TOUGH CHOICE! Minnie's & friends breakfast or Mickey's & friends

[Lebestiole]

Hello everyone!!! Sorry to bother again with the breakfast thingy but I'm confused!!!

So! I was really excited about making reservations for Minnie's & friends, and I did! But then I read an amazing review on Mickey's & friends breakfast and now I don't know which one is better?

My mom can't eat bread. That means that Mickey's breakfast might suit her needs a bit more. But on the other hand, I'd love to take my mom to Plaza Inn.

Mickey's breakfast is a lil bit more expensive, so I'm not sure if the price is actually worth it? What about the characters?

Please! I need opinions!! And thank you very much!!!

 

[egritz]

I'm assuming there's no way to swing both? We always try to hit both - Surf's Up we do on our departure day when we aren't planning park time, and Minnie's we do on a MM the earliest reservation possible.

Biggest Positives For Minnie's:
LOTS of characters
You're already in the park once your done
Least Expensive character dining option (for us - 2 adults and 1 child we paid $78.89 with no discounts last November).

Biggest Negatives for Minnie's:
Taking up precious park time with breakfast
No official photopass photographer picture WITH Minnie Mouse.
I always feel more rushed here
On occasion characters seem to completely bypass tables (on more than one occasion we've had characters spend minimal time with the kids in our party when compared to a rowdy adult table nearby).

Biggest Positives for Surf's Up:
Quality of Character Interaction - you get to dance with them, so fun!
Great interaction, we always saw the characters multiple times.
Photopass photographer picture with mickey at entry
The restaurant is usually not very busy,
Can do on a non-park day.
We've always had AMAZING service from our servers here.

Biggest Negatives for Surf's Up:
Long walk if staying on Harbor
Not as many characters
Little more expensive (same trip as above cost $99.09 for 2 adults & 1 child, so $20 more).

I find the food to be very similar, I don't like one more than the other.

Are you traveling with kids too? What is MOST important? Number of characters (Go to Minnie's)? Or the quality of the interaction (Surf's Up)?

And remember, opinions are subjective!!!

 

[jina]

We've never been to Surf's Up but did do Minnie & Friend's breakfast this past Christmastime. We were staying off site and I booked it for the first time slot - 7:10am which was during the MM/EE for the on site guests. We went through a special "character breakfast" entrance and were finished eating by the 8am regular rope drop so we did not miss any precious park time - we hit the "left side" of the park which was just opening up for everyone (including on site guests) so we could walk on our first few rides.

DH and I can't eat gluten and the chef came out within a few minutes of arriving and offered to bring us an entire platter of food prepared in the back so we knew it was safe. This included gluten free waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes and fresh fruit. DD5 can eat gluten but she was perfectly happy eating from our safe platter. The waffles were delicious and such a treat as we rarely get to eat something like that at a restaurant - and these were Mickey shaped .

We had a great time and would do it again. Also, there was a photopass photographer at the beginning before we were taken inside where we had our picture taken with Minnie - another poster said that they did to have this but we did- we had purchased Photopass Plus for that trip and were given the photo package when we left - I remember this because we would never pay for a photo package at a character meal so it was a nice bonus to receive it "for free" since we had the PP+ package.

The character interaction was great and there were many characters to meet.

 

[valiamo]

Is your Mom a Celiac?, then she is in for a treat. Tell the server that she has an allergy, and they will bring her a special beakfast without any wheat products. The GF waffles are outstanding! Both breakfasts are excellent, I prefer being in the park tho. Go for the Minnie and Friends!

 

[Lebestiole]

I'm assuming there's no way to swing both? We always try to hit both - Surf's Up we do on our departure day when we aren't planning park time, and Minnie's we do on a MM the earliest reservation possible.

The thing is that while I'd love to do both, I am paying because it's a gift for my mom. And I'm just a poor college student. Not to mention that the dollar has gone up in the past few months in my country, so I'm actually paying double for the breakfast. Now, don't get me wrong guys, I don't mind the extra cost for Mickey's breakfast, but I just want to make sure it's worth it.

Are you traveling with kids too? What is MOST important? Number of characters (Go to Minnie's)? Or the quality of the interaction (Surf's Up)?

It's just going to me my mom and I. I guess what matter the most to me is that we're able to see the characters, take pictures with them, etc. Since we're both adults we don't really want to interact with them as much and take the time away from kids who want to spend more time with them.

DH and I can't eat gluten and the chef came out within a few minutes of arriving and offered to bring us an entire platter of food prepared in the back so we knew it was safe. This included gluten free waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes and fresh fruit. DD5 can eat gluten but she was perfectly happy eating from our safe platter. The waffles were delicious and such a treat as we rarely get to eat something like that at a restaurant - and these were Mickey shaped .

Is your Mom a Celiac?, then she is in for a treat. Tell the server that she has an allergy, and they will bring her a special beakfast without any wheat products. The GF waffles are outstanding! Both breakfasts are excellent, I prefer being in the park tho. Go for the Minnie and Friends!

OH WOW. I didn't know I could actually request this! Thank you guys for telling me, I will call Disney to tell them about her problem with bread. She'll be able to enjoy our breakfast!

I guess Minnie's it is then. Thank you guys for your comments! They really did help me a lot!!

 

[valiamo]

OH WOW. I didn't know I could actually request this! Thank you guys for telling me, I will call Disney to tell them about her problem with bread. She'll be able to enjoy our breakfast!

I guess Minnie's it is then. Thank you guys for your comments! They really did help me a lot!!

Almost every single eating place has some sort of Gluten free option. My DW was spoiled rotten on our last trip, and we fully expect her to be spoiled again in December. All the sit down restaurants will have GF options, always specify that you have a food allergy when booking. Tip.. Say "Allergy meal" when talking to servers They are trained to get a Chef for allergy, but seem confused on other terms such as vs Gluten Free or Celiac.

 

[egritz]

We had a great time and would do it again. Also, there was a photopass photographer at the beginning before we were taken inside where we had our picture taken with Minnie - another poster said that they did to have this but we did- we had purchased Photopass Plus for that trip and were given the photo package when we left - I remember this because we would never pay for a photo package at a character meal so it was a nice bonus to receive it "for free" since we had the PP+ package.

The character interaction was great and there were many characters to meet.

We've been to Minnie's at every trip with kids over the past 10 years, only 1 trip we've had our picture taken WITH Minnie at her breakfast. We always pre-purchase the photopass plus as well, which allows us to get the free prints from the photographer (and the pictures loaded on our card). Sounds like you were lucky to have Minnie in your picture! One time she was passing by and we asked if she would stop for a photo w/ the PP photographer and they said no, bc then everyone else would want her to stay and that's not how it's done at Plaza Inn, she roams around and visits everyone at their table (while at Surf's Up, Mickey does NOT roam the tables).

to OP regarding the allergy
When you make your ADR, you can make a note that you have a food allergy. Last year I was nursing my son who was sensitive to dairy, so when I made my ADRs I noted that I had a food allergy, and everywhere we went had the information and had the chef come out to talk to me about my food options and brought me my plate separate. Quite nice.

For the OP I think I'd just stick with the Minnie Breakfast since you don't have kids. You'll likely see way more characters and it sounds like that is what is most important to you. Just use the tip to make the ADR on a MM/EMH morning (first thing) that you are not planning on using that extra hour!

 

[Lebestiole]

to OP regarding the allergy
When you make your ADR, you can make a note that you have a food allergy. Last year I was nursing my son who was sensitive to dairy, so when I made my ADRs I noted that I had a food allergy, and everywhere we went had the information and had the chef come out to talk to me about my food options and brought me my plate separate. Quite nice.

For the OP I think I'd just stick with the Minnie Breakfast since you don't have kids. You'll likely see way more characters and it sounds like that is what is most important to you. Just use the tip to make the ADR on a MM/EMH morning (first thing) that you are not planning on using that extra hour!

Thanks! I just called Disney to let them know about the "Allergy meal". They told me not to worry and asked me to remind them once we arrive at the Plaza Inn. *I'm so excited*

I booked our breakfast for the 9:40 serving. :/ It's on the same day of our MHP day, so I guess it's ok? The park is going to close by 11 pm on that day, so we can afford to "lose" that park hour.

I really hope we have a great time! My mom doesn't know that the breakfast takes place in the Plaza Inn, she thinks we're going to Paradise Pier instead. I just have to make sure to be very casual about it when I tell her its time to "leave the park" for our breakfast! Maybe I'll tell her I have to confirm something with a CM near the Plaza and casually ask her to come with me!

 

[Lebestiole]

We've been to Minnie's at every trip with kids over the past 10 years, only 1 trip we've had our picture taken WITH Minnie at her breakfast. We always pre-purchase the photopass plus as well, which allows us to get the free prints from the photographer (and the pictures loaded on our card). Sounds like you were lucky to have Minnie in your picture!

oh!!! Does that mean that if Minnie comes to our table we won't be able to take a picture with her?? Even a quick one?

 

[egritz]

oh!!! Does that mean that if Minnie comes to our table we won't be able to take a picture with her?? Even a quick one?

NOOO!! Sorry if I confused you! Minnie roams the tables just like the other characters and you can use your own camera to take pictures with her & your family at your table.

Minnie is (typically) not available for the picture you take at the front of the restaurant with the PhotoPass Photographer. That picture is (again, typically) character-less.

 

[tlovesdis]

We've always taken pics with Minnie when she comes to our table!

 

[nikerbokers]

I've never felt rushed during our meals at Minnie & Friends. We met at least 15 characters and we also went during the MM time so by the time we finished, the park had JUST opened so we didn't miss any time. The food was eh to us but the money was WELL worth it for the quality of characters and just the great time we had. We booked it again for October 30th. My DD just loves it and it's the one dining reservation we are doing this trip.

The only reason we haven't done Surf's Up is we don't want to miss any precious early morning park time. That's our favorite time in the parks because lines are minimal and I just love walking through Main Street without so much congestion and really taking in it's beauty. I will do it if we stay on site one day though (we stay at Tropicana).

 

[Astylla]

After amazing character meals at WDW earlier this year for Star Wars Breakfast and Jedi dinner I'm pretty sold now on character meals.

I made our reservation for Minnie's breakfast this Saturday morning at first seating. It's just me and DH but we were amazed at the great interactions and have always seen and heard great things.

I think as long as you go in with realistic expectations of interaction and not afraid to ask CMs if anything is of concern it can be awesome for any age.

This thread has me excited!

 

[bumbershoot]

OH WOW. I didn't know I could actually request this! Thank you guys for telling me, I will call Disney to tell them about her problem with bread. She'll be able to enjoy our breakfast!

I guess Minnie's it is then. Thank you guys for your comments! They really did help me a lot!!

The special meal wasn't something only done at Minnie's. Would happen at Surf's Up, too. Your reaction makes me think you are hearing differently.

If I'm paying that much for a meal, the food had better be edible. That was not the case for our Minnie's experience. The only thing I could eat, taste-wise, were the cheap mini chocolate croissants.

And we didn't get many characters coming to our table. Apart from Hook showing up and making DH smile, and a pic of Eeyore with DS, the whole experience was awful.

Surf's Up, for us, has always been far superior in every way.

Since you sound so excited about the Plaza, I wonder if this
is your first DL trip but you've been to WDW before? Plaza at DL is a counter service once it's lunch and dinner time, so if actually being in that space is a draw, that's easily accomplished once breakfast is done with.

 

[Lebestiole]

NOOO!! Sorry if I confused you! Minnie roams the tables just like the other characters and you can use your own camera to take pictures with her & your family at your table.

We've always taken pics with Minnie when she comes to our table!

Ok!! Thanks for clearing that up! I was starting to get nervous thinking I couldn't take a pic with the host (hostess? english is not my 1st language, I'm not sure if hostess is correct!) herself!

The food was eh to us but the money was WELL worth it for the quality of characters and just the great time we had.

Exactly! I saw the menu and it seems pretty straightforward, nothing fancy. We're ok with that. We just want to enjoy the atmosphere, characters, etc.

I think as long as you go in with realistic expectations of interaction and not afraid to ask CMs if anything is of concern it can be awesome for any age.

This thread has me excited!

Yup! That's exactly what I'm going to do! And yeeessss, I'm excited as well!! There is nothing like talking with your Disney friends about Disney awesomeness! xD

The special meal wasn't something only done at Minnie's. Would happen at Surf's Up, too. Your reaction makes me think you are hearing differently.

If I'm paying that much for a meal, the food had better be edible. That was not the case for our Minnie's experience. The only thing I could eat, taste-wise, were the cheap mini chocolate croissants.

And we didn't get many characters coming to our table. Apart from Hook showing up and making DH smile, and a pic of Eeyore with DS, the whole experience was awful.

Surf's Up, for us, has always been far superior in every way.

Since you sound so excited about the Plaza, I wonder if this is your first DL trip but you've been to WDW before? Plaza at DL is a counter service once it's lunch and dinner time, so if actually being in that space is a draw, that's easily accomplished once breakfast is done with.

Don't worry! I know it's something that's not only done at Minnie's! I was actually checking the Gluten Free Dining Superthread to see our options and mom and I are very pleased!

As for how good the food is, I do hope it's decent! To be honest we're not that hard to please, that's why Minnie seems ok to us. Surf's Up menu sounds delicious but since it is more expensive and served in Paradise Pier (we're gonna have to leave the park and I don't think mom would like that) maybe it's not the right choice for us for this trip. Next time we'll probably try Surf's Up tho! ;D

It's not my 1st time in Disneyland, but we haven't visited in a few years (We go to WDW more). Last time we went mom wanted to have breakfast in the Plaza Inn so bad, but for one reason or another we couldn't. And while Disney World has it's own Plaza Restaurant, she somehow is stuck with the idea of going to Disneyland's Plaza! Haha. xD

 

[agamble]

They also make omelets at Minnie's. You tell the cook exactly what you want. Should be gluten free unless they're putting something in their egg batter. I think the food is pretty good. People said the Storyteller food is better, but I didn't really think so. They had a couple more "exotic" options for breakfast, but I don't care to eat fish so it didn't make me excited. We haven't done Mickey's Surfs up Breakfast yet. I'm thinking we'll need to try it some time, but I feel that we can see all those characters in the parks, the few dollars more per person adds up with a family, and the food sounds about the same.

 

[Lebestiole]

They had a couple more "exotic" options for breakfast, but I don't care to eat fish so it didn't make me excited. We haven't done Mickey's Surfs up Breakfast yet. I'm thinking we'll need to try it some time, but I feel that we can see all those characters in the parks, the few dollars more per person adds up with a family, and the food sounds about the same.

Yup! I personally love fish, but I'm not sure if I would have it for breakfast. I really do hope we have a great time!

 

[Nicolette11785]

You can always request someone from the dis designs forum to make a invitation inviting your mom to Minnie's Breakfast. The wonderful designers do it for free and are so talented. You are able to personalize it however you want.