"What could be more important than a little something to eat?" — Winnie the Pooh
I spent the entire summer essentially working two full time jobs. Loved learning more about the hospitality industry as a front desk agent. The most fun I had on the job in a while. With that said I did get the opportunity to vacation for my 30th birthday at the most magical place on Earth... Disneyland!
I made this trip with my mom and then 2 year old niece. There was definitely some trying moments with no naps. But the best part of being an adult with extra money meant we got to do multiple character dining experiences. This trip was the first time to experience the character dining at Disneyland, and it being my 30th birthday week I went all out.
Goofy's s Kitchen
First up on our first day in California was Goofy's Kitchen. We danced and spun our napkins throughout the dinner. Upon arriving you get to take a picture with one of the characters. We were got the chance to take a picture with Pluto, and it was uploaded to our Disneyland app after scanning our magic band.
Where: Disneyland Resort Hotel
When: Goofy's Kitchen offers character dining all day.
What: Buffet Style Dining that includes deserts and meat carving areas.
Who: The characters we met were Chip n Dale (super underrated in my opinion) Minnie, Pluto and of course Goofy!
This dining experience in my opinion is great for the whole family. There is such an upbeat vibe throughout the experience. The characters made their way throughout the dining areas multiple times. I enjoyed the desserts and the variety of food options as well. For those who are button collectors you can get a Goofy's Kitchen button.
Storytellers Cafe
This character dining experience has a wilderness vibe that runs throughout the entire hotel. Storytellers is located within the Grand Californian which is situated next to Disney's California Adventure theme park and can be accessed from this park as well. We did this on our "off" day, but would have been a great way to start DCA.
Where: Grand Californian Hotel
When: Breakfast Only
What: All you care to enjoy breakfast buffet
Who: The characters we met were Chip n Dale, Pluto, Minnie and Mickey Mouse.
While I loved the character dining experience, this experience is targeted toward families with older children. There was more of upscale feel to this dining experience of the three we attended. I enjoyed the parade of characters throughout the meal. This is also a great opportunity to meet Mickey up close as this is his dining experience.
Plaza Inn
This one was by far my favorite experience. This is the only dining experience located within the Disneyland theme park. We had the opportunity to meet so many characters during this dining experience. My mom got to meet her favorite Winnie the Pooh. For this trip we bought a Disney's Who's Who book for characters to sign and the majority of signatures came from this breakfast.
Where: Disneyland Park
When: Breakfast Only
What: All you care to enjoy breakfast buffet
Who: The characters we met were Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, Pluto and so many more!
This experience is great for those wanting to meet as many characters as possible. Upon arrival for this dining you get to take a photo with Minnie. There were so many different characters circulating throughout the restaurant. For button collectors there is a Plaza Inn button to collect here as well.
We made it through three of the four dining experiences offered at Disneyland with a toddler. I would say it is doable. The best part for those who are not ticketed (3 and younger) the dining experience is free for them. This a big reason we choose to do so many. When booking 60 days out I did not choose the Disney Princess Breakfast at Napa Rose. Turns out my niece is now a huge Princess fan. So next time this will be added to our list.
Here is the fun and different way to collect character signatures.