Adventure, baby!

Month: November 2018

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York

The Palm Court, inside the iconic Plaza Hotel, has been the place to enjoy afternoon tea in New York City for over 100 years. In my tea-loving opinion, an afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel is an absolute must when visiting the Big Apple.

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York

In 2013 The Palm Court was relaunched with a fresh look. With a design inspired by the lush greenery in nearby Central Park, the renovation incorporated potted plants, tall palm trees, trellis detailing and can accented furnishings into the classic space. The signature stained-glass dome harkens back to the original design of 1907.

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York

Breakfast, afternoon tea, evening meals and cocktails are all served in The Palm Court, but it wouldn’t be a true New York experience if one didn’t try the famed afternoon tea.

We all wear our Sunday best to dine at the Plaza, even though the suggested dress code is smart casual. It’s a fun outing to get a little fancy, and the interior of the hotel is so fancy that it certainly warrants the special outfits!

Plaza Hotel Afternoon Tea

The Palm Court is a self contained dining area that feels like diners have been transported into a lush greenhouse. The atmosphere is cheerful and light, with plenty of groups and families enjoying an afternoon tea.

There are two afternoon teas on offer, the New Yorker Tea and the Champagne Tea. Our party chose the classic New Yorker Tea.

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York

The New Yorker Tea Fall Menu

Sandwiches and savouries

Smoked salmon pumpernickel napoleon, chive, dill whipped cream cheese *
Organic devilled egg salad, dill pickle relish, white bread
Truffled chicken salad, black truffle aioli, celery, whole wheat bread *
English cucumber, minted goat cheese green goddess, rye bread
Herb roasted prime rib, horseradish cream, watercress, onion poppy brioche slider bun *
Parisian ham, gruyere cheese, Bavarian mustard, pretzel ficelle *

* I received vegetarian substitutes for these items. My Vegetarian tea below:

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York
Scones

Freshly baked warm seasonal scones, with double Devonshire cream, lemon curd, preserves

Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel, New York
Pastries and sweets

Passion & banana daiquiri baba, strawberry compote, Meyer’s rum
Mandarin orange, milk chocolate eclair
Extra bitter dark chocolate black forest tart, preserved cherry
Banana, caramel lime macaron
Seasonal fruit tart
Chocolate hazelnut Nutella bar
Key lime cheesecake, lemon curd, vanilla whipped cream

$75 per person.
Add a glass of champagne (NV Veuve Clicquot Brut, Reims or NV, Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Impérial, Épernay, $90 pp)

As one expects from the Plaza Hotel, the food is excellent and service flawless. Extra jam,  cream and scones are brought when requested, and there is so much tea in our tea pots we couldn’t drink it all.

We couldn’t finish the sweets either, and they are boxed for us to take home.

Champagne Tea Fall Menu

Sandwiches and savouries

Herb roasted prime rib, horseradish cream, watercress, onion poppy brioche slider
Foie gras mousse, fig jam, toasted black walnuts, brioche crostini
Lobster roll, daikon sprouts, buttered potato roll
Golden beet canape, whipped goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, balsamic pearls
Smoked salmon pumpernickel napoleon, chive & dill whipped cream cheese
Caviar blini three grams imperial ossetra ($21 supplemental)
Three grams kaluga ($29 supplemental)

Scones

Freshly baked warm seasonal scones, with double Devonshire cream, lemon curd, preserves

Pastries and sweets

Apple cider almond delice, bourbon spice jelly
Mandarin orange, milk chocolate éclair
Grapefruit mimosa mousse, citrus meringue, pistachio cake
Seasonal fruit tart
Pistachio chouqette, morello cherry preserve
Jasmine tea infused, dark chocolate macaron
Meyer lemon preserve, lemon & poppy seed cake, earl grey ganache

$95 per person, includes a glass of champagne (NV Veuve Clicquot Brut, Reims or NV, Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Impérial, Épernay)
$125 per person with a glass of Krug

Afternoon tea is served Mon-Sun 12pm – 4:45pm (last seating is at 4:30pm)

Dining at The Plaza Hotel with kids? Check out their amazing Eloise Afternoon Tea here.

CONTACT
212-546-5300
palmcourt@fairmont.com

The Plaza
768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Online theplazany.com

11 Fun Things To Do In Darling Harbour

The Best Things To Do In Darling Harbour, Sydney

11 Fun Things To Do In Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a recreational precinct in Sydney where you’ll find waterfront restaurants, wildlife, tall ships, one of the best playgrounds in Sydney and plenty more to entertain the kids in this one neighbourhood.

During school holidays there are usually plenty of free activities for kids in Darling Harbour. Check their calendar for upcoming events.

Image credit: Destination NSW

Australian National Maritime Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum
 

The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Grab a free ticket from the front desk for admission into the permanent indoor galleries and under 5s play area “Mini Mariners”.

 
Australian National Maritime Museum

For entry into our fave spot, the “Kids on Deck” craft area, visiting exhibitions and the ships, a paid ticket is required. The ANMM runs lots of programs for kids  all year round including live shows, “Mini Mariners” for kids aged 2-5 and the cabinet of curiosity that contains all kinds of wonders for kids to touch, like the tooth of a blue whale. Check their calendar for upcoming events and look out for when Bailey, the museum dog, is scheduled to make an appearance.

Yots Cafe

Yots Cafe, Sydney via christineknight.me

Located underneath the Maritime Museum, Yots is a fab waterfront dining spot for families with its casual atmosphere, a special kids’ menu and colouring-in activities for kids. A giant Connect Four and building blocks also keeps them buys.

Read more about Yots Cafe here.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Australia

Get up close to a more than 700 species of Australian aquatic life in 12 themed zones at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. An impressive 13,000 animals live in the aquarium in six million litres of water, including dugongs, rays, tropical reef fish and sharks. A popular exhibit is Penguin Expedition, allowing guests to sail past a colony of King and Gentoo Penguins on a boat ride. The SEA LIFE aquarium is top kids attraction in Sydney and can get busy on public holidays and school holidays.

Get more info on Penguin Expedition and on SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Image credit: Sydney Aquarium

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Wild Life Sydney Zoo via christineknight.me

Meet iconic Australian animals at Wild Life Sydney Zoo. This small zoo is the perfect size to take young kids, and is easy to navigate with a wide, flat path, perfect for strollers. Get up close to the Cassowary, echidna, sugar gliders, koalas and kangaroos, plus a giant croc!

Get more info on Wild Life Sydney Zoo.

Madam Tussads Sydney

Madame Tussauds, Sydney, Australia

A wax museum where visitors can take a selfie with Barak Obama in the oval office, or shake it off with Taylor Swift. Aussie legends like Steve Irwin and Ned Kelly are also photo-ready.

Madam Tussads Sydney

The Justice League exhibition is especially fun, an immersive and interactive experience to make you feel like you’re in the movies with your favourite stars.

Get more info on visiting Madame Tussauds Sydney here.

Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Chinese Friendship Gardens Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

A calming place to let kids wander past waterfalls and exotic plants, through pavilions and up hidden pathways. Count the koi carp swimming in the lakes, try Chinese tea in the teahouse and dress up in traditional Chinese costumes* at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
* For an additional fee

Get more tips on a day at the Chinese Garden of Friendship here

Darling Quarter Playground

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

The most centrally-located Sydney playground features a 21-metre flying fox, water play area with pumps and buckets and plenty of slides, climbing structures and swings. It’s a must for kids visiting the city.

Get more info on the Darling Quarter Playground.

Harbourside Shopping Centre

Harbourside Shopping Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney

A large shopping centre in Darling Harbour, Harbourside has plenty of family-friendly restaurants as well as a food court and shops. Kids will adore Caterpillar Lane, a free area for kids to play.

Fratelli Fresh

Fratelli Fresh, Darling Harbour

Our fave eatery in Darling Harbour! Fratelli Fresh is located underneath the new ICC and serves up plenty of Italian pizza and pasta faves in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Read more about Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour here.

Dancing Brolgas, Cockle Bay Wharf

Cockle Bar Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney

This iconic fountain encircled by the Dancing Brolgas is a favourite spot for children to play in Cockle Bay Wharf, while their parents sit nearby at one of any waterfront dining options. The sculpture is by Australian artist Terrance Plowright.

Darling Harbour Woodward Water Feature

Darling Harbour, Sydney

Any child who grew up in Sydney will remember running up and down this spiral water feature, which has been enthralling kids since its completion in 1988.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Victoria Park, Sydney CBD

Victoria Park, Sydney CBD

Right in the middle of Sydney lies Victoria Park, a 9 hectare public park adjoining Sydney University.

Victoria Park features historic structures such as the entrance gates, Gardener’s Lodge, a Canadian totem pole and ornamental wooden bridge.

Victoria Park, Camperdown

Grass fields sprawl across the park and frame Lake Northam, a quiet space where you can find a secluded and peaceful spot under the shade of a nearby tree.

Victoria Park, Camperdown

There is the picturesque Lake Northram in the middle of the park with plenty of chairs around it for relaxing ad admiring the view. In spring, the jacaranda trees in the park come into full bloom.

Victoria Park, Camperdown

Beyond the lake is a modern playground with equipment for a variety of ages. The play area is partially shaded.

Victoria Park, Camperdown Victoria Park, Camperdown

There is a half basketball court nearby, and BBQ facilities.

Victoria Park, Camperdown

The park also features plenty of paths perfect for scooters or bike riding, wide expansive grassed areas and plenty of shade thanks to the trees.

Victoria Park, Camperdown

Victoria Park Pool also located within the park, featuring the 50m King George VI Memorial Swimming Pool and a shaded children’s wading pool with water deck. The pool also has a fully-equipped gymnasium, child minding crèche, swim shop and a café.

Victoria Park, Camperdown

Get to the park via bus along Parramatta Road and City Road, or catch the train to Central Station and walk. Car Parking is available – free two hour parking on the City Road entrance.

Victoria Park
Parramatta Rd, Broadway
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/victoria-park

Mary O’Brien Reserve, Zetland, Sydney

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

The high-density suburb of Zetland is home to an excellent park, Mary O’Brien Reserve. The park features two playgrounds including a water play area, a large green space, barbeques and a bike / scooter path.

Mary O’Brien Reserve has been a feature of Zetland since the 1960s and was named for a former member of Waterloo Council who championed a wide variety of charitable organisations for 50 years.

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

The park features two playgrounds. One is larger and for older kids and the other is smaller and for younger kids. Both playgrounds now have shade cloths.

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

Next to the playground for older kids is a splash park area featuring water jets. The water jets turn on when you step on a large button on the ground, ensuring water isn’t wasted when there are no kids to enjoy it.

The playground for older kids features a large climbing frame and large slide.

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

The playground for smaller kids features a smaller slide and some interactive features.

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

There are two barbeque areas in the park. One, near the playground, has some shade.

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

While there are no bathrooms in the park, there is a public library across the road where toilets may be used.

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

Outside the park is a wide path that can be used for bike riding or scooting.

Mary O’Brien Reserve
8 Tilford St & Joynton Ave, Zetland
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/playgrounds

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Do you have a Shokins fan in the house? We do! I don’t know who was more excited to head to The Langham Sydney this weekend to check out the new Shopkins Afternoon Tea, me or the kid!

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

The Langham is renowned for their excellent high tea (or afternoon tea), which is always elegantly served on tailor-made “Langham Rose” Wedgwood teaware made exclusively for the hotel.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

I love so much when hotels such as The Langham put on a special kids’ afternoon tea or kids high tea. They give families a chance to experience a high tea with the pressure off. No one expects kids to be perfectly behaved when the tea is especially put on for them! The kids’ high teas also give kids a chance to dress up in their fanciest outfits and spend quality time with their parents, while feeling very grown up and sophisticated.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

For a short time only, kids can get fancy and head to The Langham Sydney to enjoy the special Shopkins High Tea.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

The afternoon tea is adorably designed to feature beloved characters in sweet form! Kids will get such a kick out of trying a D’lish Donut, Twinkle Cupcake, Macca Roon, Suzie Slice, Molly Cake Pop and many more delicious treats.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Kids are presented with a special Shopkins gift bag on arrival, which includes two special edition Shopkins, a Shopkins magazine and a Pikmi Pop.

Shopkins-themed colouring-in supplies are available, too. We didn’t need them because we brought our own Shopkins from home to play with.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

The really special moment of the high tea for most of the kids was the Shopkins character meet and greet (available between 1pm-4pm). We met Kooky Cookie when we entered the tea room and then again when she came around the room to each table to say, “Hello”.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Kooky Cookie and her good natured minder entertained the kids for a solid half an hour with an impromptu dance party and answering some of the kids’ pressing questions. “Can Kooky do a cartwheel?”, “Can she stand on her head” and “Who took a bite out of her?” featured highly.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Savoury Snacks

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Cheesy Popcorn
Brioche cheese and beef slider *
Mushroom arancini, Napoli sauce
Mini cheese and smoked ham pizza *

* We received the following vegetarian substitutes:
Cucumber sandwich
Veggie burger
Mushroom sandwich

Something Sweet

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

D’lish Vanilla Donut
Twinkle Strawberry Cupcake
Lemon Macca Roon
Suzie Chocolate Slice
Molly Raspberry Cake Pop
Yvonne Scones with homemade jam and cream

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Beverages

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Watermelon Melissa Sips (add’l $12)
Hot chocolate with marshmallows
Tea & coffee

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

The food is delicious and absolutely suited to adults as well as the kids. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh sandwiches on light, fluffy bread, little sliders, warm scones and mini pizzas.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

With our stomaches groaning we tried one of everything, including the sweets. They’re so delicate and delicious, and particularly adorable for this tea with the beautiful theming.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

For my tea I ordered an iced tea, which was delicious and refilled as part of the package. Cheese chose chamomile which was served in a delicate silver pot with real chamomile flowers inside, and later a hot chocolate.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

As always the tea never looks “that big” but we struggled to finish it all.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

Adults young at heart (ahem like me) can indulge in the Shopkins Afternoon Tea or choose to enjoy Palm Court’s Spring Afternoon Tea.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney, Australia

The Shopkins Afternoon Tea is only available on Sunday 18th November

Session 1

12pm-2:30pm

Session 2

3pm-5:30pm

The Shopkins High Tea costs $45 per child includes Shopkins gift and activities and $80 per adult. $95 per adult includes glass of sparkling on arrival.

To make your booking or for any enquiries please contact Langham Service on +61 (2) 9256 2222 or email tlsyd.rsvn@langhamhotels.com
http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/sydney/offers/dining-offers/shopkins-afternoon-tea/

We were hosted by The Langham Sydney. All opinions and cake-eating antics are our own. We genuinely love high tea at The Langham.

Darling Quarter Playground, Sydney

Darling Quarter Playground, Sydney
The Darling Quarter playground is one of the best playgrounds in Sydney. With a huge water play area, climbing ropes for big and little kids, swings, slides, and a flying fox, there’s enough to entertain (and wear out) kids for an entire day.

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

The playground is fantastic for kids of all ages – note however that it is not contained and is in a very busy area, so keep a very close eye on your kids.

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Water scoop: turn the wheel, get wet!

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Lots of shade over rest and play areas.

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

An Archimedes water screw!

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Three-metre high giant slide and supanova wheel.

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

3D ring swing.

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

10-metre high octanet.

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

Baby ropes.

Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

21-metre long flying fox.

Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

There are bathrooms in the park as well as extra bathrooms that can be used at the nearby Lendlease Theatre.

Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

The old fountains that we used to love to play in have been given a facelift of late and have turned into a water feature that is also popular for wading in in summer.

There are plenty of food options in all directions – our fave is Fratelli Fresh.

Fratelli Fresh, Darling Harbour

Read more about Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour here.

Darling Quarter Playground
1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney
Bathrooms: Several very clean bathrooms with change facilities.
Picnic tables: No
Shade cover: Partial (not over the water area)
Cafe: Yes
Skatepark: No
Off-street parking: No (Use the Darling Quarter Wilson car park)
Children’s playground: Yes
Water features: Yes
Get Directions

Darling Quarter Playground, Sydney

Putney Park Playground and Water Park

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park Playground and Water Park

A fantastic playground for kids of all ages, Putney Park has some really unique features.

The large climbing structure dominating the playground is best for older kids, had has a long slide that looks scarier than it actually is to ride inside.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

At the bottom of the slide and climbing structure is a water park that is semi enclosed by a stone retaining wall.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

The Putney water park has two shallow pools connected by a pebble stream. The upper pool is best suited for toddlers as it is the most shallow of the two pools, but it is not covered by a shade cloth. This does however mean the water is warmer in this pool.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

The lower pool is a bit deeper. Neither pool is very deep – the deepest part would be around 30cm.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Around the pools are brightly coloured shapes that the kids enjoy trying to climb.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

There are plenty of places for parents to sit in the shade around the edges of the park.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

A few steps down from the main playground is a large climbing frame inside a sandpit.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

There is a small, traditional kids playground next to it.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park is located on the western foreshore of Putney, giving the park excellent water views.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

There are plenty of shady trees for picnics, barbeque facilities and shaded picnic tables.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Clean, maintained public bathrooms are located near the playground.

There is an on-site, free public car park at the entry from Pellisier Road near Jetty Road.

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

At the southern end of the park, near Pillisier Road, is another small, traditional kids’ playground with swings and small slides.

Putney Park

Putney Park

Putney Park

Putney Park

Putney Park

Putney Park

Harold Park and Playground, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park and Playground

Created on the site of a former paceway, the new Harold Park is a 3.8 hectare green space that leads to the Glebe foreshore and links to Bicentennial, Federal, Jubilee, Pope Paul and Blackwattle Bay parks. The result is a continuous 20.6-hectare green corridor.

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park is located next to the Tramsheds food precinct in Forest Lodge. You can read more about the Tramsheds here.

Harold Park, Sydney

The park features a custom-designed playground with two slides and rope climbing structures, walking and balancing planks, a toddler swing, a regular-sized swing and a nest swing, sand pit, plus climbing logs and structures.

Harold Park, Sydney

Shade cloths have been placed over picnic tables and the main parts of the playground. There are also barbeque areas available for use and plenty of wide open green spaces.

Bathrooms are located inside the nearby Tramsheds.

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney

Harold Park, Sydney < img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-30924" src="https://christineknight.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tramsheds-blog-15.jpg" alt="Harold Park, Sydney" width="700" height="525" />

Harold Park, Sydney

Goofy’s Kitchen Disneyland Hotel

Goofy's Kitchen, Disneyland Hotel, Disneyland, California

Enjoy dining with your fave Disney pals over breakfast or dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen, inside the Disneyland Hotel.

You do not need to be a guest of the hotel or have a park ticket to attend the dining, which is open daily for breakfast from 7am-12pm and dinner 5pm-9pm.

No matter which time you dine, you will enjoy a buffet with a huge variety of food. It was the most impressive array of food we had seen at any of the character dining experiences.

Goofy's Kitchen

Start the experience with a photo at the entrance with Chef Mickey, then enjoy getting food at your leisure while characters drop by. Every half an hour or so the characters all march around the restaurant and diners twirl their napkins in the air.

Goofy's Kitchen

We found the characters to be excellent at Goofy’s, with several of them dropping by on multiple occasions and sneaking up on us to make us laugh.

Goofy's Kitchen

I also liked that you could meet Chip and Dale here at the same time.

Goofy's Kitchen

The buffet features five food stations. At breakfast the food includes choices such as made-to-order omelettes, cheese blintzes, Mickey Mouse waffles, pancakes, French toast, sausage, bacon, eggs Benedict, yoghurt, frittata, glazed ham, smoked salmon, pastries and fresh fruit, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and fresh vegetables.

Goofy's Kitchen

At dinner Goofy’s Kitchen serves up a carving station, pasta, salads, veggies, fruit, pizza, rice, hot dogs, Goofyroni and cheese, and more hot and cold dishes.

Goofy's Kitchen

At both breakfast and dinner the dessert station is open, featuring cookies, cakes and a soft-serve frozen yogurt sundae bar, as well as Goofy’s wacky pizza creations. Try Goofy’s special peanut butter and jelly pizza if you dare!

Cocktails can be ordered for an additional fee.

Diners at this character experience can expect to meet five or six characters. We met Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Goofy and Pluto.

Breakfast costs $39 for adults and $23 for kids. Dinner costs $43 for adults and $25 for kids.

Reservations for “Goofy’s Kitchen” are highly recommended and be may be made up to 60 days before your visit. A limited number of reservations may be available same-day, subject to availability.

Make your reservation online or call 0011 1 (714) 781-DINE or 0011 1 (714) 781-3463.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/au/disneyland/dining/goofys-kitchen/

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

Start your Disneyland day the right way with Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn.

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

The Minnie & Friends breakfast is a favourite of ours due to the sheer number of characters that are available during the experience.

The Plaza In is located inside Disneyland, near the entrance to Tomorrowland. The restaurant opened in 1955 and was reportedly one of Walt Disney’s favourite places to dine inside the park.

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

Walt’s wife, designer Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife, chose many of the restaurant’s authentic 19th-century interior furnishings.

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

Minnie always greets guests at the entrance to the Plaza Inn for a photograph. The photographers will come around to your table later with a photo package to purchase, but if you have bought the Maxpass that day you can ask to add the digital photos to your Maxpass Photopass and it won’t cost anything extra.

There is inside and outside seating at the Plaza Inn. While the inside seating has a really cute atmosphere and is closer to the food, the tables are quite close together and if you’re seated in the back seating sections it can be hard to get out to meet the characters and get good photos. We prefer the outdoor seating for this reason.

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

While you’re waiting to meet characters, head to the buffet for a hearty breakfast. Our fave is the made-to-order omelette station and Mickey waffles. This time they had Banana Foster sauce to add on top, which was so delicious. The buffet also featured food such as French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, breakfast potatoes, fresh-baked pastries and breads, fresh fruit, and hot and cold cereals.

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

The characters have been the same the last three times we have dined at the Plaza Inn. Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale, Rafiki, Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore, Pluto, Captain Hook, Fairy Godmother, Max and Perla, the mouse from Cinderella. Not all characters are available during each dining session however, so we’ve never met all of these characters in the one sitting.

We spent about 90 minutes at the Plaza Inn and didn’t feel rushed to finish up and leave, which is great because some of the characters take a long time to come around.

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

Reservations for “Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park” are highly recommended and be may be made up to 60 days before your visit. A limited number of reservations may be available same-day at the Plaza Inn, subject to availability

Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn, Disneyland

Adult buffet meals are $34 and children are $19. Breakfast opens when the park opens and is open during Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour. I highly recommend this option if you don’t have access to the MM or EMH as it means the dining won’t take away from your park time in the morning. There is a separate entrance open for character dining, but valid tickets for Disneyland are required to enter and access the restaurant.

Make your reservation online or call 0011 1 (714) 781-DINE or 0011 1 (714) 781-3463.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/plaza-inn/