The Character Breakfast at Disneyland Hotel offers a magical dining experience where guests can enjoy delicious food while interacting with beloved Disney characters. Goofy’s Kitchen, located inside the Disneyland Hotel, is one of the most popular character dining options at the Disneyland Resort. This buffet-style restaurant features a wide array of breakfast favorites, from classic Mickey waffles to made-to-order omelets.
During the meal, Disney characters like Chef Goofy and his friends make appearances, greeting guests at their tables and posing for photos. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to create lasting memories and collect autographs without the long lines typically found in the parks. The character lineup may vary, but guests can expect to see some of their favorite Disney personalities.
Reservations are recommended for this sought-after dining experience, as it tends to book up quickly. While theme park admission is not required to dine at Goofy’s Kitchen, it’s an ideal way to start a day of fun at the Disneyland Resort or to cap off a magical vacation. The festive atmosphere and personal character interactions make it a standout choice among the resort’s dining options.
Overview of Character Breakfast
Character breakfasts at Disneyland Resort offer a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy a meal while interacting with beloved Disney characters. These magical encounters take place at select locations within the resort hotels and Disneyland Park.
Currently, there are four character dining options available:
- Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn (Disneyland Park)
- Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel
- Mickey’s Tales of Adventure at Storytellers Café (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa)
- Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure at Napa Rose (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa)
Each location features a different theme and character lineup. Guests can expect to meet various Disney characters who visit tables, pose for photos, and engage in playful interactions.
Most character breakfasts offer buffet-style meals with a wide variety of dishes to suit different tastes. The menus typically include classic breakfast items, made-to-order specialties, and kid-friendly options.
Prices for character dining experiences vary by location and meal time. Some Disneyland Magic Key Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members may be eligible for discounts on select character dining experiences.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all character breakfasts, as they tend to book up quickly. Guests can make reservations online through the Disneyland website or mobile app.
Character Dining Locations
Character dining experiences at Disneyland Resort offer guests the chance to meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying delicious meals. These magical encounters take place at various locations throughout the resort, each with its own unique theme and menu.
Goofy’s Kitchen
Located in the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy’s Kitchen serves up a lively buffet-style meal with Chef Goofy and his pals. Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner while interacting with a rotating cast of Disney characters. The menu features classic American fare with a playful twist, including Mickey-shaped waffles and Goofy’s famous peanut butter pizza.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, while dinner runs from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Prices for adults start at $62 for breakfast and $75 for dinner, with children’s prices at $34 and $37 respectively.
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures
This enchanting experience takes place at Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests are treated to a three-course breakfast and personal interactions with Disney Princesses. The menu features elegant dishes inspired by the princesses’ stories.
The adventure includes storytelling, a private portrait session, and special keepsakes. It’s available Thursday through Monday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Pricing starts at $125 per person for both adults and children.
Storytellers Cafe
Found in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Storytellers Cafe hosts Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet. Guests can start their day with a hearty meal while meeting Mickey and his friends in their adventurer outfits.
The buffet offers a wide variety of breakfast favorites, including made-to-order omelets and Mickey-shaped waffles. Character breakfast is available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Prices begin at $59 for adults and $35 for children.
Plaza Inn
Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park takes place at the Plaza Inn, located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park. This charming Victorian-style restaurant offers a bountiful breakfast buffet with Minnie Mouse and her Disney pals.
Guests can enjoy classic breakfast items like Mickey waffles, made-to-order omelets, and fresh pastries. The character breakfast is served daily from park opening until 11:00 AM. Prices start at $54 for adults and $32 for children.
Mickey’s Tales of Adventure
This character dining experience at Storytellers Cafe combines the charm of Mickey Mouse with the rustic elegance of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests join Mickey and his friends for a buffet-style breakfast or brunch filled with classic American dishes and California-inspired cuisine.
The buffet features options like hand-carved meats, made-to-order omelets, and fresh seafood. Mickey’s Tales of Adventure is available daily for breakfast from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and for brunch on weekends from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Making Dining Reservations
Character dining reservations at Disneyland Hotel can be made up to 60 days in advance. Guests have several options for securing their spot at these popular meals.
The official Disneyland website offers an online reservation system. Visitors can select their preferred date, time, and number of guests to check availability. The Disneyland mobile app also provides a convenient way to book character meals on the go.
To reserve a table:
- Create a Disney account
- Provide a credit card for the reservation
- Choose the desired date and time
- Select the number of guests in your party
Same-day reservations may be possible but are subject to availability. It’s recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
For those staying at Disneyland Hotel, the concierge can assist with making character dining reservations. This service is particularly helpful for guests unfamiliar with the booking process.
Remember that character meals are considered table service experiences. They often feature buffet-style dining or fixed menus. Prices typically include the meal, non-alcoholic beverages, and character interactions.
Reservations can be modified or canceled, usually up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. Be sure to check the specific cancellation policy when booking to avoid any potential fees.
Types of Character Dining Meals
Character dining at Disneyland Hotel offers guests a chance to enjoy delicious meals while interacting with beloved Disney characters. These experiences come in different formats to suit various preferences and schedules.
Breakfast Buffet
The breakfast buffet is a popular option for character dining. Guests can indulge in a wide array of morning favorites while meeting Disney characters. The buffet typically includes classic items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. A highlight for many visitors is the Mickey Waffles, a fun and tasty Disney treat.
Fresh fruit, pastries, and cereals are also available. For those seeking healthier options, oatmeal and yogurt parfaits are often offered. Characters rotate through the dining area, stopping at each table for photos and autographs.
Brunch Buffet
Brunch buffets combine breakfast and lunch items, perfect for late risers or those preferring a heartier meal. These buffets usually start later in the morning and extend into the early afternoon. Guests can enjoy breakfast staples alongside lunch dishes like salads, sandwiches, and hot entrees.
Character interactions are similar to breakfast buffets, with Disney friends making their rounds throughout the meal. Brunch buffets often feature special items not available at breakfast, giving guests more variety.
Three-Course Breakfast
For a more structured dining experience, some character meals offer a three-course breakfast. This format provides a set menu rather than a buffet. Guests typically start with a shared appetizer platter for the table, followed by individual entrees and desserts.
Character visits are timed between courses, ensuring a balanced experience of dining and interaction. This option often feels more relaxed and less rushed than buffet-style meals. Menu items might include specialty egg dishes, breakfast meats, and sweet treats like Mickey-shaped pancakes.
Character Interaction and Experience
Character dining at the Disneyland Hotel offers guests magical encounters with beloved Disney personalities. Visitors can expect frequent visits from characters throughout their meal, providing ample opportunities for photos and autographs.
The experience typically includes individual character stops at each table. Characters engage with guests, pose for pictures, and sign autographs. This personalized interaction allows families to create lasting memories.
Disney Princesses often make appearances at certain character breakfasts. Guests may meet royalty like Cinderella, Belle, or Ariel, depending on the specific dining location and timing.
PhotoPass photographers are usually available to capture professional-quality images of these special moments. While personal cameras are welcome, the PhotoPass service ensures everyone in the family can be included in the photos.
Character experiences may include:
- Hugs and high-fives with favorite characters
- Playful interactions and poses for photos
- Autograph sessions with characters
- Occasional character-led activities or parades through the restaurant
The character lineup can vary, but guests can typically expect to meet 4-6 different characters during their meal. This provides a diverse range of interactions and photo opportunities for all ages.
Tips for a Memorable Character Breakfast
Book your reservation early. Character breakfasts at the Disneyland Hotel are popular and can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows for a stress-free check-in process and ensures you don’t miss any character interactions.
Bring an autograph book and pen. Characters are happy to sign autographs, creating lasting mementos of your Disneyland Resort vacation.
Dress comfortably but consider coordinating outfits. Matching family t-shirts or Disney-themed attire can make for great photos with the characters.
Be ready with your camera or phone. Characters move quickly between tables, so have your device ready to capture magical moments.
Engage with the characters. Ask them questions, share jokes, or tell them about your favorite Disney movies to create memorable interactions.
Don’t rush through your meal. Take time to enjoy the food and atmosphere while keeping an eye out for approaching characters.
Be patient and respectful. Characters try to visit every table, but it may take some time. Enjoy your breakfast and the overall experience.
Consider dietary restrictions in advance. Inform the restaurant of any allergies or special dietary needs when making your reservation.
Explore the buffet options. Character breakfasts often offer a wide variety of foods, so try different dishes to get the most value from your meal.
Dining Etiquette and Guidelines
Character Dining experiences at Disneyland Resort hotels require advance reservations. Guests should arrive 15-20 minutes before their scheduled time to check in.
Dress codes are typically casual, but guests are encouraged to wear appropriate attire. Swimwear and costumes are not permitted for adults.
Cameras and autograph books are welcome. Guests can take photos with characters, but should be respectful of other diners and the characters’ schedules.
Children must be supervised at all times. Parents should assist young children at buffets and when interacting with characters.
Dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated. Guests should inform the restaurant of any special needs when making reservations.
Tipping is customary for table service meals. An 18-20% gratuity is standard for the attentive service provided during Character Dining experiences.
Character appearances are not guaranteed. Schedules may change without notice, but restaurants strive to provide a variety of beloved Disney characters.
Guests are encouraged to be patient and courteous. Characters rotate through the dining room, ensuring each table has opportunities for interactions.