Character dining is the perfect opportunity to connect with beloved characters outside of the parks, without waiting in line or feeling rushed. Iconic Disney characters make their way through each table, greeting your entire group with plenty of time for photos, autographs, and memorable interactions. You may think you need a park ticket to have a chance to meet your favorite character. However, with character dining at Disney resorts, all you need is a dining reservation! Additionally, most character dining experiences at Disney World are buffet-style, offering a variety of food options, perfect for picky or adventurous eaters.
- Walt Disney World Resort's Best Character Breakfasts
- Best Disney Resort Character Dinners
- Bonus Character Dining Restaurant: Goofy's Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim
- Book Early for Character Dining at Disney Resorts
- Buy DVC Resale to Enjoy a Disney Experience Year After Year
- Already Own DVC and Want to Sell?
Walt Disney World Resort’s Best Character Breakfasts
An exciting breakfast with your favorite characters is an incredible way to start a day at Disney. Whether you are heading to parks after or spending your day enjoying one of the resorts, you can start your day with not only a great meal, but a memorable experience. Many of the character dining experiences at Disney resorts also make transportation easy. That includes transportation between the resorts or to any of the parks. With buses, boats, monorails, and skyliners, you’ll have an easy time getting to your next destination at Walt Disney World.
Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana is a character meal inspired by Polynesian flavors that blends great food, iconic characters, and lifelong memories. Located inside Disney’s Polynesian Resort, this fun-filled breakfast features the iconic Hawaiian characters, Lilo and Stitch. What better place to meet Lilo and Stitch than the resort that represents their home? What’s more, you can meet their friends Mickey Mouse and Pluto in Polynesian attire. As you dine, these characters will greet you at your table, offering some of the best character interactions on property.
During your breakfast at ‘Ohana, you’ll enjoy the family-style breakfast skillet. This includes eggs, Hawaiian-style ham, pork sausage links, fried island-style potatoes, and, of course, Mickey waffles. For those who prefer plant-based meals, there is also a great plant-based skillet option. The restaurant’s location also means views of Cinderella Castle in the distance across the Seven Seas Lagoon, providing a little extra magic. When you’re done with your breakfast at ‘Ohana, it is super convenient to get to the park after! Just steps from the restaurant, you’ll find a monorail station that can drop you off at Magic Kingdom. It doesn’t get more magical than that!
Topolino’s Terrace Character Dining at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort is a character dining experience that stands out for both kids and adults. The luxurious atmosphere of European inspired Riviera Resort will make your meal here feel elegant, with the added Disney charm. Topolino’s Terrace offers a unique character breakfast experience with Mickey and friends in artist-themed outfits. This is the only place you will find the characters in this special attire, a nod to the European art and storytelling that the Riviera is known for. During your meal, you will have the chance to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, some of the most popular characters to meet.
Unlike many of the other character breakfasts at Walt Disney World, this one is not all-you-can-eat. Breakfast à la art is a great option for those who aren’t as hungry in the morning, but still want to start off the day with some character fun! The menu features several great entrée options, including Quiche Gruyère, Wild Mushroom Scramble, and French Toast. There is also a dedicated kids’ menu with create-your-own entrée options. While you dine here, you can enjoy spectacular sights of Walt Disney World. This restaurant is on the 10th floor of the resort and offers sweeping views. When your Disney resort character dining experience comes to a close, getting to the parks is effortless. This is thanks to the Skyliner, which provides quick and fun access to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Want to start your day off meeting Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy in their cutest beach outfits? Cape May Cafe breakfast perfectly matches the laid-back, coastal atmosphere of the Beach Club Resort and is a hit with families! The character breakfast at this Disney Resort is a true buffet experience, meaning kids (and adults) can choose exactly what they want to eat. The buffet even includes a dedicated kids’ corner filled with familiar favorites, perfect for picky eaters.
Breakfast here is great for Beach Club guests who plan to spend the day at the pool. The Beach Club’s feature pool, Stormalong Bay, is so impressive that you could spend the entire day enjoying it after breakfast! For guests who are not staying at the Beach Club, it is also a fantastic option for park days. The resort is within walking distance of the World Gateway entrance of EPCOT, meaning no transportation is needed. Plus, there is a convenient boat ride or skyliner station to Hollywood Studios, making Cape May the perfect place to start a magical Disney day.
Best Disney Resort Character Dinners
After a fun day in the park, there is no better way to end it than dinner at character dining. Plus, knowing that you will get to meet some iconic characters at dinner may mean more time in the Disney parks for rides and other attractions like parades and shows. Check out these fantastic options for memorable dinners at Disney World.
Story Book Dining at Artist’s Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Story Book Dining at Artist’s Point is one of the best character dining experiences at Walt Disney World. It is highly recommended due to its immersive nature and unique experience. Located at Wilderness Lodge, the moment you step into the restaurant, you will feel transported into a magical forest straight out of a fairytale. The restaurant’s interior is filled with trees, lanterns, and decor that evoke its storybook theming. Throughout your meal, Snow White and her dwarfs Grumpy and Dopey, will visit your table, allowing for personal interactive moments. Toward the end of your meal, you will get a special invitation from the Evil Queen to meet her, which adds a fun twist to the evening.
The meal is a three-course prix fixe dining experience that begins with three shared appetizers. Then each guest can choose their own entrée, followed by multiple shared desserts for the group. Some of the most popular entrée selections include “Cottage” Beef Stroganoff, Brothers Grimm Herbed Chicken, and the Royal Prime Rib Roast, with a separate kids’ menu available for guests under nine. Before or after dinner, make sure you check out all that Wilderness Lodge has to offer. Thanks to its stunning architecture inspired by classic American lodges, it provides a gorgeous, cozy, and grand atmosphere. To end the night with even more magic, you can step outside at Wilderness Lodge and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance.
Chef Mickey’s Character Dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort is a high-energy, classic Disney experience that is perfect for families with little ones. This dinner buffet experience is unique because it offers guests the chance to meet the entire Fab Five, and they come to you! The “fab five” is a fun nickname for the classic characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. Throughout your meal, they will stop by your table, one by one. This means you will have the opportunity for a fun, personal experience with each character. Whether you want a photo, an autograph, or just a playful character interaction, the meet-and-greets are so much fun! One of the highlights of the meal is when the music starts, and the entire restaurant joins in, swinging their napkins in the air and celebrating. Every night is a celebration at Chef Mickey’s!
The food options at Chef Mickey’s are just as plentiful as the fun. Here, you’ll find a massive buffet that includes a carving station, salads, breads, pastas, a dedicated kids’ corner, and more typical American fare. Plus, there is an entire island devoted to delicious desserts, complete with a soft serve ice cream machine. Chef Mickey’s location makes this restaurant even better, especially for days at Magic Kingdom. It is within walking distance of the park, making it extra easy to plan your park day around your reservation. You can maximise your time in the park even more without having to rely on transportation. For guests who aren’t heading to the park, it is also perfect for resort hopping and exploring the other monorail resorts, the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.
1900 Park Fare Character Dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Dining at 1900 Park Fare is a charming experience, and a common favorite character meal for little princes and princesses. The restaurant at the Grand Floridian blends Victorian-style elegance and classic Disney fun. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to interact with characters in a more refined setting. It is a wonderful way for kids to meet some Disney characters while adults appreciate the luxurious atmosphere. This enchanting buffet features a character dinner with unique characters like Cinderella, Prince Charming, Mirabel, and Tiana. This is extra special because these aren’t typical characters to see together in one place.
The offerings at 1900 Park Fare for dinner are buffet-style, featuring everything from comfort food to elevated dishes that appeal to all ages and palates. Some of the menu highlights include Tiana’s Gumbo, Prime Rib, Strawberry Soup, and the carving station. Like the other character dining at Disney resorts on the monorail, it is easy to get to your reservation after the Magic Kingdom. Dinner can be a great way to relax after the park, while still keeping the Disney magic going. So, whether you are staying at the Grand Floridian or just visiting for dinner, 1900 Park Fare offers an incredible chance to meet characters while enjoying the resort’s elegance and luxury.
Bonus Character Dining Restaurant: Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim
Goofy’s Kitchen is one of three character dining options at Disneyland Resort, and the only one at Disneyland Hotel. During your meal here, you’ll experience non-stop fun in a classic Disney setting. Goofy is the star of the show, joined by his friends Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. They will make their way to your table, ready for a fun interaction with each party. This restaurant offers both breakfast and dinner, so you can choose whichever best fits your itinerary for the day. Whether you choose breakfast or dinner, you’ll enjoy a buffet-style meal with plenty of options. Before or after your meal, it is easy to get back and forth between both of Disneyland’s parks. Take a short walk through Downtown Disney, and you’ll arrive at the gates for Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure.
The playful atmosphere and character experiences both contribute to what makes this restaurant great for families, but so does the food. With options for picky eaters and foodies, you’ll love the variety of options. Plus, you can make your plate however you like and eat as much as you like. Goofy’s Kitchen is always a hit with the kids, but it is a great experience for adults, too. The convinience, nostalgia, and meal quality make it a must-do for families while at Disneyland.
Book Early for Character Dining at Disney Resorts
Character meals typically require reservations, which can be made 60 days in advance. We suggest booking as early as possible, since character dining is very popular at Disney Resorts. For booking, always include the total number of guests in your party, even babies, even though kids under three eat free at character meals if they eat off of an adult’s plate. It is also important to note that if you are using the Disney Dining Plan on your vacation, most character meals will use two Dining Plan credits.
Buy DVC Resale to Enjoy a Disney Experience Year After Year
If your family can’t get enough of the magic of Disney and dreams of returning year after year, purchasing Disney Vacation Club points on the resale market can be a smart and budget-friendly way to make that dream come true. Buying DVC resale allows you to enjoy the same gorgeous resorts, spacious villas, immersive theming, and resort amenities. However, all at a significantly lower cost than buying directly through Disney. The DVC resale points that you buy can be used to book stays at the most iconic Disney resorts, in Orlando and beyond.
An added bonus? Many of the most popular character dining options at Disney resorts, including the ones mentioned above, are at DVC resorts! This makes it easy to pair unforgettable meals with equally memorable stays. From character breakfasts to immersive dinner experiences, owning DVC points allows you to return to the magic more often than you may be able to otherwise. For families who know Disney will always be a part of their vacation plans, DVC resale offers a cost-effective way to make joining DVC a reality.
Already Own DVC and Want to Sell?
If you already own DVC points and are no longer able to use them, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are many buyers eagerly looking to purchase them. Fidelity Real Estate has been helping owners like you let go of their timeshares for over 20 years and has the experience to help you sell with confidence. If you are ready to explore the option of selling your DVC points, fill out the form below to get started.
