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Best Tokyo Disneyland Tips

Tokyo Disneyland

Best Tokyo Disneyland Tips

Get Tokyo Disneyland tips to make your trip fun and memorable.

Tokyo Disneyland is located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, about an hour from the centre of Tokyo, Japan. It was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States, it opening on April 15, 1983.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland is owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses intellectual property from The Walt Disney Company. Tokyo Disneyland and its companion park, Tokyo DisneySea, are the only Disney parks in the world not owned or operated by The Walt Disney Company in any capacity.

Tokyo Disneyland

The park is known for its extensive open spaces to accommodate the large crowds that visit the park. It is definitely very noticeable how well the park is designed to accommodate people comfortably compared to its American counterparts.

As of 2019, Tokyo Disneyland is the most visited theme park in Japan and the third-most visited theme park in the world behind Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort.

Getting to Tokyo Disneyland

The park is easily accessed by train. Its main gate is directly adjacent to both Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station.

Tokyo Disneyland

Stay Onsite

One of the biggest reasons for this is because hotel guests get early entry into the parks and their own special entry gates. The early entry was only 15 minutes at time of writing (May 2023) however this combined with a special entrance for hotel guests only meant we were able to get inside the park quickly and ahead of the general crowd and had ridden our first ride before most people were able to pass through the entry gates.

Tokyo DisneySea

Offical hotel guests receive a special paper pass at check in that grants early access for each subsequent day of their stay (not available on day of check in). You will need to nominate at check in which park you wish to enter each day to be given a pass specific to the park.

We stayed at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and loved it. You can read about our stay here.

Buy your tickets in advance

The tickets can be tricky to buy from the direct Japanese website, so I suggest if you are struggling to buy them from a third party like Klook (which is what we did). Klook also often has sales and you can purchase the park passes a bit cheaper through them.

Tokyo Disneyland

At the time of writing (May 2023) single day passes are all that is available to each park, and you must choose which park to visit – no park-hopper tickets are available. The parks can sell out so I highly suggest booking tickets well in advance. If you stay at a Disney hotel, you are guaranteed entry to the parks however even if the parks sell out.

Arrive Early

The reason getting into the park as quickly as possible matters so much at Tokyo Disneyland is the lack of any kind of fastpass system. The only ways to skip queues are either to take the single rider line where offered and ride by yourself, or to purchase Premier Access for the most popular rides where offered. More on Premier Access further into this article!

Tokyo Disneyland

So the best way to avoid spending most of your day lining up is to get into the park as quickly as you can and getting to the most popular rides early in the day.

Tokyo Disneyland

If you do not have early hotel access then I would advise arriving REALLY early like an hour early. If you can’t arrive that early than you’re best off arriving later in the day and just preparing yourself queue for rides and not get on many of them. Even with early entry I advise arriving at the gates about 45 minutes before the park opens.

Visit on a weekday

As the majority of visitors to Tokyo Disneyland are locals, weekends, school holidays and public holidays are the busiest times to attend. If you can visit the parks on a typical week day, the parks are much less busy.

Tokyo Disneyland

Make a plan for your day

Research what rides you want to get on in advance, look at the map of the park and plan where you are going to go first and subsequently. I advise knocking out all of the popular rides that you want to do first thing in the morning in an orderly fashion – pick the ride you want to start with and then the next that is closest to it and so on so you are moving around the park in a circle vs trekking back and forth and walking needlessly.

Tokyo Disneyland

The food places get busy as the day goes on so I advise starting your day early and breaking for an early lunch.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant in the park, bookings open at 10am (JST) one month in advance. You can also try to book at 10am once you are inside the park.

Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App

I highly recommend doing this in advance. The app is useful for its map alone. You can also scan your tickets into the app as soon as you enter the park and then purchase Premier Access to certain attractions and events to reduce your wait time for popular rides and entertainment. See below for more details on Premier Access.

Tokyo Disneyland

You can also use the app to lock in a time to visit popular shops like the ones that sell Duffy & Friends merch.

Have a ride strategy

I highly recommend prioritising the rides that are unique to Tokyo Disneyland – these are also the most popular rides:

Tokyo Disneyland
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (this ride is next level amazing)The Happy Ride with Baymax (Super cute but not worth lining up for a long time to do)
Pooh’s Honey Hunt (Super cute and gets busy)
Monsters, Inc. Hide & Go Seek (Incredible animatronics and also gets very busy)

Tokyo Disneyland

We also enjoyed
Space Mountain (Basically identical to the one in Disneyland Anaheim, much less jerky than the version in WDW Florida)
Big Thunder Railroad (Our favourite of the Big Thunders out of Tokyo, Anaheim and WDW.)

Tokyo Disneyland

Our ride strategy was to purchase Premier Access to the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast for 12pm since most people head there at park opening, and instead to head to Pooh’s Hunny Hunt which is not available on Premier Access.

Tokyo Disneyland

After Pooh’s Hunny Hunt we head to The Happy Ride with Baymax, then Monsters, Inc. Hide & Go Seek, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad, knocking out all the main rides by lunch time with a max of 15-20 min queuing per ride. We ate at a quick service restaurant and then head to Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.

Buy Premier Access

Premier Access is currently the only way to skip queues for rides at Tokyo Disneyland. This service, available for a fee, will allow guests to select designated times to be admitted to and enjoy certain experiences. Premier Access best accessed through the Tokyo Disney Resort mobile app, which I highly recommend downloading in advance.

Tokyo Disneyland

  • Each park ticket can be used to purchase one Disney Premier Access at a time.
  • Guests ages 3 and under will be able to access the experience with an accompanying person who has purchased Disney Premier Access.
  • You will be able to purchase Disney Premier Access for another attraction 60 minutes after purchasing Disney Premier Access, or after the start time of your purchased Disney Premier Access, whichever is earlier.
  • If you would like to purchase Disney Premier Access for the same attraction again, you may do so after using the Disney Premier Access you have purchased or after the designated time to use your Disney Premier Access has passed.
  • Disney Premier Access can be purchased by using the Tokyo Disney Resort App.
  • Only credit cards are accepted as method of payment. Please see here for information about the credit cards accepted.
  • Guests who do not have the Tokyo Disney Resort App or a credit card will be able to purchase Disney Premier Access at Main Street House (at Tokyo Disneyland) or Guest Relations (at Tokyo DisneySea).
  • Disney Premier Access is available in limited numbers and may sell out. Please check the Tokyo Disney Resort App in advance for availability.
  • To make bookings and purchases you must log in with a registered Disney Account. If you do not have a Disney Account, please register from here (user registration on the bookings/purchases page).
  • Disney Premier Access Experience Price
    Parade/Show Disney Harmony in Color 2,500 yen per access
    Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights 2,500 yen per access
    Attractions Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast 2,000 yen per access
    The Happy Ride with Baymax 1,500 yen per access
    Splash Mountain 1,500 yen per access
Tokyo Disneyland

Using Premier Access to View a Parade / Show

Guests can select a designated time for admission in advance, and enjoy parades or shows from a designated viewing area.
  • You will be able to purchase Disney Premier Access for another parade or show 60 minutes after purchasing Disney Premier Access, or after the admission time of your purchased Disney Premier Access (for parades or shows,) whichever is earlier.
  • For certain parades and shows, the location for viewing performances within the viewing area will be specified in advance. On your day of visit, please view the performance from the specified location with a corresponding number at your feet. (The number indicating your specified location will be displayed on the screen of your device after you have completed your purchase of Disney Premier Access.)

Tokyo Disneyland

How to buy Premier Access

Premier Access is available once your tickets have been scanned upon entry into the park. Most tickets need to be printed and presented on arrival for scanning, such as those purchased through third party vendors such as Klook (which is what we did).
Tokyo Disneyland

Once your paper ticket has been scanned and you are in the park, one person in the party should scan all the tickets into their mobile app and control the Premier Access bookings for the entire party. It’s easy enough to scan the tickets into the app while walking to your first ride, then select from the Premier Access menu which attraction or show you wish to purchase.

Tokyo Disneyland

Try the popcorn

Popcorn is the most popular snack at Tokyo Disney Resort! Not only is the popcorn unique and available in crazy flavours found nowhere else, but Disney’s popcorn buckets are also pretty special and worth taking home as a souvenir.

Tokyo Disneyland DisneySea

They are often ‘limited’ and only sold at specific locations within a park, with most buckets not likely be found at other Disney parks.

Tokyo Disneyland

The buckets are typically pretty pricey, with an average cost of ¥2,600 to ¥3,400. You can buy popcorn without a souvenir bucket for vastly less. Flavours on offer include Honey, Strawberry Milk, Cookies & Cream, Matcha White Chocolate, Curry, Garlic Shrimp.

Tokyo Disneyland

Eat all the food

While the green mochi Toy Story Aliens are the most instagrammed snack at Tokyo Disney Resort, I highly recommend trying a bit of everything!

Tokyo Disneyland

We loved the churros, which are also available in a wide variety of exciting flavours, and the celebration drinks, which come with cubes of jelly in them.

Tokyo Disneyland

We also loved the tropical ice blocks! They are amazing.

Tokyo Disneyland

When it comes to dining, you can make a reservation at a restaurant or you can play it by ear at a quick service food spot. This is what we chose to do since we don’t like being tied to reservations and we had a fantastic lunch squeezed in between rides.

Tokyo Disneyland

Try a vending machine

Tokyo Disneyland

The Tokyo Disney Resort vending machines are insanely cute! The drinks inside are themed to the parks.

Meet or watch the characters

Tokyo Disneyland

The characters are typically available in large numbers towards the front of the park rather than being scheduled for short periods allover the park.

Tokyo Disneyland

It’s possible to see and meet a huge number of characters all in the one area. We were so excited to see characters we’ve never seen at any other park including Marie.

Tokyo Disneyland

Watch the glass blowers

Inside the Cinderella Castle is a shop where you can purchase glass souvenirs.

Tokyo Disneyland

What is even more special is that the glass blower works inside the shop so you can watch him while you’re browsing.

Tokyo Disneyland

I highly recommend taking home a glass souvenir if you have the luggage space.

Tokyo Disneyland

Buy the all Merch

The merch at Tokyo Disneyland is definitely different to the American parks! The Duffy and Friends line is only available at the Asian parks (you will need to use the app to reserve your spot to enter the store inside the park, it is so popular).

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

The ears are also different and extremely cute (and cheaper than the American ones!) as are the souverniers like little bento and cutlery boxes.

Tokyo Disneyland DisneySea

There are also cute pins that are stamped Tokyo Disney Resort so unable to be bought anywhere else.

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

I also loved the tote bags specific to the park and cute little plushes that are bought to hang off them. You will see locals with their bags covered in these plushies.

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

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Use the Disney photographers

The photographer system works differently in Tokyo. You cannot get a digital copy of a photo unless you have a Japanese mailing address (do not ask me why). The photographers will take a photo on their cameras and give you a paper ticket to collect the print later in the day to purchase if you choose to do so. The photographer will also take photos for you on your own camera.

Tokyo Disneyland

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Tokyo Disneyland

Get more tips on visiting Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

A First-timer’s Guide to Visiting Disneyland California

A first-timer's guide to Disneyland California

First time visiting Disneyland California? This Disneyland guide has everything you need to  plan a successful trip to the happiest place on Earth.

Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California. It actually consists of two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. The two parks are only a few metres away from each other so it’s very easy to visit both parks on the same day and to stay in a hotel that is close to both park entrances.

Disneyland opened in 1955 and was the first theme park opened by The Walt Disney Company. It is the only park that was designed and constructed under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself. While there are now parks in Orlando, Paris, Shanghai, Toyko and Hong Kong, California’s Disneyland is the true original park and is referred to by many as having the most “Disney magic”.

A First-timer’s Guide to Visiting Disneyland California

Disneyland via christineknight.me

What age is best for Disneyland?

Honestly, any age! Disneyland caters to all ages from 0-100 as long as you love Disney. I’ve been as an adult without kids, with a 2 year old, 4-year-old, 7-year-old, 9-year-old and most recently 11-year-old. Each time is different but equally enjoyable.

Disneyland via christineknight.me

What time of year should we go?

Disneyland is gorgeous to visit all-year round. They have special seasonal events around Halloween and Christmas in particular, making these two times of year a really special time to visit. Check out the crowds at the time of year you’re considering visiting at this website – if you can visit during a slower time, I would suggest doing so. We have visited twice in June or July and both times it has been very hot and very busy.

Where should we stay?

There are so many choices! Disneyland have their own hotels that are on the park grounds and give you special benefits – the biggest two being early entry into the parks every day (30 minutes before general admission) and a special entry to Disney California Adventure Park through Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa so you’ll never have to line up. There is also now an entrance straight into Disney California Adventure Park from Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland California

While the Disneyland hotels also offer other great features that carry the Disney magic to all areas of your stay, they are also the pricey accomodation option – so if you’re on a budget you’ll want to consider staying at a “good neighbor” hotel instead.

All the benefits of staying at a Disneyland hotel

We have stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel and loved it. You can read our review of the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa here.

We have stayed at three different “good neighbor” hotels, the Howard Johnson Hotel and Water Park, the Carousel Inn and Suites and the Grand Legacy at the Park. All three were half the price of the Disneyland hotels and had excellent locations – directly across the road from Disneyland, making our commute each morning a mere 5 minutes walk.

You can read our review of the Howard Johnson Hotel and Water Park here and of the Grand Legacy at the Park here.

Disneyland

How long should we stay for?

We have stayed for three days twice and four days once (with the Halloween party taking up one day). We spent one day each at Disneyland and California Adventure park, and one day hopping between the two. Ideally I would suggest going for five days as we always feel like there’s never enough time to fit in everything.

Disneyland

What’s “early entry”?

Guests of the Disney hotels can enter either Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park 30 minutes early every day. Not all areas of the parks are open however at this time so plan your ride strategy accordingly. The big headliner rides are NOT open for early morning entry. See what is currently available here before your trip.

Disneyland

What is “rope drop”

If you talk to any regular Disney park goers and you will hear them talk about “rope drop”. This is the time when visitors in the park are allowed to enter and speedily make their way to their first ride of the day at park opening. Disneyland cast members usually have an actual rope up to hold crowds back and drop it, hence “rope drop”. A major strategy to get on rides that otherwise have a long line is to “rope drop” it, AKA line up as early as you can before the park opens, and then when the rope drops, get to the big popular ride quickly so you can ride it without lining up or paying extra.

What tickets should we get?

You have a choice between single park passes, which allow you entry into one park per day, or “park hoppers” which let you go back and forth between the parks. If you buy multi day passes (which is the cheapest way to buy tickets), you will have to choose between the two types, you can’t mix and match. With older kids, I’d recommend park hoppers, particularly if you will be there three days. I found a full day at each park was perfect, plus that extra day to jump between the two and finish up a few things we missed or wanted to do again.

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I always advise buying tickets at least a few days in advance. While the queues have always been short to buy tickets when we’ve arrived, it just cuts out one extra step to get into the park. When you buy a ticket online you can choose an eTicket which you then present on your phone (or printed out) at the gates for entry.

More info on ticket types and prices

Park Reservations

Since Covid, park reservations have been required to enter the park on the day, even after a ticket has been purchased. Once you have bought your tickets, link them to your Disneyland account and select which park you want to start at for each day of your trip. You can change the park reservation up till the night before so don’t worry if you initially book one park but then change your mind before your trip. Just cancel the reservation and book the other park.

You must have a park reservation to enter on the day and parks do reach capacity during busy times, so book your reservations as soon as you book your tickets if possible and then change them alter if needs be.

Get all the info you need on the park ticket booking and reservation system.

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What time of day should I arrive?

The parks open at different times throughout the year – anywhere between 8am and 10am.  My best advice on getting the most out of a Disneyland day is to arrive well before the park opens. At least 30 minutes. It can take quite a while to get through security, and also through the gates. When you use your tickets for the first time, you will have a photo taken and linked online to your pass, and you will need to sign the tickets they give you – all making the entry process that much longer.

We enjoyed the early mornings the most as there were the fewest people in the park, so lines were shorter.

Check the Disneyland calendar here to find out what time the park opens for your visit.

Disneyland via christineknight.me

How do I plan a day at Disneyland?

My best advice is to plan to do all the rides first thing in the morning. As soon as the gates open, go straight to the rides you want to do the most that are the most popular rides, and either do the rides immediately, or book a Lightening Lane (see more below) to return and do the ride later without having to line up to do so.

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We typically spend the first three hours just doing all of the rides, then take a break for lunch and spend the afternoons watching shows, meeting characters, shopping, eating ice cream, and watching the parades.

Find out the height requirement for rides in advance and plan accordingly!

This site gives you the average wait time for each ride, so you can see which ones are the most popular.

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Skip the queues with Genie+

Genie+ is a fee-based add-on to the standard Disney Genie in-app planning tool which is built into the Disneyland mobile app. We don’t find Disney Genie at all useful so we only use the app for the Genie+ service. Disney genie is supposed to help visitors curate their day by giving custom recommendations based on their preferences, however we prefer to just look at the ride wait time screen on the app and base our decisions on that. If you want to give the free Disney Genie planning tool a go however, instructions on how to use it are here.

In a nutshell, Genie+ lets you skip the general stand by line for certain popular attractions. It has replaced the old FASTPASS and MAXPASS systems.

Genie+ is a paid addition to your Disneyland ticket. You can buy it at the same time as you buy your park tickets or each day ad hok. Genie+ at writing costs $25USD per ticket per day. For this cost you will be able to skip the general stand by queue and instead use a special Lightening Lane entrance on certain rides at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. You can also download your PhotoPass and ride photos at no extra cost.

disneyland

How to use Genie+

Purchase Genie+ at the same time as your park tickets in advance or from midnight the day you want to enter the park. You will be able to book your first Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane attraction on the Dinseyland app after you scan into the park and the park officially opens.

Once you’ve redeemed your initial selection (or the arrival window has passed), you can use the Disney Genie service Tip Board or My Day itinerary to see when you’re eligible to make another selection. You can make selections, one at a time, all day up to regular park closing, subject to availability and limited to one Lightning Lane selection per attraction per day.

Lightening Lane ride selections are not available for a few big headliner rides at each park – these must be bought separately as an Individual Lightening Lane for an additional per person fee.

disneyland

What is Individual Lightening Lane (ILL)

For the headliner rides that aren’t included in Genie+, guests may purchase and select the next available arrival window for up to two attractions per day, for an additional individual fee. All guests with valid theme park admission and park reservations can purchase the Individual Lightening Lane (ILL) rides —with or without Disney Genie+ service.

Pricing for individual purchase of Lightning Lane entrance arrival windows will vary by date and attraction, and purchase is subject to limited availability. Be sure to check the Disneyland app on the day of your visit for current prices and attraction availability.

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How to Purchase Individual Lightening Lane

Upon entering a theme park, you can make individual purchases within the Disney Genie Service Tip Board or My Day itinerary in the Disneyland app, (subject to availability). You can purchase individual selections for up to 2 different attractions per day. Note: Lightning Lane entry for these attractions will only be available to purchase individually and are not included with Disney Genie+ service.

At time of writing, rides that needed an ILL to skip the queue included Rise of the Resistance, Radiator Spring Racers and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Rollercoaster. You can still line up for these rides however and not pay an additional fee, you will just need to include this in your rides strategy and run straight to these rides to line up when the park opens.

Read more about Genie+, Lightening Lane and Individual Lightening Lanes here.

Disneyland via christineknight.me

What are some tips for watching the parades?

The parades are incredibly popular, with people staking out their front row spots over 45 minutes before the parade begins. If you watch carefully around the park from an hour before the parades start, Disneyland staff will begin marking out the areas for crowd control. Grab a spot on a bench or on the gutter edge and either all sit with some snacks and wait, or leave one adult there while the rest of the family entertain themselves in other ways while you’re waiting.

The parades wind their way from the back of the park to the front, so if the start time is 4:30pm, it will reach around the front of the park around 4:45-4:50pm.

Disneyland via christineknight.me Disneyland via christineknight.me

Can we take food and drink into the park?

Yes you can. Take a large refillable water bottle – you can refill with water at any drink station through out the parks. You can also ask for cups of ice water at any restaurant/fast food outlet. You are allowed to take whatever food and snacks you like into the park, which is a great way to cut down on costs.

We didn’t take many snacks with us as we were staying at a very basic hotel with nowhere to keep food, however we did take in little bags of nuts and things like that to keep us going.

Food inside the parks

If you’re like us and travel to get to the Disney parks, you’re likely to not have much in the way of food to take in and will be buying your food all day. The food outlets are a mix of sit down and quick service (takeaway) and there is not a really good amount of food for people who have allergies plus plant-based vegan options.

I highly recommend eating outside popular meal times to avoid lining up and struggling to find a seat, ordering using the mobile app for the same reason, or booking a sit-down meal.

Disneyland via christineknight.me

Our all -time favourite quick meal at the parks is the grilled cheese and tomato soup at Jolly Holliday in Disneyland. It’s delicious!

Disneyland via christineknight.me Disneyland via christineknight.me Disneyland via christineknight.me

Should I take a stroller?

If your child fits in one, absolutely yes. Many hours of walking will tired even older children. There is stroller parking at every ride, and every restaurant/facility is stroller-accessible. I also like having a stroller to put our stuff in, like water bottles and snacks, and the canopy provides much needed shade during the heat.

Effective May 1, 2019, strollers that are greater than 31” in width and 52” in length will be prohibited. Stroller wagons will also be prohibited.

Read about Disneyland’s stroller restrictions here.

Should I use the Disneyland photographers?

Personally, I always utilise the Disneyland photography service, called PhotoPass. For an additional fee you can download all of the images taken by the Disneyland photographers.  The photographers are scattered around both parks all throughout the day and take some really great quality photos – with the entire family in them! I love that I can get out whole family in the same shot with zero effort, and I also like to leave my giant SLR camera at home and just take my point and shoot with me, knowing the Disneyland photographers will have their excellent cameras to snap portraits for me that save me lugging around my behemoth for the day.

Having said that, the PhotoPass photos are very much hit or miss and I do tend to get a lot of photos back that are out of focus, so I would suggest asking the photographer to take a photo on your phone as well as using their camera.

At time of editing (March 2023), purchasing Genie+ for $25 per person, per day also gives you the PhotoPass images.

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When getting your photo taken, you can either download the Disneyland app to your phone and present the app to the photographer and add the photos to your account, or the photographer will give you a small card with a bar code that you can then add into your account yourself later on.

You can take the cards to a Disneyland PhotoPass store to buy the images at the park, or log into the Disneyland PhotoPass website later to buy and download them.

Disneyland via christineknight.me

How do I keep on top of what’s happening during the day?

I love the excellent (free) Disneyland app. It allowed me to see the wait times on every ride, has a map with a compass so you know where you are, and also shows what characters are where for meet and greets, where food outlets and bathrooms are, and times for entertainment such as shows and parades.

How do I meet characters at Disneyland?

Characters roam around the parks all day. Some have designated spots and times that you can find either on the app or by asking at Guest Services inside the park. The core characters such as Minnie, Mickey and friends and the princesses have designated places where they can be found.

Disneyland via christineknight.me

Others simply roam and you have to be lucky to spot them, such as Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter, and Mary Poppins. If you want an easy way to meet lots of the characters all together, book in for a character Breakfast or dinner.

What are the character dining options?

There are five character dining options at Disneyland. One is inside the park: Minnie & Friends at the Plaza Inn, which is available for breakfast/brunch. This character dining experience requires a park ticket to attend.

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Minnie & Friends is our top pick as it has the most variety and volume of characters. We met Minnie Mouse, plus core Disney faves like Donald Duck, Hook and Chip & Dale, Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore. Peter Pan, Rafiki and other lesser characters also feature.

Review of Minnie & Friends at the Plaza Inn

Outside the park there are three options:

Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, which is open for breakfast and dinner. This is the only character dining experience which is open for dinner. We met Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Pluto and Goofy.

Review of Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel

Mickey’s Tales of Adventures at the Grand Californian. This is a fun buffet experience with Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale and Pluto. Breakfast/brunch only.

Review of Mickey’s Tales of Adventure at the Grand Californian

Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast and Brunch at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Daisy and Stitch are at this dining experience.

More info on Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast  and Brunch here.

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at the Napa Rose, Grand Californian. This is the only princess-themed dining experience. It’s a pricey meal with plenty of interactions and take-home gifts.

More info the Princess Breakfast here.

Book in for a character Breakfast or dinner here.

How do I meet the Disney princesses?

You can meet three princesses at any time of day at the Fantasy Faire inside Fantasyland, Disneyland. The princesses change regularly so you won’t know which ones will be there until you go inside.

The princesses are in seperate rooms and you walk around to meet them one at a time. You can also happen upon princesses outside Cinderella’s Castle – we found Aurora this way. As of Jan 2018, this is the only way to meet multiple princesses at the same venue.

Princesses also roam around the park. Check the app to see where they will appear and when.

You can also book in for the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at the Napa Rose, Grand Californian. This is the only princess-themed dining experience. It’s a pricey meal with plenty of interactions and take-home gifts.

More info the Princess Breakfast here.

What about Anna and Elsa?

Meet Anna & Elsa | Disney California Adventure Park

The sisters are located inside the Animation Academy in California Adventure Park, and are the only princesses you meet together. We really enjoyed meeting Anna and Elsa – they have a great repartee together, making the sisters a really fun duo to chat with.

What is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?

This is a must (but pricey) experience for little girls who want a princess makeover. You can read about our experience and more info on the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique here.

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I want to visit Star Wars Land

Star Wars land is located in Disneyland. Get all the info you need about Star Wars land rides and attractions here.

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Where to go for a break from the crowds

The crowds can be incredibly overwhelming in both parks. My favourite spots to escape the crowds are Tom Sawyer’s Island in Disneyland Park (and island reached by a raft with tunnels to explore), the The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (a forest-themed play area) and the Animation Academy (where you can learn to draw Disney characters and visit the Beast’s library) at Disney California Adventure.

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What services does Disneyland offer for disabilities?

Disneyland has a range of services and guide for people living with disabilities. The service most people are interested in is the Disability Access Pass (DAS) which allows people unable to queue for the rides the ability to wait elsewhere for their ride and return at a designated time and use the Lightening Lane queue to board the ride. You can pre-register for this service in advance through a video interview or in person on arrival at Disneyland.

I highly recommend pre-registering as you will then be able to select two rides per day to pre-book for your party to enjoy. Once you are in the park and using the DAS, you can select one ride at a time similar to the Genie+ booking system. One differences is that once you book a DAS ride selection, you can use it at any time that day once your booking window commences. Genie+ ride selections expire after an hour if they’re not used.

Do I need Genie+ and DAS?

With both tools you will be on and off rides all day with pretty much minimal wait times, however the DAS operates so similarly to the Genie+ that I don’t think it’s a necessary additional purchase myself.

What is the World of Colour nighttime spectacular?

World of Color is an evening show inside Disney California Adventure Park, which is generally on either once or twice per night. Jets of water shoot into the air, with lasers shooting colors and video montages from classic Disney movies onto the water “movie screen”. It’s a magnificent production well worth watching.

World of Color Dessert Party Disney California Adventure Park

In order to enter the reserved viewing areas, Guests must present one of the following:

A valid virtual queue selection for World of Color (one per Guest)
A valid voucher from a World of Color dining package or World of Color Dessert Party (one per Guest). We highly enjoyed the World of Color Dessert Party (read our review here).

World of Color Dessert Party Disney California Adventure Park

Do you have any questions about how to plan the perfect Disneyland holiday? What else do you want to see in a Disneyland guide?

More Disneyland tips

Tips on the best things to do at Disneyland with little kids

How to survive (and enjoy!) Disneyland with a toddler

Get ready for your Disney trip with these packing tips

Celebrating the holidays at Disneyland

Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland

A guide to the best desserts at Disneyland

A first-timer's guide to Disneyland California

Free Disney Activities For Kids and Adults

Disney Activities For Kids and Adults

Free Disney Activities For Kids and Adults

Entertain yourself at home with these free Disney activities for kids and adults. Get fit, creative or zen, the choice is magically yours.

Disney on Broadway Dance Tutorials

We had such a good time learning the choreography from Aladdin’s ‘Arabian Nights’.

You can also learn a sequence from The Lion King.

Disney Zumba Videos

Get fit with this round up of free Disney-themed zumba videos that includes music from Moana, Zootopia and Aladdin at elitedaily.com

Disney Paper Dolls

Print these Disney characters, including princesses and Star Wars heroes, then colour them in, cut and assemble to create your own paper doll set.

 

Anna and Elsa hairdo tutorials

Get busy trying these Anna and Elsa hairdos from Frozen 2.

 

Disney family moving with Moana

Get active with a Moana-themed exercise video. 

 

Imagineering in a Box

Disneyland Resort California
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

The Disney Imagineers have put together Imagineering in a Box, a free online program created in partnership with the Khan Academy and Pixar. The program is a series of interactive lessons in theme park design and engineering, designed to give a behind-the-scenes peek into Imagineering’s development process. With 32 videos including actual Imagineers, case studies, and activities, the program is a fun way to dream up your own theme park. 

khanacademy.org/humanities/hass-storytelling/imagineering-in-a-box

Disney mandalas

Print and colour in these free Disney mandalas.

Draw Disney characters

The Disney Family YouTube Channel has a series of videos where the Disney animators give lessons on how to draw some favourite Disney characters including Ariel from The Little mermaid.

Colouring in sheets

Print out your fave characters and fill your days with colour!

Disney colouring in sheets.

Moana colouring in sheets.

More things to do at home

Travel the world with kids without leaving your house.

Free online educational resources for kids.

Live stream animal cams from around the world.

Enjoy the perfect virtual day at Disneyland.

Help little ones stay zen with these free online yoga videos for kids

Try an online ballet class, perfect for adults and kids.

Get creative at home with these online art classes for kids.

Enjoy free Disney activities for kids and adults.

More Disneyland Resort California Tips

How to have the best Disneyland holiday ever.

A guide to using MAXPASS At Disneyland.

Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland

Celebrating the holidays at Disneyland.

Hotel review: The Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

Character Dining: Goofy’s Kitchen.

Character Dining: Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn.

Character Dining: Mickey’s Tales of Adventure.

Our favourite Disney souvenirs.

The best bits of Disneyland with little kids.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland.

How to survive and enjoy Disneyland with a toddler.

Frozen Live at the Hyperion Theater.

Building a droid at the Droid Depot, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience

Enjoy a drink at Oga’s Cantina.

A guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Enjoy Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast.

Dine with royalty at Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures.

Find the perfect Disneyland character dining experience for you.

The perfect (virtual) day at Disneyland.

Disney Activities For Kids and Adults

More things to do at home

Travel the world with kids without leaving your house.

Free online educational resources for kids.

Live stream animal cams from around the world.

Enjoy the perfect virtual day at Disneyland.

Help little ones stay zen with these free online yoga videos for kids

Try an online ballet class, perfect for adults and kids.

Enjoy free Disney activities for kids and adults.

Get creative at home with these online art classes for kids.

Get fit with kids’ exercise videos and online classes.

The perfect (virtual) day at Disneyland

The perfect (virtual) day at Disneyland

The perfect (virtual) day at Disneyland

 

Can’t make to a Disney park right now? There’s no reason you can’t enjoy Disneyland and Walt Disney World parks in the mean time, albeit virtually. Through the magic of the internet, you can stroll through the parks, meet characters, ride the best attractions and finish up the day with fireworks. 

Disney released a series of 360-degree panoramas on Google Street View that feature top Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort locations. Take a virtual stroll through the parks to bring back those happy Disney feelings and also help plan your next vacation.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California
Matt Stroshane, photographer

You can also virtually experience Disney’s incredicoasterFrozen Ever After, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Splash Mountain, Smugglers Run, Indiana Jones, Expedition Everest, It’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion, and the new Rise of the Resistance rides.

Disneyland Resort California

After the full Disney experience? Try character dining, listening to music streamed live by Disneyland musicians, enjoy a princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, tour Mickey Mouse’s house, meet characters, watch Disney’s Soundsational Parade, try the latest snacks, watch World of Color and finish it off with front row seats to the fireworks

You can even score the best view in the house to see Disneyland California’s brand new Magic Happens parade.

Miss the Dapper Dans? Us too! Enjoy their performances from home through the magic of YouTube.

You can even virtually visit Tokyo Disneyland, thanks to their excellent YouTube Channel, where they have uploaded Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea stage shows.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TDRofficialchannel

More things to do at home

Travel the world with kids without leaving your house.

Free online educational resources for kids.

Live stream animal cams from around the world.

Help little ones stay zen with these free online yoga videos for kids

Try an online ballet class, perfect for adults and kids.

Get creative at home with these online art classes for kids.

More Disneyland Resort California Tips

How to have the best Disneyland holiday ever.

A guide to using MAXPASS At Disneyland.

Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland

Celebrating the holidays at Disneyland.

Hotel review: The Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

Character Dining: Goofy’s Kitchen.

Character Dining: Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn.

Character Dining: Mickey’s Tales of Adventure.

Our favourite Disney souvenirs.

The best bits of Disneyland with little kids.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland.

How to survive and enjoy Disneyland with a toddler.

Frozen Live at the Hyperion Theater.

Building a droid at the Droid Depot, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience

Enjoy a drink at Oga’s Cantina.

A guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Enjoy Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast.

Dine with royalty at Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures.

Find the perfect Disneyland character dining experience for you.

The perfect (virtual) day at Disneyland.

The perfect (virtual) day at Disneyland

The Ultimate Disneyland Character Dining Guide

The Ultimate Guide To Disneyland Character Dining

The Ultimate Disneyland Character Dining Guide

Dine with your favourite Disney friends at one of five incredible character dining experiences at Disneyland California Resort.

Four of the dining experiences are located at Disneyland hotels and do not require park entry to attend. Only one, Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park, is located within a Disneyland park and requires a park ticket to attend. 

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

Enjoy a 3-course breakfast and enchanting encounters with some of your favourite Disney Princesses at Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures, located inside the Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

This character breakfast is a special experience to share with someone special. We booked in to celebrate our joint birthdays together, and enjoyed and unforgettable morning that was well worth the hefty price tag.

The Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is held at the Napa Rose restaurant inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. More than a simple meal, this is an experience that takes an entire morning, complete with entertainment, a three-course breakfast and take-home gifts.

Read more about our experience at the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures.

Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast at Disney’s Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

Meet favourite Disney Characters at a tasty breakfast and brunch buffet during Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast at Disney’s Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

This beach-themed character dining experience is a fun way to kick off the day with a breakfast or brunch buffet and entertainment from some of Disney’s most beloved characters.

Read more about our experience at Donald Duck’s Seaside breakfast.

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 Disneyland character dining experience of ours due to the sheer number of characters that are available to meet.

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.

Read more about our experience at the Minnie & Friends at the Plaza Inn.

Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel

Goofy's Kitchen

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 Disneyland character dining experiences.

This is the only character dining dinner at Disneyland.

Read more about our experience at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel.

Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Buffet  at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet at Storytellers Cafe, Disneyland’s Grand Californian

Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Buffet is an incredibly fun dining experience at Storyteller’s Cafe inside the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

A character dining experience lasts about 90 minutes and includes a full buffet and interactions with various characters. At Mickey’s Tales of Adventure the characters are Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip and Dale. We only met Dale as Chip was “foraging food from the buffer” according to Dale.

This one one of our favourite Disneyland character dining experiences thanks to the excellent character interactions.

Read more about our experience at Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Buffet.

The Ultimate Guide To Disneyland Character Dining The Ultimate Guide To Disneyland Character Dining

More Disneyland Resort California Tips

How to have the best Disneyland holiday ever.

A guide to using MAXPASS At Disneyland.

Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland

Celebrating the holidays at Disneyland.

Hotel review: The Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

Character Dining: Goofy’s Kitchen.

Character Dining: Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn.

Character Dining: Mickey’s Tales of Adventure.

Our favourite Disney souvenirs.

The best bits of Disneyland with little kids.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland.

How to survive and enjoy Disneyland with a toddler.

Frozen Live at the Hyperion Theater.

Building a droid at the Droid Depot, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience

Enjoy a drink at Oga’s Cantina.

A guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Enjoy Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast.

Meet royalty at the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures

Enjoy a 3-course breakfast and enchanting encounters with some of your favourite Disney Princesses at Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures, located inside the Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

This character breakfast is a special experience to share with someone special. We booked in to celebrate our joint birthdays together, and enjoyed and unforgettable morning that was well worth the hefty price tag.

The Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is held at the Napa Rose restaurant inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. More than a simple meal, this is an experience that takes an entire morning, complete with entertainment, a three-course breakfast and take-home gifts.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

The experience begins with check in at the Napa Rose, and the gift of an autograph book and pen for each child and a glass of sparkling wine for each adult.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

Our party of two was then shown to a lounging area to enjoy live guitar music (Disney songs, of course), and a game of Princess tic tac toe, while we waited to meet our first princess of the day, Belle.

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

Beautiful Belle appeared in a winter dress when we met her in December, and our photographs with her were taken by a Disney PhotoPass photographer and were included in our breakfast package.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

After our meeting with Belle we were shown to the dining area and sat at a table where we would receive our meal and meet more princesses.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

A starter of a sunrise citrus and vanilla bun with raspberry glaze, and assorted fruit slices and berries arrived first, along with a choice of beverages (unlimited iced tea for me and lemonade for the kid).

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

Next arrived the 3-tier tower of appetizers, which included chia and granola parfait with mango, kiwi and coconut; cucumber sandwiches, mini scrolls and a lobster salad salad crostini minus the lobster.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

While we munched on our appetizers we met more princesses. Rapunzel, Aurora, Jasmine and Tiana. The princesses roamed the room and took a great deal of time with each party, some returning again for a second chat.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

They were extremely friendly and took a lot of time and care fo question us on our trip and compliment my daughter’s dress, which was printed with several of the princesses.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

Once we had our fill of the appetizers it was time for the main course buffet. We found plenty of food to eat even being vegetarian – I’m sure the kitchen would have been happy to accomodate requests if needed for other types of food.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California
Main course buffet: Kids can choose from house-made mac ‘n’ cheese, princess waffles, and barbecue beef sliders. Adult options include perfect scrambled eggs, artisan turkey sausages, vegetables and a rotating selection of meats, such as roasted nueske pork belly and braised short ribs.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

A huge bowl of amazing potato wedges also arrived at our table. The eggs were the most perfect eggs we have ever tasted in our lives and we would love to go back again just to eat these eggs.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

There is an additional drinks menu if you or your child desires options that aren’t included in the standard package. After seeing the light-up “Colors of the Wind” $7 mocktail at another table, we had to have one. It’s a light and fruity drink suitable for kids, with a take-home light up ice cube inside.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

Incredibly there was more food still to come.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

The third course is Royal Desserts: a selection of treats, such as chocolate princess cake pops, petite raspberry tarts, seashell macarons, sorbet and more.

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

We struggled with the last course and were given boxes to take home anything we couldn’t fit in.

At the end of the dining we were given a choice of gift (one per child).

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

The choices were a silver necklace with a crown charm or a toy sword. 

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

The gift comes with a drawstring bag branded with the special breakfast. 

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

The experience wasn’t over yet! We were taken outside to join in a special princess-themed activity. At the time we were there, Pocahontas was telling stories. The princesses rotate throughout the activities. 

Disneyland Princess Breakfast Adventures Napa Rose California

Once we had our photograph with Pocahontas, we were guided to the last princess experience, which was a photo with Ariel, taken again by the Disney PhotoPass photographer and included in our package.

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

We had spied Mulan earlier in the day and inquired as to whether she was coming back. Our timing was impeccable as we were informed that we were the last guests that Ariel was seeing and if we did a look through the restaurant we would be able to return to the same spot and find Mulan there instead. 

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

We did as suggested and are so glad that we did. Our meeting with Mulan was a highlight of the Disney Princess Breakfast experience. Mulan was just as you would imagine her to be – witty, self depreciating and really fun to meet. Our photos with Mulan were also taken by the Disney PhotoPass photographer and included in our package.

The Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures comes with a hefty price tag: At time of writing it is $125 USD (plus tax and gratuity) per person ages 3 and up. I thought for the quality and quantity of the food and entertainment, the experience was worth every cent.

Know Before You Go

Reservations
Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made online or with the Disneyland app up to 60 days prior to your visit. Same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Hours
Breakfast is served Thursday through Monday from 8am-12pm.

Cancellations
You must cancel at least 1 day prior to your reservation to avoid a per-person cancellation fee. If you fail to cancel by then or are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged $25 per person.

Parking
Guests with reservations will receive 5 hours of valet parking included with validation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
1600 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim
disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/grand-californian-hotel/disney-princess-breakfast-adventures/

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures

More Disneyland Resort California Tips

How to have the best Disneyland holiday ever.

A guide to using MAXPASS At Disneyland.

Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland

Celebrating the holidays at Disneyland.

Hotel review: The Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

Character Dining: Goofy’s Kitchen.

Character Dining: Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn.

Character Dining: Mickey’s Tales of Adventure.

Our favourite Disney souvenirs.

The best bits of Disneyland with little kids.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland.

How to survive and enjoy Disneyland with a toddler.

Frozen Live at the Hyperion Theater.

Building a droid at the Droid Depot, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience

Enjoy a drink at Oga’s Cantina.

A guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Enjoy Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast.

Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

Donald Duck's Seaside Breakfast at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

Meet favourite Disney Characters at a tasty breakfast and brunch buffet during Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast at Disney’s Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

This beach-themed character dining experience is a fun way to kick off the day with a breakfast or brunch buffet and entertainment from some of Disney’s most beloved characters.

Note: Disney’s PCH Grill is also open for dinner, however characters do not appear during that meal. 

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

Bookings are highly advised for this popular character dining experience. Even with a booking you may have to wait a significant time to be sat at your table (we waited for almost an hour past our booking time). 

The breakfast buffet includes: build-your-own-parfait station (with plain and strawberry yogurt, fresh berries, dried fruits, and housemade granola), eggs benedict, scrambled eggs, chilaquiles (with shredded beef, salsa verde, and queso fresco), chicken and waffles, omelettes, assorted breakfast pastries, muffins, breakfast breads, bagels, smoked salmon, sliced seasonal fresh fruits and berries, assorted breakfast flatbreads, egg white frittata, bacon, country pork sausage, chicken apple sausage links.

The kids’ buffet includes: Mickey waffles, Minnie pancakes, a selection of hot and cold cereals, sausage, bacon, seasonal fresh fruit, grilled peanut butter and banana with chocolate-stuffed French toast.

The brunch buffet includes popular breakfast items, like Mickey-shaped waffles, lunch specials including soups, salads, pasta, pizza, rotating seasonal options, mini pastries, beignets with dipping sauce, homemade bread pudding and other dishes.

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

We had the brunch menu and found there weren’t many vegetarian items to choose from, so the chef very kindly made me a special vegetarian dish he had been working on – an incredible vegan burger and quesadillas. 

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California
My special vegetarian meal.

The main character at this dining experience is Donald Duck. He is generally located at the entrance and does not visit the tables. Minnie Mouse, Stitch and Daisy Duck all visited our table at least once during our stay, and spent a lot of time with us.

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

Minnie Mouse leads kids in a fun, beachy dance number during the brunch.

Donald's Seaside Breakfast, Disneyland California

Reservations
Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be booked online up to 60 days prior to your visit. Reservations can also be made in person on a limited basis, subject to availability.

Parking
Complimentary 3-hour parking—your choice of either valet or self-parking—is included with a Disney’s PCH Grill validation and is available at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
1717 South, Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
Breakfast: 7am-11:25am
Brunch: 11:30am-1pm
Dinner: 5:30pm-9
disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/paradise-pier-hotel/disneys-pch-grill/

A Guide To Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland California

A guide to visiting Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

A Guide To Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland California

Watch your very own Star Wars story come to life at Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland California.

This galaxy is not so far, far away – although it certainly feels like you’re light years away from the real world it when you’re immersed inside Disneyland.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is located inside Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The themed lands encompass 14 acres at each park and are replicas of each other.

What makes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge special?

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

What really makes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge special is the detail. Every single tiny detail has been carefully planned to make guests feel as though they are on a different planet once they are inside.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The cast members have different uniforms here, and a back story that makes them a character in the narrative, and instead of having timed and greets, characters roam the land at will, engaging with guests at a much higher level than the rest of the park.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

If you ask a cast member a question, they will answer it completely in character. The more fun you have with the interactions you have, the more fun cast members have, too.

So what can you actually do in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?

Pilot the Millennium Falcon

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The first ride to open inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was the thrilling Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. Guests can fly the Millennium Falcon on a thrilling interactive smuggling mission. There are six roles within each flight: two pilots, two gunners and two engineers.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Basically, the engineers don’t really do much (so it’s a great role for someone who is keener to watch then get involved), the gunners get to shoot things, and the pilots get to fly the ship.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The cast members will hand you a card signifying your role, however you can swap your role card with anyone else in your boarding party to change your role.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

There is no FastPass available at time of writing, so the best strategy to ride this currently is to head straight to the ride when the park opens. Throughout the day, your best option is the Single Rider’s Line.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Join the Resistance

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California
Matt Stroshane, photographer

The second ride to open within the land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, is a thrilling multi-stage ride where guests join the Resistance in a battle against the first order.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California
Steven Diaz, photographer

This ride is incredibly difficult to get on. Your choices are to rope drop the ride when Star Wars Land opens (it is NOT open for early morning entry) or book an Individual Lightening Lane pass to ride it without waiting.

You can get further details about how to ride Rise of the Resistance online.

Explore Black Spire Outpost on the Planet Batuu

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The Disney Imagineers did a fantastic job creating a brand new world inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the “long-forgotten planet named Batuu”. On the Planet Batuu is the village settlement known as Black Spire Outpost, which is filled with shops, food outlets and a smattering of scoundrels, rogues and smugglers.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

There are many, many shops here, filled with all kinds of fun souvenirs from clothes to “pets” that are really odd, interactive toy creatures that have been completely made up and so creative and fun.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

You can even buy a version of the “chess” game which is played in the movies!

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Eat intergalactic grub

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

There are several food and beverage outlets inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that are completely unique in their offerings to the rest of the park.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Grab a rustic plate of “local” cuisine (they’ve done a fab job of turning California produce into exotic offerings). Planet-based (vegan) offerings are available.

Ronto Roasters

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

This meat stall offers grilled sausage from the “ronto” (plant-based vegan is also available) wrapped in pita bread. A  ronto is a massive beast native to the planet Tatooine.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Milk Stand

Try a cup of legendary blue or green milk, which is actually a planet-based concoction made from a blend of coconut and rice milk.

Kat Saka’s Kettle

Drop by this food stall for some Outpot Mix, a sweet and savoury popcorn (vegan available).

Coke stands

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

We loved these spherical coke bottles (also available in Diet Coke) that are made especially for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We had no problems bringing our empty bottles back home with us on the plane.

Build a droid

Droid Depot, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

One of the most fun things we did at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was building our own droids at the Droid Depot inside the Black Spire Outpost. We had intended to build just the one but it was so much fun that we ended up building two.

Read more about our experience building droids at the Droid Depot.

Make a custom lightsaber

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Build your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – Handmade Lightsaber Building Experience.

The Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience, located in the Black Spire Outpost, is as much of an immersive experience about joining the Force as it is about taking home a fancy souvenir.

Read more about our experience at Savi’s Workshop – Handmade Lightsaber Building Experience.

Grab a drink at the cantina

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

One of the galaxy’s most infamous watering holes comes to life at Oga’s Cantina. The cantina specialises in fantastical drinks that will delight even the youngest crew members (that’s right, this is a family-friendly bar inside Disneyland!). Oga’s Cantina serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Read more about our experience visiting Oga’s Cantina.

Things to know before you visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will not be available during Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning at Disneyland Park.

Disney FASTPASS service and Disney MaxPass are unavailable for attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge looks amazing at night, so I highly suggest returning then to see Batuu lit up.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

There are two ways to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – through Frontierland behind Big Thunder Mountain and via Critter Country past the Hungry Bear Restaurant. There are no signs to show the way, so refer to the park map for entrance to the land a well as finding the attraction within.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California
Entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from Frontierland.

Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disneyland/star-wars-galaxys-edge/

A guide to visiting Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

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Enjoy a drink at Oga’s Cantina.

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Inside Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Resort California

Inside Oga's Cantina, Disneyland California

Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Resort California

One of the galaxy’s most infamous watering holes comes to life at Oga’s Cantina. The cantina specialises in fantastical drinks that will delight even the youngest crew members (that’s right, this is a family-friendly bar inside Disneyland!).

A drink at Oga’s Cantina is one of the hottest tickets at Disneyland. There is no point lining up for this experience at this time – reservations are essential and can be made 60 days in advance online or on the app. Walk-ins will be accommodated when possible.

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Oga’s Cantina serves drinks and very basic snacks. There is a menu with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available – plus “secret” items that aren’t listed on the menu (ask the bar staff for current items not listed on the menu). 

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Kids are welcome at Oga’s Cantina, but I wouldn’t say it’s very kid-friendly. Oga’s is a small, tight space with very little room to move around and no room for kids to play. Oga’s is definitely aimed at adults and tolerant towards kids.

What to expect inside Oga’s Cantina

Due to its extreme popularity there are lots of rules regulating this themed bar.

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

If you have a reservation, check in no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your booking. We lined up for around 15-20 minutes and were eventually admitted inside. 

In order to manage the crowd inside the cantina, guests are shown to a spot where they can either stand or sit. You will be placed right next to strangers even if you are sat at a table, so be prepared to get squishy and make some new friends. 

There is very limited seating – Oga’s Cantina mostly consists of standing room. Large parties may be separated.

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

You will need to show your ID to order alcoholic drinks. There is a two-drink maximum per person. 

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Be prepared for how expensive the drinks will be! They are pricey but they are also good. We ordered the .

Drinks arrive fast and you pay your server directly. 

There is a 45 minute time limit to time spent inside the Cantina. After that time you must leave or you will be gently reminded to do so. 

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

If you want to take a look around the Cantina (and you absolutely should!) do so after you’ve finished your drinks and are ready to leave – as soon as you vacate your designated spot, new people will be shown in. 

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

There are some fantastic details around the bar that deserve a closer look. It is a bit tricky to navigate with the sheer number of people.

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The coasters are very cool and yes you may take them home as a souvenier. Ask your server for a few brand new ones to take.

Oga’s Cantina Rules

Oga's Cantina, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

At least one person in the party must be 14 years of age or older.

Reservations are non-transferrable and may not be sold or bartered.

Each person in your party must be present upon check-in. Please be prepared to present your reservation confirmation email, photo ID and the credit card provided at the time of booking.

Alcoholic Beverages:  Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol; valid photo ID is required. There is a maximum of 2 drinks per Guest.

Cancellations: You must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a per person cancellation fee. If you fail to timely cancel and are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged $10 per person.

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Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/ogas-cantina/

Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience, Disneyland Resort California

Building Lightsabers at Savi's Workshop, Disneyland California

Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience, Disneyland Resort California

Build your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – Handmade Lightsaber Building Experience, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Resort California.

The Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience, located in the Black Spire Outpost, is as much of an immersive experience about joining the Force as it is about taking home a fancy souvenir.  

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The journey to becoming a Jedi is a covert one. It was quite tricky to find the workshop entrance as it’s not signed anywhere – look for a small group of people gathering in a little alcove area (pictured above). This area is a hotspot for storm troopers and Kylo Ren to drop by and interrogate people, so prepare your promises to serve the dark side incase of an encounter. 

Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The lightsaber experience must be booked in advance. Limited amounts of walk-ins are taken each day, depending on how booked out they are. Bookings open 60 days in advance and I suggest making your booking then to ensure you get the time slot you want. 

The experience was running behind when we checked in and we ended up having to wait around 30 minutes. I would suggest not having anything booked or scheduled after the lightsaber building for an hour in case of this.

Choosing and building a lightsaber

When checking in for the experience with the “Gatherers”, you will be asked to choose from one of four hilt themes and will receive a special cloisonné pin to identify your selection

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Peace and Justice
Salvaged scraps from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in these Republic-era designs honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
Power and Control
Originally forged by dark side warriors, this style features rumored remnants from the Sith homeworld and abandoned temples.
Elemental Nature
This theme embodies the Force—an energy created by all living things, like Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones and Rancor teeth.
Protection and Defense
Hilt materials bear mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect users with the ancient wellspring of the Force.

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California
Once the group has been called inside the workshop, the experience begins in earnest.

The lightsaber makers gather around the long table while guests can stand at the edges of the room.

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California
The Gatherers help each participant select the heart of their lightsaber – a kyber crystal, which is available in red, blue, green or violet.

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Next is assembling the hilt. Each theme receives its own box of parts to choose from. 

Each box of parts includes:

1 hilt
4 sleeves (pick 2)
2 emitters (pick 1)
2 pommel caps (pick 1)
2 sets of activation plates and switches (pick 1 set)

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

Upon hilt completion, the unused parts are collected by the Gatherers and returned to Savi’s inventory.

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The final step is the lightsaber blade. The Gatherers provide instruction on how to correctly do this and assist with this step. Each hilt is connected to a 31” lightsaber blade that can be lit and removed from the table. 

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The whole experience is so immersive that if feels like you are becoming a Jedi and about to join the ranks of Skywalker (or Kylo Ren if you’ve chosen the Dark Side). There were more adults than children in the room, experiencing their childhood Jedi dreams coming to life right there in their hands. 

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The lightsabers themselves are amazing quality. Extremely sturdy and with excellent lights and sounds. 

Upon leaving the room, each participant is given a carrying case for their lightsaber that can be slung over their back for transportation. Be warned that is is very big and bulk and I would suggest taking it back to the hotel if that is an option. 

Need to know details about building lightsabers

Savi's Workshop Lightsabers, Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland California

The lightsaber experience does not come cheap. The cost is $199.99 per lightsaber, plus tax.

Reservations can be made 60 days in advance and a credit card is needed to secure the booking. You must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a per builder cancellation fee. If you fail to timely cancel and are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged $199.99 per builder.

One lightsaber per builder per experience.

There are additional lightsaber customisation items available for purchased at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.

The age recommendation for this experience is 5 years or older and I would absolutely agree with this and add that if you have a child under the age of 10 then it would be advisable to have someone accompanying them who can assist them if needs be as the constructing can be quite tricky and move quickly along – at times too quickly for your kids to keep up.

Younger children may accompany builders as a guest and watch the experience, however the workshop is inside a small, dark room with lights and noises that may frighten younger children (and did in fact terrify a toddler in our group to the point where he had to be removed for the remainder of the experience).

The experience area is limited to the builder and 2 Guests. At least one person in the party must be age 14 or older.

Check in no earlier than 15 minutes before your reservation time but also be prepared for the experience to be running late. Present your reservation confirmation, photo ID and the credit card provided at the time of booking on arrival.

The whole experience goes for around 30 minutes.

Transporting the lightsabers home

We took our lightsabers on an international flight from LA to Sydney with Qantas. We removed the hilts easily on our hotel and wrapped them in thick clothes, then placed the hilts in our hard cased suitcase. 

We then took the blades onboard as a carry-on item. With the hilt removed the blades fit inside the overhead bins easily. We had no issues with security or customs on either end of our trip, and the lightsabers arrived safely and were easily reassembled on our arrival. 

Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
disneyland.disney.go.com/shops/disneyland/savis-workshop-handbuilt-lightsabers/

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A guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge