Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. Visit Devine Fairytale’s Disclosure Policy for more details.
Nothing brings Disney magic to life quite like character dining at Walt Disney World. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast with Mickey, a royal feast with the princesses, or a playful meal with Winnie the Pooh and friends, Disney character dining offers unforgettable experiences filled with delicious food, fun interactions, and plenty of photo opportunities. But with so many options, how do you choose the best character dining in Disney for your family? Let’s break it down!
What is Character Dining at Walt Disney World?
Character dining is a special meal experience where beloved Disney characters visit guests at their tables while they dine. Unlike traditional meet-and-greets, where you wait in line for a quick autograph and photo, character dining allows you to enjoy a leisurely meal while characters come to you! They’ll stop by your table, sign autographs, pose for pictures, and even engage in fun interactions.
Character Dining Options by Location
Walt Disney World’s theme parks are home to some of the most iconic character dining experiences. Whether you’re exploring Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, there’s a character meal that will add some extra magic to your park day. Even without a park ticket, you can also experience character dining at select Walt Disney World resorts.
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella’s Royal Table is a favorite for any princess fan. Located inside Cinderella Castle, this regal dining experience offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring Cinderella and an ever-changing lineup of other Disney Princesses. The setting is breathtaking, with medieval-style decor, stained glass windows, and an unbeatable fairytale atmosphere. The menu includes a mix of gourmet dishes, making it one of the most sought-after reservations in the park.
The Crystal Palace is a bright and airy restaurant where guests can enjoy a buffet-style meal with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. This Victorian-inspired eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with classic comfort foods like Mickey waffles in the morning and carved meats and seasonal selections later in the day. It’s a great option for families who love these lovable characters from the Hundred Acre Wood.
Be Our Guest Restaurant offers a unique dining experience inside the Beast’s enchanted castle. While it’s not a traditional character meal, guests who dine at dinner will get a chance to see The Beast as he walks around the rooms in the evening. He currently does not stop at the tables for interactions or photos. The atmosphere is unmatched, featuring three gorgeously themed rooms: The Grand Ballroom, The West Wing, and The Castle Gallery. The French-inspired menu offers dishes like filet mignon and French onion soup, making it a great option for a special evening at Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is EPCOT’s version of a royal dining experience, set in a Norwegian castle in the Norway Pavilion. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this character meal features a rotating selection of Disney Princesses, including Belle, Snow White, and Ariel. The menu offers a mix of Norwegian specialties like smoked salmon and heartier American options like scrambled eggs and bacon.
Garden Grill Restaurant is a hidden gem located in The Land Pavilion. This slowly rotating restaurant provides sweeping views of the Living with the Land attraction while guests dine on fresh, farm-to-table dishes. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a family-style menu featuring Mickey waffles in the morning and roasted turkey in the evening. Guests will meet Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale in their farmer outfits, making this a fun and relaxed experience.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine is the go-to character dining spot in Hollywood Studios. At breakfast, kids will love meeting Disney Junior favorites like Doc McStuffins and Fancy Nancy. For lunch and dinner, Minnie Mouse hosts a seasonal dining event with Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto dressed in themed outfits for holidays like Halloween and Christmas. The buffet-style menu features classic American fare, making it an easy choice for families visiting this park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Tusker House Restaurant brings a unique blend of flavors with its African-inspired buffet. Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy appear in their safari outfits, making for some of the best character photos. The menu includes spiced meats, plant-based options, and classic favorites like Mickey waffles at breakfast. The vibrant, open-air marketplace design adds to the immersive experience, making this a standout choice in Animal Kingdom.
Disney Resorts
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a lively and interactive buffet where guests can meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. The upbeat atmosphere and classic American dishes make it a must-visit for first-time Disney visitors.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge brings the magic of Snow White to life in an enchanted forest setting. Guests enjoy a prix-fixe dinner while meeting Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen herself. The menu features items like prime rib and wild mushroom bisque, offering an elevated dining experience.
Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a delightful breakfast option featuring Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast. Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Donald greet guests in their adorable beach attire. The buffet features an array of breakfast favorites, including Mickey waffles, omelets, and fresh pastries.
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort serves a tropical-inspired character breakfast called Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch. Guests enjoy family-style platters of eggs, sausage, Hawaiian-style ham, and the famous pineapple-coconut bread while meeting Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto.
1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been reimagined. This character dining option allows you to see some unique characters in a beautiful setting with a diverse buffet featuring both kid-friendly and gourmet selections. Be ready to make a special wish during your meal!
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort offers a high-end character breakfast with breathtaking rooftop views. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy appear in stylish, artistic outfits inspired by their travels along the French and Italian Riviera. The breakfast menu is elevated, featuring delicious dishes like sour cream waffles and smoked salmon bagels. The refined yet playful setting makes this one of the best character breakfasts on Disney property.
How to Make Character Dining Reservations
Reservations for Disney character dining open 60 days in advance and can be booked through the My Disney Experience app, Disney’s website, or by calling Disney Dining. Popular locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Topolino’s Terrace fill up quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as your reservation window opens. If you don’t get your preferred time, keep checking. Cancellations happen often!
Top Reasons to Choose Character Dining at Walt Disney World
Guaranteed Character Interactions: No more waiting in long lines or missing your favorite characters. At character dining locations, beloved Disney personalities come directly to your table, ensuring memorable moments and personal interactions.
Stress-Free Photo Opportunities: You will be able to capture your own candid moments with characters up close and personal without being as rushed.
Convenient Meal and Entertainment: Combine dining and entertainment in one seamless experience, maximizing your time in the parks.
Unique Themed Environments: Each character dining location offers a unique atmosphere that transports you into different Disney worlds.
Tips for Making the Most of Character Dining
- Plan character meals during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience with better character interactions.
- Bring autograph books or fun alternatives like photo mats or storybooks for characters to sign.
- Have your camera or phone ready to capture special moments!
- Arrive early to check in, as some restaurants may seat you before your reservation time if tables open up.
- Consider booking a late breakfast at one of the buffet options to enjoy both breakfast and lunch options while maximizing park time.
- Character dining is typically more expensive than standard restaurant experiences. Prices can range from $35 to $75 per adult, so be sure to plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disney Character Dining
- How far in advance can I make character dining reservations?
- You can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance for most restaurants, with some exceptions for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels.
- Are character dining experiences included in Disney dining plans?
- Most character dining experiences can be covered by Disney dining plans, but it’s best to check current details when booking. Keep in mind, some character dining options may use two dining credits.
- Is character dining worth the extra cost?
- For many families, the unique experience and guaranteed character interactions make it a worthwhile investment in creating lasting memories.
- Can adults enjoy character dining without children?
- Absolutely! Character dining is fun for Disney fans of all ages. Many adults love the nostalgic and whimsical experiences.
- Do all character dining meals include the same characters?
- No, each restaurant has its own themed character lineup. Check ahead to see which characters are scheduled to appear.
- Can I meet characters without a park ticket?
- Yes! Several resort character dining options, like Chef Mickey’s and Story Book Dining, don’t require park admission.
Planning a Disney vacation can feel like a full-time job—trust me, I get it! As your travel agent, I’ll take care of the details, so you can focus on the fun stuff (like deciding which snack to try first). Let’s plan that vacation you’ve been dreaming of!
Final Thoughts on Disney Character Dining
Disney character dining is more than just a meal, it’s an experience that adds extra magic to your trip. Whether you’re meeting Mickey in his chef hat, dining in a castle with princesses, or sharing laughs with Stitch, these meals create memories that last a lifetime. If you’re looking to add a little extra pixie dust to your Disney vacation, a character meal is definitely worth considering!
