• On Mar 17, 2022
    Jason 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.

    Visiting Disneyland around May 18th. Growing up I remember experiencing the character dining at Cafe Orleans inside the park itself. Is that no longer available, or even the Plaza character dining. We are looking to book a late breakfast or early lunch.

    Hi Jason!

    Welcome to planDisney! And thank you so much for sending this Disneyland Resort Character Dining question to us hEAR!

    Oh, I love so much that you have life-long memories of going to Disneyland Resort! One of the things I love so much about looking at pictures from visits when I was in the baby days is how much everything has changed - the fashion choices, Minnie Mouse's makeup, even the style of stroller rentals in the park. But I also love comparing what's stayed the same!

    In terms of available Character Dining, there sadly hasn't been anything offered at Cafe Orleans in the last few pre-and-during pandemic years. (However, the infamous espresso machine purchased by Walt himself while on a 1965 European vacation is still on display.) Plaza Inn does offer the 'Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park' character breakfast that typically features Minnie, Chip & Dale, Pooh, Eeyore, and at least two or three more friends on a rotating basis. This meal is mighty popular, so be sure to book it right when Dining Reservation open at 6:00 AM PST, 60 days in advance of your dining day. Pro Tip: Plaza Inn switches over to a cafeteria-style quick service meal for lunch starting at noon, but the breakfast items start to get cleaned up around 11:45 AM.

    However, if you're looking for a late breakfast or a lunch reservation, I'm going to suggest looking into booking either Mickey's Tales of Adventure Brunch Buffet at Storytellers Cafe in the Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or lunch at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. And hEARs a Pro Tip, Jason: For these two locations, try to book the latest reservation time that you can find. If you look at the "hours", those are the seating times, meaning you could really book a reservation to be seated at 11:55 when the doors close at Noon. Not only will you still be able to help yourself to a full buffet of choices that get replenished with the same time regularity as when the restaurant is hopping in the morning, both the buffet and our favorite Character pals will still stay put until the last table leaves. This is how I book most of my character meals as not only is there less competition for the best Mickey Waffle of the bunch, but the characters can make multiple rounds to your table as the restaurant clEARs out. Sometimes they'll even interact with each other (usually they visit the tables one-by-one) which makes for some super cute photos! (*Note that this only works at locations that close and take a few hours of a break between breakfast/brunch and the dinner service.)

    I hope this helped to plan your upcoming Disney days, Jason! Be sure to follow the official planDisney Instagram account for even more tips and tricks, as well as the brand new planDisney Podcast! And if you have any more Disneyland Resort vacation planning questions, We're All Ears!

    ~Kristen
thumbnail image for Kristen

Meet the Panelist: Kristen, Texas

Hi, I'm Kristen! I'm a mom to the best ride buddy and a military spouse who loves keeping up with the latest Disney Parks news. Trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World have always been fun, but now that I'm the parent AND the planner every moment is that much more treasured.  I am so honored and excited to be able to share tips I've picked up, pass on fun factoids I've learned, and help create magical moments for your vacation of a lifetime!  Learn More About Kristen

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for 5 Tips for Making the Most of your Disneyland Resort Vacation

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.