Meet and Eat, it’s your Full Guide to Disneyland Character Dining! I love experiencing Disneyland character meals and I do them multiple times per year, often repeating favorites again and again.
It’s such an easy, fun and filling way to meet Disney characters and interact with them. I gathered every detail for dining with Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disneyland Resort, plus each dining experience will link you right to my full review of every specific option.
Character breakfast, Mickey’s brunch, dining with Princesses and cooking up some fun with Goofy are part of the routine around here.
I admit, I was a little skeptical of doing Disneyland Resort character dining at first—mostly because of the cost involved. Disneyland character meals cost much more than a traditional sit down meal or quick service dining option.
But let me tell you, after a handful of character meals, I am still going back. It’s a tradition during our family visits and even sometimes I go solo and dine with my favorite characters. Keep reading for all the details.
Instead of thinking of it as a meal or breakfast with character visits, think of it as paying to see the characters, with food included.
It’s much easier for me to swallow the price tag when I see it that way. And truly, you are going there to experience the coveted one-on-one time with characters— otherwise you would have just dined anywhere at the Disneyland Resort. Don’t forget to bring your autograph book to add to your memories.
Quick Look at Disneyland Character Dining
In 2023, there are 3 different character dining options at Disneyland Resort. This graph details the basics of each character meal. 
Remember that this graph only covers the basics at a glance. Prices and offerings can change at any time but I do update this article several times per year.
You’ll also see price increases for special holidays like:
- Easter Sunday
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
- Holidays and other special occasion
Now let’s take a closer look at each of the Disneyland character dining options to help you decide which is right for you.
Mickey’s Tales of Adventure
When you want to meet Mickey Mouse, you’ll head over to Storytellers Cafe for breakfast or brunch.
What makes Mickey’s Tales of Adventure unique in my opinion:
- One of the largest, most unique spreads of food at the buffet including favorites like French Toast and Mickey Waffles
- Mickey and friends wear their safari inspired outfits
- If you book a late breakfast you can stay for brunch too
- No park tickets required, but dining reservations are strongly encouraged
Located inside the Grand Californian Hotel, anyone can reserve a character meal here. Be sure to ready my entire review of Mickey’s Tales of Adventure breakfast and brunch buffet at Storytellers Café here.
Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park
Officially dubbed, Minnie & Friends — Breakfast in the Park, you’ll dine during breakfast hours at Disneyland Park’s Plaza Inn.
What makes Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park unique:
- It’s the only character dining inside Disneyland Park
- This regularly has the most Disney characters on rotation including rare characters like Captain Hook or Fairy Godmother (love her!)
- Delicious food like made-to-order omelets, Mickey and Minnie waffles, fresh fruit and more
- Photo op with Minnie Mouse before being seated
- Park tickets are required and dining reservations are strongly encouraged
Minnie and Friends breakfast buffet at Plaza Inn is one of my favorite dining experiences at Disneyland Resort. Read my entire review on Minnie & Friends — Breakfast in the Park here.
Goofy’s Kitchen
Goofy shows off his cooking skills and some lively dance moves during the meal he hosts at the Disneyland Hotel.
What makes Goofy’s Kitchen unique:
- It’s the only character dining that offers breakfast and dinner, you choose one 🙂
- You’ll see Disney characters in their cooking and chef attire
- Delicious food stations with sweet and savory options, including chicken fingers, peanut butter and jelly pizza, breakfast pizza and tons more
- Photo op with Chef Goofy before being seated
- Park tickets are not required but dining reservations are strongly encouraged
This is a great option for arrival or departure day, especially since you can dine there for dinner as well. Read my full review of Goofy’s kitchen breakfast and dinner buffet at Disneyland Hotel.
Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures
To cap off all the Disney character dining experiences, we have the premium Disney Princess breakfast at Napa Rose, inside the Grand Californian Hotel.
What makes Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures unique:
- Tons of Disney Princesses to meet in various settings like roaming the dining room, in the reception area, outside Princess story time and more
- You’ll see Disney Princesses in some of their most recognizable outfits
- Gorgeous appetizers, drinks and desserts are brought to your table, then a full spread of buffet items are also available
- Comes with gift amenities for children ages 3-9, or for purchase if outside those ages
- Photo op with select Princess after your dining experience
- Park tickets are not required but dining reservations are strongly encouraged
This one is the fairest and priciest one of them all, but it will save you from waiting in long lines and provides a slow paced, three-course breakfast experience you won’t find anywhere else at Disneyland Resort. See my full video and review of Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure here.
Disneyland Character Dining FAQs
Do you have more questions about Disneyland character dining? Chances are I’ve answered them in the full reviews, but I will also add some FAQs here for easy reading.
How many character meals are at Disneyland?
Four Disneyland Resort restaurants host Disneyland character dining including Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park, Storytellers Cafe at Grand Californian Resort & Spa, Napa Rose also at Grand Californian Resort & Spa and Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel.
Do I need reservations for Disneyland character dining?
Yes, you can make reservations beginning 60 days in advance. Reservations are recommended.
What is the best Disneyland character dining experience?
I love Minnie & Friends—Breakfast in the Park simply because of the vast amount of characters you can meet in one location; I met 12 different characters on my last visit.
But it also depends on if you want to use park time for your character meal. Minnie and Friends breakfast requires theme park admission, while the three other character meal options are outside of the Parks and do not require theme park admission.
If you’re like me and prefer to ride as many rides as possible during your Disneyland vacation, you’ll want to choose a character dining experience at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels.
This way you’re not wasting any prime time inside the parks. Another thing to consider when choosing the best Disneyland character dining experience is deciding which Disney characters are most important to your group.
Like I mentioned above, when you choose a Disneyland character dining option, you’re getting much more than a meal. You are getting one-on-one time with characters that you won’t get anywhere else.
Characters come to your table throughout the meal so you won’t miss a thing!
How Much is Disneyland Character Dining?
Disneyland character dining costs more than regular theme park dining. You’re paying a premium for the one-on-one time with Disney characters. Prices for Disneyland character dining start at around $30 for children and go up to $100+.
What Food is Served at Character Dining?
Much discussion is based around the food at Disneyland character dining experiences. You’ll find an assortment of food including your standard cold cereals, pastries, eggs, sausage, bacon, soft serve ice cream, desserts and all the best Disney food!
You’ll also find a wide selection of made to order food and Disney specialities like custom omelettes, Mickey shaped waffles (gluten-free available upon request), flat breads, specialty drinks and more. Milk, juice, soda, Coffee are all included in your meal price.
Where Can I Park for Disneyland Character Dining?
If you’re dining with Minnie and friends at Plaza Inn use regular theme park parking.
If you’re dining at one of the Disneyland resort hotels, you can park at that hotels parking lot and get parking validation during your meal. However, remember if you go to the parks after or before your meal you will need to use regular theme park parking.
What payments are accepted at Disneyland character meals?
You will need a credit card to hold your reservation, but you can pay with cash, credit card, debit card and even Disney Gift Cards. Some reservations will require payment in advance which is noted when you make your reservation.
Be sure to get your Disneyland discount tickets from our partner, Get Away Today before heading over to Disneyland Resort.Plus, enjoy an extra $10 off when booking a hotel stay of two nights or more along with your discount Disneyland tickets! Get my promo code delivered to your inbox now.
I hope you love your character dining is experience as much as I have loved trying each one and writing about them for you. Let me know which Disneyland character dining is your favorite meal based on favorite Disney characters, price, location and food —I would love to hear from you.
