Everything you Need to Know about Character Dining at Disney World

Character dining experiences at Walt Disney World offer guests the unique opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying a delicious meal. These special dining events provide memorable interactions without waiting in long lines at the parks, making them a must-do for many families visiting Disney World.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about character dining at Walt Disney World, including the best options for different age groups, how to make reservations, pricing expectations, and insider tips to maximize your experience.

What Is Character Dining at Walt Disney World?

Character dining is a special mealtime experience where Disney characters visit your table while you eat. Characters will typically stop by each table for brief interactions, autographs, hugs, and photo opportunities. These experiences offer a more relaxed and personal way to meet multiple characters in one sitting compared to traditional character meet-and-greets in the parks.

Character dining experiences are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though availability varies by location. Some restaurants feature specific characters or themes, while others rotate characters seasonally or based on special events.

Why Choose Character Dining?

Character dining offers several distinct advantages over meeting characters in the parks:

• Time Efficiency: Meet multiple characters in one sitting while also enjoying a meal
• Guaranteed Interactions: Characters visit every table, ensuring you won’t miss your favorites
• Climate-Controlled Environment: Enjoy character meet-and-greets in air-conditioned comfort
• Meal Included: Combines two vacation necessities—meals and character experiences
• Photo Opportunities: Get pictures with characters in a less rushed environment
• Special Attention: Characters typically spend more time at each table compared to park meet-and-greets

How to Make Character Dining Reservations

Character dining experiences are among the most popular reservations at Walt Disney World, often booking up months in advance. Here’s what you need to know about securing these coveted reservations.

Reservation Timeline

Walt Disney World allows dining reservations to be made up to 60 days in advance. If you’re staying at a Disney resort hotel, you can make reservations for your entire stay (up to 10 days) starting 60 days before your check-in date.

How to Book

Reservations can be made through several channels:

• The My Disney Experience app
• Walt Disney World website
• By calling Disney Dining at (407) WDW-DINE
• Through a Disney travel agent

Reservation Tips

1. Set a reminder for your 60-day booking window and be ready to book right at 5:30 AM Eastern Time when the system opens
2. Start with the most difficult-to-book restaurants first (typically Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s, and Topolino’s Terrace)
3. Be flexible with dates and meal times
4. Check regularly for cancellations, especially 24-48 hours before your desired date – this is how I have personally landed many reservations
5. Consider using dining reservation alert services like MouseDining or TouringPlans

Cancellation Policy

Most character dining experiences require a credit card guarantee. Cancellations must be made at least 2 hours in advance to avoid a per-person cancellation fee (typically $10-25 per person, depending on the restaurant).

Complete List of Character Dining Experiences at Walt Disney World

Here’s a comprehensive list of all character dining options currently available at Walt Disney World, organized by location. Keep in mind, some locations will only have characters during certain meals, such as Cape May Cafe which only has character dining for breakfast.

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella’s Royal Table

• Characters: Cinderella (greeting) and various Disney Princesses
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Style: Prix fixe menu
• Note: One of the most sought-after dining experiences at Disney World, aim to book this one first if it is a must!

The Crystal Palace

• Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Style: Buffet

EPCOT

Garden Grill Restaurant

• Characters: Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Style: Family-style service

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

• Characters: Various Disney Princesses
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Style: Norwegian-inspired cuisine, family style

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood & Vine

• Characters: Minnie Mouse and friends in seasonal outfits
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Style: Buffet
• Note: Different themed experiences throughout the year (Minnie’s Seasonal Dining)

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine

• Location: Hollywood & Vine (breakfast only)
• Characters: Disney Junior characters like Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins
• Meals: Breakfast only
• Style: Buffet

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tusker House Restaurant

• Characters: Safari Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Style: Buffet with African-inspired flavors

Disney Resort Hotels

Chef Mickey’s

• Location: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Style: Buffet

‘Ohana

• Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Characters: Lilo and Stitch (breakfast only)
• Meals: Breakfast only for character dining
• Style: Family-style service
• Note: Dinner does not include characters

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

• Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in artistic outfits
• Meals: Breakfast only for character dining
• Style: Prix fixe menu
• Note: Dinner does not include characters

Story Book Dining at Artist Point

• Location: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Characters: Snow White, Evil Queen, Dopey, and Grumpy
• Meals: Dinner only
• Style: Prix fixe menu

Cape May Café

• Location: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Characters: Minnie, Donald, and Goofy in beach attire
• Meals: Breakfast only for character dining
• Style: Buffet
• Note: Seafood buffet for dinner (no characters)

Ravello at Four Seasons Resort

• Location: Four Seasons Resort Orlando
• Characters: Goofy and his friends
• Meals: Breakfast (select days only)
• Style: Buffet plus à la carte options
• Note: Off-property but official Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Pals

Cost of Character Dining: What to Expect

Character dining experiences are premium offerings at Walt Disney World, with prices reflecting the special experience of meeting characters while dining. The food quality varies by restaurant, but they typically have better food than quick service options. The true cost is really for the experience itself.

Price Ranges

• Breakfast: $35-60 per adult, $20-40 per child
• Lunch/Dinner: $45-85 per adult, $25-50 per child
• Signature Experiences (like Cinderella’s Royal Table): $65-95 per adult, $40-65 per child

Dining Plans and Discount Information

• Disney Dining Plan credits can be used – typically 1 Table Service credit for most experiences, 2 credits for signature dining
• Annual Passholder discounts (typically 10%) apply at most locations
• Disney Visa Cardmember discounts may apply at select locations
• Gratuity is not included and is recommended at 18-20%

Do Kids Eat Free?

Unfortunately, there are no “kids eat free” policies for character dining experiences. Here are a few things to consider when dining at a character meal with kids:

• Children under 3 can share from an adult’s plate at no additional charge
• Children’s pricing typically applies to ages 3-9
• Adult pricing begins at age 10

RELATED POST: Are Toddlers Free at Disney World? A Guide to Toddler Freebies

Character Dining for Toddlers: Special Considerations

Toddlers often have the most magical reactions to character dining, but these experiences require special planning to ensure they’re enjoyable for the youngest guests.

Best Character Dining Options for Toddlers

1. Tusker House Restaurant: Familiar characters, less overwhelming space, good food options for picky eaters
2. The Crystal Palace: Winnie the Pooh characters are perfect for toddlers, and the restaurant’s layout allows for mobility
3. Garden Grill: Small, intimate setting with unhurried character interactions
4. Chef Mickey’s: Classic characters that most toddlers recognize, though the environment can be loud

For more on our top picks check out The Best Character Dining at Disney for Toddlers: Make Reservations ASAP!

Toddler Tips for Character Dining

• Timing: Schedule breakfast or early lunch when toddlers are well-rested
• Preparation: Show your toddler pictures of characters beforehand so they know what to expect
• Seating: Request a table near the edge rather than in the center to reduce overstimulation
• Comfort Items: Bring familiar toys or comfort items in case characters cause anxiety
• Meal Prep: Pack toddler-friendly snacks as backup if they don’t enjoy the restaurant options
• Patience: Don’t force interactions if your toddler seems scared

Buffet vs. Family Style vs. Prix Fixe: Understanding the Dining Styles

Character dining experiences at Walt Disney World offer several different service styles, each with its own advantages:

Buffet Service

Examples: Chef Mickey’s, Crystal Palace, Tusker House

Pros:

• Greatest variety of food options
• Freedom to select exactly what you want
• Can get small portions to try different items
• Multiple trips allowed

Cons:

• May miss character visits while at the buffet
• Less relaxing experience with frequent trips to the buffet
• Often more crowded and hectic

Family-Style Service

Examples: Garden Grill, ‘Ohana (breakfast)

Pros:

• Food brought directly to your table
• Never miss character interactions
• All-you-care-to-enjoy, with refills available
• More relaxed dining experience

Cons:

• Less variety than buffets
• Everyone shares the same dishes
• Cannot customize individual portions as easily

Prix Fixe (Set Menu)

Examples: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Story Book Dining at Artist Point

Pros:

• Highest quality food presentation
• Most relaxing dining experience
• Never miss character interactions
• Often includes appetizer, entrée, and dessert

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Limited menu choices
• No refills or seconds

Tips for the Best Character Dining Experience

Whether you’re planning your first character dining experience or looking to enhance your next visit, these tips will help you make the most of these magical meals.

Before Your Visit

1. Research characters: Ensure you’re booking restaurants with characters your family wants to meet
2. Consider meal timing: Character interactions can last 60-90 minutes; plan park activities accordingly
3. Pack autograph books: Bring your own or purchase in advance for character signatures
4. Prepare your camera: Set your phone/camera to burst mode for better action shots
5. Dress for photos: Consider coordinating outfits that complement the restaurant theme

During Your Meal

1. Be ready: Keep autograph books and cameras accessible, not packed away
2. Stay at your table: Characters visit each table in sequence; missing this rotation can mean missing characters
3. Engage actively: Characters respond well to questions and comments about their stories
4. Take advantage of PhotoPass: Disney photographers at some locations can take professional photos
5. Respect the characters’ time: While interactions aren’t rushed, be mindful that they need to visit every table

Special Experiences

1. Celebration buttons: Wear celebration buttons for birthdays or anniversaries for special character attention, you may even receive a birthday card from your favorite characters
2. Special dietary needs: Notify Disney about allergies or restrictions when booking (chefs can accommodate most needs)
3. Special occasions: Consider pre-ordering celebration cakes for birthdays (must be done 72+ hours in advance) and make sure to note any special celebrations when making your reservations

Character Dining During Special Events and Holidays

Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers specially themed character dining experiences throughout the year to celebrate holidays and seasonal events. If you plan to travel during these times, aim to make these reservations once your booking window opens. In my experience, this restaurant is typically one of the easier character dining experiences to get a reservation at, but you will still want to book early if you have a particular time in mind.

Holiday Offerings

• Halloween: Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine (August-November)
• Christmas: Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine (November-January)
• Spring: Minnie’s Springtime Dine at Hollywood & Vine (March-May)
• Summer: Minnie’s Summertime Dine at Hollywood & Vine (May-August)

Special Event Considerations

• Reservations for holiday-themed character dining fill up even faster than regular offerings
• Pricing may be higher during peak holiday periods
• Character costumes and meal themes change seasonally
• Special holiday menu items are often available

Character Dining vs. Character Meet-and-Greets: Which Is Best?

Both character dining and traditional meet-and-greets have their advantages. Here’s how to decide which is right for your family.

When to Choose Character Dining

Character dining is ideal when you want to maximize your time by meeting multiple characters while enjoying a meal that’s already part of your vacation plan. This option is perfect for families with young children who might become restless or tired waiting in long park lines, as the dining environment offers more relaxed and unhurried interactions with favorite characters. Character dining also ensures you won’t miss meeting specific characters that are featured at your chosen restaurant, creating a more predictable and guaranteed experience regardless of park crowds or weather conditions.

When to Choose Park Meet-and-Greets

Park meet-and-greets are often the better choice when you’re traveling on a tight budget and want to avoid the premium pricing of character dining experiences. They’re also ideal when you’re hoping to meet specific characters who don’t appear at any dining locations, or when you value having professional PhotoPass photos taken in iconic park settings. Visitors who are traveling during less crowded periods with shorter wait times can efficiently meet multiple characters through traditional meet-and-greets. Additionally, those with dietary restrictions or food allergies might find park meet-and-greets more convenient, allowing them to enjoy character interactions without navigating menu limitations at character dining restaurants.

FAQs About Character Dining at Walt Disney World

Q: How long do character dining experiences typically last? 
A: Most character dining experiences last 60-90 minutes, depending on the number of characters present and how busy the restaurant is.

Q: Do characters sign autographs during character dining? 
A: Yes, characters will sign autographs at most character dining experiences. Bring your own autograph book or purchase one at Walt Disney World gift shops.

Q: What if my child is afraid of the characters? 
A: Characters and Cast Members are trained to recognize when children are uncomfortable. They won’t force interactions and will respect boundaries, often starting from a distance and gradually approaching if the child becomes more comfortable.

Q: Are PhotoPass photographers available at character dining? 
A: Some locations (particularly Cinderella’s Royal Table) have PhotoPass photographers for the initial character greeting, but most table interactions rely on your own camera or phone.

Q: Can adults book character dining without children? 
A: Absolutely! Many adults enjoy character dining experiences without children. Disney welcomes guests of all ages who want to interact with beloved characters.

Q: How do character dining experiences accommodate food allergies or special diets? 
A: Walt Disney World excels at accommodating special dietary needs. Notify the restaurant when making your reservation, and speak with a chef upon arrival who can guide you through safe options or prepare special meals.

Conclusion: Is Character Dining Worth It?

Character dining at Walt Disney World comes with a premium price tag, but for many families, the value extends beyond just the food:

• Time savings from meeting multiple characters in one sitting
• A guaranteed character experience regardless of weather or crowd levels
• The convenience of combining a meal with entertainment
• Special themed environments not available elsewhere
• Unique photo opportunities and personalized interactions
• Air-conditioned breaks from park touring

While not every family will find character dining essential, these experiences often create some of the most memorable moments of a Walt Disney World vacation. By understanding the options available and planning strategically, you can select the character dining experiences that will be most meaningful for your family and create magical memories that last a lifetime.