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Hello everyone,
Today's dining review is of the 'Surf's Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends' at the PCH Grill in Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, at the Disneyland Resort in California.
We most recently dined here in September 2013, having not been here for a while. In the past we had always been put off because the price had been higher, the restaurant really lacked something, and it was too far out of the way to warrant paying over the odds for.
We had dined here twice previously, and despite those negative factors, we decided it was about time we returned to see if things had improved.
The overall feel of the restaurant is much like the rest of the Paradise Pier Hotel; dated with a tired 1990's feel to it.
Having said that, the price had now been lowered to come more in line with the other character dining experiences around the resort, which makes it more worth while. One of the biggest problems is the fact it's so far out of the way from anywhere else at the resort. I guess it's through sheer laziness, which on a hectic Disney trip I think we're allowed to feel that way (I don't want to walk miles for breakfast before we've even started the day!), but the Paradise Pier always seems like an epic journey to get to. It's not really that much further than the Disneyland hotel is from the parks, but it is further nonetheless.
The food is actually pretty good. They have a really good, wide variety of options, from hot breakfast items, fruit, waffles and much more.
I recall that on a previous trip here a couple of years ago, I had been suffering from stomach issues, and asked for gluten free waffles and pancakes. I was personally attended to by the chef, and was served excellent gluten free items, made to order. I didn't ask this time, but I presume the same service is still available - why wouldn't it be?
So with that, I do highly recommend the location for the service and food.
Of course, it's a character dining experience, and some of our favourite Disney friends are in regular attendance.
There are six characters which rotate regularly, but of course the only one that is pretty much guaranteed is Mickey.
Joining Mickey, wearing cute beach wear you will find, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Daisy. Stitch is there quite often too, and in the past Lilo made appearances, but I haven't seen anything to suggest that she still does appear in quite a long time.
During the course of your meal the characters will all get up and teach the kids some surf moves at an interactive dance party at the front part of the restaurant. It's cute and makes for some nice photo opportunities for your children.
Having dined here again, and refreshed my experience of it, I would definitely recommend the breakfast. The food and service are good, the price is no more than the other character dining experiences, and the characters wear some fun outfits. The biggest problem really is the dated feel of the restaurant, but then that's something that is a problem with the entire hotel, not just the PCH Grill.
Prices start from $27.99 per person for adults, and $14.99 for children aged 3 through 9 inclusive. All prices are plus tax, and plus gratuity.
Annual Passholders receive a maximum of 15% discount no matter what pass they hold.
Reservations are recommended, and can be made at any guest service location at the two theme parks, any Disney Hotel concierge, on the official Disneyland Resort website, or by calling the Disney Dining line up to 60 days in advance on (714) 781-3463.
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Dan. |