Countdown - 53 Days to Go!

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53 Days to go!!! Did you think we were done with character meet-and-greet options? Nope—not even close! Well… okay, we’re close, but not done yet 😉

For this post, we’re heading back to the West Coast—Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. And while we’ve already covered in-park character encounters, there’s a whole other world of character magic waiting just outside the turnstiles…

🍽️ Characters Outside the Parks? Yes, Please!

Here’s the twist: you don’t necessarily need a park ticket or hotel reservation to enjoy these character dining experiences. That means if you’re just passing through Anaheim and want a little extra pixie dust with your pancakes, you’re in luck!

Exception Alert: The one spot that does require a park ticket is Plaza Inn – Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park. This is a breakfast-only character meal, so double-check your reservation time to make sure you’re booking the right meal!

🥞 Plaza Inn Highlights:

• “All You Can Enjoy” breakfast featuring:

  • Minnie Waffles

  • Made-to-order omelets

  • French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and more

• Character lineup varies—each visit could bring a new surprise!

  
  

🏨 Outside-the-Park Dining Options

Fair warning: I haven’t personally dined at these (yet!), so this is blog-of-mouth intel. But they’re officially on my list now!

🌲 Storytellers Café

📍 Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Photo Credit Disneyland Website

This spot is bursting with seasonal character dining options. Here’s what’s cooking:

🍁 Mickey’s Tale of Autumn Adventure Breakfast

• Bananas Foster French Toast

• Pork carnitas chilaquiles

• Classic Disney breakfast fare with a seasonal twist

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🎃 Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner

🗓️ August 22 – October 31

• Clarabelle Cow and friends in Halloween outfits

• Buffet includes hand-carved meats, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, and more

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🦃 Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet

🗓️ November 1 – November 16

• Baby back ribs, fried chicken, s’mores bread pudding

• Thanksgiving-themed character dining also available!

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🎄 Daisy’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast/Brunch

🗓️ November 17 – January 6

• Pajama party vibes with Daisy and friends

• Mickey moves to the dinner slot with Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast

Honestly, just reading about all this makes me nap-ready. So much magic packed into one restaurant!

👑 Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

📍 Trillium Room, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Photo Credit: Disneyland Website

Previously held at Napa Rose (currently under refurb), this 3-course breakfast is a dream for any royal fan. Expect quality time with your little ones and some regal visitors.

👨‍🍳 Goofy’s Kitchen

📍 Disneyland Hotel

Photo Credit: Disneyland website

Goofy in a chef’s attire? Yes please! This standalone restaurant offers breakfast and dinner with Goofy and pals—and seasonal events galore:

• Halloween character dining

• Holiday celebrations

• Thanksgiving dinner

• Good Morning Giggles and Brunch Belly Laughs (Nov 1–16) with surprise guests!

💬 Your Turn!

While I haven’t tried these yet, they’re officially on my must-do list. What’s been your favorite Disneyland character meal? Drop a comment or tag me in your pics—I’d love to see your magical moments!