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Top Character Dining and Meet-and-Greet Experiences at Disney Resort Hotels

Posted by: Katie Chapman October 31, 2024 Comments Off on Top Character Dining and Meet-and-Greet Experiences at Disney Resort Hotels

Mickey Mouse and Goofy, dressed in chef outfits with white hats and colorful scarves, welcome first-timers to Disney World's vibrant restaurant. The "Chef Mickey's" sign gleams above them in the bright, spacious dining area.
Credit: Disney

Who doesn’t love seeing a favorite Disney character? The beloved Disney classics we grew up with make Walt Disney World Resort such a magical destination. While you can meet Disney characters throughout the Parks, some fantastic character dining experiences are also available at Disney Resort Hotels. These character meals let you skip the Park ticket cost and still meet characters up close.

Here are the top character experiences at Walt Disney World Resort hotels for an unforgettable meal and meet-and-greet!

Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch

Location: ‘Ohana, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Character dining goes beyond Mickey and Minnie! You can meet the charming Hawaiian duo Lilo and Stitch at’ Ohana over a delicious tropical breakfast spread. This character meal is a dream for fans of these Disney favorites, who can be tough to spot in the Parks.

A person is smiling and posing outdoors with a large, plush costumed character resembling Stitch from the animated movie "Lilo & Stitch." The Disney cast member is wearing a white flower lei, and lush greenery is visible in the background.

Credit: Disney

Enjoy a breakfast of bacon, Hawaiian sausage, scrambled eggs, and Mickey-shaped waffles, with fresh fruit and pastries to kickstart your magical day. This family-style breakfast is a beloved tradition, and it’s just a short Monorail ride from Magic Kingdom, making it a convenient stop for guests ready to start their Disney adventure.

Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends

Location: Topolino’s Terrace, Disney’s Riviera Resort

Experience Mediterranean flavors and stunning views at Topolino’s Terrace in Disney’s Riviera Resort. Start your day with the charming Breakfast à la Art with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, dressed in artist-inspired outfits.

Topolino’s serves up breakfast favorites like Quiche Gruyère, smoked salmon, sour cream waffles, and fresh pastries, blending classic and Mediterranean flavors. Located on the Disney Skyliner route, Topolino’s Terrace is perfect for those looking for a memorable and flavorful character breakfast.

Dinner with Cinderella and Friends

Location: 1900 Park Fare, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Skip the crowds at Cinderella’s Royal Table and instead dine with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and even her wicked stepsisters at the elegant 1900 Park Fare. At this dinner buffet, guests meet a royal lineup, including Cinderella’s family: the delightful Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella.

Indulge in freshly prepared salads, soups, a carving station, and the restaurant’s famous strawberry soup. Cinderella and Prince Charming even take a turn around the dining room, adding a fairy-tale touch to the evening. This experience is perfect for families and fans of Disney royalty!

Chef Mickey’s: Dinner with Mickey & Friends

Location: Chef Mickey’s, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Chef Mickey’s is a Disney classic and a must-do for many families. Located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s serves a hearty buffet dinner featuring roasted meats, mashed potatoes, shrimp, and salads, along with kid-friendly options.

A large statue of a cartoon chef, reminiscent of character experiences at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, stands inside a building with glass windows. The chef dons a white hat and coat, holding a giant fork and spoon as if to welcome visitors. The interior boasts high ceilings and multiple floors.

Credit: Disney

Here, you’ll meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto dressed as chefs, welcoming you to their kitchen. The lively atmosphere, character interactions, and location near the Monorail make Chef Mickey’s an ideal spot for families and a fantastic way to spend an evening close to Magic Kingdom.

Snow White’s Storybook Dining

Location: Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

For a character dining experience with a storybook setting, head to Artist Point in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, this unique restaurant offers a dinner with Snow White, the Evil Queen, Grumpy, and Dopey.

The menu at Artist Point features rustic yet elevated dishes like prime rib roast, wild mushroom bisque, and a whimsical selection of desserts. The immersive forest setting and interaction with Snow White’s story make this a hidden gem among Disney dining experiences.

Beach Bash Breakfast

Location: Cape May Café, Disney’s Beach Club Resort

The Cape May Café Beach Bash Breakfast brings beach vibes to your morning with Mickey, Minnie, and other friends in festive beach attire. Guests enjoy a breakfast buffet that includes Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, and New England-inspired options like fried potatoes and seasonal fruit.

Located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this laid-back meal offers photo opportunities and character interactions with a beachy twist. Cape May Café is ideal for families looking to kick off a fun day at Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, accessible via the nearby Disney Skyliner.

Campfire Sing-Along with Chip & Dale

Location: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

For a free and unique character experience, head to the Campfire Sing-Along at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort! This evening activity features a campfire hosted by everyone’s favorite chipmunks, Chip and Dale. Guests can sing classic campfire songs, make s’mores (bring your own or buy a kit), and enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars.

Chip 'n' Dale Campfire

Credit: Disney

This is a fantastic way to relax and meet characters in a casual setting. Guests staying at Fort Wilderness will especially enjoy this charming experience without needing a dining reservation.

Why You’ll Love Disney Resort Character Experiences

Whether you’re meeting Mickey, dining with princesses, or sharing s’mores with Chip and Dale, Disney Resort character experiences are a fantastic way to enjoy the magic of Disney up close without needing a park ticket. Each resort location offers unique themes, delicious food, and, most importantly, unforgettable interactions with beloved characters.

Which of these character meals and experiences will be on your must-do list for your next Disney vacation?

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.