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12 Must-Try Walt Disney World Character Meals Your Family Will Love

Planning your dream vacation to Walt Disney World? One of the most magical parts of any Disney trip is the chance to dine with your favorite characters. Whether it’s breakfast with Mickey and friends or a royal banquet with Disney princesses, character dining at Walt Disney World adds an extra touch of enchantment to your vacation.

If you’re new to Disney character dining or simply looking to add more pixie dust to your dining experience, you’re in for a treat! Many of these character meals require advanced dining reservations, especially for the most popular spots. Here’s a list of 12 amazing character meals across Walt Disney World that you simply can’t miss.

1. Chef Mickey’s 

One of the most iconic character meals in all of Walt Disney World is Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort. Here, you can enjoy a delightful buffet while meeting the “Fab Five”: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto! Whether you’re there for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, Chef Mickey’s offers classic American fare and magical interactions with beloved characters.

Be sure to bring your autograph book and camera to capture the magic!

2. 1900 Park Fare 

Located in the stunning Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare offers great meals with characters from classic Disney films, as well as newer favorites like Encanto and The Princess and the Frog.

Each character is known for making a wish… and making their wish come true. These cherished friends may include Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Princess Tiana

3. Ohana 

Start your day with a tropical twist at the Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana, located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This family-style breakfast is hosted by Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. Enjoy classic breakfast items with a Polynesian flair while soaking in the island vibes.

Disney's Ohana Restaurant
Credit: Disney

Plus, the views of Magic Kingdom from this location are just as magical as the character meet-and-greets!

4. Tusker House 

If you’re spending a day at Animal Kingdom, be sure to check out the Tusker House Restaurant for a character buffet with a safari twist. Here, you can enjoy an array of African-inspired dishes alongside your classic favorites. Donald Duck and his pals—including Mickey, Goofy, Daisy, and Minnie—will be there to greet you, decked out in their safari gear!

5. Cinderella’s Royal Table 

Dining in Cinderella’s Castle is a dream come true for many Disney fans, and Cinderella’s Royal Table delivers just that. This fine dining experience allows you to meet several Disney princesses, including Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Ariel, and Belle. The ambiance inside the castle is unmatched, and it’s one of the most coveted dining reservations at Walt Disney World.

Make sure to book early, as spots fill up quickly!

6. Be Our Guest Restaurant 

Ever wanted to step into the Beast’s enchanted castle? At Be Our Guest, you can dine inside the ballroom, the West Wing, or the Rose Gallery from Beauty and the Beast. While lunch and breakfast here are quick service, dinner offers a unique character dining experience where you’ll have the chance to meet the Beast himself!

A grand dining hall with elegant chandeliers, ornate columns, and a painted sky ceiling. The room is filled with diners seated at decorated tables. Large arched windows line the walls, and festive wreaths add a holiday touch. Cozy, warm lighting enhances the ambiance.
Credit: Disney

Be sure to try the “Grey Stuff”—it’s delicious!

7. The Crystal Palace 

Meet Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood at The Crystal Palace, located in the Magic Kingdom. This beautiful, Victorian-style restaurant offers a buffet filled with classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t miss out on the chance to see Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore while enjoying a meal in this charming venue.

8. Garden Grill 

Located in the Land Pavilion at EPCOT, Garden Grill offers a unique dining experience where the restaurant slowly rotates, providing a view of the Living with the Land attraction. Here, you’ll meet Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto. The menu is served family-style, offering farm-fresh dishes that are perfect for sharing.

The character interactions are fun and engaging, making this a fan-favorite spot in EPCOT!

9. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

If you’re a fan of Disney princesses but can’t get a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion is the next best thing! At this Storybook Princess Dining experience, you’ll meet Belle, Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, and more.

The Norwegian-inspired menu offers a mix of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and the enchanting castle setting makes it a fantastic alternative to dining inside the Magic Kingdom’s castle.

10. Hollywood & Vine 

For little ones who love Disney Junior, Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a great option. Breakfast and lunch feature characters like Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Handy Manny. During dinner, Minnie Mouse and friends host a seasonal-themed dining event that changes throughout the year.

11. Cape May Café 

Cape May Cafe, Disney's Beach Club Resort
Credit: Resort Gals/Disney

Looking for a relaxing beachy vibe with some of your favorite characters? Head to Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort for Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast. Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy greet guests dressed in their beach attire, making for adorable photo ops! This breakfast buffet is known for its chilled atmosphere and delicious food selection.

12. Garden Grove 

A hidden gem of character dining can be found at Garden Grove, located in the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. This buffet offers character dining every night at dinner and during breakfast on weekends. Pluto and Goofy are regulars, and sometimes Chip and Dale drop by for breakfast on Sundays.

Bonus Tips for Booking Disney Character Meals

  • Plan ahead! Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, and some of the most popular character meals, like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest, fill up quickly.
  • Use the My Disney Experience App to manage reservations, check for availability, and modify dining plans.
  • Stay flexible—if your first choice isn’t available, there are plenty of fantastic alternatives, as shown in our list.

From princesses to beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, these 12-character meals offer something for every Disney fan. Be sure to book early and make the most of these magical dining experiences during your next Walt Disney World vacation!

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