Dining

Walt Disney World Character Meals 101- 15 Experiences Your Family Will Love

You’re probably aware that you can (and really must) make dining reservations prior to travelling to Walt Disney World. This is especially true for the highly coveted character meal reservations. When you dine at a character meal, character handlers will make sure that each friend makes the rounds to your table. You’ll have time to meet with each one briefly, posing for a photo or asking for an autograph. The characters scheduled for meals generally stay the same, but remember that everything is subject to change! In no particular order, here are 15 amazing character meals to try!

15. Chef Mickey’s- Contemporary Resort

One of the most well-known character meals is at Chef Mickey’s, located in the Contemporary. You’ll meet the “Fab Five” at this buffet- Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto- making it a great bang for your buck. The buffet serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

14. 1900 Park Fare- Grand Floridian

Located in the lovely Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare offers a few different character buffets. The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast features Mary Poppins, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh. At dinner, you’ll be delighted by Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and Anastasia and Drizella.

12 & 13. Perfectly Princess Tea Party/ Wonderland Tea Party- Grand Floridian

Though not traditional character meals, young princes and princesses will surely enjoy the Wonderland Tea Party or Perfectly Princess Tea Party. The former involves games, storytelling, a craft, juice, cupcakes, and photos with their hosts (which may include Alice, The Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, and Queen of Hearts). If you attend the latter, you’ll meet Princess Aurora, have tea and finger sandwiches, and leave with a bevy of unique souvenirs: an 18-inch keepsake doll, tiara, and jewelry, among other items (boys receive equally impressive “princely” items).

11. Cape May Café- Beach Club Resort

This lesser-known character meal (breakfast only), known as Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is located at Disney’s Beach Club resort. Guests of honor include Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck.

10. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ- Fort Wilderness Resort

Located at the Fort Wilderness Resort, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ is a hoedown and all-you-can-eat barbeque meal all rolled into one. This experience also features entertainment and character interaction with Chip and Dale, Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie.

9. Ohana- Polynesian Resort

Located at the Polynesian resort, Ohana features a “Best Friends Breakfast” hosted by the ever-popular Lilo and Stitch. You’ll also rub elbows with Mickey and Pluto.

8. Garden Grill- Epcot

The Garden Grill offers a unique view into the Living with the Land attraction; during your “all-you-can-eat” meal (served family-style), the restaurant will rotate a full 360 degrees, slowing exposing different views of the attraction while you dine. You’ll meet Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto.

7. Garden Grove- The Swan

Not to be confused with the Garden Grill, Garden Grove is a buffet located at the Swan. Characters are present for dinner nightly and for breakfast on the weekends. Be sure to check the menu in advance, as the theme of the buffet changes from night to night. Pluto and Goofy are sure to be in attendance, with the possibility of Chip and Dale stopping by on Sunday mornings as well.

6. Hollywood & Vine- Hollywood Studios

This restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features your favorite Disney Junior stars at breakfast and lunch, including Doc McStuffins, Jake, Sofia the First, and Handy Manny.

5. Cinderella’s Royal Table- Magic Kingdom

If you want to secure your seat in Cinderella’s iconic Magic Kingdom castle, you’ll definitely want to do so at the 180 day mark! This sit-down experience is very popular; after all, who wouldn’t want to dine in the castle with several of his or her favorite princesses? Character dining is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also includes a special photo package for your party- a photo with Cinderella, of course. Inside, you’ll also meet Aurora, Snow White, Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine. Meals here are pricey, but of high quality. Don’t miss “The Clock Strikes Twelve”, the castle’s signature dessert.

4. Be Our Guest- Magic Kingdom

“Try the ‘Grey Stuff’, it’s delicious… don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!” Dinner at Be Our Guest is perhaps one of the most sought after reservations, partly because it’s the newest character dining experience in the parks and because it’s your only chance to meet the Beast. Be Our Guest also offers breakfast and lunch, but neither meal is visited by the Beast.

3. Crystal Palace- Magic Kingdom

Rounding out the Magic Kingdom’s character meal offerings is the Crystal Palace. This “buffet with character” features characters from the 100 Acre Woods all day. In addition to seeing Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore, you might even catch a glimpse of a passing parade or evening fireworks if you time your meal right.

2. Tusker House- Animal Kingdom

Not everyone knows that Animal Kingdom boasts a fantastic character buffet at the Tusker House. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets feature Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Donald. The buffet is brimming with a delicious a combination of both American favorites and African fare.

1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall- Epcot

Looking for an alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table? Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion, hosts “Storybook Princess Dining” for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Before your meal, you’ll meet and have a photo with Belle. Once seated, you will meet some combination of Snow White, Jasmine, Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel, and once in a while, Mary Poppins or Mulan.

Which character meal is on your “must-do” list? Does your family have a favorite that you attend every trip? Let us know in the comments!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

Related Articles

Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker