Character dining is always a highlight of Disney trips for the littles (and the bigs!) But it's also absolutely worth it in terms of your time, money and stress levels.
For starters, it makes your character sightings in the parks a little less DO or DIE. Because with a character dining experience, they will come to your table and sign your autograph books. Also, having a rez booked for one of these experiences will save you from waiting in the long queues whenever Mickey and friends pop up in the parks.
It's been a while since we had done a character dining but on our trip to Disneyland during Halloweentime, we splurged for Donald Duck's Seaside Brunch at the PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel.
Paradise Pier is the more affordable option of the three Disneyland hotels (the most expensive being Grand Californian and the middle-tier but still expensive being The Disneyland Hotel.) And much like the Paradise (now Pixar) Pier it was named after in Disney's California Adventure, the vibe is old-timey boardwalk, as interpreted through a late '90s/early aughts design schematic.
In short, it's not exactly the newest kid on the block but if you're here to visit Donald and friends, or if you want to ogle 90s decor, it will suffice.
Now, straight to business: Here are THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREAKFAST WITH DONALD:
1. Characters are a-plenty. If you want autographs, you will get autographs and photos from your favorite characters, including a big meet-and-greet with Donald when you walk in.
2. Food is buffet-style. The restaurant's buffet has everything from breakfast items to lunch options, including soft-serve ice cream with Mickey Mouse-shaped sprinkles. It is a kids' dream. But not so much for parents who are hoping their kids will eat some veggies and fruit or real food before devouring ice cream. Plan accordingly. Manage your healthy eating expectations.
3. Reservations are a must. Even with reservations, we had to wait about 10 minutes before we could get into the restaurant, do our vogue session with Donald, and then sit down. So we can't imagine what it would be like to try and walk-in, especially if you have a large group. Make your reservations here. A credit card is needed to guarantee the reservation and it's going to cost you about $40 for adults and $21 for kids. The good news is you don't need theme park tickets to do it and there is free parking (for up to three hours.)
The food definitely needs some work (hopefully Disney's strategy of having fresher items and plant-based options in the theme parks will work its way over here) but the smiles and giggles from the kids (and adults) is always magical to see.
Bonus! Check this Ursula moment at the back of the hotel by the parking garage:
*If you are interested in booking a Disneyland Hotel or Walt Disney World Hotel, email me as I'm a certified Disney Travel Agent. Just send me the dates of when you would like to go and I'll start watching for the offers and rates.
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