If you have anyone in your family who really loves seeing specific characters or wants an up close experience with Mickey, the princesses, Chip and Dale, or any of the many other awesome characters, then you will want to check out the many character meal options available at Walt Disney World. While the character dining locations within the parks do require valid park admission, if you’re planning a character meal on a “non-park day, you’ll find that there are plenty of options available at the different Disney resort hotels.
At each character dining experience the characters will come to you as they make their rounds from table to table, giving everyone a very personal visit. Be sure and have your autograph book and camera ready. In the meantime while you wait, enjoy the wonderful meals the chefs have prepared!
All parks will have at least one character dining experience, while some will have more. Here are a few favorites in the parks and resorts:
Magic Kingdom:
- The Crystal Palace – Join Winnie the Pooh and several of his friends for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Breakfast includes fresh pastries, omelets, fruit and many more delicious items. Lunch and dinner have carved meats, pastas and something for every taste.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
- Hollywood & Vine – Disney Junior Stars come out to play at this breakfast character meal. Be sure and check out the Mickey waffles, made to order omelets and frittatas along with many other items to please even the pickiest eater. If Minnie and her friends are your preference, you can join her and some of her famous pals for lunch and dinner celebrations serving up seasonal deliciousness at Minnie’s Seasonal Dining.
Animal Kingdom:
- Tusker House – Safari Donald Duck and friends will amuse you as you join them for breakfast, lunch or family-style dinner buffet at this colorful African marketplace eatery.
EPCOT:
- Garden Grill – I don’t think this Character Dining experience gets enough credit. I took my son here when he was 6 and he loved seeing Chip and Dale along with Mickey and other friends. The restaurant slowly turns around the Living with the Land ride, which keeps the scenery constantly changing. But don’t worry – it isn’t fast enough to even notice! We visited for breakfast, but lunch and dinner is also available.
Resort Hotels:
- Chef Mickey – Located in the Contemporary, you will find Mickey and his pals as you enjoy all you can eat buffet. Delicious and fun, this is one of the most popular character meals at Walt Disney World. This restaurant is also located in the middle of the resort, so you will see monorails going by and have a grand view of the glass walls at the end of the Contemporary.
- Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare – Located in the Grand Floridian Resort, this is a bit different of an experience, as it is an afternoon tea party geared for kids from 4 – 12. This hour long un-birthday party includes tea, cupcake decorating and a make-and-take craft, all while having your picture taken with characters from Alice in Wonderland! This party is for kids only, so valid ID is required for drop off and pick up of your child. (Note: This would be the perfect time to enjoy a nice massage while your child enjoys playing with Alice and the Mad Hatter!)
- Ohana – Hang ten with Lilo and Stitch at breakfast and enjoy your favorite meal with Polynesian flavors. Located in Disney’s Polynesian Village, you will suddenly find yourself in the middle of a Hawaiian island. Who know, you may just be able to hula with Lilo and Stitch!
These are just a few of the character dining experiences available in Walt Disney World. These are always changing, so be sure and check out your options on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Debbie and her husband live in Chattanooga, TN. They both are huge Disney fans and try to visit the most Magical Place on Earth at least once a year, if possible. They are enjoying taking each of their now 10 grandchildren and hope to also take their great granddaughter in the near future. One of their favorite trips has been visiting Disney with adults only, including one trip when their son proposed to his girlfriend. Each trip begins with the planning, which can take up to a year, beginning with how to get the grandkids excited about their upcoming trip. They have surprised some of them the day before they left, while the latest one had “presents” every 10 days starting at 90 days all leading up to an exciting trip with her parents along also. Their philosophy on Disney Trips? “Each trip is completely different, like visiting Walt Disney World for the first time.” They both enjoy all that Disney has to offer, but enjoy Animal Kingdom and EPCOT the most. It is their goal that everyone who visits Walt Disney World has a magical trip with lots of memories to last a life time.
Want to know when Disney announces special savings and deals? Sign Up to Learn About the Latest Disney Promotions!
Wondering about vacations beyond the “world of Disney”? Receive alerts on the latest travel deals for Universal Orlando Resort, Sandals/Beaches and select cruise lines!
