You’ve seen the hundreds of delightful videos of diner staff cooking up adorable, fluffy treats at the Jellycat Diner inside FAO Schwarz. Now, you’re trying to figure out how to make it there yourself.
Hi, I’m Toni! I’m a Jellycat lover who lives in New York, so I’ve been to the Jellycat Diner more times than I can count – both stopping by for an after-work pick-me-up and with a reservation for the diner exclusives. I’ve seen so many questions online about the diner that I decided to put together a guide on what you should know before visiting! As a heads up, this information is accurate as of publishing, but the Jellycat Diner team can make routine adjustments to its procedure. For the latest, always check the Jellycat site!
Do I need a reservation?
If you want to get the full diner experience or purchase any of the NYC diner exclusive Amuseables, you will need a reservation. Reservation availability typically drops three to four weeks in advance on Monday afternoons, though cancellations can pop up at any time.
These reservations are free and can only be booked through Jellycat’s official website. You can make your reservation for as many people in your group who want to participate, but not everyone needs to buy. There is an item limit for all of the diner exclusives, but it’s not so restrictive that anyone would have to miss out on their dream Jellycat.
Reservations are non-transferable, and diner staff will ask you to present your original email when you check in. Forwarded emails have not been accepted, unless you’re able to present ID that matches the name of the reservation. The FAO Schwarz and Jellycat staff monitors reservations and will cancel those of known resellers. So, if you see someone offering to sell or trade a reservation, it likely won’t be valid when you arrive!
What Jellycats are available at the diner?
Currently, there are 8 diner-exclusive Amuseables packages, which include a reusable tote bag, a coordinating enamel pin, a themed sticker sheet, and personalized gift packaging:
- Bubbeca Milkshake (NYC Exclusive)
- Crember Cheesecake (NYC Exclusive)
- Fran Pancakes
- Rene Waffle
- Bagel
- Burger
- Hot Dog
- Pizza
You have the option to add an Amuseables Pickle, Nibblechip Black and White Cookie, Happy Boiled Egg, or Coffee Cup “side dish” to your order.
Don’t forget about Oatus Bear, Strutton Pigeon, or bag charm Mini Fran Pancakes! They’re all NYC exclusives, but they do not require a reservation. Instead, they are available on the second floor, where an FAO staff member will take your order and hand you what you’d like. If you have a diner reservation, these three are also available on a shelf near the counter.
In addition to the diner menu, FAO Schwarz sells the current collection of Jellycats in the section next to the diner. You won’t need a reservation to purchase anything outside the diner.
How do I get to the diner?
The Jellycat Diner is conveniently located within FAO Schwarz New York City, which is right in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza! There are two entrances to FAO Schwarz, but the door closest to the diner is located on W 49th Street, between 5th and 6th, directly across from Christie’s. There are no steps or ramps to the diner from that door, making it the easiest to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs.
How long is the diner experience?
You should arrive about 10-15 minutes early to check in and get in line. Your wait time is dependent on how many parties are ahead of you (and how large they are), but you’ll usually be able to enter the diner area within 10 minutes of your scheduled reservation time. The “show” takes about five minutes per product and is highly interactive, so get ready to help cook and pack your new friend!
Is the bag a lot to carry around Midtown?
In my humble opinion, it’s super easy! The straps are long enough that you can carry it on your shoulder like a tote, but the bag itself isn’t so large that you’ll be bumping into other people. I’ve brought my diner hauls into Broadway theatres with narrow seating arrangements and have never had a problem with it fitting under my seat or between my feet. I’ve made my trips to the diner in all kinds of weather, from blaring heatwaves to torrential downpours and freezing winter nights with my Super Puff, but I’ve never felt uncomfortable carrying my purchase around.
Do the diner exclusives sell out?
If you’re deep into the Jellycat fandom, you’ve probably seen a few posts about the diner being sold out of plushes and even the collectable tote bags. When the diner first opened, it was pretty quiet all the time, but then it went viral on social media, and it became hard to keep up with the overwhelming demand. I’ve noticed the stock has been noticeably more consistent since the current reservation system has been put in place. That being said, there is always a chance that something could sell out, and the non-diner NYC exclusives are more likely to be out of stock.
Can I take pictures and videos?
Of course! The diner staff is incredibly friendly and loves to make your visit special. I’ve even seen them prepare Amuseables for family on FaceTime, or directly to a video recording as part of a surprise for a friend. The diner setup itself is quite photogenic, and there are a few giant Jellycats around the store that make for great photo ops.
What else should I know?
FAO Schwarz is usually a busy environment, so if you’re visiting with a guest who might be sensitive to loud noises or crowds, I’d recommend visiting during less crowded times, like weekdays.
A serving tray, so you can preview the menu options
Strutton Pigeon helping you check out
Peeking into the dessert case
A very large Bubbecca Milkshake!
A diner window with the full collection
More NYC exclusive Jellycats
The Jellycat Diner is a permanent installation and one of the most fun things to do in NYC, so if you love Jellycats and are planning a trip to New York, you won’t want to miss out. It’s a delightful experience for Jelly lovers of all ages, and it has become an iconic New York spot to visit.
If you’ve been, what’s your favorite part of the Jellycat Diner experience? If you haven’t been yet, who do you hope to bring home?
