If you are wanting to see lots of characters but not stand in a lot of lines, then Walt Disney World character dining may be for you. Disney World offers quite a few character dining options that you and your family might enjoy. Here is my Ultimate Walt Disney World Character Dining Guide including tips and reviews!
Character Dining Tips
Here are my essential Walt Disney World character dining tips to make the most out of your character dining adventure. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with fun, laughter, and a sprinkle of Disney magic!
1. Book Early
Character dining is very popular, so it fills up fast. Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Topolino’s, and Akershus are extremely popular and get booked for prime times very quickly. If you are staying at a Disney World Resort you can book for your entire stay (up to 10 days) at the 60 day mark. If you are not staying at a Disney resort, you may reserve your dining 60 days in advance but only 60 days from each day, Dining reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern time. If you are a client of mine, I handle this for you.
2. Money-Saving Tip: Book a Character Breakfast
Breakfast prices are usually cheaper than lunch and dinner prices, making it a cost-effective option for families. Additionally, planning an early breakfast can give you a head start on the day, allowing you to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times right after you eat. This strategy not only saves money but also maximizes your overall park experience by freeing up more of your valuable park hours for rides and entertainment.
3. Get Autographs
Depending on the location, characters may sign autographs. Some character dining meals only offer character autograph postcards.
4. Communicate with Cast Members
Sometimes characters may miss your table. They may take a break and then return to a different spot or you may get up to use the restroom. It is not intentional. Just kindly let a cast member know that you missed seeing someone and they will gladly fix it.
5. Character Dining Scheduling Tips
- It usually takes about one and a half hours to get through a character meal. Make sure to schedule enough time to get to the dining location. Traveling around using Disney transportation can be a little time-consuming.
- You can get into the parks early for early morning reservations. Even though the Welcome Show at the Magic has been moved to the Castle, you can still grab the earliest reservations and get awesome nearly empty Main Street pictures.
- Don’t Book More than 1 Per Day – Walt Disney World Character dining is fun, but since the meal does take a while if you book 2 meals in one day you are spending 3 hours of your day plus travel time devoted to eating rather than riding rides and other experiences.
6. Share Dietary or Allergies
When dining at Disney locations, it’s essential to notify the staff if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Disney is known for its exceptional attention to guest needs, and their restaurants are well-equipped to handle various dietary requirements. Upon making your reservation, mention any allergies or restrictions so the kitchen can prepare in advance. Additionally, remind your server upon arrival, as they will communicate with the chef to accommodate your needs. Disney chefs are trained to manage dietary concerns, often offering special menus or modified dishes to suit your requirements, ensuring you can enjoy your meal without worry.
7. Remember, You are Paying for the Experience
I do think the food at character meals is ok, some of it I love, but it is not amazing. I keep going to character meals because it is worth the experience to meet all my favorite characters without standing in a line. Character interactions also tend to be less rushed, more intimate. If you are looking for amazing, decadent food then look for meals without characters. One of my favorites is the Citricos.
Disney World Character Dining Restaurants
Walt Disney World has lots of character dining restaurants to choose from. Most character meals offer the chance to see four or five characters.
Magic Kingdom Character Dining
Cinderella’s Royal Table -Princess dining experience inside of the Cinderella Castle.
- Menu – American, Ala Carte
- Characters you might see – Fairy Godmother, Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine, Rapunzel
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 2 Table Service Credits per person
Crystal Palace – A fun dining experience with views of Cinderella Castle.
- Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit Per Person
Be Our Guest – This is not technically character dining, but, I am adding it because the Beast does make an appearance during dinner only and you are able to get a picture with him as you exit the restaurant. No other characters are present.
- Prix-fixe menu- Lunch and dinner.
- Characters: the Beast (picture opp only)
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 2 Table Service Credits Per Person
Epcot Character Dining
Epcot has 2 character dining locations.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
This character dining experience fit for a princess is the cheaper of the two princess character-themed dining options. The reservations are a little bit easier to get.
- Menu – American & Norwegian. Breakfast is served family-style all you care to eat with a small buffet featuring yogurt, fruits, and pastries. Lunch is ala carte accompanied with a small salad/cold cut buffet.
- Characters you may meet – Belle (greeter), Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, or Snow White
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 2 Table Service Credits per person
Garden Grill – Harvest feast featuring Chip n’ Dale.
- Menu – American, Family Style all you care to eat.
- Characters – Chip n’ Dale, Mickey, Pluto
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit per person
Hollywood Studios Character Dining – Hollywood & Vine
Disney Jr. breakfast and seasonal Mickey and friends during dinner.
- Menu – American, Family Style All You Care to Eat
- Characters; Disney Junior characters for breakfast: Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Roadster Racer Goofy. Mickey and friends for lunch and dinner. Their attire is centered around the current holiday or season.
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit Per Person
Animal Kingdom Character Dining – Tusker House
Safari-themed buffet with Mickey and friends.
- Menu – American and African-inspired, served family-style All You Care to Eat
- Characters – Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy
- Location – Africa
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit per person
Resort Character Dining
1900 Park Fare – Delight in breakfast and dinner buffets while celebrating the magical power of a wish alongside beloved Disney Characters at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
- Menu – American, Buffet
- Characters- Mirabel, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Explorer Tiana
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit Per Person
‘Ohana – Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
- Menu – All-you-care-to-eat breakfast favorites served family-style. The standout item is the Hawaiian breakfast bread!
- Characters – Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit Per Person
Chef Mickey’s -Fun time with Mickey and the gang at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- Menu – American, Served Family Style All You Care to Eat. The dinner menu includes items for the whole family, like starters of “Chef Mickey’s Caesar,” citrus-poached shrimp salad, and assorted breads; main courses of gnocchi, roasted garlic potato Gratin, plant-based faro wheat fried rice, prime rib, roasted turkey, and salmon; and an assortment of sweets to top off the meal. Little ones can enjoy mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, turkey corn dog nuggets, and more!
- Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit Per Person
Cape May Cafe – Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast in a quieter setting.
- Menu- American, served family-style all you care to eat
- Characters – Goofy, Minnie, Donald
- Disney Dining Plan – Yes, 1 Table Service Credit Per Person
Storybook Dining at Artist Point– Dinner with characters from Snow White. This meal is one of my favorites. Amazing food and great character interaction. The setting is a bit romantic as well. This is the only place to meet the Evil Queen, Dopey, and the Grumpy unless you go to a ticketed party.
- Menu – American, Ala Carte
- Characters – Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey come to the table. At the end of the meal, there is a photo opportunity with the Evil Queen.
- Disney Dining Plan – yes, 2 credit
Topolino’s Terrace – French Riveria-themed breakfast at Disney’s Riveria resort. Topolino’s is the newest character dining experience. You can get to the Riveria Resort via the Skyliner or a bus from Hollywood Studios or Epcot.
- Menu – French & Italian, Ala Carte
- Characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck—stylishly dressed from head to toe in outfits unique to Topolino’s Terrace!
- Disney Dining Plan – yes, 1 credit
Disney Character Dining Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Disney Character Dining reservation?
Yes, you can cancel your reservation, but be aware of the cancellation policy to avoid any fees.
Are there dietary options for those with food allergies or preferences?
Yes, Disney World restaurants are very accommodating to dietary needs and preferences. It’s best to inform the staff of any dietary restrictions when making your reservation and upon arrival.
What happens if I’m running late for my reservation?
If you’re running late, contact the restaurant as soon as possible. They may be able to accommodate you, but it’s not guaranteed.
What if I can’t get a Character Dining reservation?
If you can’t get a reservation, keep checking as cancellations do happen. You can also try for a walk-up spot, though availability is not guaranteed.
Can I use the Disney Dining Plan for character dining?
Yes, most character dining experiences are included in the Disney Dining Plan, but it’s best to check specific details for each restaurant. They are a great use of Disney Dining Plan credits!
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Post Originally posted April 3rd, 2018.
Ann Williamson
Monday 17th of April 2017
Your Disney outfits are really cute, especially the the blue and yellow one! This a really thorough article with great information. Thanks!