Disney has revealed dates & details about the Christmas 2024 character dining experiences coming to Disneyland Resort, featuring fun food and cool culinary character costumes. Here’s what we know about the breakfast, brunch and dinner options coming to Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers Cafe. Plus, a new tea service with Santa Claus at the Grand Californian!
I’m going to flip the script and start with commentary. These all sound and look awesome. They’re also expensive. As regular readers might know, we did Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Brunch at Storytellers, the Halloween-adjacent meal that runs through mid-November. We also did Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween, which is the one we preferred.
It probably helped that we celebrated Baby Bricker’s 1st birthday at Goofy’s Kitchen, and hurt that we had an only-okay experience with characters at Storytellers. Regardless, if you’re looking at the prices and are wondering whether the Christmas meals at Goofy’s Kitchen or Storytellers are “worth it,” read those reviews for answers. Swap out the costumes, which don’t really impact the value proposition, and you should get the idea.
Despite doing doubletakes at our bills from both restaurants, Sarah’s first reaction to all of these Christmas character meals was: “OMG I WANT TO DO THEM ALL.” She wasn’t yelling, literally. At least I don’t think so. That was a text message, and it’s reproduced here in its entirety.
My response, also reproduced in its entirety from documented text messages was a “haha” reaction to her message, followed by a written reply of: “Uhhh.” Then I quickly changed the subject without elaborating. For those who didn’t pick up on my super clever conversational chess move, that’s basically saying none of them without having to say “none of them.”
Although if there’s anything I should’ve learned from past experience with this type of thing, my failure to explicitly say “none of them” might mean she heard “all of them.” Uh oh, what have I done?!
Joking aside–and I’m not really joking, we just did these and spent way too much money in the process–I would be somewhat receptive to doing Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Hearthstone Lounge since that’s brand-new and totally different than what we just experienced at the two character meals.
Or rather, I was receptive to it until seeing the prices (listed below, brace yourselves). Given the cost, along with my complete and utter disinterest in tea services, this is something that maybe Sarah and Megatron can do by themselves. Ideally, it would be like Savi’s Workshop for Handbuilt Lightsabers, where parents can tag along to watch their kids (and/or wives). I’d love to to see my daughter interact with the Clauses, but I’d rather eat a pizza from GCH Craftsman Grill by myself than have a bunch of frilly finger foods.
With that said, I have no delusions about how popular this will be. Over the years, I’ve learned that there’s an insatiable appetite among Disney fans for things like this that are aimed at mothers and daughters. No offense intended if you’re a dude who wants to do this–more power to you–but like hot pilates or whatever, you are not the target demographic. Again, that’s totally fine. Just don’t shoot the messenger (me) for pointing out the primary audience that loves this type of thing.
In any case, this checks all of the right boxes for booking up quickly. There’s pent-up demand for tea services at Disneyland, it’s likely low-capacity, at Christmas-time, looks like something right out of one of those Hallmark movies, and features both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. This thing is basically a license to print money for Disneyland, even at $84 to $124 for adults, and $44 for kids.
Anyway, here are the full details about this Christmas character dining experiences from Disneyland…
Holiday Tea with Mrs. Claus & Santa at Hearthstone Lounge
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the most elegant of holiday tea parties! Mrs. Claus has been hard at work crafting recipes just for you, featuring an exquisite lineup of holiday-inspired selections. It’s sure to be an elevated holiday experience with a variety of premium loose-leaf teas, the finest tea sandwiches and delicately prepared treats.
During the tea party, say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus as they prepare for their big day. They’ll be dressed in their custom, ornate holiday wear with unique nods to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
The Holiday Tea experience will be available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on select weekdays beginning December 3, 2024, through December 24, 2024. Choose from 3 options for your holiday teatime:
Deluxe Tea – The Deluxe Tea menu features teatime specialties, including:
- Choice of premium loose-leaf, herbal and blooming teas
- Glass of Champagne
- Caprese and shrimp salads
- Tea sandwiches
- Scones and holiday sweets
- Strawberries with Chantilly cream
Price: $124 plus tax per Guest (Guests must be age 21 or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages)
Classic Tea – The Classic Tea menu features teatime favorites, including:
- Choice of premium loose-leaf, herbal and blooming teas
- Caprese salad
- Tea sandwiches
- Scones and holiday sweets
Price: $84 plus tax per Guest
Child’s Tea (ages 3 – 9) – The Child’s Tea menu offers a lighter portion of teatime treats:
- Choice of tea or other beverage
- Scones and holiday treats
Price: $44 plus tax per Guest
Cancellation Policy for Holiday Tea Service – You must cancel at least 24 hours prior to your reservation to avoid a per person cancellation fee. If you fail to cancel timely and are a no show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged the full price per person of the Classic Tea service option ($84).
Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast & Brunch
From November 19, 2024, through January 1, 2025, join Mickey and his best pals at the pajama party of the season! Dressed in festive colors and plaid fabrics, Mickey invites you to celebrate in your merriest, coziest fashion. Experience the magic of the holidays by indulging in seasonally themed food offerings while surrounded by fun, festive decor and, of course, holiday cheer! Enhancing your culinary adventure is the comfy Craftsman-style dining room, which lends a warm, friendly backdrop fit for a homey gathering.
Breakfast (7:00 AM to 10:45 AM) – Begin your day with flavorful favorites, including:
- An assortment of baked goods
- Fresh berries and seasonal sliced fruits
- Mickey waffles and Belgian waffles
- Bananas Foster French toast
- Made-to-order omelets
- Pork carnitas chilaquiles
- A carving station with top sirloin and herb-roasted turkey
- …And so much more!
Price: $65 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $36 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Brunch – 11:00 AM to 1:15 PM – Mickey’s pajama party continues with a delicious buffet brunch that includes all the mouthwatering menu items available for breakfast—plus macaroni and cheese, tabbouleh-crusted salmon, bread pudding and much more.
Price: $65 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $36 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities .
Cancellation Policy for Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch – For holiday dining, you must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a full price per person cancellation fee. If you fail to cancel with sufficient notice or fail to show up for your reservation, the credit card provided at the time of the reservation will be charged the full price per person.
Storytellers Cafe Holiday Dinner
From November 19, 2024, through January 1, 2025, feast on fantastic fare! The innovative cuisine at the expansive all-you-care-to-enjoy holiday dinner buffet is sure to entertain the most discerning taste buds
Delicious dishes include the flatbread of the day, braised beef short ribs, roasted chicken, seasonal fish, a rotating chef’s selection of small plates and much more. Enjoy savory selections from the pasta station or succulent prime rib from the carving station. Plus, be sure to try the spectacular seasonal soup. Options for children include chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and assorted flatbreads.
Disney Characters do not appear during dinner—but check out breakfast and brunch to mingle with Mickey Mouse and his pals.
Price: $58 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $30 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Storytellers Cafe Thanksgiving Character Dinner
On November 28, 2024, join Mickey and his pals—dressed in their holiday best—as you dine on delectable dishes that include special menu items for Thanksgiving Day.
From 1:15 PM to 9:00 PM, delight in a bountiful buffet that offers:
- A carving station with herb-roasted rib eye
- Herb-roasted turkey
- Harissa pork belly
- Beef pot roast
- Roasted salmon
- Maple-glazed sweet potatoes
- Cornbread stuffing
- Bread pudding and other holiday-inspired desserts
- …And so much more!
Price: $85 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $39 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Cancellation Policy for Storytellers Cafe Thanksgiving Character Dinner For holiday dining, you must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a full price per person cancellation fee. If you fail to cancel with sufficient notice or fail to show up for your reservation, the credit card provided at the time of the reservation will be charged the full price per person.
Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Winter Holidays
From November 19, 2024, through January 2, 2025, join Goofy and his pals as they get gussied up in their merry best for the winter holidays—putting a spin on the classic red and green with the addition of pastel colors and playful prints.
In addition to special Character moments, enjoy scrumptious food items prepared just for the season—with an expanded menu for brunch and dinner—themed decor and music, Disney PhotoPass digital downloads and a holiday-themed button. Goofy and his gang can’t wait to welcome you with fantastic food and holiday spirit!
Breakfast (7:00 AM to 10:30 AM) – Get your day going with a truly delicious breakfast buffet, including:
- An assortment of baked goods
- Mickey waffles and classic pancakes
- Made-to-order omelets
- Duck confit chilaquiles
- Maple-glazed pork belly Benedict with butternut hollandaise
- …And so much more!
Price: $65 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $36 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Brunch (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) – Enjoy a bountiful brunch buffet that includes all the mouthwatering menu items available for breakfast—plus a carving station with herb-marinated turkey breast and carved beef sirloin chateau roast.
Price: $65 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $36 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Dinner – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM – Don’t miss the delectable dinner buffet, with an array of options that include:
- Shrimp cocktail and crab claws
- Roasted beet and pear salad
- Salmon with persimmon hollandaise
- Roasted chicken
- Short rib ravioli with wild mushrooms and pecorino
- BBQ pork spareribs
- A carving station with herb-marinated turkey breast, bourbon-glazed holiday ham and prime rib
- Assorted seasonal desserts and pastries
- …And so much more!
Price: $75 plus tax per adult (ages 10 and up) and $39 plus tax per child (ages 3 to 9). Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Cancellation Policy for Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Winter Holidays – For winter holiday dining, you must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a full price per person cancellation fee. If you fail to cancel with sufficient notice or fail to show up for your reservation, the credit card provided at the time of the reservation will be charged the full price per person.
Character interactions are also generally pretty good at both Storytellers and Goofy’s Kitchen–but the latter emphasizes fun over food. This isn’t to say the food is bad at Goofy’s Kitchen–it’s shockingly good for what it is–but it doesn’t aspire to be more than comfort food. Although perhaps it should not be “shocking” that a $65 breakfast is good.
Ultimately, the Goofy’s Kitchen Christmas character breakfast, brunch, and dinner sounds fun–as does the new addition at Storytellers Cafe. As huge fans of this character dining experience and Christmas at Disneyland and new parents, this is right up our alley. The more seasonal offerings at Disneyland, the better. We’ll just probably be sitting out this holiday season, having just spent a ton of money on the Halloween versions of these meals.
Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and many other SoCal cities!
Your Thoughts
Will you be doing the Christmas character meals at the Grand Californian or Disneyland Hotel? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment of these character dining experiences at Disneyland Resort? Any questions? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!