Planning a Disney vacation and wondering if a character dining experience is worth it? These can be a great way to meet characters without waiting in those long lines. As with a lot of decisions on a Walt Disney World vacation, it comes down to understanding your options.
Why Should You Book a Character Meal?
Character dining is the easiest way to meet beloved Disney characters without long wait times. Instead of standing in line at the parks, your family gets one-on-one time with characters while enjoying a delicious meal. It’s also an incredible experience for young kids who love the magic of Disney—seeing their favorite characters come right to the table is priceless!
For families who want an air-conditioned break from the hustle and bustle, a sit-down character meal offers a relaxing way to recharge. Plus, many restaurants offer unique themed experiences and dishes that add to the fun.
Where Can You Find Character Dining in the Parks?
Adding a character dining experience can add quite a lot of magic to your park day. Some of my family’s best memories have been meeting characters. But with so many options, it can be tough to choose. Choices come down to location, food, atmosphere, and which beloved Disney characters you’ll meet. These are the character dining is available in all four theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom: Cinderella’s Royal Table, an upscale meal inside the castle with Cinderalla and friends
- Magic Kingdom: The Crystal Palace, a bright buffet with Winnie the Pooh & friends
- EPCOT: Garden Grill, a family style all you can eat meal with Mickey, Pluto & Chip ‘n’ Dale
- EPCOT: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, a family style buffet with Disney Princesses inside a Nordic castle
- Hollywood Studios: Hollywood & Vine, a buffet that features seasonal dining with various Disney Junior and Mickey friends
- Animal Kingdom: Tusker House (Donald, Mickey, and friends in safari outfits)
What About Character Dining at the Resorts?
Another great option to meet characters is to have a meal at one of the resorts. Breakfast is often the most affordable option, and morning reservations allow you to start your day with a full belly before hitting the parks. If you prefer a midday break, lunch is a great way to escape the heat and crowds and check out some of the great hotels around the parks. Dinner character meals can be a perfect way to wind down after a long park day and enjoy a special experience to end the night.
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort): This is a classic! Mickey, Minnie, and friends visit your table while you enjoy a fun buffet with something for everyone.
- 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian): A beautiful buffet inside the flagship hotel with Disney Characters like Cinderella, Tiana, even Mirabel
- Cape May Cafe (Beach Club Resort): A beach style breakfast buffet with Minnie & friends. The dinner buffet features a great seafood spread, but no characters.
- O’hana (Polynesian Resort): Characters are here only at character breakfast. It features at Hawaiian style family style breakfast with Lio & Stitch.
- Story Book Dining (Wilderness Lodge): This unique dining experience brings you face-to-face with Snow White, the Evil Queen, and the Seven Dwarfs in a beautiful enchanted forest setting.
- Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort): The newest character dining breakfast with Mickey & friends features French & Italian style cuisine.
Want help planning your Disney vacation and securing the best dining reservations? Let’s chat about booking your magical trip today!