The food’s tasty and the characters are fun, which makes Disney character dining some of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World. But which character dining restaurants are the best? We rank them here.
For even more Disney deliciousness in the comfort of your own home, be sure to check out a few favorite copycat recipes – Jack Jack Num Num Cookies, Brisket Mac N’ Cheese, and Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich.
Disney World Character Dining
The best way to meet the characters at Disney World is by doing the character dining. You can certainly meet them in the parks, but sometimes that means long wait times with cranky children.
At a Disney World character meal experience, not only will you meet your favorite characters but you’ll get to eat so really good food, too! (That’s what we call a win-win!)
Helpful Dining Information
- Dining reservations are highly recommended—and are required in some locations.
- All Guests may now make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance online.
- Reservations for dining experiences do not guarantee access to park tickets, and Park Hopper availability may change daily.
Character Dining Tips
Things to consider before making any reservations:
- Character Dining Experiences can be expensive, but one suggestion we have is to get a Disney Dining Plan. There are several options available from the smallest, which is just snacks, to deluxe which will get you 3 sit down meals a day. It is best to read over all the options and pick the best one for your family.
- Check for free dining. During special dates Disney will sometimes offer free dining packages.
- Make your reservations as soon as the calendar opens up! Dining at resturants always fills up quick, so be ready to snag a good reservation!
Top 5 Character Dining Experiences at Disney
Today we’re talking about the BEST of the best when it comes to character dining so you can decide where to eat the next time you visit the parks.
1. Cinderella’s Royal Table
Located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park – Details and reservations HERE.
Dine with your favorite Disney princess inside the Cinderella castle. Start your experience at a photo opportunity with Cinderella in her beautiful dress, then get escorted upstairs for a meal with the princesses. Meet and greet characters are subject to change but could include Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Snow White.
- Each honorary prince and princess will receive a wand or sword.
- Breakfast items include scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and shrimp + grits.
- Lunch and Dinner include Beef, Pork, and other delicious fare.
- Don’t forget to have The Clock Strikes 12 dessert. It is the best one on the menu!
2. Chef Mickey’s
Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Details and reservations HERE.
If you have your heart set on meeting Mickey, Minnie Mouse, and their friends the best place to do it is at Chef Mickey’s. Be prepared for a bright and colorful dining experience that the whole family will love. Even though characters are subject to change you will most likely meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy.
- The food is served buffet style and the characters come around to your table for pictures and fun.
- The buffet mostly consists of American favorites – eggs, bacon, pancakes, French Toast, and the Mickey Waffles stealing the show! (Try them with whipped cream and strawberries.)
- Another great menu item is the build-your-own sundae. You have a lot of toppings to choose from, so go crazy!
3. Be Our Guest
Located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park- Details and reservations HERE.
Be Our Guest Restaurant is an elegant dining attraction where you can enjoy lunch or dinner and experience an atmosphere made for memories!
- Dine at Belle and Beast’s castle in the room of your choice – The Grand Ballroom, The West Wing, and Belle’s Private Library.
- If you have younger children we highly recommend you do not eat in the West Wing. It has some scary sound effects that might scare younger children.
- Don’t forget to try the grey stuff… it’s delicious! (Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!)
4. Best Friend Breakfast at ‘Ohana
Located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Details and reservations HERE.
As you know, ‘Ohana means family so here everything is done family style and your servers are your ‘cousins’ for the morning. Lilo, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto all come around to greet you.
- You and your ʻohana can delight in an American breakfast influenced by Polynesian flavors.
- This experience is only for breakfast and dinner with typical food served that is found at any Disney breakfast, but the overall quality is better. (Probably because it’s brought out fresh instead of sitting under a heat lamp.)
5. 1900 Park Fare
Located in n Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Details and reservations HERE.
Delight in breakfast and dinner buffets, plus a merry afternoon tea party in Wonderland!
- Breakfast – Meet Alice, The Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh. (I wish Piglet made an appearance, but no such luck!) The food includes the staple Disney breakfast food but also includes more upscale items such as smoked salmon and delicious omelets.
- Dinner – Meet Cinderella, Prince Charming, and her evil stepmother and sisters; Lady Tremaine with Anastasia and Drizella. (While most people come to see Cinderella and her Prince, don’t be surprised if the step sisters take over the show. That is primarily their goal and they will do anything to meet it!) Dinner has a variety of soups and salads, and entrees include sushi, strip loin and pasta. You can find things such as fruit or rice for sides, and the dessert table has a wide selection of individual creations.
Other Dining Experiences –
Not necessarily storybook dining or character dining, but great options if you’re hungry!
- Epcot:
- Rose & Crown – A family-friendly British pub with traditional favorites and the best views in the park!.
- Garden Grill – Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast! See Chip ‘n Dale and their Disney pals as you and the kids dig into family-style dining with vibrant views.
- Animal Kingdom:
- Tusker House – Family-style menu with flavors from Africa and your host Donald Duck and his Disney friends.
- Hollywood Studios:
- Docking Bay 7 – Fuel up on galactic grub from a galaxy far, far away!
- Hollywood & Vine – Celebrate breakfast with Disney Junior Stars – like Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First – or enjoy lunch and dinner with Minnie and friends at seasonal dining parties.
- Magic Kingdom Park:
- Crystal Palace – Dine in Victorian splendor in this greenhouse-inspired Crystal Palace, on Main Street.
- Disney’s Riviera Resort:
- Topolino’s Terrace – French and Italian cuisine with sweeping rooftop views.
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs: A delicious Disney World character meal that the whole family will love! (Dopey is my favorite!)
- Disney’s Boardwalk Resort:
- Trattoria al Forno – Savor Old World favorites for both breakfast and dinner at this casual Italian eatery. The Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast will give you the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric.
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
- California Grill – Fine dinning with a spectacular view!
- Four Season’s Orlando
- Good Morning Breakfast – A breakfast with Goofy & His Pals as they parade through the restaurant in their stylish outfits. Autograph signing and character photos with your party are not possible, but all guests will have their photo taken upon arrival.
We hope this helps you plan the perfect Disney vacation with the best character interactions!
You are going to have so much fun!
Great post! We are a Disney family. And dining with the characters is one of the best things to do. Have you guys been to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ? It is hands-down my favorite character dining spot. =)
I haven’t tried that one! I think I will have to put it on my list for our next vacation and maybe add it to this post! 🙂 Thanks for the tip!