Half of the fun of Disney is all of the amazing food options. Character Dining is a magical way to eat delicious food, while surrounded by your favorite Disney friends. Come with us while we explore all things Disney World Character Dining!
When you hear people talk about “Classic Disney Meals” most think about Disney World Character Dining. Character Dining at Disney is one of our favorites! It can give you time to sit, relax, eat fantastic food, and best of all 1:1 character interactions. I love that we can have extended character interactions without waiting in lines, and in a relaxed atmosphere. Each location offers something a little different from the style of cuisine offered, locations both in the parks and at the resorts, and of course, the Characters themselves can differ.
Disney Character Dining has a reputation for being “hard to get” in terms of reservations. Reservations at all Disney Table Service locations are highly recommended. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Also, a note to remember: If selecting a dining location that is inside a Disney Park you must have a valid ticket and park reservation for that park. Sounds Confusing? It can be, but this is just another perk of working with a Travel Ease LLC travel advisor! We can help with all things Disney Dining!
The next biggest decision is deciding where to eat! From Disney Jr, Princesses, and Chip ‘n’ Dale, there is a character dining option available for everyone! The following is a compiled list of the current character dining options available at Walt Disney World as of February 2023:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall- Characters: Princess- Location: EPCOT- Norway Times: Dinner
Visit your favorite Disney Princesses at this Norwegian-themed dining experience. Dine in a medieval castle where you’ll encounter royal friends who can’t wait to meet you. Enjoy Norwegian-inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner times. This Family Style sit-down location has options for everyone. The adventurous eaters have options such as traditional kjØttkake (Norwegian meatballs), or options for the kids like Macaroni and Cheese or Corn Dogs. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! 2 various desserts will be available, and served family style to each table.
The Crystal Palace- Characters: Pooh & Friends – Location: Magic Kingdom – Times: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join Winnie Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Woods for this classic Disney Buffet on the iconic Main Street U.S.A. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner times are available. Inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s, The Crystal Palace is a perfect place to dine with views of Main Street and Cinderella’s Castle. This buffet-style location is known for its traditional American foods prepared before you in their on-stage kitchens. Start your day with standard breakfast options, such as fresh pastries and fruit. Lunch and dinner have favorites such as carved meats, pasta, salads, and more. Dessert comes in many options with seasonal treats, and ice cream.
Cinderella’s Royal Table- Characters: Cinderella and Friends – Location: Magic Kingdom (Returns Feb 28th) Times: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dine inside Cinderella Castle during this one-of-a-kind Fairytale Dining experience. Enjoy the Grand Hall in this picturesque storybook setting with stained-glass windows overlooking Fantasyland. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner times are available at this location. Start your day with Caramel Apple-Stuffed French Toast or more traditional options like scrambled eggs and bacon. For lunch and dinner prepared many choices for adults ranging from roasted chicken breast and tenderloin of beef, and more. As always, kid-friendly options such as chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese are available.
Please note: the area around Cinderella Castle will be roped off shortly before the nighttime spectacular. If you wish to see the show or explore the park, please depart the castle at least 20 minutes before showtime.
Cape May Cafe- Characters: Minnie’s Beach Bash with Friends – Location: Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Times: Breakfast
Enjoy this New England-style buffet for Minnie’s Beach Bash. Minnie and her friends are ready for a day in the sun but not before breakfast! This breakfast buffet has all of our favorites such as Mickey Mouse waffles, scrambled eggs, seasoned potatoes, sausage, oatmeal, and more. The omelet and carving stations are a fun addition to the options in the buffet. The best part is- Salted Caramel “Beach Buns” are delivered right to your table. Don’t forget to enjoy a dance break with Minnie and all her friends!
Note: Disney Characters only appear during breakfast. Character appearances are subject to change.
Chef Mickey’s- Characters: Mickey & Friends – Location: Contemporary Resort – Times: Breakfast, Dinner
Now through February 28, this restaurant offers family-style dining. The buffet experience will return on March 1st
Prepare for an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast or dinner feast at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. For breakfast, enjoy sweet and savory bread, Scrambled Eggs, classic Mickey Waffles, and a collection of Chef Mickey’s Signature entrées—including Banana Bread French Toast, “Loaded” Potato-Cheese Casserole, and the “Celebration” Mickey Pancake. Dinner offerings include Chef Mickey’s Caesar Salad and signature items such as Potato Gnocchi, Plant-Based Fried Rice, as well as protein selections featuring Prime Rib, and Traditional Roast Breast of Turkey. Don’t forget to save room to end your feast with the Pastry Chef’s sensational desserts!
The Garden Grill- Characters: Chip ‘n’ Dale & Disney Friends – Location: EPCOT- World Nature
Times: Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy an array of sights, and tastes, as you slowly turn about this rotating restaurant that allows you to see visuals from Living With The Land. This is an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style meal. Lunch & dinner times are available for reservation. Visit with Chip ‘n’ Dale & Disney friends while enjoying menu highlights that include a harvest-inspired garden salad, grilled beef with chimichurri, and all-natural sliced turkey with gravy. Best of all, many of the veggies are grown in our Living with the Land greenhouses!
Hollywood & Vine- Characters: Breakfast- Disney Jr Friends
Lunch/Dinner: Seasonally themed Minnie & Friends
Location: Hollywood Studios Echo Lake
Celebrate breakfast with Disney Junior Stars or enjoy lunch and dinner with Minnie and friends at seasonal dining parties. This buffet-style sit-down meal offers a classic Diner experience, with a variety of food options for both breakfast and lunch/dinner. The breakfast with Vamperina and friends features assorted pastries and an omelet station. Classic entrees such as biscuits and gravy, Mickey-shaped waffles, and eggs benedict are also available. Lunch and dinner time come ready to celebrate with popular Disney Characters—perfectly dressed for each season. This lunch and dinner offer a variety of salads and delicious starters. Entrees include roasted mushroom farro risotto, macaroni & cheese with shrimp and bacon, as well as protein selections featuring oven-roasted chicken, herb-crusted tenderloin steak, salmon, and crispy pork belly.
Ohana- Characters: Lilo & Stitch – Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort- Times: Breakfast only
Welcome to the Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch. Feast family-style as your favorite Hawaiian friends visit each table for autographs and photos. Breakfast selections include scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, Stitch and Mickey waffles, ham with pineapple, a variety of fresh fruits, and assorted breads.
Topolino’s Terrace
Characters: Mickey and Friends sporting their artistic talents- Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort – Times: breakfast only
Start your morning with breakfast at this beautiful rooftop restaurant offering an exclusive storybook dining experience. Meet Mickey and all his friends stylishly dressed from head to toe in outfits unique to Topolino’s Terrace! The menu offers delicious choices to please everyone in the family. Breakfast begins with fresh pastries and bread on your table. Visit the menu to order entrees such as Quiche Gruyère, Sour Cream Waffles, and classic Disney breakfast options for the younger crowd.
Tusker House – Characters: Donald Duck and his Disney Friends – Location: Animal Kingdom: Africa – Times: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say jambo to a delightful buffet of fantastic favorites and new discoveries! This character meal is inspired by African flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Donald Duck is suited up and ready for his next safari adventure along with his Disney friends as they navigate from table to table for photos and autographs. For breakfast, munch on Safari Bread, Mickey and Simba Waffles, and Egg Curry with Jasmine Rice. Lunch and dinner have offerings like Moroccan-Spiced Beef, Spit-Roasted Herb Chicken, and Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp. Younger friends will find classics like fruit and yogurt for breakfast, and mac-and-cheese for lunch and dinner.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point
Characters: Snow White & Seven Dwarfs Location: Wilderness Lodge – Times: Dinner
Meet Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy every evening while dining in a rustic setting, inspired by the Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! If you dare, visit and take a photo with the Queen. Enter the enchanted forest to start your dinner off in a magical way. This dinner offers a choice of individually plated entrées and shared starters and desserts. Feast on the Royal Prime Rib Roast, Bashful’s Butter Poached Fish, and more. Or enjoy the vegetarian option—A Stroll Through Nature—featuring asparagus, leeks, arugula, and gnocchi. Children can choose from a selection of kid-friendly items, such as Royal Prime Rib Roast, Grilled Chicken, or Princess Pasta. Top off the experience with the “Poison” Apple, a dark chocolate-apple mousse, among other options.
Be Our Guest -Characters: The Beast – Location: Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom – Times: Lunch, Dinner
Enter the Beast’s enchanted castle for an unforgettable dining experience. Join the Beast for lunch or dinner in one of three locations of the castle.
The Grand Ballroom – Dine in this magnificent ballroom with its high, domed ceiling, chandeliers, and snow-laced Gothic arches. The West Wing – Dine in the Beast’s mysterious West Wing study—if you dare—and perhaps you’ll even spy his enchanted rose. The Rose Gallery – Get swept up in the story of Belle and Beast’s romance with the art of their favorite memories. Table-service lunch and dinner include a prix-fixe, 3-course menu featuring French-inspired dishes that are très délicieux. Guests 9 and under can select their own 3- course meal of both kid-friendly dishes, and options for kids that enjoy a more mature pallet.
Ready to book your next Walt Disney World Vacation, and make a reservation at one of the amazing character dining options? Reach out to one of our many Travel Ease LLC Travel Advisors today! Contact us