The character breakfast at Storytellers at the Grand Californian Hotel is different than any other. It features woodland creatures like chip and dale and include singing and lots of fun. I like to go to the early to be full and ready to enter Disneyland right at opening so I don't waste time in the park eating. Another great is you can either order from the menu or have the buffet. Definitely make reservations!

The Character breakfast at Disneyland at the Plaza Inn is the best there is. Your child will dine with characters stopping by like Peter Pan, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Fairy Godmother etc. Its a myriad of lots of different characters and they will make it to every table. The buffet food is good with mickey waffles, eggs, etc. Its worth the money but make sure you call ahead for reservations and bring an autograph book and camera.

The Princess celebration at Ariels Grotto is the dream for any little girl. First you take your picture with Ariel (make sure you snap one too because you wont have a chance later) then you are seated and you order mediocre food for $30 per person to have more princesses (which could include non-princesses like the fairy godmother) to come to your table for autographs and a pic.

We do this lunch because its worth the money for the experience to not have to wait in line at Disneyland to meet each Princess but I usually just take my daughter while hubby eats elsewhere with the boy.

There are a lot of new things coming to DCA in the next few years but even until then its a fun place to play for a day. They have activities for everyone from the California Screaming Coaster to the kiddie rides in Flicks Fun Fair. My advice is to go to Disneyland early and DCA for the afternoon or visa versa. The only concern is fast passes for Soarin' go quick!

Downtown Disney has some great stores including The lego store with I adore. But these specialty stores come at a price. There are some good restaurants and the ESPN Zone serves great food. Its a nice place to take the monorail from Disneyland and have dinner with a couple beers. I still prefer Downtown Disney to gardenwalk and they valet parking at many restaurants.