Best Option for Character Dining?

[DisneyLover2015]

We will be taking my five-year old son to Disneyland for the first time in late April/early May, and I'm trying to figure out what is our best option for character dining. I haven't been to Disneyland in ten years, so I'm a bit out of the loop.

I know there are five venues offering character dining (2 premium = Goofy's Kitchen, and Ariel's Grotto; 3 regular = PCH Grill, Storyteller's Cafe, and Plaza Inn). What I'm wondering is what types of characters are usually at each venue, (my son isn't familiar with all the characters, so I'd like to try to pick one with a good chance he will "know" some of the characters), and any other tips I should be aware of? I will be making our reservations in advance once we hit the 60 day threshold, and I'm also thinking about purchasing vouchers through Get Away Today (unless we choose the Goofy's Kitchen option, as it looks like it won't be much of a deal in this event?). Any information is much appreciated!

 

[DahliaRW]

IME, Surf's Up has the most "classic" characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald or Daisy, Pluto, etc) and the best character interaction (dance lessons, "surf" parties, frequent rounds to the tables, etc). You will get better interaction the earlier you go (we went right at open) due to lower amount of people in the restaurant.

For Ariel's, it's princesses, they are announced, they come around to each table exactly one time and only spend a minute or two. Nothing prolonged and no "activities" with the characters.

 

[KalamityJane]

We personally love Goofy's Kitchen and Surf's Up.

 

[DisneyLover2015]

I just asked my son which character he would really want to meet, and he said Mickey...is Mickey a regular at the Surf's Up venue?

 

[Lauren in NC]

We've done Goofy's Kitchen several times. You always meet Goofy, and then we've seen a mixed bunch of other characters like Chip and Dale, Pluto, Baloo, the Mad Hatter, and Jasmine.

Ariel's Grotto, like another poster said, is all princesses, so probably not much interest for a 5 year old boy

Your best bet for Mickey is the Surf's Up breakfast.

 

[KalamityJane]

I looked back at our pictures of Surf's Up and Mickey is in them with us

 

[tatsmx]

surf's up is AWESOME!!! we did 4 character breakfast (missed storytellers) and surfs up was our favorite! mickey is at the entrance and the photopass photographer is there... mickey danced with my dd4 and we had so much fun the whole time..
before our trip we watched videos on youtube so she knew what to expect
enjoy!

 

[DahliaRW]

I believe Surf's Up is the only one with Mickey. When we went we met him first, then a photo, then taken to our table.

 

[Kristina4109]

I love Surf's Up. (I've done them all except for the Plaza.) It's the only place you can meet Stitch, which is awesome. And Daisy is so hard to find but we met her here.

 

[DisneyLover2015]

Thanks everyone! Surf's Up it is!

 

[bcwife76]

Does the PCH Grill just do the breakfast (Surf's Up) or is there a character dinner there as well?

 

[DahliaRW]

Does the PCH Grill just do the breakfast (Surf's Up) or is there a character dinner there as well?

The chracters are only at breakfast, which is served from something like 7am-11am. There is dinner there, but not characters at that time.

 

[bcwife76]

Ah, ok, thank you!

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Agree with Surf's Up. Best character interaction I've ever had at a character meal.