By: Coleen Gomez, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Walt and Lillian Disney loved the Victorian era and that is not only seen on Main Street but also here at Plaza Inn. As you walk up to the location the first thing you will notice is the Plaza Inn sign surrounded by the elaborate wrought Iron arches. The outside patio is surrounded by antique-looking umbrellas and wrought iron chairs where you may also be seated. Once inside you are immediately transported into another time. The dining rooms showcase beautiful woodwork, antique chandeliers, stained glass, and drapery to rival a royal dining hall. Lilian Disney helped handpick many decorations that are still here today. This is the ONLY restaurant in all of the Disney resorts in the world where you will be able to dine with your favorite Disney characters where Walt himself spent time.
While there are a few restaurant locations at the Disneyland Resort you can dine with Disney characters, Plaza Inn is my all-time favorite! Not only is the food good, but you’ll see characters that aren’t normally found inside the park. One thing I appreciate the most about character dining is that you don't have to wait in any lines! You can take your time and truly interact and spend time with the characters, and you are guaranteed to get better pictures with them too. Max from “A Goofy Movie” spent over 5 minutes playing hide and seek with my daughter, and Tigger let us have a full photo session! Rafiki, Eeyore, Chip, and Dale were also among the group of characters we saw that day.
When you are lucky enough to snag a breakfast reservation at the Plaza Inn you will see and spend quality, uninterrupted, time with at least 4 or more characters throughout your meal.
Photo Credit: Disney
Your very first interaction is with Minnie Mouse. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with her for a few minutes and then you will have some pictures taken with her by a professional park photographer. Once you have been escorted to your table, you can immediately head to the buffet. At some point during your meal, a cast member will bring you a copy of your pictures with Minnie and you can either purchase the whole package or a few single images. Don’t forget to get your Plaza Inn Pins as well!
If dining at this popular location is important to you, make your reservation as soon as you can, which will be 60 days from your trip start date if you are staying on-site at a Disneyland Resort hotel. Be prepared to wake up early that day, and check back often for availability if you do not get it on the first try. Make sure to count everyone in your group, even infants. Sometimes joining the walk-up list is an option, but it is never guaranteed. Breakfast menu pricing is currently $35-59.99 per adult, and the breakfast hours are from 9:00 AM -11:00 AM daily. *Characters are not present during lunch or dinner hours.
If you have young children in tow I recommend being flexible with your meal expectations. It may be easier to eat after everyone has had a chance to hang out and take pictures. If you see some characters are a bit further from where you are seated, then grab a small plate to start eating. They will make their way over to you soon!
The food is served buffet style and you will find both hot and cold options such as bacon, sausage, eggs, french toast, biscuits, and gravy. Last but not least are the highly sought-after Mickey waffles. Coffee, tea, juices, milk, and soda are included as well.
If you are looking to book your first or your 10th time to Disneyland be sure to reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels to get you booked this special dining experience.
