skip to main |
skip to sidebar
One of the fun things we did on our recent trip to Disneyland was a character breakfast in the park. Many of you might remember last year when we went to the Storytellers Cafe for the Chip n' Dale Critter Breakfast. Well this year we decided to have breakfast at the Victorian-style Plaza Inn with Minnie & Friends, and we were pleasantly surprised.
The Plaza Inn is conveniently located inside Disneyland, just off of Main Street U.S.A. (right next to the entrance of Tomorrowland). Our breakfast started at 9:10 AM (just 10 minutes after the park opened) so we had a special entrance to ourselves, complete with Minnie Mouse "Breakfast in the Park" buttons and balloons!
When we arrived at the Plaza Inn we were greeted by Brer Fox (a first for me) who is seldom seen in Disneyland. Throughout our buffet-style meal of pancakes, french toast, Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, muffins, pastries, made-to-order omelettes, fruit, juice, and cereal, we met several Disney characters. There was Brer Fox and Minnie Mouse of course, but we also met Captain Hook, the Fairy Godmother, Tigger, Eeyore, Dale (from Chip n' Dale), and Geppetto (also a first for me). Each of the characters spent a lot of time at our table, taking pictures and interacting with the kids.
When we were done with breakfast, the rides were just a few steps away from the Plaza Inn. I really liked the Minnie & Friends Character Breakfast because the food was good, there were plenty of characters to meet, and it is conveniently located inside Disneyland. The Storyteller's Cafe is a little cheaper than the Plaza Inn and has a better quality breakfast buffet, but there aren't as many characters, and you have to drive out of your way to get there.
Overall if I had to choose, I would probably dine at the Minnie & Friends breakfast again. It was a really fun experience for the adults as well as the kids, and definitely added to the magic of our trip. To make a reservation for one of the Disney character dining experiences please call the Disney dine-line at (714) 781-DINE. Happy eating!
One of the things I was most looking forward to on our recent trip to Disneyland was the Chip 'n Dale Critter Breakfast at the Storytellers Cafe. Located inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel (which is now on my bucket list of places I would like to stay), the Storytellers Cafe depicts American storytellers and tall tales in a lush woodland setting.
The Chip 'n Dale characters are the cheapest of all the Disney breakfasts (probably because it does not feature the more popular Disney characters like Mickey), but the dining is superior as well. Everyone in our group chose the breakfast buffet, which featured an assortment of egg dishes (scrambled eggs, Eggs Benedict and made-to-order omelets), meats (pineapple glazed ham, sausage, bacon), breads (fresh muffins, croissants, pastries, Mickey waffles) as well as my personal favorite: caramelized french toast. We were also very pleased with the fruit selection which featured many out-of-season delicacies such as watermelon, mangoes, pineapple and strawberries. We paid around $20 per adult, and $12 per child (children under 3 are free), although prices vary during different seasons.
Of course the kids weren't as excited about the food as the adults, because they were really there to see their favorite forest characters (which fit perfectly with the style of the restaurant and hotel). We met Meeko (Pocahontas), Koda and Kenai (Brother Bear), Terk (Tarzan) and of course Chip and Dale. Because we went early, the characters were able to spend a lot of time at our table to visit, sign autograph books, and take pictures. I definitely recommend Storytellers Cafe if you have small children that are interested in one-on-one time with the characters.
Overall our experience at the restaurant and hotel were very positive. Everyone loved the food, characters, and free valet parking. At some point I would like to try some of the other character breakfasts, but I would definitely return to the Storytellers Cafe again. Like all Disney character breakfasts, the Chip 'n Dale Critters are reservation only, and must be made in advance by calling (714) 781-DINE. Happy eating!
Nati's Mexican Restaurant, located in Ocean Beach, California has been a family tradition for many years. My Grandpa Tenney started eating there in the 1960's during the good old days of .35 cent tacos! To this day, it remains one of our all-time favorite places to eat in the San Diego area.
This year, Nati's is turning 50, and most of their longevity can be attributed to the fact that their food and menu have stayed relatively the same. From tamales to tostadas, chile rellenos to chimichangas, Nati's has something for everyone...And their enchilada sauce? To die for! 
The restaurant itself is nothing special. It's a little dive nestled among the surf shops and tattoo parlors of Ocean Beach. On a sunny day, I like to sit in the vine-covered patio and sip a virgin margarita, while I listen to the sounds of the waves in the distance (the Ocean Beach Pier is about 50 feet away). The chips and salsa are very good, but it's the jalapeno soaked carrots that really get your nose running! Next I'll have the carne asada burrito (smothered of course) with fresh guacamole and a side of Spanish rice (reasonably priced around $9). My other favorite meal is the sour cream enchiladas, which are served with savory ground beef and thick slices of ripe California avocados. Top off the meal with some after-dinner mints and a stroll along the pier, and you are looking at one happy lady. 
If you ever happen to be in the San Diego area, please do yourself a favor and stop by Nati's Mexican Restaurant on Bacon Street in Ocean Beach. Oh, and say hello to Louisa for me...she has been a waitress there since my first visit in 1980. Happy eating!
Anyone who has ever been to Disneyland in southern California, and ridden Pirates of the Caribbean, has at least seen the Blue Bayou Restaurant, if not eaten there.
Situated within the ride itself, the Blue Bayou is all atmosphere. The restaurant is designed to look like a large outdoor patio, nestled on the banks of a Louisiana swamp. Japanese lanterns hang above diners, as the boats for Pirates of the Caribbean float silently past. Firefly's twinkle over the water and Spanish moss hangs from the nearby trees. Just sitting in the restaurant is an experience in and of itself!
Because it was our first time dining at the Blue Bayou, we made sure to request a table right on the water (which only added about 5 minutes to our wait time) and was definitely worth the extra effort! It was an awesome, unobstructed view of the swamp and it's floating passengers.The menu is only about a page long, and featured a small variety of seafood, steaks and southern dishes. Most of the food was priced between $25-$35, so be prepared to spend a little money at the Blue Bayou. My mom ordered the salmon, and my sisters the short ribs and crab cakes, respectively. (I also ordered the crab cakes).
Each entree comes with soup or salad and crusty rolls. We all ordered the salad, which was delicious, and the rolls were unlimited (you just had to ask for more). I tried a bite of everyone's food and it was all wonderful. My crab cakes were particularly awesome - probably the best I have ever had, and served with a spicy tomato sauce.
Another item on the menu that is a must-try is the Mint Julep (lemonade with a combination of mint and cherry flavoring) which was very refreshing, especially after a long day in the park. We also ordered the creme brulee for dessert, which was served with an edible treasure chest.
Between the entrees, drinks, dessert and tip, we spent around $40 + per person, and although I saw children in the restaurant, this is not a place I would take my kids. The Blue Bayou is a romantic, delicious, and absolutely must-do experience (at least once) for anyone planning a trip to Disneyland. Happy eating!P.S. I should also mention that the Blue Bayou only takes reservations, so make sure to book yours before you go to the park: 714-781-DINE.
Utah is finally on the map, now that we have our very own Cheesecake Factory! What took it so long to make it to the beehive state? My husband and I used to drive to Las Vegas to feast on their delicious delicacies, but thankfully not anymore...
Along with the obvious selection of incredible desserts, The Cheesecake Factory boasts an extensive menu (around 17 pages long) filled with drinks, appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, tacos, and steaks. From Chinese to Mexican, Italian to American cuisine, there is something for everyone on the menu. The prices are fairly reasonable (around $20 per person), and the portions are unbelievably generous. And while I've sampled just about everything from their kitchen, I have to admit that I've liked every item I've ordered.
Of course before you leave, don't forget to order yourself a slice of cheesecake to go. My favorites include the Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake (pictured above) and the Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. With flavors like Peanut Butter Cup, Banana Cream, Lemon Raspberry and plain old New York Cheesecake, how can you possibly go wrong? Happy eating!
The Plaza Inn is conveniently located inside Disneyland, just off of Main Street U.S.A. (right next to the entrance of Tomorrowland). Our breakfast started at 9:10 AM (just 10 minutes after the park opened) so we had a special entrance to ourselves, complete with Minnie Mouse "Breakfast in the Park" buttons and balloons!
When we arrived at the Plaza Inn we were greeted by Brer Fox (a first for me) who is seldom seen in Disneyland. Throughout our buffet-style meal of pancakes, french toast, Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, muffins, pastries, made-to-order omelettes, fruit, juice, and cereal, we met several Disney characters. There was Brer Fox and Minnie Mouse of course, but we also met Captain Hook, the Fairy Godmother, Tigger, Eeyore, Dale (from Chip n' Dale), and Geppetto (also a first for me). Each of the characters spent a lot of time at our table, taking pictures and interacting with the kids.
When we were done with breakfast, the rides were just a few steps away from the Plaza Inn. I really liked the Minnie & Friends Character Breakfast because the food was good, there were plenty of characters to meet, and it is conveniently located inside Disneyland. The Storyteller's Cafe is a little cheaper than the Plaza Inn and has a better quality breakfast buffet, but there aren't as many characters, and you have to drive out of your way to get there.
Overall if I had to choose, I would probably dine at the Minnie & Friends breakfast again. It was a really fun experience for the adults as well as the kids, and definitely added to the magic of our trip. To make a reservation for one of the Disney character dining experiences please call the Disney dine-line at (714) 781-DINE. Happy eating!
