Comparing Disneyland character meals (pros and cons of all 5)

There are 5 character meal options at Disneyland – 4 in the hotels and 1 in Disneyland Park.

While all of them are super fun (all character interactions at Disneyland seem to be), there are some differences you should know to figure out which is best for you.

Let’s take a look…

Quick Overview

Before we dive into the details, let’s look at some basic stats about each one so we can see how they compare.

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When to schedule character dining meals

As you can see, each hotel has at least 1 character meal (The Grand Californian has 2), and then there’s just 1 character meal option in a park.

That means you don’t need a park ticket to have a character dining option. Consider booking on a non-park day, including arrival and departure days.

Scheduling for PhotoPass photographers

One thing to note: some character meals have PhotoPass photographers that take your picture when you enter and some don’t. 

If you’re using MaxPass, you may want to book the meals that include pics on a park day so you can get those photos. 

Conversely, if you’re using MaxPass, you may want to book the meals that don’t include PhotoPass pics on a non-park day.

Pros and cons of every Disneyland character meal

Let’s dive in a little more and look at the pros and cons of each…

Minnie and Friends – Breakfast in the Park

Location: Plaza Inn in Disneyland Park

Characters (can vary): all of them? Just kidding, but not by much. Minnie is always there but everybody else is a huge hodgepodge of unique characters. Options can include Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh, Rafiki, Fairy Godmother, Max, Pinocchio, and Captain Hook.

Pros: literally the most characters we’ve ever seen at a character meal, indoor and outdoor seating options, usually a bit cheaper than other character meals, PhotoPass pic taken when entering, open daily

Cons: popular so can be hard to get a reservation

Tips:

• This restaurant is open during Extra Magic Hour/Magic Morning, but you don’t have to use up your 1 Magic Morning to attend. People with breakfast reservations can enter without using their MM.
• Consider booking a later breakfast so you can use the first couple of hours the park is open to tour.

Goofy’s Kitchen

Location: Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel

Characters (can vary): Goofy, Chip, Dale, Minnie, and Pluto

Pros: only character meal available at dinner, delicious and interesting menu options (PB&J pizza, anyone?), PhotoPass pic taken when entering, available daily

Cons: reservation can be difficult to get since it’s the only dinner option, more expensive than most other character meals

Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast

Location: PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel

Characters (can vary): Donald, Daisy, Stitch, Minnie

Pros: reservations usually easy to get, lots of great character interactions, fun to participate in Donald’s dance party

Cons: restaurant is dated, location is not convenient  

Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet

Location: Storytellers Cafe at Grand Californian Hotel

Characters (can vary): Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Pluto

Pros: arguably the best food of any character meal, fun interactions with classic characters

Cons: can get really busy

Tips: Consider pairing breakfast here with a California Adventure day since it’s so easy to come and go using The Grand Californian’s private entrance/exit to the park.

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

Location: Napa Rose at Grand Californian Hotel

Characters (can vary): Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, Ariel, Mulan

Pros: PhotoPass pic taken when entering, gifts given to guests (can include things like autograph books and jewelry), champagne included for adults, delicious food (a combo of buffet and non-buffet options), princesses tell stories

Cons: expensive at $125/person (for adults and kids), not available daily