Family Dining; Mother; father; daughters
  • On Mar 30, 2026
    Daniel from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello. It will be our first time booking a character breakfast reservation and we are doing the storytellers cafe! Our first day is going to be Disneyland park. I know it is mostly preference, but what time do you recommend us booking the reservation?

    Greetings, Daniel, and welcome to planDisney! Your Disneyland Resort vacation is just around the corner. I love that you're adding some magic to your visit with a Character breakfast at Storytellers Cafe. It's such a fun experience!

    Timing really comes down to preference and availability. There are a few different approaches you can take, but you really can't go wrong however you decide. Let's start by setting the scene: Storytellers Cafe is located within the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It's typically open for breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., and for brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (hours are subject to change). It offers dinner seatings, too. The theme parks usually open at 8:00 a.m.

    My family generally opts to have a light breakfast so we can be at the park when it opens. During the first few hours of the day, the weather is cool and the wait times are usually shorter. If attractions are important to you, then don't miss those first few hours! If you'll be using the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, it's also a good idea to enter the park early so you can begin making selections. For these reasons, we generally prefer to have brunch at Storytellers Cafe. Sitting down for a nice big meal and fun Character interactions after spending the morning in the park is really nice. Personally, my perfect time would be 11:00 a.m.

    If you prefer to dine earlier, you can consider a 10 a.m. reservation, which would still give you some time in the park before. Alternatively, you can do Storytellers Cafe first thing in the morning (like 7:15 a.m.), and then head to the parks after. However, you'd be missing out on that great window for attractions. And that's totally OK if you prefer to have a leisurely start to your day!

    Is there a day during your trip when you'll start at California Adventure? Storytellers Cafe is really close to that park, so it could be a little more convenient to book your breakfast or brunch on a day you have that park reserved. The whole Resort is fairly walkable, though.

    Here's another option: If you'd like to secure a reserved spot to watch World of Color in California Adventure, you could consider the dinner dining package for Storytellers Cafe. A great, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal is even better when followed by time in the park with a great view of towering fountains, colorful lights, and projections. A valid ticket and theme park reservation are required.

    Lastly, as you're looking for reservations, you can also keep an eye on Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn. Reservations for this Character Dining experience can be a little harder to get, but it's located inside Disneyland Park, which could be great for you. If you're interested, keep checking to see if a reservation appears.

    Daniel, get ready for amazing food, magical encounters with Disney pals, and more. I hope you have a fantastic time at the Disneyland Resort. If you think of any other questions, please reach out – we're always happy to help here at planDisney!

    Wishing you many happy memories,
    Kriss
thumbnail image for Kriss

Meet the Panelist: Kriss, California

Hi, there! I’m Kriss, a wife, mom of two mini Mouseketeers, and lifelong Orange County local. As a Magic Key holder who visits the Disneyland Resort often, you have a friend in me when it comes to tips and tricks for making the most of your magical visit. Plant-based dining, navigating the parks with kids, transportation, pin trading, itineraries for various preferences – I’ve got you covered! Learn More About Kriss

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