Plaza Inn vs. Storytellers vs. Goofy’s
Pros, Cons & Which Families Each Is Best For
Nothing says “We’re at Disneyland!!!” quite like a character breakfast. Mickey waffles, autographs, characters stopping at your table—it’s basically mainlining magic before 9 a.m. But with three popular options—Plaza Inn, Storytellers Café, and Goofy’s Kitchen—how do you choose the best fit for your family?
Here’s your no-fluff, honest character breakfast showdown so you know exactly which one will give your family the best morning ever.
⭐ Plaza Inn – Main Street, U.S.A. (Disneyland Park)
Characters: Minnie Mouse + a rotating but huge variety (think Tigger, Chip & Dale, Fairy Godmother, Max, Rafiki, Captain Hook)
Style: Classic cafeteria-style breakfast buffet in the park
Price: Moderate
Location: Inside Disneyland Park (requires park ticket + park entry)
Why Families Love Plaza Inn
- Best character variety in the resort – truly unpredictable and FUN
- Inside Disneyland – you can walk out and hop straight onto rides
- Classic Disney feeling – pink Victorian charm + Main Street energy
- Great for photos – bright daylight, cute décor, tons of character interactions
Cons
- It can feel crowded (especially during peak times)
- Food is basic – good, but not gourmet
- Requires park entry, so not great for arrival mornings
- Cafeteria seating, not a cozy restaurant vibe
Best For:
- Families with younger kids who want LOTS of characters
- People who love the “classic Disneyland” feeling
- Families who want to rope drop → breakfast → rides
- Anyone who cares more about character variety than food quality
Verdict: Plaza Inn = the most Disney-filled, character-packed experience.
If you want maximum characters → this is your winner.
⭐ Storytellers Café – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale, Pluto, and friends (Adventurer outfits)
Style: Buffet with higher-end food options
Price: Moderate–High
Location: Inside the Grand Californian (no park ticket required for breakfast)
Why Families Love Storytellers
- The food is genuinely good.
Fresh pastries, chilaquiles, made-to-order omelets, seasonal dishes—it’s a noticeable quality step up from Plaza Inn. - Not overly chaotic.
The restaurant layout feels calmer, quieter, and more controlled. - Characters are adorable in their wilderness/adventure outfits.
- Great for hotel guests staying at the Grand Californian.
Cons
- Character variety is smaller (usually 4–5 characters total)
- Not as high-energy as Goofy’s or Plaza Inn
- Advance reservations necessary—walk-ups are rare
- More expensive than Plaza Inn
Best For:
- Families who want good food + a calmer environment
- Kids who get overwhelmed by noise/crowds
- Multigenerational groups (easiest seating + quietest vibe)
- Anyone staying at the Grand Californian who wants breakfast before entering the park
Verdict: Storytellers = the calm, delicious, elevated character breakfast.
If you want good food + a peaceful morning → pick Storytellers.
⭐ Goofy’s Kitchen – Disneyland Hotel
Characters: Goofy (chef), Minnie, Pluto, Chip & Dale, sometimes surprise guests
Style: Big, loud, energy-filled buffet with playful food
Price: High
Location: Disneyland Hotel (no park ticket required)
Why Families Love Goofy’s Kitchen
- Most energetic vibe – singing, dancing, parade moments, goofy fun
- Tons of kid-friendly food – pizza, mac & cheese, Mickey waffles, PB&J pizza, famous dessert bar
- Great for celebrations – birthdays, first Disneyland trips, family reunions
- Characters are playful and spend a lot of time interacting with tables
Cons
- It’s LOUD. Very fun, but loud.
- Food is hit-or-miss unless you love kid-style buffets
- Higher priced than the other two
- Can feel chaotic during peak breakfast hours
Best For:
- Families with energetic kids who LOVE silly fun
- Birthday celebrations or “kickoff to the trip” mornings
- Kids who care more about characters than food
- Families staying at the Disneyland Hotel or Pixar Place Hotel
Verdict: Goofy’s = the party.
If you want loud, silly, joyful chaos → this is your spot.
Side-by-Side Quick Comparison
| Category | Plaza Inn | Storytellers Café | Goofy’s Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Quality | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Character Energy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Character Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Level | Medium–High | Low–Medium | High |
| Best For | Small kids, character lovers | Calm families, foodies | High-energy families |
| Park Ticket Needed? | Yes | No | No |
Which One Should Your Family Choose?
Choose Plaza Inn if…
- You want the most characters for your money
- You’re already planning to be inside Disneyland early
- Photos + character variety matter more than food quality
Choose Storytellers Café if…
- You want the best food
- Your child needs a calmer breakfast before the park
- You have grandparents joining (easiest for slower pace)
- You don’t want to deal with the park in the early morning
Choose Goofy’s Kitchen if…
- You want a party—loud, fun, chaotic, memorable
- You’re celebrating something (birthday, first trip, etc.)
- Your kids LOVE playful, silly characters
- You want a kickoff meal before your first park day
⭐ Final Thoughts
There’s really no wrong choice—each character breakfast shines for different families. Whether you choose the character-packed Plaza Inn, the delicious and calm Storytellers, or the wild fun of Goofy’s Kitchen, you’re going to make magical memories.
The trick is choosing the experience that fits your family’s morning energy.