Dining With Disney Characters: 14 Spots You’ll Love

When you vacation at Walt Disney World, you can wave to Mickey Mouse during parades, meet and hug princesses, and even eat with your favorite Disney characters! Disney World is home to 14 character dining locations, and they are one of the best ways to get in a delicious meal and skip the long wait times to meet characters in the parks.

Dining with Disney characters in Florida can be a fun and memorable experience for both kids and adults. Ready to find the perfect character dining location for you? Here’s a breakdown of every restaurant where you can dine with Disney characters, in both the Walt Disney World Parks and Disney Resorts!

MOST POPULAR: CINDERELLA’S ROYAL TABLE

Cinderella’s Royal Table is located at the Magic Kingdom and is one of the most popular character dining experiences you can have at the Disney parks. What makes this restaurant so unique is that it is actually located inside Cinderella Castle! It’s a spot where you can traditionally meet several Disney princesses while dining, as part of the Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table experience.

Since reopening in 2020 with the parks, Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table has hosted a modified character dining experience. In 2022, guests have the opportunity to pose for a distanced photo opportunity with Cinderella when they first arrive before being seated at their table. However, under normal operations (which will likely return at some point), guests can usually meet Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White at their table.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an a la carte style menu. Some of the more popular dishes are the Caramel Apple-stuffed French Toast for breakfast, and the Tenderloin of Beef and The Clock Strikes Twelve dessert for lunch and dinner.

Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is among the most expensive in Disney World, costing $42 per adult and $27 per child for breakfast, and $62 per adult and $37 per child for lunch and dinner. However, the price doesn’t make Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table any less popular! Reservations can be tough to get, particularly for breakfast, so it is recommended that you secure your spot when the dining reservation window opens 60 days in advance.

BEST PLACE TO MEET PRINCESSES: AKERSHUS ROYAL BANQUET HALL

If you’re hoping to dine with Disney princesses, but prefer a restaurant with fewer crowds, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a great alternative. Located in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, the restaurant is home to the Princess Storybook Dining experience, which includes the opportunity to meet the most Disney princesses of any character dining location in Disney World. Guests eating here can usually meet Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, and Ariel, along with the chance of also seeing Jasmine, Mulan, and Mary Poppins.

When it comes to the menu, you’ll find selections that are Norwegian-inspired for breakfast, including a “Norwegian Smorgasbord.” Both lunch and dinner begin with a “Taste of Norway” that includes seafood, cheese, and meats, followed by entrees and desserts that also have a Norwegian flare. All meals are all-you-care-to-enjoy.

Breakfast is priced at $53 per adult and $34 per child, and lunch and dinner cost $63 per adult and $41 per child.

Note: Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall has been closed in EPCOT in 2022. Disney has not yet announced a reopening date.

MOST UNIQUE: CHIP ‘N’ DALE’S HARVEST FEAST AT GARDEN GRILL

Another character dining experience that can be found at EPCOT is Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill. This restaurant is located in the World Nature neighborhood of the park in The Land Pavilion, and is unique in that it is the only rotating restaurant in Disney World.

Here you can meet Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale all dressed in their farming best. Plus, you’ll be saying hi and getting autographs while seated on a rotating platform that very slowly makes its way through scenes of Disney’s Living With The Land attraction.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill serves all-you-can-eat, family-style meals for both lunch and dinner, and is priced at $55 per adult and $36 per child. What makes the meal here even more unique than other dining locations in Disney World, is that many of the ingredients used are grown directly in The Land Pavilion itself! For example, the Harvest-inspired Garden Salad includes ingredients from the hydroponic gardens that you can see growing on the Living With The Land ride.

BEST PLACE TO MEET RARE CHARACTERS: 1900 PARK FARE

1900 Park Fare is located on the first floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and is home to two different character dining experiences at Disney World. In the morning, you can meet several rare characters that can’t be found in the parks during the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, including Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh.

For dinner, 1900 Park Fare opens for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner, during which Cinderella, Prince Charming, Cinderella’s Stepsisters (Anastasia and Drizella), and Lady Tremaine make their way to each table to meet guests.

Breakfast is an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet, with Mickey Waffles that you simply can’t (or at least shouldn’t) pass up! Dinner is also served buffet-style, featuring dishes that are inspired by several “kingdoms,” including seafood, salad, pasta, and beef plates.

Both the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare feature one of the most famous dishes in Disney World – the Floridian Strawberry Soup. This is a dessert soup that is made with fresh strawberries and topped with whipped cream. 

You can try it all for $45 per adult and $29 per child for breakfast, or $60 per adult and $39 per child for dinner.

Note: Both the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare are not yet available in 2022, as 1900 Park Fare is temporarily closed. Disney has not yet shared when the restaurant will reopen.

BEST FOR FIREWORKS VIEWS: CRYSTAL PALACE

Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom is another spot where you can dine with Winnie the Pooh! Plus, he’s also joined by many of his friends from the Hundred Acre Woods here, including Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger. You’ll find the restaurant just off of Main Street, U.S.A. before the entrance to Adventureland, meaning that you’ll have a great view of Cinderella Castle out the window as you dine.

Inside, the restaurant is themed to look like a Victorian greenhouse from the late 1800s and, while you can choose from several different American-style dishes, it is known for having a delicious Loaded Tater Tot Station. You can make a reservation here for a buffet-style lunch or dinner, with both costing $39 per adult and $23 per child.

Crystal Palace originally reopened in 2020 without the character dining experience, however, Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger will return in September 2022. And, if you’re hoping to catch the nightly fireworks show in Magic Kingdom, Disney Enchantment, from the restaurant, be sure to book a reservation after 8 p.m., and ask for a table by the windows!

Read More: 31+ BEST DISNEY WORLD RESTAURANTS YOU’LL ADORE

BEST FOR LARGE GROUPS: CHEF MICKEY’S 

If you’d prefer dining at a Disney Resort, Chef Mickey’s is another great option located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort (which is just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom)! Here you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald dressed up in their best chef costumes as part of Chef Mickey’s Family Feast.

Chef Mickey’s Family Feast is available for both breakfast and dinner as an all-you-can-eat family-style meal. Some of the menu highlights include the famous Mickey Waffles for breakfast and the Potato Gnocchi for dinner. Pricing is $42 per adult and $27 per child for breakfast and $55 per adult and $36 per adult for dinner. So, if you’re hoping to meet Mickey and his pals at a lower cost, opt to make your dining reservation for breakfast.

Because Chef Mickey’s Family Feast is located so close to the Magic Kingdom, it makes it ideal for larger groups who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the park without having to sacrifice too much time. The restaurant offers a lot of different seating options, and isn’t as crowded as many other character dining locations in Disney World.

BEST WAY TO MEET A DISNEY VILLAIN: STORYBOOK DINING

One of the lesser-known character dining locations in Disney World is Storybook Dining at Artist Point With Snow White. It can be found at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (which is a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom), and features the opportunity to meet Snow White, The Evil Queen, Dopey, and Grumpy.

The dining room is designed to look like an Enchanted Forest, featuring lighting and sound effects to fully immerse you in the experience. Plus, the menu is themed! Open for dinner only, the prix fixe menu includes shared appetizers (such as a Wicked Shrimp Cocktail), your choice of plated entree (including Sorceress Spell of “Tricken” Chicken), and shared desserts (like The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen).

Storybook Dining at Artist Point With Snow White costs $60 per adult and $39 per child and is the only character dining location that gives you a chance to meet a Disney villain. The character experiences here are amazing, and an absolute must for any Disney villain fan! While it may not be close to some of the parks, like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’s certainly worth the trip.

BEST FOR KIDS: HOLLYWOOD AND VINE

If you’re traveling to Disney World with little kids, then Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-do! This restaurant is home to two different character dining experiences, including Disney Junior Play n’ Dine for breakfast and Minnie’s Seasonal Dining for lunch and dinner. 

Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at Hollywood & Vine features the chance to meet Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Roadster Goofy from the Disney Junior channel. Whereas, Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine features Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and sometimes Pluto.

Much like the name implies, Minnie’s Seasonal Dining rotates in theming throughout the year, including Minnie’s Summertime Dine, Minnie’s Halloween Dine, Minnie’s Holiday Dine, Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine, and Minnie’s Springtime Dine. The characters remain the same, no matter which season you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, though their costumes change to match the theme.

When it comes to the menu, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be switching back to a buffet service at the end of August 2022. Menu highlights include the Caramel Monkey Bread for breakfast, and the Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper Sliced Beef Tenderloin for lunch and dinner. Pricing ranges between $42-$55 per adult, and $27-$36 per child.

BEST FOR ADVENTUROUS EATERS: TUSKER HOUSE RESTAURANT

For those who are looking to eat at a restaurant that has less traditional meal options, but still have the chance to meet Disney characters, Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great option! Located in the Harambe Market area of the park, Tusker House Restaurant offers an African-inspired menu and the ability to greet Donald, Mickey, and Goofy (and sometimes Minnie, Pluto, and Daisy too!) dressed in their Safari costumes.

Much like other character dining locations in Disney World, the meal at Tusker House Restaurant is served family-style, but you’ll want to be sure that you’re not traveling with any picky eaters. The breakfast menu does feature some classics like Mickey Waffles, however, you can also dine on dishes like Durban Chicken and Egg Curry. For lunch and dinner, the Assorted House-made Breads and the Moroccan-spiced Beef are among the more popular menu items.

Breakfast costs $42 per adult and $27 per child and lunch and dinner costs $55 per adult and $36 per child. If you’d like to beat the crowds to the park, you can book a reservation for a time before the park opens so that you can enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom without the crowds! 

BEST MENU: ‘OHANA

Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana is home to the Best Friends Breakfast, where guests can meet Lilo, Stitch, and Mickey (and other Disney pals) dressed in their Hawaiian best. The characters only come out for breakfast, so you’ll want to be sure that you make your reservation for the right time if you’re hoping to get an autograph!

Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana features a family-style American breakfast with Polynesian flavors, making it one of the best places to eat for almost any Disney-goer, including picky eaters! Menu highlights include Hawaiian pork sausage, assorted Hawaiian breads, and island-style breakfast potatoes. Plus, it’s one of the lower-priced character dining locations, costing $25 per adult and $14 per child.

MOST AFFORDABLE: BON VOYAGE ADVENTURE BREAKFAST AT TRATTORIA AL FORNO

If you’re looking for a restaurant that isn’t one set price, Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno Restaurant is the most affordable character dining location in Disney World. Here you can meet Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider during the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast.

This restaurant is less-Disney themed than many others, and the menu includes more traditional breakfast dishes like omelets, pancakes, and breakfast calzones. Each dish also comes with seasonal fruit and fresh pastries for the table to share.

Note: You may want to wait to book your reservation here if you’re looking for a character dining experience, as the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast has not yet returned to Trattoria al Forno Restaurant in 2022. Instead, the restaurant is currently open without characters, and Disney has not made an announcement on when they may return.

BEST VALUE: CAPE MAY CAFE

Character dining at Disney World can come at a high price point, but one of the best restaurants to get a great bang for your buck is Cape May Cafe. Located in Disney’s Beach Club, Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast will return to Cape May Cafe in October 2022, so guests will once again be able to meet Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy dressed up for a beach day.

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe only takes place in the morning and features a New England-inspired buffet menu and atmosphere. Here you can find entrees like Mickey and Minnie Waffles, Brioche French Toast, a Crepe Station, and Salted Caramel Bread with Vanilla Sauce.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is about a 10-15 minute walk from EPCOT’s World Showcase entrance, making it a great spot to reserve for the morning before heading into the park for the day. So, while it may be a bit more out of the way for many guests, the delicious buffet, character interactions, and proximity to EPCOT make it a great value for $25 per adult and $14 per child.

MOST UNOFFICIAL CHARACTER DINING: BE OUR GUEST RESTAURANT

While not an official character dining location in Disney World, Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom does feature a quick chance to see a character that can’t be found anywhere else in the parks – the Beast from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast! However, Be Our Guest Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Disney World because of its immersive theming, so you’ll want to be sure to make your reservation early.

The restaurant features three themed dining rooms. The Grand Ballroom is designed to make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the movie, the West Wing is themed to look like Beast’s study featuring the enchanted rose, and the Castle Gallery is made to be Belle’s private library with tons of hidden details inside. But, it’s not just the theming that makes this restaurant a must-try for many guests – the menu is also regarded as being well worth the cost.

Be Our Guest Restaurant boasts a 3-course French-inspired dining experience, including appetizers like French Onion Soup, entrees like filet mignon, and a Dessert Trio that includes The Grey Stuff from the movie! However, dining inside of the Beast’s castle does come at a cost. Be Our Guest Restaurant is priced at $62 per adult and $37 per child.

While this is a very popular spot to dine in Magic Kingdom, it is important to keep in mind that it is an unofficial character dining experience. The Beast makes his way through each room sporadically throughout meal times, however, he does not greet guests at the table or pause for photos and autographs.

BEST OVERALL: TOPOLINO’S TERRACE – FLAVORS OF THE RIVIERA

The newest character dining location in Disney World is Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. This restaurant is located at the top of Disney’s Riviera Resort, offering great views while you dine.

Throughout your meal at Breakfast à la Art, you will meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck. Each character is dressed up in an art-inspired outfit and the menu features some art-inspired dishes as well!

Featuring a prix fixe menu for $42 per adult and $27 per child, breakfast starts with fresh pastries and bread served in a painter’s bucket. Guests then have the choice of entree, including dishes like Sour Cream Waffles, Avocado Toast, and Mickey Waffle Dippers.

Add in the fun character interactions and views, and it’s easy to understand why Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera is rated as one of the best character dining locations in Disney World by guests.

KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO CHARACTER DINING INFO

Where and how can you make reservations for character dining experiences?

All Disney World dining reservations (including character dining locations) can be made on Disney’s website or through the My Disney Experience app. You can search for reservations by going directly to the restaurant’s website and choosing the date that you’d like to dine, or by browsing all of the available restaurants by selecting “Check Dining Availability” in the “+” menu on the app.

How far in advance can I make a dining reservation for Disney’s character dining locations?

All guests can make dining reservations for Disney’s character dining locations (and all other restaurants) 60 days in advance. Guests staying at a Disney World hotel during their vacation no longer receive a priority dining reservation window of 120 days, as of 2020.

Are same-day reservations available?

Same-day reservations are rare to come by at Disney World’s character dining locations, however they can become available from time to time. You can either search Disney’s website or the My Disney Experience app for same-day availability, or you can use the new Walk-Up Waitlist feature in the My Disney Experience app.

The Walk-Up Waitlist option is not always guaranteed and you must be near the restaurant to join. Once joined through the app, you will be given an estimated wait time and receive a text message when a table is available.

Can I use a Disney Dining Plan for character meals?

Yes, you can definitely use a Disney Dining Plan for character meals. After a hiatus due to COVID-19, Dining Plans are coming back to Walt Disney World in 2024. Now you can add a dining plan to Walt Disney Travel Company packages that include a Disney Resort hotel stay with arrivals on or after January 9, 2024.

How much does it cost?

Disney World’s character dining experiences can cost as little as $15 per adult and up to $63+ per adult.

What kind of character interactions can I expect?

Traditional character dining has returned to most locations as of summer 2022. This means that you can get up from your table to hug and pose with characters up-close for photos when they visit your table. Additionally, Disney characters will sign autograph books if you’d like, just be sure to bring your own book and pen!

You can usually expect the Disney characters to visit your table one time during your meal. However, at some less-popular and smaller restaurants (like Hollywood & Vine or Tusker House Restaurant), you may be able to see them more than once.

As of summer 2022, this traditional experience is not available at the following dining locations:

• 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT
• Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort
• The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom (characters will return here beginning September 2th0, 2022)
• Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (characters will return here for breakfast beginning October 4th, 2022!)
• ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (characters will return here for breakfast beginning September 27th, 2022!)

How is the food?

When you’re choosing to eat at a character dining location, the highlight of your meal will likely be the characters and not the food. However, there are some restaurants with stand-out food, like Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Tusker House Restaurant, and ‘Ohana.

Are any discounts available?

Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney World Vacation Club Members can save 10% at all of the character dining locations.

How much time should I budget for the experience?

Dining at a restaurant that features character meet and greets typically can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Be sure to budget some travel time into your plans as well, especially if you’re dining at a restaurant located at the Disney Resorts.

Do the restaurants accommodate food allergies?

Yes, each restaurant can accommodate any food allergy. Be sure to note your food allergy online when making your reservation so that Cast Members can provide you with the appropriate allergy menu. These are usually also made available online if you’d like to look in advance.

Can I modify or cancel my reservation?

All Disney World dining reservations can be modified and canceled up to one day before (usually up to 11:59PM ET). Reservations canceled after this time, along with no-shows, will incur a per-person fee.

Any other character dining spots I should know about?

There are two restaurants that offer character dining experiences outside of the Disney theme parks. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers a Good Morning Breakfast With Goofy and His Pals at the Ravello restaurant. Additionally, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin has offered character dining in the past. However, it remains currently suspended as of 2022.

Each of these locations can be great options if you’re staying at the resorts. It can be difficult to travel to them if you are not a guest at the hotel, so opting for a character dining location on Disney World property may be better for your trip.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO WALT DISNEY WORLD

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• ROLLER COASTERS: 9 Thrilling & Fun Disney World Roller Coasters
• MAGIC BANDS: 17 Disney Magic Band Secrets To Know Before Your Trip
• DISNEY CRUISE: Disney Cruise Tips For Anxious First-Timers
• DISNEY FOR ADULTS: 17+ Fun Things You’ll Love

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