Welcome to the first of our four-part series on Character Dining in the Disney theme parks. We are going to spend the next few weeks covering everything from which characters you can find to how to get the most out of your experience by knowing what to expect. With a lot of help from some of my cast member friends, we are going to start this adventure on the West Coast with a deep dive into what character dining experiences are on offer. Here is your official DIS Guide to Character Dining at Disneyland.
Where Can I Find Character Dining in Disneyland?
There are four different character dining experiences that you can enjoy around the Disneyland Resort area: Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel, Storytellers Café & Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, and the Plaza Inn in Disneyland Park’s Main Street, U.S.A. To make sure your family gets the most out of their character interactions, be sure to know who the characters are! Sure, that sounds simple, right? Apparently not. My sources tell me that on a daily basis, Pluto and Goofy are frequently mistaken for each other, and Chip & Dale constantly have to express that they don’t know anyone named Alvin, Simon, or Theodore. Knowing who to expect at each location allows you to prep your younger ones in advance and is the best way to make sure your family gets the most out of the experience.
Which Characters Can You Find in Each Location?
The exact characters are subject to change without notice at each location, though, generally speaking, here are some of the characters that you can find at each of the three character dining locations:
- Goofy’s Kitchen is in the Disneyland Hotel and is where you can meet Goofy, Minnie, Pluto, and the Chipmunks. Characters are there all day for breakfast and dinner.
- Storytellers Café is in the Grand Californian Hotel and is where you can meet Mickey, Minnie, the Chipmunks, and Pluto. Characters are only there for breakfast (unless it’s a holiday).
- Plaza Inn is inside Disneyland Park and has an assortment of characters such as Minnie, Pluto, the Chipmunks, Max Goof, Pooh Bear, and Tigger, as well as Suzy and Perla from Cinderella. A theme park ticket is required to enjoy your meal at this location.
- Napa Rose is in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, where you can enjoy breakfast with Princesses like Belle and Mulan.
What Can I Expect When I Arrive?
Some of the character dining experiences include an initial photo opportunity when you arrive. For example, when you first check in at Goofy’s Kitchen, you will get to meet Goofy at a photo spot before waiting for your name to be called.
If there is a PhotoPass photographer there, you may get to keep the pictures for free as part of your dining reservation. Have your Disneyland app ready to go so the PhotoPass photographer can scan your ID and automatically get the pictures to you. Having the app ready to go at the picture spot makes it easier and faster for everyone involved. Check your app in advance so you know where to locate the ID when the time comes.
What Sort of Food Options Are at Each One?
Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park
Rise and shine for ‘Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park,’ an all-you-care-to-enjoy spread of all your morning favorites: made-to-order omelets and Mickey waffles, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, breakfast potatoes, fresh-baked pastries and bread, fruit, and hot and cold cereals.
Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet or Brunch Buffet at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa
(For Breakfast) Choose from favorites such as croissants, muffins, danishes, seasonal sliced fruits, fresh berries, Mickey Waffles, egg white frittatas, chile verde chilaquiles, hand-carved meats, an omelet station and much more.
(For Brunch) Adventurers of all ages can enjoy a buffet brunch with Mickey and the gang daily. Dine on a smorgasbord that includes Mickey Waffles, the fish of the day, assorted flatbreads, bread pudding, chile verde chilaquiles, beignets and much more.
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose restaurant inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Starters
Options for kids and adults include a sunrise citrus and vanilla bun with raspberry glaze, and assorted fruit slices and berries.Young princesses and princes will be dazzled by 3-tier towers of appetizers, which may include chia and granola parfait with mango, kiwi and coconut; ham and cheese sandwiches with cranberry cream cheese, and lobster salad crostini with a dinglehopper (mini hot dogs available upon request).
Main Courses
Kids can choose from house-made mac ‘n’ cheese, princess waffles, and barbecue beef sliders.Adults can select from a delectable menu of options, including perfect scrambled eggs, artisan turkey sausages, vegetables and a rotating selection of meats, such as roasted nueske pork belly and braised short ribs.
Royal Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a mouthwatering selection of treats, such as chocolate princess cake pops, petite raspberry tarts, seashell macarons, sorbet and more.
Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel
At breakfast, enjoy choices galore including made-to-order omelets, Mickey Mouse waffles, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, pastries, fresh fruit, and more. And don’t forget to try Goofy’s very own peanut butter and jelly pizza!
Goofy’s Kitchen Halloween
Book a meal at Goofy’s Kitchen to celebrate Halloween—and dine with Goofy and some of his friends in their creative Halloween costumes!
In addition to special Character moments, enjoy special food items prepared just for the Halloween season—with enhanced menu offerings for brunch and dinner; themed décor and music; Disney PhotoPass digital downloads; and a Halloween-themed button.
Halloween Dates: Every Day from September 21 to October 31, 2023
I would like to extend a huge thanks to all my cast member friends who helped with this series; I can’t wait to share the next installment with you over the coming weeks.
What’s Next in the Disney Planning Character Dining Series?
- Your Guide To Disneyland Character Dining (This Article)
- Your Guide To Walt Disney World Character Dining (Coming Soon)
- How To Have The Best Disney Character Dining Experience (Coming Soon)
- The Pros And Cons Of Disney’s Character Dining & How To Choose Which One (Coming Soon)
Until next time, share your favorite Disneyland Character Dining experience below!
The post Disney Planning: Your Complete Guide to Disneyland Character Dining first appeared on DIS.