Breakfast with your favorite Disneyland Pals

So many people are asking, "Where's the best character dining?"  So, I'm here to give you facts.  Then you decide...........

I'm only talking breakfast.  Why?  Most of the Disneyland character dining is only available at breakfast.  Cost is also comparable.  There are currently 4 options.  Due to Paradise Pier being remodeled into Pixar Pier we lost Ariel's Grotto.  Here's the necessary info.  Get a reservation before arriving.  No matter which option you choose.......it's popular.  Set this up as far in advance as you can.  60 days before you plan on dining is the BEST option.  You can always edit your reservation, but you want to make it ASAP.  

1) Plaza Inn: Mainstreet USA; Disneyland:  This is the only option available INSIDE a park.  

When; Character dining only available during breakfast buffet.

Cost: $32 adult $18 kids 

Typical Characters: Minnie Mouse, Tigger, Eeyore, Rafikki, Chip, Dale

2) Storytellers Cafe: Grand Californian: This place offers a dinner buffet, but without the characters.

When: Character dining only available during breakfast buffet.

Cost: $35 adult $15 kids

Typical Characters: Chip, Dale, Koda, Meeko

3) Goofy's Kitchen: Disneyland Hotel: This one is the most popular, so make your reservations ASAP.

When: Character dining is "the thing" here.  They offer breakfast and dinner.  At dinner you'll get Mickey too.  

Cost: $35 adult $18 kids

Typical Characters: Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Chip, Dale

4) Surf's Up: Paradise Pier Hotel: This is the only breakfast where you can see Mickey.

When: Character dining only available at breakfast.  Dinner is a buffet, but not a character buffet.

Cost: $35 adult $15 kids

Typical Characters; Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Daisy, Pluto

So.....what's my recommendation?  I've only experienced Plaza Inn and Surf's Up.  I also did Ariel's Grotto, but that's unfortunately not an option any more.  I chose Surf's Up because I wanted my kid to meet Mickey without spending half my day in a line.  It was great.  With all of this being said.......you go (and pay) for the characters at these locations.  It's not about the food.  Sure, each location has something that someone would consider "the best", but really there is nothing special about any of the food at these locations.  I loved the music at Surf's Up as well.  It was a P-A-R-T-Y!!! Id love to check out Goofy's Kitchen for dinner, just to see what they've got going on.  Who's coming with me?