Disneyland Resort Character Meals

Are you planning a vacation to Disneyland Resort? You shouldn't miss out on enjoying a character meal. The experience of it all, the interaction with the characters, the unique food, the crazy dances and such, all of it put together makes for an incredible dining experience. Disney offers five different character meals, each providing a different experience. These meals are not just for kids, grown-ups can go there and enjoy themselves as well.

Goofy's Kitchen is located on the first floor of the Disneyland Hotel. Goofy's is a very popular stop for many families. It offers buffet style dining, good food, and terrific character interaction. Common characters that can be seen here are Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, the Mad Hatter, Aladdin, and Jasmine. Every 30 minutes or so the characters gather together and do a fun dance. They try to get as many kids (and adults) involved as possible. The food starts off with standard buffet faire but then goes to more exotic choices. Have you ever had peanut butter pizza? How about Worms and Dirt? For the more conservative tummy there is always a chef available to prepare made to order omelets for those that ask. Brunch is from 7am to 2pm and Dinner is from 5pm to 9pm.

Chip 'n Dales Critter Breakfast at Story-Teller's Cafe' is located in the Grand Californian Hotel. This breakfast is more subdued than Goofy's and offers both a buffet and regular menu choices. Characters that might be seen are Terk, Chip and Dale, Koda, and Brer Bear. Sing-a-longs happen throughout your meal. If you are going as the sole adult with small children this might be a good choice for you. While the buffet's at the other meals are great, trying to maneuver your way thru them with small kids is difficult and stressful. Thank you Disney for offering a character meal with a menu!

Lilo and Stitch Aloha Breakfast is at Paradise Pier Hotel. This breakfast also offers both a buffet and menu style ordering. The characters that visit this meal are Lilo and Stitch, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and Daisy Duck. This venue offers a Luau atmosphere with Hawaiian music. It is known for having "hula hooplas" throughout the meal. If you are an autograph seeker this is one of the rare places where Daisy Duck can be seen. Besides being in the parades she almost never spotted inside Disneyland park.

Minnie and Friends Breakfast at Plaza Inn. This is located inside Disneyland and does not open until the gates open for the day. It is buffet style and in my opinion is the most difficult of all buffet's to get around. It is usually crowded which increases your stress level while trying to get food. However the food is pretty good and the character interaction is exceptional. The characters that spend their time here are Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Captain Hook, Chip and Dale, Tigger, and Pooh.

Ariel's Grotto is a must for any princess fan. It is located inside Disney's California adventure along the water. The restaurant itself is called, "Ariel's Grotto". Ariel's offers menu style ordering only. As you enter you meet Ariel and take a picture with her. You are then escorted to your table. Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, and Snow White will come visit you during your meal. Ariel's is open for both lunch and dinner. Priority Seating is a must here. If you are a planner make sure you call approximately 6 weeks in advance to get reservations. Sometime during your meal someone will come around and offer you your picture with Ariel for a whole lot of money. Be prepared. You can take pictures with your own camera. The picture they take will not be part of photopass. So if you want their picture be prepared to spend a lot of money on it.

Character meals are a popular thing to do. Make sure you make priority seating arrangements. The sooner you do this the better, but don't fret if you forget. Cancellations happen and I have lucked out several times by calling one day and being able to go the following day. As I mentioned early, these meals are a lot of fun for everyone in your family. If you have never been before make sure you try one on your next visit.

DisneyMom