Character Dining in Disney World-An easy way to meet characters!

Everyone travels to Disney World for different reasons. Some for the rides, some begrudgingly being dragged along by a spouse, some to be a part of Walt’s magic and some people are there to meet their favorite characters. While there are certainly opportunities to meet characters in the Disney Parks, choosing to have a Character dining experience in Disney World will guarantee the chance to get some face time with Mickey and his friends!

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Read on to find out the Who, What, When, Where and Why of Character dining in Disney World.

When to go to Disney World

Who should choose Character Dining in Disney World?

Dining with the characters isn’t limited to just the preschool set. While you may wonder why adults would choose to dine with Mickey, the answer is varied. Some adults truly love the magic and wonder of the Disney characters and enjoy these interactions. Others love the menu offered at the Character Dining location and seeing the characters is just a part of the ambiance of the restaurant. Character Dining is great for those who want to guarantee seeing a character without having to wait in line at the Parks. Its important to remember that most of these dining reservations will fill quickly, so be sure to book 60 days in advance. Reservations can be made on the My Disney Experience app or website, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Note: Characters often change or rotate at Character Dining locations. There is never a guarantee you will see a certain character.

What is Character Dining at Disney World?

Character Dining means that while you are eating at a sit-down (or table service in Disney speak) restaurant, Disney characters will come to your table to interact and take pictures with you. Each character generally spends about a minute at your table. They are able to sign autographs (they like to use Sharpies!) and pose for photos. Face characters (those who are “friends” with a Disney character that is human vs. those who’s costume requires a face covering) will talk with you as well.

Most locations offer visits from several characters during your meal. The reservations are staggered so that each character will come to your table at least once. Some options are buffet style, while others offer a menu to choose from. Prices range from around $35.00-$65.00 per adult, with children’s pricing falling a bit below that range. It is important to note that children ages 10 and up are ‘Disney Adults’ and will be charged as adults at table service meals. The 2 and under crowd are free and able to eat off an adult’s plate.

TIP: Have your children sit on the outside of the table so it is easier for them to stand up to greet the characters and pose for pictures.

When can I eat with the Characters?

Disney Character Dining is offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner depending on the restaurant location. Some locations only offer the characters at certain meals.

Where do Character Dining meals take place?

At time of publishing there are 12 different restaurants on the Disney World property that feature Character Dining. Below I’ve listed the restaurant, the location, the meals offered and the characters generally featured. If a restaurant is linked, that means I’ve had the pleasure of dining there! Click on the link to learn more about that particular restaurant. (coming soon)

Epcot Character Dining Locations

*Akerhaus Royal Banquet Hall– Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner-Disney Princesses

*Garden Grill-Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner- Farmer Mickey, Chip & Dale, Pluto

Magic Kingdom Character Dining Locations

*Cinderella’s Royal Table (dining in the castle)- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner- Disney Princesses

I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t make a special note here. Cinderella’s Castle is *THE* dining experience that is booked the most in the Magic Kingdom. While the food is tasty, the real draw is the experience of dining inside the famous castle. If you or your little one have your heart set on this reservation, you MUST book at 60 days ahead. Prepare to be flexible with your preferred dining time and know that breakfast is the hottest ticket in town. Also be prepared for your wallet to be a bit lighter after dining…this meal is currently $69 per adult and $42 per child before tax and tip.

*The Crystal Palace-Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner-Winnie the Pooh and Friends

Hollywood Studios Character Dining Locations

*Hollywood & Vine-Breakfast with Disney Jr. Stars/Lunch and Dinner with Minnie and Friends wearing seasonal costumes

Animal Kingdom Character Dining Locations

*Tusker House Restaurant-Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner- Donald Duck and his friends in Safari costumes

Disney World Resort Character Dining Locations

*1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

*Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort-Breakfast-Minnie Mouse and friends ready for a day at the beach (lunch and dinner are not character meals)

*Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort-Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner-Chef Mickey and his friends

*Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort-Breakfast-Lilo and Stitch (lunch and dinner are not character meals)

Enjoy Ohana at Home!

*Ravello at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando-Breakfast (Saturdays only)-Goofy & Pals (lunch and dinner are not character meals)

*Storybook Dining at Artists Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge-Dinner-Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and the Evil Queen

*Topolino’s Terrace (Flavors of the Riviera) at Disney’s Riviera Resort-Breakfast-Artist Mickey & Friends (Lunch and Dinner are not character meals and require elevated dress)

Why Should you choose Character Dining in Disney World?

As I mentioned earlier, Character Dining is an excellent way to get face-time with the characters without spending precious Park time to do so. If you’re going to be stopping by a restaurant for a meal anyway, then killing two birds with one stone and seeing some characters while you eat is a great use of time. Storybook Dining with Snow White offers the chance to meet characters that aren’t usually in the Parks, like Dopey, Grumpy and even the Evil Queen!

Another reason to choose Character Dining may be the food. Of the aforementioned restaurants, Topolino’s Terrace has an absolutely scrumptious breakfast menu. My husband and I look forward to dining there again just for the waffles!

Character meals at the resorts can also be a nice way to continue the Disney magic even when you don’t have Park tickets for the day. A Character Meal on a travel day or even just on a rest day makes you feel like you’re not missing out on the fun!

Last but not least, anytime your child gets to interact with the characters and you get to witness the magic, it will definitely answer your ‘why’. Seeing my daughter dressed as Cinderella while meeting the “real” Cinderella in her castle will be a memory I reflect on forever.

Let me know what your favorite meal in Disney World is!

Want to bring that foodie magic home? Check out my posts on making Disney meals in my own kitchen:
Disney at Home