Character dining experience at Plaza Inn at Disneyland.
Start your Disneyland day off right with an all-you-can-care-to-enjoy buffet breakfast with Minnie Mouse and other Disney Friends at the Plaza Inn Restaurant. The Plaza Inn is located at the end of Main Street USA just before the entrance to Tomorrowland.
Do I need a Reservation?
Yes reservation is required but you can walk up and see if there is any last minute availability. If you are unable to secure a reservation in advance I'd highly suggest signing up for MouseDining. MouseDining is a third party company that works with Disney behind the scenes to find a reservation for you.
Can I get into Disneyland with my Dining Reservation?
You will need to purchase Disneyland Park Tickets and make Park day reservations in advance for Disneyland prior to dining. If you do not have either one of these unfortunately you will not be able to enter the Park. At this point I don't think there is a separate line for restraunt guests or the option to cut the line outside the gates either. So plan accordingly based on crowd levels at the gate and your reservation time.
How do I check in?
Everything is done via the Disneyland app and you don't need to be at the restaurant but make sure you are close by in the park. Just before your Reservation time you will want to open the app, log in and click Park Reservations which should be located right on the screen. If for some reason it isn't you can easily find your dining reservations by clicking on the 3 lines on bottom of your screen and then click on my plans.
It should have a button that is blue for you to click on to check in for your reservation. Once you click that it will take you to a new screen where you will confirm how many adults and children are in your dining party. My reservation was for 3 guests but it gave me the option to add 1 additional guest if I wanted. I assume this is an option for everyone.
After you confirm your party you will be given the option of mobility accessibility should anyone in your party need accommodations for a wheelchair or ECV. If this isn't needed you can select skip.
Next if needed you can add your dietary Requests, for example: gluten, eggs, soy, corn, milk and so on. This information will be added to your ticket and a chef will come to speak with you once you are seated.
After completing all the steps on the screen to check in you will then receive a text alert and alert in the app when your table is ready. See a cast member after you receive your alert for further instructions and to be seated.
If for some reason you do not have access to your Disneyland app you can also check in at the Hostess stand.
What Characters Will we See?
When you arrive you will be given the opportunity to take a photo with Minnie Mouse outdoors. This photo is taken by a Disneyland Photographer and is included with your Character Dining. Scan your app on your phone and your photos will be there later in the day.
The other Disney Characters vary by availability. On the day I was there the Disney Characters it was Pluto, Daisy Duck, Tigger, Chip and Dale. Currently (because of current covid restrictions) the characters do not stop at each table to visit, they do however make a couple of rounds dancing through the restaurant by each table where the guests are seated. You are welcome to take photos and videos with your own camera. I have seen others report that a character might stop for a quick selfie if you ask nicely, but it will be quick.
What is available for Breakfast and How much does it Cost?
Price may vary (September 2021 Prices):
Adults- $41
Kids- $24
(2 and under FREE)
This Character dining experience is an all you can enjoy buffet breakfast:
Omelette station
Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, bacon
Breakfast Potatoes
Biscuits and gravy
French Toast
Mickey Waffles
Assorted Cereals
Variety of Muffins, Croissants, danish & fruit
*Beverages are also included: Soda, Water, Tea, Coffee, Milk and Juice
Some of these stations are self serve and others a Cast Member will serve it for you off the buffet line.
What Gluten Free options do they have?
If you noted on your reservation that you have a gluten or other dietary restrict after you are seated your wait staff will request the chef to come to your table. You do not need to email special diets team in advance for gluten free, they will always have options available on site. The chef will then go over your concerns and will assemble a plate for you in the kitchen. You are welcome to also get food off the buffet if you feel comfortable. The only thing I felt comfortable getting off the buffet was some jello and fruit, only because it was located away from other stations and the cast Member was there refilling the station.
The chef brought me out the standard gluten free plate which consisted of Gluten Free Mickey Waffles, Breakfast Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage and Scrambled Eggs. I also requested a side of bananas foster and syrup. When I inquired if there was any other options like a gluten free muffin or pastries I was told unfortunately that was not an option at this location. I do know there are packaged gluten free muffins in the Park and at the Character dining at the Disneyland Hotels but for some reason it isn't offered here. Since this is an all-you-can-eat dining you are welcome to continue to request the chef to cook more gluten free food for you during your dining visit, you are not limited to just the 1 plate.
Overall my family had a pleasant dining experience. The food was delicious and very filling. If you like banana I highly recommend adding the bananas foster topping to your Mickey Waffles, it is so delicious. Oh and don't forget your FREE Plaza Inn Minnie Mouse button at the stand where you pay. Once full character dining resumes I definitely want to go back again. It has been reported in the past this particular Character Dining sometimes has rare characters make an appearance like Rafiki from the Lion King and others.
