Greetings, Diane, and welcome to planDisney! First things first – happy early birthday to your mother! I can't think of a better place than the Happiest Place on Earth to celebrate such a special milestone with loved ones.
Many dining locations throughout the Disneyland Resort are accessible to
Guests with mobility needs. For a big celebration like this, it would be nice to get
reservations at a table-service restaurant. I'd suggest that you start by
browsing the locations on the Disneyland website to see which menus appeal most to you. Or,
check availability for reservations on the date of your visit and look into the resulting options. Each dining location page has helpful information under the "Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies" link.
Once you find a location that will suit your party, make a reservation at your earliest convenience. Depending on the size of your group, you may need multiple reservations managed by different members of your party. For example, if you have 12 people, you and one other person can each make a reservation for six people. When you check in, notify the hosting team that you are all part of the same group. They will do their best to seat you all close together, although this is not guaranteed.
Inside Disneyland Park,
River Belle Terrace could be a good option. Guests may remain in a wheelchair or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV), and the menu features comfort foods with a Southern flair. I also see a good amount of reservation availability (at the time of writing this). You can always try for Carnation Café or Blue Bayou, too!
The Downtown Disney District also offers some excellent dining options and it may be easier for a large party.
Naples Ristorante e Bar and
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill both come to mind – similar to the aforementioned options, Guests can remain in a wheelchair or ECV.
If you'd like to help your mother connect with her inner child,
Character dining could be a truly memorable experience. This option works well for groups, since the buffet has choices for everyone. There's also something so special about enjoying a meal while Disney Characters approach the table. Being a buffet, it may be helpful for someone in your party who knows your mom’s preferences to gather food for her, so that she can relax at the table. Any dietary requests can be added when making the reservation, and the serving team will do their best to assist.
My favorite Character Dining location is
Storytellers Cafe, located inside the Grand Californian Hotel. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is cozy, and it’s easy to access. If you choose this option, consider bringing a photo mat board for the Characters to sign – you could later frame it with a photo from the day as a keepsake.
Diane, I hope this information has sprinkled a little pixie dust on your plans. On behalf of all of us at planDisney, I'd like to wish your mother a very happy birthday. If you think of any other questions, please reach out – we're always happy to help here at planDisney!
Wishing you magic,
Kriss