Logan Hayes
Character dining at Disneyland is a popular experience for many visitors, with the opportunity to meet and interact with characters, as well as enjoy a meal. Reservations are highly recommended, with some restaurants, such as the Star Wars-themed bar, having extremely limited seating. Visitors can book a reservation before purchasing park tickets, but it is important to cancel if plans change to avoid a no-show fee. Reservations can be made on the Disneyland website or by phone, and some sources suggest booking popular restaurants 60 days in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reservation required | Yes |
| Reservation before buying park tickets | Yes |
| Cancellation | Possible, but with a fee |
| Age limit | Kids 2 and under eat for free, kids 10 and older need an adult ticket |
| Character availability | Not all characters are guaranteed, but some are always available at "their" restaurant |
| Location | Breakfast with Minnie & Friends is inside Disneyland, other character breakfasts are available at onsite hotels |
| Ticket | Required for entry, even with a dining reservation |
| Security | Required |
| Restaurants | Goofy's Kitchen, Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe, Pirates of the Caribbean restaurant |
| Contact | 714-781-3463 |
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What You'll Learn
Making reservations
Reservations can be made before purchasing park tickets, but it is important to remember to cancel if you don't intend to use the booking, as most restaurants charge a "no-show" fee. You can make reservations at onsite hotels without needing a park ticket, and you won't need a ticket to eat at restaurants outside the parks, such as those in the hotels or in downtown Disney.
Reservations can be made by calling Disney Dining or by checking availability on the Disneyland website. You can also book through a travel agent or a third-party website. It is recommended to book as early as possible, especially for the more popular character dining experiences, such as Topolino's, 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's, and Ohana. If you are flexible with times, this can also increase your chances of securing a reservation.
Some character dining experiences are only available at certain times, such as Mickey's Tales of Adventure Brunch, which is only served on weekends. It's important to note that some restaurants, like Storytellers Cafe, offer character dining for breakfast and brunch but not for dinner. Additionally, some restaurants have very limited seating, like the Star Wars-themed bar, so it's recommended to eat elsewhere and just get a drink there if you manage to secure a reservation.
Finally, it's worth noting that while characters may pop up unexpectedly at any time, certain characters are guaranteed to be at specific restaurants. For example, you can always expect to see Goofy at Goofy's Kitchen, Minnie at Breakfast with Minnie and Friends, and Mickey at Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast.
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Where to dine
When it comes to dining at Disney, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a magical experience. Firstly, it is important to make reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants, to avoid disappointment. You can make reservations without purchasing park tickets, but remember to cancel if your plans change to avoid any potential "no-show" fees.
Disney offers a range of dining options, both inside and outside the parks. If you're looking for a character dining experience, there are several locations to choose from. One option is Breakfast with Minnie & Friends, located inside Disneyland, which requires a valid theme park admission ticket even with a dining reservation. This means that if you don't have a park ticket for your last morning, you might want to opt for a character breakfast at one of the onsite hotels to extend the magic a little longer.
The onsite hotels offer a variety of character dining experiences. For example, you can find Goofy at Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel, and Mickey at Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast at the Storytellers Cafe in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. These experiences often include designated photo opportunities, so be sure to have your camera ready! It's worth noting that character appearances may vary, but certain characters, like Goofy, Minnie, and Mickey, are guaranteed at their respective restaurants.
Outside of character dining, Disney also offers unique dining experiences such as the Star Wars-themed bar, which has limited seating, and the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed restaurant. These locations can be challenging to get into, so booking ahead is highly recommended. Additionally, if you're looking for a more flexible dining option, consider checking the breakfast times for different restaurants and booking a reservation during your preferred meal window.
Lastly, when planning your dining itinerary, keep in mind that kids ages two and under eat for free at Disney Character Dining, while children 10 and older will need an adult ticket. So, whether you're dining with Minnie and Friends or exploring the restaurants outside the parks, there's something for everyone at Disney to create unforgettable memories.
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Costs and cancellations
Reservations are highly recommended for character dining at Disney, especially for popular restaurants, to avoid disappointment. While it is possible to purchase tickets at the venue, this is not guaranteed.
Character dining experiences vary in price depending on the location and the characters present. For example, the Star Wars restaurant is more of a bar, with limited seating and no character dining. In contrast, the Pirates of the Caribbean restaurant is a popular dining choice, with character interactions and designated photo opportunities.
Reservations can be made by calling Disney Dining or booking online. It is recommended to check availability before purchasing vouchers, especially for larger groups. Reservations can be modified, and cancellations are permitted, but a "no-show" fee may be charged, typically $10 per person. Cancellation periods vary and will be noted at the time of booking.
Children aged two and under eat for free, while those aged ten and above require an adult ticket. It is worth noting that some characters are guaranteed to appear at specific restaurants, such as Goofy at Goofy's Kitchen, Minnie at Breakfast with Minnie and Friends, and Mickey at Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast.
When booking, it is advisable to be flexible with timings and to constantly check for modifications, as many people cancel their reservations. It is also important to be aware of the different meal services, as some restaurants, like Storytellers Cafe, serve both breakfast and brunch, with a slight shift in buffet options during the transition.
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Character appearances
If you are hoping to spot a specific character, it is worth checking ahead of time whether they are guaranteed to appear at a particular location. You can do this by checking the Disneyland website or calling their phone line. It is also worth noting that character dining experiences are available at both parks and hotels, so you do not need a park ticket to eat at the restaurants outside the parks, such as those in the hotels or in downtown Disney.
Some character dining experiences are more popular than others, so it is important to book ahead of time to secure a reservation. Reservations can be made by calling Disney Dining or purchasing character dining vouchers from an agent. Popular locations include Topolino's, 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's, and Ohana. It is recommended to book the locations that are most important to you first and to be flexible with your preferred time, as this will increase your chances of securing a reservation.
It is also worth noting that some character dining experiences may be more suitable for certain ages or audiences. For example, the Star Wars-themed restaurant is reportedly quite small and better suited for adults, while the Pirates of the Caribbean restaurant may have more universal appeal.
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Dining without park tickets
When it comes to dining at Disney without park tickets, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you don't need a park ticket to make a dining reservation at Disney. However, you will need a park ticket if you plan to dine at a restaurant inside the parks. Restaurants outside of the parks, such as those in Disney Springs or the hotels, can be accessed without a park ticket. These restaurants offer a variety of dining options, from comfort food to unique African and Indian-inspired dishes.
If you're staying at a Disney-owned hotel, you can make dining reservations for your entire stay, up to a maximum of 10 days. This benefit is a significant advantage of staying on-site at Disney World. However, it's important to note that popular restaurants like Space 220 may be challenging to book, so it's recommended to plan accordingly.
When making dining reservations, it's essential to be mindful of cancellation policies. Most restaurants have a "no-show" fee, so be sure to cancel your reservation if you're unable to make it. Additionally, some restaurants charge a fee for cancellations made within 24 hours of the reservation.
- Homecomin': Located in Disney Springs, this restaurant is known for its delicious comfort food and has gained a large fan base since its opening in 2016. Popular dishes include the Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits and the HFK Barbecue Bun.
- Wine Bar George: Also located in Disney Springs, Wine Bar George is a great option if you're looking for a nicer meal or celebrating a special occasion.
- Sanaa: If you're an animal lover, Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers African and Indian-inspired cuisine with views of the Savanna and roaming animals. Their Indian-style Bread Service is a must-try, featuring five different flatbreads with nine unique dipping sauces.
By planning ahead and considering these dining options, you can enjoy a magical dining experience at Disney without the need for park tickets.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to make a reservation for character breakfast at Disney.
You can make a reservation by calling Disney or booking online.
No, you can make a reservation without park tickets, but you will need to cancel if you don't end up buying them.
It is recommended to make your reservation 60 days in advance.
Yes, you can cancel your reservation, but you may be charged a fee if you don't show up for your booked time.
