Character Dining at Disneyland. Is It Worth It?

If you’re debating whether to spend a few hundred dollars for the chance to dine with Disney characters, this post breaks down all your 2025 options, how much they cost, what to expect, and whether it’s worth it.

Character Donald Duck, Disneyland, Disneyland Park

What Is Character Dining?

Character dining lets you meet beloved characters without standing in line. These experiences take place at four main venues at Disneyland Resort, and they can include breakfast, brunch, or dinner—all featuring themed menus, photo ops, and live interactions. Let’s break down what’s available in 2025.

Character Dining Options in 2025

1. Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn, Disneyland Park

• Meal & Cost: All-you-care-to-eat buffet breakfast. Typically $65–$75 per person. Kids 3–9 similar price.

• Characters: Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald, Goofy, and sometimes Princesses or Star Wars characters.

• Food Quality: Traditional breakfast fare— Mickey waffles, omelets, breakfast potatoes, bacon/sausage, pastries. Generous buffet.

• Atmosphere: Casual, bustling, great for photos with Main Street and castle views.

2. Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Buffet at Storytellers Café, Grand Californian Hotel

• Meal & Cost: Buffet brunch (breakfast + lunch) from about 10:30 AM. $70–$80 per person.

• Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and sometimes Pluto in adventure-themed outfits.

• Food Quality: Frequently ranked as the best character dining meal at Disneyland Resort—varied hot stations, fresh salad bar, brunch favorites plus lunch entrees.

• Atmosphere: Quiet and elegant Grand Californian setting. Perfect for relaxed families or adults looking to avoid park hustle.

3. Donald’s Tales of Adventure – Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Café, Grand Californian Hotel (NEW as of May 16, 2025)

• Meal & Cost: Dinner buffet featuring themed décor and new explorer outfits for Donald & Daisy. Expect $80+ per adult, roughly $39 per child.

• Characters: Donald, Daisy, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto—in explorer outfits.

• Food Quality: Elevated offerings with carving stations, hot entrees, themed desserts, plus complimentary PhotoPass. Ideal for dinner-time character interaction in a refined setting.

4. Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel

• Meal & Cost: Breakfast, brunch or dinner buffet. Average $69–$79 per adult; $39 per child. Holiday-themed options (e.g. Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast) run in late November–early January.

• Characters: Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Chip & Dale, often in festive costumes during holiday seasons. Abundant and playful interactions.

• Food Quality: Comfort-focused—omelet stations, pancakes, carving station at dinner, kid favorites. Offers specialty drinks. Decent quality for a family-friendly buffet.

• Atmosphere: Lively and cartoonish décor, lots of energy, especially appealing for young kids. Buffet-style chaos—but fun.

Trophy Experience & New Holiday Feast

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose (Grand Californian; temporarily closed for renovation until fall 2025)

• Meal & Cost: Premium three-course princess-themed breakfast/brunch. Starts at ~$142 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Viral buzz in June 2025: $937 for family of five. 

• Characters: Belle, other princesses. Includes storytelling, photo ops, and high-touch service.

• Food Quality: Upscale fare—lobster rolls, truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, deviled eggs, cream puffs. Rated 7/10 by diners for flavour, but massive cost.

• Atmosphere: Elegance meets princess fantasy. Best for special-day celebrations.

Summary

Restaurant	Meal Type	Price ~ per Adult	Characters	Food Quality	Best For
Plaza Inn (Main St.)	Breakfast	$65–$75	Minnie & Friends	Solid buffet basics	Park entry + castle views
Storytellers Café (Brunch)	Brunch	$70–$80	Mickey & Friends	Best character meal	Relaxed upscale family brunch
Storytellers Café (Dinner)*	Dinner Buffet	$80+	Donald & Friends Explorer	Elevated dinner buffet	Explorer theme dinner
Goofy’s Kitchen (Breakfast/Dinner)	Buffet	$69–$79	Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Chip	Comfort food good value	Energetic kids' favorite
Napa Rose Princess Adventure*	Princess Breakfast	$142+	Belle & Princesses	High-end cuisine	Special celebrations

*These experiences require separate reservations and have limited seating availability.

Is It Worth It?

👍 Pros

• Guaranteed character photos without waiting in line.

• Relaxed time to interact, especially for kids.

• High-quality, themed meals (especially Storytellers brunch and Princess Adventures).

• Complimentary PhotoPass in most experiences.

👎 Cons

• Higher cost than regular dining.

• Buffet quality varies—Goofy’s leans comfort-food, Plaza Inn is basic.

• Napa Rose Princess meal is very expensive with modest flavor rating (7/10).

• Reservations required (some limited availability like Dinner or Princess events can sell out).

Princess Tiana, Disneyland Park

Who Benefits Most?

• Families with young children: Plaza Inn breakfast and Goofy’s Kitchen deliver excitement and ease.

• Foodies and brunch lovers: Storytellers Café brunch offers the best food-character synergy.

• Special celebrations or princess fans: Napa Rose offers a premium, story-driven treat—though pricey.

• Dinner-time fun: Donald’s Tales dinner buffet is fresh and thematic since mid-2025.

 Tips & 2025 Updates

• Character interactions are fully back to normal post-pandemic—hugs, autographs, photos resumed.

• PhotoPass downloads are included with character meals—no extra fee. Mickey

• Expect holiday overlays—like Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers, featuring Scrooge McDuck and festive costumes running late November to early January 2025–2026. Prices around $69–$79 for adult brunch/dinner.

• Napa Rose renovations are underway through fall 2025; Princess Adventure resumes after upgrade.

• Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers occasionally block dates for private events—check availability early.

Final Verdict

Character dining at Disneyland Resort is absolutely worth it for many guests—especially families with young kids or those craving a flavorful brunch with beloved Disney pals. If you're looking for the best combination of food, ambience, and character interaction, Storytellers Café brunch and the new Donald dinner are standout options. Plaza Inn and Goofy’s Kitchen offer fun and ease at a slightly lower price point.

The Princess Breakfast at Napa Rose is a true splurge experience—magical, theatrical, but not for the faint of wallet.

If you’re trying to choose: think about your priorities—whether it's budget, food quality, ambiance, or characters—and book early (reservations open 60 days out).