DiningSyndication

Beloved Dining Experience Finally Returning to Disney Resort After Pandemic Hiatus!

It’s hard to believe, but in just a few weeks, the holidays will return to Disneyland Resort, and Santa Claus will be gearing up for his visit! There’s truly no better time to experience The Happiest Place on Earth, as the season brings a host of unique festivities. Guests at Disney California Adventure Park can savor the flavors of the Festival of Holidays and Viva Navidad, two delightful food celebrations.

Additionally, there are two spectacular nighttime shows: World of Color: Season of Light at Disney California Adventure and the Believe!… In Holiday Magic fireworks show at Disneyland Park. Don’t miss the daily performances of the Christmas Fantasy Parade in Disneyland Park, either! Plus, let’s not forget the seasonal ride transformations: “it’s a small world” turns into “it’s a small world” Holiday, and Haunted Mansion Holiday remains open into the early months of the new year.

World of Color Season of Light Disney California Adventure Park
Credit: Disney

Related: Alert: Disneyland Begins Christmas Celebrations Mid-October

This year, the resort will unveil three new holiday-themed dining experiences, including one that hasn’t been seen since before the pandemic!

At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, guests can find the Hearthstone Lounge, an inviting yet upscale spot where they can take a break from the crowds while savoring specialty cocktails and delicious cuisine. It is here that Disney will host its Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the first afternoon tea offering since before the pandemic!

The popular Afternoon Tea experience was first introduced at Disneyland in 2016, and over the years, it has featured a variety of exciting themed tea parties. Guests have enjoyed unique events like a Haunted Mansion-themed tea party, an Alice in Wonderland (1951)-themed gathering, and even a Pixar-themed celebration for the inaugural Pixar Fest in 2018.

A plate of desserts at Pixar Fest themed Afternoon Tea at Disneyland Hotel
Credit: Disney

Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus will begin on December 3 and run through December 24, 2024. Reservations for this event will open on October 31, and they are expected to fill up quickly due to the high demand.

Here is more information on the event, courtesy of Disney Parks Blog:

This isn’t your average tea party – Mrs. Claus has been hard at work putting together a tasty selection of holiday-inspired bites.  

This elevated holiday experience also features a variety of premium loose-leaf teas, the finest tea sandwiches, and delicately prepared treats to put you in the spirit of the season. Some of the holly highlights include a caprese salad, shrimp salad, prime Holstein tea sandwiches, truffled Christmas egg, and scones. You can enjoy a Classic Tea, Premium Tea, or Deluxe Tea experience, with the Deluxe Tea including strawberries and chantilly cream and a glass of champagne.  

Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus Hearthstone Lounge Grand Californian Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Related: After Months-Long Closure, Iconic Disney Attraction Gets Reopening Date!

The Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs Claus is not the only new holiday experience coming to Disneyland Resort this holiday season. There are also new dining offerings coming to Storytellers Café and Goofy’s Kitchen.

At Storytellers Café, located in the Grand Californian Hotel, guests will relish the new experience known as Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Breakfast and Brunch. Running from November 19 to January 1, 2025, this event allows children and families to enjoy a buffet featuring seasonal dishes while engaging with Mickey Mouse and friends, all dressed in festive pajamas.

Storytellers will also offer a Holiday Dinner each night, but it is important to note that it will not be a character dining experience.

Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, and Pluto wear their holiday outfits for Mickey's Pajama Brunch at Storytellers Cafe
Credit: Disney

Related: Disneyland Slashes Prices, $50 Tickets To Be Launched Soon

Another festive dining option is Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays, available at the Disneyland Hotel from November 19 through January 2, 2025. Throughout this time, guests will encounter character interactions as Goofy and his friends showcase their holiday attire to welcome diners.

In addition to the delightful holiday-themed decor, the buffet will feature an array of limited-time holiday treats. Offering breakfast, brunch, and dinner services, this venue is designed to immerse guests in a playful atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.

Unlike Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers, Goofy’s Holiday Kitchen will be a character dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Goofy in his holiday outfit at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel
Credit: Disney

Both Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party and Goofy’s Holiday Kitchen will run from November 19 through January 1. Reservations are not required to dine at these events, but as they are extremely popular, reservations are HIGHLY encouraged.

Will you be making an effort to secure reservations for Holiday Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus? Or are you more drawn to the holiday experiences at Storytellers Café and Goofy’s Kitchen? What’s your favorite way to celebrate the holidays at Disney? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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