Character dining is one of the most distinct experiences at a Disney Park, a core memory for families looking to squeeze Disney magic into every second of their trip. Most families go more for the characters than the dining, especially at current price points. But what if I told you Disneyland Resort has a character dinner that delivers equally on both?
Trust me, I was just as surprised as you were when I visited Storytellers Cafe, nestled in the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. I’ve always loved character dining, especially the uniquely themed experiences, but aside from Topolino’s Terrace at Walt Disney World Resort, I never expected to eat a four-star meal (as much as I love Mickey waffles, they don’t exactly count). Character breakfasts were usually stronger than dinners, so when my parents agreed to a dinner on our most recent trip to Disneyland, I was both shocked and ecstatic. I had been eating well all day, not expecting a large, fulfilling meal, and was really just looking forward to seeing Donald Duck and friends in their California-adventuring best.
Imagine my surprise when I passed the buffet line on the way to being seated and saw a carving station and an extensive hors d’oeuvres table! A rosemary pear spritz mocktail was calling my name, so naturally I ordered one before filling my first plate with housemade guacamole, tortilla chips, whole grain bread, and a heaping helping of cantaloupe. By the time I was ready for entrees, my main plate was already stacked with prime rib, butternut squash ravioli, and the salmon that had caught my eye earlier, plus a few scoops of mac and cheese and mashed potatoes for good measure.
The meal I compiled was a far cry from the semi-dry chicken tenders and miniature pizza slices from my childhood character meals. I’d genuinely put several of these dishes up against the casual dining spots across the park. All the food was fresh, replenished frequently, and there were plenty of options to accommodate a wide range of appetites and dietary preferences, including choices for young explorers and picky eaters.
Despite a delicious dinner spread, I found Storytellers Cafe’s dessert offerings to be a bit sparse. There were small mouse head-adorned mousses, creams, and pastries available, though none were particularly remarkable. I personally found an in-park dessert preferable, and opted to pick up a churro from Buena Vista Street after re-entering California Adventure.
I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the food, but, of course, dining is only half the experience! Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner welcomes Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Goofy, Clarabelle Cow, and Humphrey the Bear in camping- and wilderness-explorer-themed attire. The lively crew stops by your table for individual greetings and photo ops, sometimes even more than once, depending on how busy the restaurant is. Every twenty minutes or so, the characters host a parade throughout the full restaurant, set to Western-themed music!
The offerings are flexible enough to fit almost any trip. Prefer mornings? Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast & Brunch runs year-round. Visiting during a holiday? Look for Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Breakfast & Brunch, Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner, or a Christmas Carol-themed meal. And if a nighttime show is on your must-do list, World of Color Dining Packages pair your meal with reserved viewing at California Adventure’s evening display.
Set against a backdrop of decor themed around state folklore, the experience is undoubtedly a perfect extension to a stay at the Grand Californian, or a day at California Adventure. Will Storytellers Cafe be a part of your next Disneyland story?
