We wouldn’t be who we are today without the mothers in our lives, who nurture and guide us to be our best selves. This year, what better place to say “thank you” to your mom this Mother’s Day than Disneyland? Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May each year, which is May 14 in 2023. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a ton of time shopping for the perfect present. Just keep reading for our guide to the best mom-worthy things the Happiest Place on Earth has to offer.
With her special day just around the corner, let’s take a peek at everything you can do to shower your mom with love this Mother’s Day at Disneyland Resort, from limited-time bites and celebration brunches to gift ideas and fun activities, there are plenty of ways to commemorate the day and treat her like the queen (or Disney Princess) she is.
How to Have a Magical Day with Mom This Mother’s Day at Disneyland
With two theme parks full of things to see and do, as well as Downtown Disney and the Disneyland hotels, there’s no shortage of things that Mom is sure to love, no matter if it’s a day of fun and food with the family or some alone time far from the crowds and kids. So, if you’re going to Disneyland for Mother’s Day, push that boring bouquet order to the side and celebrate Mom with one (or more!) of these celebratory suggestions instead.
Let Everyone Know Who Is the Queen in Your Life with a Celebration Button
You can’t celebrate something at Disneyland without a celebration button, and that includes Mother’s Day. Available for free from guest relations or the front desk of your Disneyland Resort hotel, these complimentary pins don’t just make excellent keepsakes. They’re also the perfect way to shout your love for your mom from the mountaintops. So, be sure to swing by and get yours as soon as you arrive so you can declare your mother’s awesomeness ASAP.
Take Her to a Disneyland Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner Buffet
One of families’ favorite ways to pay tribute to moms everywhere is with a special Mother’s Day meal, and Disneyland is no exception. While brunch is an ever-popular option, Disneyland also offers a couple of Mother’s Day dinners. So, no matter what your day in the parks has in store or your mom’s preferred cuisine, you’re bound to find a time that fits with what you’ve got planned.
What’s more, Mother’s Day meals are available in a variety of settings, from Disneyland character dining for brunch at the Plaza Inn, Storytellers Cafe and Goofy’s Kitchen (as well as dinner there, too) to a character-free supper at Storytellers Cafe, there’s something to suit groups of all kinds. Along with up-close character encounters with Minnie Mouse and Blueberry Waffles, the Mother’s Day brunch at Plaza Inn on Main Street, USA even comes with extras like a special souvenir and a photo op with the mouse hostess with the mostest in her springy Mother’s Day dress.
Disneyland Park
Plaza Inn (Available May 13 & 14 only; Reservations highly recommended)
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, $75 per adult or $35 per child ages 3-9
- Blueberry Waffles
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- Made-to-Order Pasta
- Avocado Toast
- Hand-carved Slow-roasted Turkey Breast
- Assorted Specialty Desserts
- A Selection of Specialty Beverages
- As well as:
- Beautiful photo moment with Minnie Mouse appearing in a lovely new Mother’s Day spring dress
- Commemorative photo package
- Special keepsake
- Unique Character processional during the dining experience
Disneyland Hotel
Goofy’s Kitchen (Available May 14 only; Reservations highly recommended)
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet | 7:00 AM-1:00 PM, $60 per adult or $32 per child ages 3-9
- Mini Danishes, Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls, and Muffins
- Brioche French Toast
- Red Velvet and Classic Pancakes
- Made-to-Order Omelets
- Carving Station featuring Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Turkey Breast, and Rope Sausage
Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet | 1:30 PM-9:00 PM, $85 per adult or $35 per child ages 3-9
- Sesame Chicken
- Stone Crab Claw Cocktail
- Hand-carved Slow-roasted Prime Rib
- Salmon with Mango Salsa
- Vegan Baked Ziti
- Seasonal Desserts and Baked Goods
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Storytellers Cafe (Available May 14 only; Reservations highly recommended)
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet | 7:00 AM-2:00 PM, $60 per adult or $32 per child ages 3-9
- Chocolate-Hazelnut French Toast with Strawberries
- Smoked Salmon Platter
- Chilaquiles with Fresh Eggs and Tomatillo Salsa
- Made-to-Order Omelets
- Marinated Heirloom Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto, and Arugula
- Crab and Shrimp with Butter Leaf Lettuce, Celery, Red Onions, Dill, and Creamy Dressing
- Hand-carved Herb-roasted Ribeye
- Pastry Chef’s Selection of Desserts
Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet | 3:00 PM-9:00 PM, $85 per adult or $35 per child ages 3-9
- Roasted Pork Loin with Sweet Onion Purée, Garden Herbs, and Apricot Chutney
- Salmon with Corn Custard and Spring Succotash
- Hand-carved Herb-roasted Ribeye
- Herbs de Provence Chicken
- Sauteed Spring Vegetables
- Pastry Chef’s Selection of Desserts
Start Her Special Day Early with a Complimentary Carnation
Whether fresh-cut bouquets or those for planting, flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift. And while you might think that this is one Mother’s Day tradition that you’ll have to miss out on when visiting Disneyland Resort, you’re in luck! In previous years, Disneyland has celebrated Mother’s Day with complimentary carnations, which have been passed out at the front of the park to moms as they enter. However, keep in mind that as quantities are limited, you’ll want to get to the park early if you want to take advantage of this extra-affordable (and by that, we mean free!) keepsake, as supplies will run out.
Treat Her to Celebratory Mother’s Day Sweets
The Disney Parks love to celebrate the holidays with a tasty assortment of seasonal treats, and we don’t just mean Christmas and Halloween. From the theme parks to the hotels to Downtown Disney, Disneyland’s culinary team also cooks up a tantalizing array of limited-time desserts especially for Mother’s Day, including cake pops, donuts, sundaes, cookies and candied apples. After all, your mom deserves something to eat that’s as sweet as she is.
But that’s not all. For those looking for something savory, there’s also a special holiday meal that’s being offered at River Belle Terrace in Disneyland Park. Perfect for those wanting something a little more affordable than an all-you-can-eat brunch or dinner, this Mother’s Day menu features all of the celebratory comfort food favorites, like roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing with gravy, mashed potatoes and, of course, pumpkin pie.
Disneyland Park
Candy Palace (Available May 11 to 14)
- Pink Minnie Apple
- Pink Minnie Cake Pop
- Red Rose Cake Pop
Candy Kitchen (Available May 11 to 14)
- Pink Minnie Apple
- Pink Minnie Cake Pop
- Red Rose Cake Pop
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available May through May 31; Mobile Order available)
- Mother’s Day Donut – Raspberry and champagne-flavored iced donut topped with edible flowers and pistachio (New!)
Pooh Corner (Available May 11 to 14)
- Pink Minnie Apple
- Pink Minnie Cake Pop
- Red Rose Cake Pop
River Belle Terrace (Available May 14 only)
- Turkey Dinner featuring house-made butternut squash soup topped with fried sage, roasted turkey dinner with slow-roasted herb butter turkey breast, home-style gravy, pork belly cornbread stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and cranberry sauce, and finally, traditional pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream (New! Reservations highly recommended; kids’ version available)
California Adventure Park
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff (Available May 11 to 14)
- Pink Minnie Apple
- Pink Minnie Cake Pop
- Red Rose Cake Pop
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available May 12 to 15; Mobile Order available)
- Mother’s Day Sundae – A scoop of strawberry and chocolate ice cream served in a waffle cup, topped with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate butterflies (New!)
Trolley Treats (Available May 11 to 14)
- Pink Minnie Apple
- Pink Minnie Cake Pop
- Red Rose Cake Pop
Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Holiday Cart (Available through May 14)
- Mother’s Day Mickey Cookie
Downtown Disney District
Marceline’s Confectionery (Available May 11 to 14)
- Pink Minnie Apple
- Pink Minnie Cake Pop
- Red Rose Cake Pop
Book Her a Treatment at Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
There’s no better time to spoil Mom than Mother’s Day. So, to really treat her like Disney royalty, consider booking her a rejuvenating treatment at Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. This indulgent oasis inspired by the Golden State’s abundant natural beauty offers a suite of spa services, from the Tenaya River Stone Massage to the Gemstone Sparkle Facial, which features a malachite exfoliation, diamond collagen mask and facial massage with pink tourmaline and luxuriant oils. Alternatively, consider a soothing foot treatment to counteract all those miles you’ll spend crisscrossing the theme parks. Or go with a relaxing manicure instead, so she can show off her impeccably shaped nails.
Capture Mom’s Special Day with the Help of Disney PhotoPass
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, why not chronicle your magical memories this Mother’s Day with some family photos? Disney PhotoPass photographers are located throughout the theme parks, making it easy to snap a photo without leaving someone out. To top it all off, those who upgrade their visit with Disney Genie+ will enjoy unlimited image downloads. So, you won’t have to pick and choose between your favorite photos with Mom—simply strike a pose, say “cheese,” then download and share to your heart’s content. Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy line-skipping privileges for some of the parks’ most popular attractions, saving you precious time so you can enjoy even more quality time with Mom.
Buy Her Something Special to Commemorate the Day
On the hunt for the perfect token of appreciation for your mom this Mother’s Day? Consider an especially magical Mother’s Day gift and surprise with a souvenir with a splash of pixie dust. For the mom who’s always prepared, a Disney-themed backpack or handbag will hold everything from snacks to bandages to travel-sized sunscreen. Or help her wear her heart on her sleeve with a Mother’s Day t-shirt starring famous Disney moms like Kanga from Winnie the Pooh or Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast. Of course, you also can’t go wrong with jewelry. Get her a new Pandora charm to add to her collection or buy her a bracelet and start a new Mother’s Day tradition. That’s not all! With other enchanting options like books, candles, soap, tea, cooking supplies, home décor and more, you’re sure to find something to match whatever your mom is into.
Check Out Her Favorite Disneyland & California Adventure Attractions
Last, but not least, consider designing your Disney day around your mom’s favorite theme park attractions. For the adrenaline junkies, prioritize thrill rides like the Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure Park or Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park. Does she geek out over Star Wars or the Marvel universe? Then stop for a drink at Oga’s Cantina and reserve a spot for her to build a lightsaber in Galaxy’s Edge or split a Family-sized Pym-ini from the Pym Test Kitchen followed by a spin on WEB Slingers – A Spider-Man Adventure at Avengers Campus. Does she have a flair for the dramatic? Then don’t miss showings of Tale of the Lion King or World of Color.
Well, that brings this guide to celebrating Mother’s Day at Disneyland Resort to a close. Have you been to Disneyland on Mother’s Day? What’s your favorite way to pamper Mom with a sprinkling of pixie dust? Let us know in the comments! Then, check out our discount Disneyland tickets and learn how you can stretch your Mother’s Day gift budget even further.
