Character dining is one of our favourite things to do in the Disney Parks; not only is it the best way to meet lots of characters, but you’ll also get to try some of the best food in the theme parks! It’s great for guests of any age, but we’d particularly recommend a character dining experience for anyone visiting as a family.
There are currently four different character dining experiences at Disneyland Resort in California, with one in the theme parks and three across the hotels. You don’t need to be staying in one of the hotels to dine there, so this is the perfect opportunity to check them out (and maybe get inspired for your next visit!). Whether your little ones love classic characters like Mickey and Minnie or are princess-obsessed, there’ll be a character dining experience that they’ll love.
Disneyland Park
Minnie and Friends - Breakfast in the Park
Plaza Inn
This is the only character dining location in the theme parks at Disneyland Resort in California, and it’s the perfect place to start your day! Surrounded by lavish Victorian theming, hand-picked by Walt’s wife Lillian when the restaurant opened in 1955, you can enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast of eggs, pastries, bacon, sausages, biscuits and gravy, cereals, made-to-order omelettes, and Minnie waffles, for US$46 per adult and US$27 per child (ages 3-9)*.
Minnie will always be at this character breakfast, but the friends she’s joined by are always changing! You could see Pluto, Chip and Dale, Daisy Duck, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, and more, but you won’t know until you arrive.
The Minnie and Friends Character Breakfast takes place every morning from 8am to 11am and requires valid theme park admission and a Park Pass Reservation for Disneyland Park for the day of your visit.
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Goofy’s Kitchen
Goofy’s Kitchen, Disneyland Hotel
Goofy is hard at work in his kitchen cooking some delicious dishes for both breakfast and dinner at this all-you-can-eat character buffet! When you arrive you’ll get to meet Chef Goofy himself before being shown to your table. As you’re eating, other characters including Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale, and Pluto will be roaming the dining room and will visit you at your table.
Breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen costs US$52 per adult and US$31 per child (ages 3-9)* and includes Mickey waffles and pancakes, french toast, omelettes, fresh fruit, desserts, and “Goofy’s Famous Peanut Butter Pizza”. Juice and coffees are included but you can pay an additional cost for cocktails and mocktails.
Dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen costs US$59 per adult and US$34 per child (ages 3-9)* and includes fresh meat and fish, seasonal vegetables and salads, pizza, mac and cheese, and plenty of desserts.
Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Buffet
Storytellers Cafe, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Start your day the Californian way at this cosy, craftsman-style restaurant serving up breakfast and brunch for adventurers of all ages. Dig into pastries, yoghurt, charcuterie, eggs, french toast, Mickey waffles, smoked salmon, chilaquiles and more for US$52 per adult and US$31 per child (ages 3-9). If you dine here during brunch there will also be additional dishes like flatbreads, chicken fingers, cheeseburger sliders, and bread pudding.
While you eat you’ll get the chance to meet Mickey, Minnie and their friends in explorer outfits that are exclusive to this location, making this a must-do experience for anyone who loves ticking off unique character meet and greets from their list.
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures
Napa Rose Restaurant, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
If you’re visiting Disneyland Resort in California for a special occasion, have a princess fanatic in your family, or just want to treat yourself on holiday, this is the character dining location for you! Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is a three-course breakfast where you can meet Disney Princesses like Belle, Mulan, Rapunzel, Aurora and Tiana throughout the restaurant and on a private patio.
The menu for the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures consists of a tower of appetisers including Tiana’s Beignets, Princess Jasmine’s Banana Wraps, and Chef Louie’s Mini Lobster Rolls, followed by a buffet selection of main courses such as scrambled eggs, maple turkey sausage, braised short ribs and truffle mac and cheese. And Mickey waffles of course! Finally, you’ll finish on a sweet note with treats including Ariel’s Dingle Hopper Vanilla Cake Pops, Tiana’s Pistachio Macarons, and Princess Aurora Chocolate Cream Puffs.
This character dining experience is slightly more expensive than the others at Disneyland Resort in California, at US$135 per person for both adults and children*, but it’s so worth it for a truly magical morning! Not only does this price include all your food and select beverages like juice, coffee and tea, but your little ones will also receive a special keepsake to take home with them.
Decided on the perfect character dining experience for your family? We’d highly recommend making a dining reservation as soon as you can (these usually become available 60 days in advance) as these experiences are incredibly popular and do book out in advance. This can be done on the Disneyland Resort website or app.
Still need to book your Disneyland Resort in California tickets? If you’re visiting between January 8th and March 10th 2024 you can save up to 65% on 2- and 3-day child tickets for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park!
*Prices correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.
