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Disney Character Dining Experiences We Adore

Credit: Disney

No Walt Disney World vacation is complete without the magic of a character dining experience. These enchanting meals offer not only delicious food but also the chance to meet beloved Disney characters. While character dining comes with a higher price tag compared to other dining options, it delivers unforgettable moments as you enjoy family-style or buffet dining with unique character interactions you can’t find anywhere else.

From Mickey Mouse in safari gear to the fun duo Chip and Dale, Disney’s character dining experiences offer something truly special for every guest. Here’s your ultimate guide to the current character dining offerings at Walt Disney World Resort and a look at one classic experience we’re still eagerly awaiting to return.

Fantastic Character Dining Experiences at Walt Disney World

1. Tusker House Restaurant – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

One of the most sought-after dining reservations in all of Walt Disney World, Tusker House offers guests the chance to dine with Mickey, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy, all dressed in their adorable safari outfits. This lively buffet serves up African-inspired dishes, making it a flavorful adventure for the whole family.

Make sure to book your reservation early as this is one of the most popular character meals on property.

Goofy, Donald Duck, and Mickey Mouse are dressed in safari outfits, enthusiastically posing outdoors in front of a textured stone building at Tusker House Restaurant. Donald stands in the center with arms wide open, while Goofy and Mickey strike welcoming poses.

Credit: Disney

2. Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Step into an enchanted forest at Artist Point for a fairytale dinner hosted by Snow White. You’ll also meet the Evil Queen, along with Dopey and Grumpy, as you enjoy a whimsical meal surrounded by storybook-themed decor. This experience is perfect for fans of classic Disney fairytales.

3. Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera – Disney’s Riviera Resort

At the top of Disney’s Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace offers a delightful character breakfast featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in unique European-inspired outfits. Guests are treated to a selection of fresh bread, pastries, and delicious entrees in a stunning rooftop setting. The view alone makes this dining experience worth booking!

4. Hollywood & Vine – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

At this Hollywood-themed restaurant, guests can enjoy breakfast with Disney Junior stars or lunch and dinner with Minnie Mouse and her pals in seasonal outfits. As of August 28, 2022, the buffet experience is back at Hollywood & Vine, allowing you to savor your favorite dishes while interacting with some of Disney’s most popular characters.

5. Garden Grill – EPCOT

For a truly unique experience, head to Garden Grill in EPCOT, where you’ll enjoy a rotating restaurant with views of the Living with the Land attraction below. As you dine on family-style meals featuring ingredients from EPCOT’s greenhouses, Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n Dale will visit your table for fun and photos.

Family Dining at Garden Grill

Credit: Disney

6. Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Located in the iconic Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s offers all-you-care-to-enjoy dining with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and more. Whether you visit for breakfast or dinner, you’ll get to savor delicious meals while watching the monorail glide by—talk about dining with a view!

The Character Dining Experience We’re Missing

While there are plenty of fantastic character dining options currently available, there’s one beloved experience that we find ourselves missing… the former 1900 Park Fare dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Located just off the lobby of the Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare previously offered two distinct character dining experiences before its closure before COVID. While the restaurant has reopened, we’re feeling nostalgic over the former offerings, which included the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast

Guests who booked the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast were treated to an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet while mingling with Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh. A highlight for many was meeting the eccentric Mad Hatter, a character not commonly found in the parks. The breakfast menu was equally magical, featuring custom-made omelets, carved ham, and the Grand Floridian’s signature strawberry soup.

Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner

For dinner, 1900 Park Fare transformed into a royal affair with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the delightfully mischievous Lady Tremaine and her daughters, Anastasia and Drizella. This character interaction was particularly special as it offered a rare opportunity to meet Prince Charming. The enchanting buffet added to the experience, allowing guests to dine like royalty.

Thankfully, 1900 Park Fare is still a character dining experience. The restaurant is known for it’s new dining experience called Wish Makers Enchanted Dining.

Wish Makers Enchanted Dining

Disney describes the new experience with:

Wishing for something delicious? Your wishes can come true at 1900 Park Fare, featuring an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet at breakfast and dinner—with visits from some favorite Disney Characters.

Feast on delectable dishes—some inspired by Disney wish-makers, like Aladdin and Tiana. Start your day with classic breakfast foods, like Eggs Benedict. At dinner, get a taste of New Orleans when you try Tiana’s Gumbo. Some flavorful favorites await you at breakfast and dinner alike—including the Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup and a carving station full of savory selections.

The menu also features kid-friendly options—like Mickey waffles at breakfast, as well as chicken, pizza and macaroni-and-cheese at dinner.

Beloved Characters: Here, you may meet Characters from classic Disney films, as well as newer favorites like Encanto and The Princess and the Frog. Each Character is known for making a wish… and making their wish come true. These cherished friends may include: Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Princess Tiana. 

The restaurant’s stunning decor, including carousel horses and the grand Big Bertha French organ, continues to create a magical ambiance that sets it apart from other dining locations. Unfortunately, replacing the former characters with seemingly random selections has left guests missing the old options at 1900 Park Fare.

Character dining at Walt Disney World offers an unforgettable experience where guests can enjoy great food and magical character moments. Whether you’re dining with Mickey at Chef Mickey’s or spinning through EPCOT’s Garden Grill, these experiences create lifelong memories.

About Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!