s Tales of Adventure menu here
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures
Characters: Belle, Mulan (Rotating Characters)
Location: Napa Rose Restaurant, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
Price: Starts at $125/person
Hours: Thursday – Monday 8 AM – 11 AM
This decadent three-course meal inspired by wine-country cuisine will take you on a magical journey through the kingdoms of some of Disney’s most beloved princesses. Guests are invited to storytime with Belle or a special meet and greet with Mulan.
This character dining experience is the most expensive out of all of them at $125 per person. It isn’t a buffet but you do get to feast on three delectable courses throughout your visit. I would personally save this experience for something very special as it is a bit pricey. But I know that every Disney trip is special and this may be your only time to visit with the Princesses, so enjoy!
Goofy’s Kitchen
Characters: Goofy, Chip & Dale, Donald (Subject to Change)
Location: The Disneyland Hotel
Price: $35 – $60/person
Hours: Breakfast 7 AM – 12 PM, Dinner 5 PM – 9 PM
My personal favorite character buffet at Disneyland! My family and I have enjoyed breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen a number of times. This location has by far the most food options available for guests and you get to take a fun photo with Goofy right before your meal. Goofy’s Kitchen has fun food like PB & J pizza and macaroni and cheese pizza and also of course your typical breakfast favorites. From the food to the magic of dancing with the characters, Goofy’s gets a 10/10 from me!
You can view the full menu for Goofy’s Kitchen here
There are many dining options offered at the Disneyland Resort and all four character dining experiences are wonderful and memorable. If you have the time and budget for this, I highly recommend trying one of these restaurants. Character dining adds a lot of magic to your trip and can save you so much time in the parks. Remember to plan ahead and do your research to see which dining experience would be best for your family.
This post was all about the character dining options at Disneyland.
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