Top Left: Ohana; Top Center: Storybook Dining at Artist Point; Bottom Left: Cinderella's Royal Table; Right: Chef Mickey's
PANDEMIC UPDATE AS OF DECEMBER 20, 2022: Disney is not yet back to full character dining at certain locations post-pandemic. The following restaurants are currently offering character experiences (autographs and hugs are once again permitted, as well). Disney is not yet offering the dining plan again.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall* (Epcot) - Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella & Snow White (Dinner)
Artist Point (Storybook Dining, Wilderness Lodge) - Snow White, Evil Queen, Dopey & Grumpy (Dinner)
Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom) - The Beast, waves to guests (Lunch & Dinner)
Cape May Cafe (Beach Club Resort) - Minnie, Daisy, Donald & Goofy (Breakfast)
Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort) - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto (Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner)
Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) - Cinderella only, meet for a photo op prior to heading into the dining room--no princesses in the actual dining room (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) - Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger & Piglet (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Garden Grill (Epcot) - Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hollywood and Vine (Hollywood Studios) - Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina & Goofy (Breakfast)
Hollywood and Vine (Hollywood Studios) - Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy & Goofy in Seasonal Attire (Lunch & Dinner)
Ohana (Polynesian Resort) - Lilo, Stitch, Mickey & Pluto (Breakfast)
Topolino's Terrace (Riviera Resort) - Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Daisy (Breakfast)
Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) - Mickey, Daisy, Donald & Goofy (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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(Note: Meal pricing references below are from 2019 and have increased.)
Choosing where to eat at Disney could take up an entire book. Whether your interest is character dining, unique experiences, cultural cuisines, or eclectic buffets, there's something for everyone. After some thought, I've decided to eventually break this question into several posts to keep it all straight: Character Dining, Dinner Shows, Dining/Dessert Events, Table Service Dining (Fine, Moderate Casual), and Quick Services/Festivals. This may take a while... Today, I'm going to start with the most "Disney" of these--Character Dining!
Most children--and adults alike--have meeting Mickey or Cinderella at the top of their Disney trip bucket list. Unlike the old days when you might encounter your favorite characters as you wander through the parks, now, you typically must wait in a long line (or use one of your coveted FastPass+ selections) to meet the most popular characters. An alternative to this option is to dine with your favorite characters. During your meal, the restaurant's featured characters circulate the room, allowing you to have ample time to enjoy your food while waiting for your favorites to stop by the table. Not surprisingly, character dining reservations are some of Disney's most coveted. They can also be the mot confusing--sorting out which characters are at which meals, what the cuisine is, etc. can be a feat! Sometimes a restaurant will feature different characters at different meals, as well. While Disney has a disclaimer that all featured characters are subject to change/substitution, below is a quick reference list featuring the typical characters present at each restaurant, its location, and the available meals.
Price Note: Many Disney restaurant prices actually fluctuate depending on the time of year (i.e. peak and low season) and/or the day of the week. The prices below are just for a general ballpark figure and may differ from actuals.
Typical Characters Present At Each of Disney's Restaurants/Meals:
1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) - Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh & Tigger (Breakfast)
1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) - Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia & Drizella (Dinner)
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall* (Epcot) - Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella & Snow White (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Artist Point (Storybook Dining, Wilderness Lodge) - Snow White, Evil Queen, Dopey & Grumpy (Dinner)
Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom) - The Beast (Dinner)
Cape May Cafe (Beach Club Resort) - Minnie, Daisy, Donald & Goofy (Breakfast)
Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort) - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto (Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner)
Cinderella's Royal Table* (Magic Kingdom) - Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine & Snow White (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) - Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger & Piglet (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Garden Grill (Epcot) - Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hollywood and Vine (Hollywood Studios) - Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina & Roadster Racer Goofy (Breakfast)
Hollywood and Vine (Hollywood Studios) - Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy & Goofy in Seasonal Attire (Lunch & Dinner)
Ohana (Polynesian Resort) - Lilo, Stitch, Mickey & Pluto (Breakfast)
Topolino's Terrace (Riviera Resort) - Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Daisy (Breakfast)
Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) - Mickey, Daisy, Donald & Goofy (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Trattoria Al Forno (Bon Voyage Breakfast, Boardwalk) - Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel & Eric (Breakfast)
So now that you know what characters will be there, you may know exactly where you want to eat, or you may have just succeeded in narrowing down your choices. The next logical question is what type of food is offered at each of these experiences, and if you are on the dining plan, how many credits it takes. Below is the full run-down on each restaurant's particular details:
1900 Park Fare [CURRENTLY PAUSED FOR PANDEMIC]
Location: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Breakfast Characters: Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh & Tigger
Dinner Characters: Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia & Drizella (Dinner)
Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare Note: Offered 2-3pm Mon-Fri at 1900 Park Fare, children 4-12 can attend a tea party with Alice & Mad Hatter (substitutions possible) ($49/child). See Dining/Dessert Events for more details.
Cuisine (Supercalifragilistic Breakfast): Buffet featuring an omelet station, carved ham, mickey waffles, pancakes, eggs benedict, corned beef hash, a yogurt bar, bacon, sausage, potato puffs, cheesy eggs, assorted pastries & breads, their famous strawberry soup, and more. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner): Buffet featuring a prime rib carving station, fried catfish, peel-n-eat shrimp, shrimp scampi, pulled pork, chicken wings, butternut squash ravioli, cheese tortellini in cream sauce, curried chicken, mongolian beef, honey-sriracha salmon, assorted salads, their famous strawberry soup, and more. Typical kid's fare is also served (pizza, pasta, mac & cheese, chicken bites, and turkey meatballs). The current dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit (for Breakfast or Dinner); $29-37/adult & $17-22/child (ages 3-9) for breakfast; $40-56/adult & $25-31/child (ages 3-9) for dinner
Additional Details: 1900 Park Fare is one of my favorite character experiences. At dinner, the stepsisters steal the show. They are hilarious, and their joking interactions are a highlight. You don't feel as rushed here as you may at some of the bigger character dining venues, and the food is a grade better than your standard buffet cuisine. If you're looking for a gourmet meal, this may not be for you, but if you are looking for an variety of tasty options and some great character interactions, this is a wonderful choice!
Top: Supercalifragilistic Breakfast; Bottom: Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall* [CURRENTLY ONLY SERVING DINNER]
Location: Epcot (Norway Pavilion in the World Showcase)
Characters (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner): Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella & Snow White
Cuisine (Breakfast): Breakfast is served part buffet, part family style. Hot food--scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and potato casserole--is served on a platter at the table to share (refills provided as needed). Cold food is served buffet-style and includes items such as fresh fruit, yogurt, cheeses, smoked meats, and breads/pastries. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Lunch & Dinner): Lunch and dinner feature a Norwegian-inspired menu served part-buffet, part table service. Cold food is served buffet-style and includes items such as Scandinavian seafood, cheeses, cured meats, salads, and fresh fruit. Table service entree choices include items such as Norwegian meatballs with mashed potatoes; herb-roasted chicken breast served with sweet potatoes and cranberry bread pudding; grilled salmon; seared pork tenderloin; spinach and cheese stuffed pasta; and a mixed grill (salmon, meatballs, and sausage). Kid's fare options include grilled chicken, grilled beef medallions, salmon, Norwegian meatballs, mac & cheese, and pizza. The meal concludes with an assortment of Norwegian-inspired desserts. The current lunch and dinner menus can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit (for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner); $50-65/adult & $30-40/child (ages 3-9) (price vary based on high/low season and meal)
Additional Details: Akershus is a princess-lover's dream. Located at Epcot in the World Showcase (Norway), the part-buffet, part table service restaurant hosts princess dining through all three meals of the day. Your experience starts with a PhotoPass photo-op with Belle. Then, you are escorted to your table and introduced to the buffet items, as well as told about your main entree (for breakfast, a platter will be brought to share; for lunch and dinner, you will have menu choices). I've found the lunch and dinner reviews to be a bit mixed. Some are not a fan of the Norwegian-themed menu. However, there are enough options that even an unadventurous eater should be able to find something on the menu. Approximately four princesses will rotate around the dining room during your meal, stopping by your table. During the meal, there will also be a princess procession (or two) around the dining room. For children who wish to participate (my oldest loves it), they can head for their favorite princess and parade with her around the dining room to procession music, waving to the watching diners.
Tip: We opted for breakfast which I recommend from a planning perspective. There are so many amazing places for dinner in Epcot that it worked out well to do a large breakfast, snack on a light lunch, and have a nice dinner around 7pm before the evening lagoon show. Ideally, if staying on property, I would plan a 9:30am breakfast reservation on a day that the park has Magic Hours (8am opening). If you head to the Frozen Ever After ride first, there will be a fairly minimal wait, and you won't have to spend a FastPass+ on it. There should also be time to get another ride in depending on the waits (if you have smaller children, the Seas with Nemo & Friends typically has very little wait at that hour). A little before 9, head to the Royal Summerhus to wait for the opening to meet Elsa & Anna (opens 9am). When you finish, head next-door to your breakfast reservation. If you plan your first FastPass+ for 11am, you will have plenty of time to eat. If you are staying off site or do not have Magic Hours, I would head directly to the Frozen Ever After ride at 9am, then meet Elsa & Anna at the Royal Summerhus, and either do breakfast at 10am or plan breakfast for 10:45 and try to get another ride or two in (you may be able to fit in Figment and Nemo depending on crowds). Plan FastPass+ options beginning around 12:15pm.
Photos: Breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Artist Point, Storybook Dining with Snow White
Location: Wilderness Lodge
Characters (Dinner): Snow White, Evil Queen, Dopey & Grumpy
Cuisine: Dinner is a prix fixe table service. The appetizer and dessert course are served as tastings of the same three items for each member in your party. The menu rotates seasonally but typically, appetizers include a soup, shrimp cocktail, and a meat-focused option. Entree choices include options like prime rib; gnocchi with cream sauce and vegetables; beef stew; slow-braised veal shank; roasted chicken; and a fish dish. Dessert is also served as tastings and features 'poison' apples (chocolate-apple mouse with a sour center), mini gooseberry pie, and miner's treasure (cake cups with buttercream icing and chocolate gems). At the end of the meal, servers come around with a special surprise--cracked maple popcorn and ganache hearts in smoking boxes (a twist on the Huntsman's gift to the Queen). The current dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $55/adult, $33/child (ages 3-9) (prices fluctuate)
Additional Details: The Storybook Dining theme fits in well with the rustic Wilderness Lodge. The dining room decor has a fairytale feel with a canopy of trees overhead and lantern lights hanging from the ceiling. There are a lot of cute themed details from the red dinner napkins with apple napkin rings to the tree stands that hold the appetizers and desserts on each table to the children's fresh appetizer of fruit and veggies served in clay plant pots with dip in mason jars. This was honestly not my favorite meal cuisine-wise, but the character interactions were great. Snow White does a prance or two through the dining room, followed by the children. Grumpy and Dopey also do a skip around to "Heigh-Ho Heigh-Ho" which is fun. The Evil Queen is the star and stays very-much in character. Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey rotate visits around the tables, but the Evil Queen has a PhotoPass spot with a backdrop at the front of the dining room, complete with the Mirror on the Wall.
Photos: Storybook Dining at Artist Point
Be Our Guest [CURRENTLY SERVING A PRIX FIXE LUNCH/DINNER ONLY--NO QUICK SERVICE OR BREAKFAST]
Location: Magic Kingdom
Characters (Dinner): The Beast
Cuisine: Dinner at Be Our Guest features a prix fixe three-course meal filled with French-inspired fare. The appetizer course offers options such as escargot, lobster bisque, french onion soup, spiced tuna, mixed greens salad, and a charcuterie & cheese plate. Entrees include fillet mignon, pork tenderloin, lamb chops, pan-seared sea scallops, poulet rouge chicken, and tortellini with vegetables. Dessert is served as a trio with an almond macaron, dark chocolate truffle, and a white chocolate Chip cup filled with the grey stuff (a personal favorite). Children are also treated to their own special three-course menu. They can choose starters like peach applesauce, an iceberg wedge, or a fruit & cheese plate. Entree options include grilled beef tenderloin, shrimp skewers, pan-seared chicken, or mac & cheese paired with a choice of two sides. For dessert, they can choose between the dessert trio or fresh fruit with yogurt dip. The current dinner menu can be found here.
Note on Breakfast & Lunch: Be Our Guest is a Quick Service restaurant for breakfast and lunch. While it still requires reservations (and they are quite popular), breakfast and lunch are a great (and more affordable option) to see the inside of the castle. If you are on the dining plan, either breakfast or lunch is 1 Quick Service Credit (a great value). If you are not on the dining plan, lunch is a better value, being both more affordable and heartier. Plus, it provides a nice air-conditioned midday break from the heat. Be sure to try The Master's Cupcake--the grey stuff is delicious! (Note: The Beast is NOT present in the castle for meet and greets at breakfast or lunch.)
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 2 Table Service Credits; $60/adult, $36/child (ages 3-9) for Dinner
Additional Details: Be Our Guest is located in the Beast's enchanted castle. You can choose to enjoy your meal in one of three themed rooms. The first and largest is The Grand Ballroom. Featuring a domed ceiling, crystal chandelier, and enchanted windows complete with a snowy view, this room is my personal favorite as it is modeled after the ballroom in the movie. The second is a fan favorite, The West Wing. The Beast's enchanted study features his enchanted rose and dark mood lighting. (This room fills up quickly as it is a smaller space, and young children may be a bit afraid of the darkness level.) The third room, The Castle Gallery, features framed scenes from the movie. The central focus point in the room is a large Belle and Beast figurine rotating in a dance on top of a music box.
Photos: Be Our Guest Dining
Cape May Cafe, Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast
Location: Beach Club Resort
Characters (Breakfast): Minnie, Daisy, Donald & Goofy
Cuisine: Buffet featuring an omelet station, Mickey waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, sliced meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, yogurt, assorted pastries & breads, and more. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $36-41/adult, $20-22/child (ages 3-9) (prices fluctuate)
Additional Details: Cape May Cafe is located inside Disney's Beach Club Resort. The food is just typical breakfast fare, but we loved the character interactions. Each one spent ample time visiting with my girls and even stopped by our table more than once. Minnie and Goofy were particularly attentive, and they really made the girls' day. I also found the service here wonderful. Our server went out of his way to take family photos, the omelet station chef was very friendly, and even the women at the check-in counter went above and beyond to welcome us.
Tip: Cape May Cafe is easily walkable to Epcot and a short boat ride (or long walk) from Hollywood Studios, making it a great early morning option before hitting one of the two parks.
Photos: Breakfast at Cape May Cafe
Chef Mickey's
Location: Contemporary Resort
Characters (Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner): Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto
Cuisine (Breakfast): Buffet featuring scrambled eggs, carved ham, sausage, pancakes, breakfast potatoes, tater tots, tofu & veggies, assorted pastries/breads, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt parfaits, biscuits & gravy, and a Mickey waffle bar with syrup, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream, and various candies. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Brunch):Buffet featuring scrambled eggs, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, pot roast, baked salmon, seasonal salads, roasted turkey, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, tater tots, chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, assorted breads, fresh fruit, soup, vegetables, yogurt parfaits, biscuits & gravy, Mickey mousse domes, sticky buns, cookies, brownies, blondies, and a Mickey waffle bar with syrup, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream, and various candies. The current brunch menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Dinner): Buffet featuring a chef's carving station, buttered chicken, glazed salmon, seafood paella, pot roast, pot stickers, shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit, charcuterie board, assorted salads, soup, pasta, vegetables, assorted breads, smashed potatoes, mac & cheese, tater tots, chicken nuggets, Mickey mousse domes, bread pudding, cheesecake tarts, macarons, and soft serve ice cream with assorted toppings. The current dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $38-43/adult, $20-25/child (ages 3-9) (breakfast & brunch); $48-55/adult, $27-33/child (ages 3-9) (dinner) (prices fluctuate)
Additional Details: Chef Mickey's is one of the first character dining experiences people think of at Disney. Located in the Contemporary Resort, you can watch the monorail come into the hotel's station right from the restaurant. Chef Mickey's can be a bit loud, and the food is typical buffet fare, but there are more than enough options even for the pickiest eater. My personal experience found the food tasty, but the character experience lacking a bit. The characters moved very quickly through our table, not giving the girls much time for more than a quick photo before they rushed past to the next table. I have seem mixed reviews in this regard, so you may get lucky or you may feel a bit rushed. Either way, seeing the entire Fab-5 in one place is a major incentive to book Chef Mickey's.
Tip: Magic Kingdom is only one stop on the monorail (or a walk) away, so this is a great option for breakfast before the park, brunch as an afternoon break, or dinner before the fireworks.
Photos: Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
Cinderella's Royal Table* [CURRENTLY ONLY MEET CINDERELLA PRE-MEAL--NO OTHER PRINCESSES]
Location: Magic Kingdom
Characters (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner): Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine & Snow White
Cuisine (Breakfast): Breakfast begins with assorted pastries served at the table. Entree options include beef tenderloin & eggs, caramel apple-stuffed french toast, baked quiche, shrimp & grits, a traditional breakfast (eggs, sausage, bacon & potatoes), and a healthy breakfast (multigrain toast, egg whites, avocado, cotija cheese & jalapeños). Children's selections include waffles, scrambled eggs, oatmeal with fruit, cereal, and egg white frittata. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Lunch & Dinner): Lunch and dinner feature a prix fixe three-course meal. The appetizer course offers options such as charcuterie, soup, salad, and seared scallops. Entrees include seared pork chops, beef tenderloin, roasted chicken, fish of the day, and protein bowls. Dessert options rotate but are currently whipped cheesecake, peanut butter cake, dark chocolate mousse, and lemon sorbet. The current lunch and dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 2 Table Service Credits; $59-64/adult, $35-39/child (ages 3-9) (breakfast); $65-80/adult, $45-65/child (ages 3-9) (lunch & dinner) (price fluctuates)
Additional Details: Cinderella's Royal Table is one of the most coveted reservations in all of Disney World. What child doesn't want to have dinner inside of the famous castle? For those lucky enough to score a reservation, your visit begins with a Cinderella meet and greet in the Castle's Grand Hall for a PhotoPass photo op. Next, you head upstairs to the Banquet Hall, adorned with medieval flags and high, arched windows where (approximately) four princesses will rotate around the dining room during your meal, stopping by your table. Additionally, each female visitor receives a magic wand and each male a toy sword. Each guest also receives a plastic wishing star on which to write their "wish upon a star" which they will make during the meal.
Tip: If you plan to do dinner at CRT and want to be able to see the fireworks outside, ensure you leave ample time. I would not recommend making a reservation after about 6:15pm. Otherwise, you may not be able to make it out of the castle to see them. While some enjoy seeing the fireworks from inside, the view is not very good (a lot of the show is on the castle itself), and if you do not have a window seat, there is not much to see.
Photos: Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table
Crystal Palace
Location: Magic Kingdom
Characters (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner): Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger & Piglet
Cuisine (Breakfast): Breakfast is served buffet style, featuring an omelet station, scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, breakfast meats, potatoes, fresh fruit, cold cereals, and assorted pastries and breads. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Lunch & Dinner): Lunch and dinner are served buffet style, featuring roasted carved meats, chicken, seasonal fish, peel-n-eat shrimp, assorted salads, soup, vegetables, freshly baked breads, and sweet treats. The current lunch & dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $38/adult, $23/child (ages 3-9) (breakfast); $52/adult, $31/child (ages 3-9) (lunch & dinner) (price fluctuates)
Additional Details: Themed after an 1800s Victorian greenhouse, Crystal Palace feels bright and airy, filled with greenery and sunlight. It's the perfect spot in which to meet the Hundred Acre Wood Crew. It's also a great midday air-conditioned break, pre-firework dinner, or a fun way to start off your day with your child's favorite storybook characters at Magic Kingdom.
Photos: Crystal Palace Character Meal
Garden Grill
Location: Epcot
Characters (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner): Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale
Cuisine (Breakfast): Breakfast is served at the table family style and features scrambled eggs, thick-sliced bacon, sausage, Mickey waffles, hash brown-style potato barrels, fresh fruit, and a sticky bun bake. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Lunch & Dinner): Lunch and dinner are served family style and feature turkey with gravy and stuffing; grilled beef with chimichurri; garden salad; vegetables; mashed potatoes; mac & cheese; french fries; and berry shortcake with whipped cream. The current lunch & dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $38/adult, $23/child (ages 3-9) (breakfast); $52/adult, $31/child (ages 3-9) (lunch & dinner) (price fluctuates)
Additional Details: Garden Grill features views of the scenery from Living with the Land as the restaurant slowly rotates during your meal which is a novel feature for kids and adults alike.
Photos: Garden Grill Character Meal
Hollywood and Vine
Location: Hollywood Studios
Disney Jr. Play n' Dine Breakfast Characters: Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina & Roadster Racer Goofy
Minnie's Seasonal Dining Lunch & Dinner Characters: Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy & Goofy in Seasonal Attire
Cuisine (Breakfast): The Disney Jr. breakfast is served buffet style and includes an omelet station, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, breakfast meats, potatoes, assorted pastries & breads, and a children's breakfast buffet (mickey waffles, pancakes, potato tots). The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Lunch & Dinner): The Minnie's Seasonal Dining buffet features items such as carved roasted meats, seasonal fish, chicken, peel-n-eat shrimp, pastas, assorted salads, vegetables, soup, baked breads, soft-serve ice cream, and sweet treats. The current lunch and dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $34-39/adult, $19-23/child (ages 3-9) (breakfast); $52/adult, $31/child (ages 3-9) (lunch & dinner) (price fluctuates)
Additional Details: Minnie's Seasonal Dining features Minnie and pals hosting lunch and dinner celebrations in seasonal attire (springtime, summertime, halloween, and winter holiday). Table activities are geared toward the specific theme currently being celebrated, and guests can enjoy their meal as each character stops by for a visit. The Disney Jr. Play n' Dine now hosts Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Roadster Racer Goofy but is subject to substitutions with other Disney Jr. favorites. If you don't get to meet your favorite at breakfast, the Disney Jr. crew can also be found for meet and greets in the area outside the Disney Jr. Dance Party at Hollywood Studios (also a must for little Disney Jr. fans).
Photos: Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine Disney Jr. Play & Dine
Ohana, Best Friends Breakfast Featuring Lilo & Stitch
Location: Polynesian Resort
Characters (Breakfast): Lilo, Stitch, Mickey & Pluto
Cuisine: Ohana serves an American breakfast sprinkled with some Polynesian influence. The meal begins with a shared fruit plate and freshly made pineapple-coconut bread for the table. The main entree is served in a large, family-style skillet and refilled as necessary, featuring scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, Mickey waffles, sausage, biscuits, and Hawaiian ham with pineapple compote. The ham is particularly tasty! The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $31-39/adult, $20-25/child (ages 3-9) (price fluctuates)
Additional Details: If you child is a Lilo & Stitch fan, this meal is a must. The inclusion of Mickey and Pluto is also a major bonus. Mickey, Lilo, and Stitch rotate through the dining room during breakfast, and Pluto is a PhotoPass photo op as you exit the restaurant. One of the highlights for kids is the parade the characters lead around the dining room. Moroccos are passed out to each off the children, and they process through the room dancing and shaking the instruments.
Tip: With its convenience on the monorail to Magic Kingdom, this is a great breakfast to hit up early before heading to the park.
Photos: Breakfast at Ohana
Topolino's Terrace
Location: Disney's Riviera Resort
Characters (Breakfast): Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Daisy
Cuisine: Topolino's Terrace provides table service breakfast cooked to order. The meal begins with an assortment of shared pastries--croissants, danish, and scones. Entrees choices include quiche gruyère with pancetta, spiced sausage hash, sour cream waffles (with roasted apples, chantilly, and and orange-maple syrup), wood-fired steak with polenta, smoked salmon bagel, an omelet (wild mushrooms, spinach, daiya cheese, plant-based sausage), a fruit plate with yogurt/ granola, and more.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: Dining Plans Not Accepted At This Time; $35-60/adult (prices are to be announced)
Additional Details: Topolino's Terrace is an indoor rooftop terrace dining venue featuring four of our favorite Disney pals dressed in unique attire. The restaurant boasts views of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Breakfast begins with fresh pastries for the table to share and will be followed by a fully cooked to order meal.
Photo: Breakfast at Topolino's Terrace
Trattoria Al Forno, Bon Voyage Breakfast [CURRENTLY PAUSED FOR PANDEMIC]
Location: Disney's Boardwalk
Characters (Breakfast): Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel & Eric
Cuisine: Trattoria Al Forno cooks up a delicious table-service breakfast from their open kitchen featuring such entrees as oak-grilled steak with an egg torte; poached eggs over polenta; pancakes with bacon or sausage; eggs with sausage, bacon, ham, and potatoes; an egg white omelet with smoked salmon and goat cheese; yogurt with fresh fruit and granola; and king triton's calzone, complete with a trident. The breakfast begins with a Rapunzel's frying pan full of delicious pastries. Children's entree selections include grilled steak, egg white omelets, waffles, and pancakes with a choice of two sides. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $34/adult, $20/child (ages 3-9)
Additional Details: The food served here is one of the bet character breakfasts on property. It is cooked to order, and the flavors are a level above the rest. Additionally, this may be my favorite character experience; they spend ample time at the table and stay so well in their roles all the way down to the tiny details. The parade around the dining room, led by Ariel one time and Rapunzel the next, is fun for children, as well.
Tip: The restaurant's location on the Boardwalk may feel out of the way for some not staying in the general area, but you can walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios (HS is a bit of a hike) from here or catch the boat to the parks from in front of the restaurant to either of these locations, making it a great morning pre-park option.
Photos: Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno
Tusker House
Location: Animal Kingdom
Characters (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner): Mickey, Daisy, Donald & Goofy
Cuisine (Breakfast): Tusker Houser serves a buffet breakfast with a hint of African flavor, featuring items such as beef boboti, banana bread pudding, fruit chutney, frittata, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, cold cereals, and an assortment of breads and pastries. The current breakfast menu can be found here.
Cuisine (Lunch & Dinner): Tusker House serves a buffet lunch & dinner with African flavor, featuring items such as roasted pork, split-roasted chicken, curry chicken, black-eyed pea salad, peri-peri whole salmon, banana bread pudding, tabouli, hummus, curries, mac & cheese, deli meats & cheeses, fruit salad, brownies, strawberry cake, and an assortment of breads and pitas. The current lunch & dinner menu can be found here.
Dining Plan Credits & Price Range: 1 Table Service Credit; $30-38/adult, $18-23/child (ages 3-9) (breakfast); $37-52 adult, $22-31/child (ages 3-9) (lunch & dinner) (price fluctuates)
Additional Details: Tusker House is themed after an African marketplace with African inspiration behind many of its menu items. However, there are plenty of options for those with less eclectic tastes. Many swear by Tusker house. However, because it is the only character meal located inside of Animal Kingdom in conjunction with its large size, there can sometimes be a bit of a wait to meet the characters. Donald is stationed outside for a PhotoPass photo op before you enter the restaurant, so kid's will get to start off the meal on the right foot in case they have to wait a bit to see their next character.
Photo: Meeting Mickey at Tusker House
*The princesses at these meals are known to rotate with other Disney princesses. The exception is Cinderella at Cinderella's Royal Table and Belle at Akershus which are both photo ops before heading into the meal and should be present barring an unexpected event.
