Choosing Character Dining

Character dining is probably one of the most quintessential things to do at any Disney park and the Disneyland Resort has quite a few great options - but which one to choose? Unless you've been many times (like we have) you may only get the opportunity to eat at one or two, especially since they can be so pricey. Here's a handy list of each option's pros and cons to help you if you're feeling indecisive or just overwhelmed! UPDATED 17 Jan 2018

Plaza Inn

Location - Main Street, USA, Disneyland Park
Hosted by - Minnie
Menu​ - American breakfast classics
Price - $32/adult, $18/child

​PROS:

• Cheapest character dining option
• Potential early access to Disneyland
• Largest appearance of characters - you can easily see over 10!
• Wide array of characters - even those rare ones that don't come out often
• Rarely crowded
• Reservations not always required

​CONS:

• Not a great selection for picky eaters
• Food is good, but not spectacular
• Only breakfast is character dining

PCH Grill

Location - Paradise Pier Hotel
Hosted by - Mickey
Menu - Californian
Price - $36/adult, $21/child

PROS:

• Only character dining to feature Mickey Mouse!
• Only chance to encounter Stitch at the Disneyland Resort!
• Highly interactive with characters
• Food is unique and great
• Plenty of options for picky eaters
• Typically features many of the "Fab 5" (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto)

CONS:

• Paradise Pier Hotel is out of the way - you have to take a lot of time out to come here
• Dining room is very dated
• Character dining only for breakfast

Goofy's Kitchen

Location - Disneyland Hotel
Hosted by - Goofy
Menu - American, Californian, seafood, other
Price - $36/adult, $21/child (BR) | $39/adult, $23/child

PROS:

• Characters are the most playful here!
• Chance of meeting different characters each time you visit
• Often features some of the "Fab 5"
• Largest buffet selection in the entire resort - fantastic for picky eaters! This includes their dessert options, too...
• Character dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner
• Whimsical party atmosphere

CONS:

• Disneyland Hotel is somewhat out of the way so you need to take time out to eat here
• Fewest number of characters out at once
• Most expensive option
• Reservations can go quickly

WINNER - Best Dining in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort & Downtown Disney

WINNER - Best Character Experience in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort & Downtown Disney

Storyteller's Cafe

Location - Grand Californian Hotel
Hosted by - Chip & Dale
Menu - American breakfast classics
Price - $33/adult, $19/child

PROS:

• ​Great place to spot less common characters like Meeko and Brer Fox
• Delicious buffet options!
• Close to the parks - just steps away from California Adventure!
• Great affordable option
• Rarely crowded

CONS:

• Smallest buffet selection of all character dining options - not great for picky eaters
• Mainstream characters are hard to come by