The brunch experience at Storytellers Cafe in Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers a fabulous array of both breakfast and lunch dishes. The buffet is highlighted by favorites like Mickey waffles, carved meats, and an indulgent bread pudding you simply cannot miss. Character interactions featuring Mickey, Minnie, Chip, and Dale are frequent and engaging, adding fun to the already lively atmosphere.
Dining reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance through the Disneyland app. A walk-up list is offered, so if you don’t have a reservation, check to see if you can join it.
The Ambiance!
This restaurant’s theme fits perfectly with the theme of the hotel. The craftsman style is gorgeous, with carved details in the light fixtures and high up on the walls. The large wood beams across the ceiling tie everything in.
The Food!
Storytellers Cafe serves a buffet brunch daily from 11:00 am until 1:15 pm. One of the best reasons to choose brunch over breakfast is that you’ll get to indulge in standard breakfast foods and lunch dishes. The buffet includes fresh fruit, bagels, assorted pastries, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and Mickey waffles. There is even a make-your-own-omelette station! For lunch, you’ll find a fish of the day, various salads and roasted vegetables, Chili Verde Chilaquiles, assorted flatbreads, and tons of dessert. Whatever you do, please DO NOT skip the bread pudding with caramel sauce and crème anglaise!
The DIS Unlimited team recently enjoyed the Mickey’s Tales of Adventure brunch buffet at Storytellers Cafe. Despite its price of $55 per adult (10+) and $33 for kids (ages 3-9), we considered it a good value based on the quality and variety of food, plus the character interactions. We highly recommend this experience for Disney enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy a leisurely meal amidst the resort’s magic. The buffet price includes Joffrey’s coffee, assorted teas, soft drinks, and juices. Guests over 21 can enjoy select included alcoholic beverages such as a Mimosa.
Buffet highlights include the incredible potato salad, the top sirloin from the carving station, and the baked salmon with saffron rice. The roasted vegetables like zucchini, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are also delicious.
As Hannah mentioned, a brunch plate with various breakfast and lunch items can appear chaotic. Still, I agree with her sentiment of trying all the random dishes instead of trying to separate breakfast and lunch. For example, I had fruit, a mini blueberry muffin, scrambled eggs, a potsticker, fried shrimp, baked salmon with saffron rice, and potato salad on my first plate. Chaotic indeed.
My second plate included a Mickey waffle, which is always a must at Disneyland, bananas foster French toast, which was incredible, and more of the baked salmon with that incredible saffron rice. I also had to get some macaroni and cheese, especially with the shade my friends at the table gave it. I thought the mac and cheese was just okay, nothing spectacular.
The bread pudding at Storytellers Cafe is highlighted as a standout dessert by nearly everyone at the table. We loved it for its fluffy texture and delicious caramel sauce with crème anglaise on the side. This was so rich, but oh so tasty and well worth every calorie.
The Characters!
Now that we’ve discussed our food, let’s discuss the characters. The characters at this restaurant are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale. The appearances were frequent, and the interactions were so engaging. Folks often wonder if character dining is awkward for adults with no kids, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not uncomfortable in any way.
Just look at Ryno’s genuine happiness screaming from these images! That is pure joy right there, and it’s what happens when you’re so excited to see and hug your favorite Disney characters. Friends, there’s nothing else in the world quite like it. And I love being able to see it happen. Corey was living his best life while Minnie Mouse hung out with him, too! She was adorable. When she stopped by me, she noticed the ear headband charm on my necklace and leaned in to get a closer look. I love it when the characters see the little things and how well they communicate with guests without speaking. It’s my favorite!
We consider Storytellers Cafe’s brunch a great value despite its price, offering a wide variety of high-quality food options and memorable character interactions. Don’t miss it on your next visit to the Disneyland Resort!
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