Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is an adventure filled with magic, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Among the most cherished experiences is meeting beloved Disney characters up close. To make the most of these magical encounters, dining at the best restaurants to meet characters at Walt Disney World is a must. Here, we explore the top spots for character dining, from the lesser-known gems to the most popular hotspots, ensuring your Disney vacation is nothing short of enchanting.
Trattoria al Forno
Starting our journey with one of the more intimate and lesser-known character dining experiences, Trattoria al Forno, located at Disney’s BoardWalk, offers a delightful breakfast with some of your favorite characters. Known as the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast, this charming eatery allows guests to meet beloved characters like Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider. The menu is filled with delicious Italian-inspired breakfast dishes, making it a perfect way to start your day. The setting, reminiscent of an Italian seaside village, adds to the enchanting atmosphere, making every moment here truly special.
Trattoria al Forno is particularly appealing for those seeking a more relaxed and less crowded character dining experience. The intimate setting means more personal interactions with the characters, which is perfect for capturing memorable photos and creating magical moments. The menu includes options like the Royale Breakfast with steak, eggs, and cheesy-egg torte, as well as the Tangled Eggs with fresh mozzarella and tomato-basil scrambled eggs. This variety ensures that there is something to satisfy everyone’s palate.
Garden Grill Restaurant
Next on our list is the Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT, a rotating restaurant that offers a unique character dining experience. Situated in The Land pavilion, this restaurant features a harvest-inspired menu with fresh ingredients grown right within EPCOT. While you enjoy your meal, classic characters like Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale make their rounds, greeting guests and posing for photos. The rotating dining area offers changing views of the Living with the Land attraction below, making it a truly immersive experience that combines great food with Disney magic.
The Garden Grill Restaurant provides a farm-to-table dining experience with a menu that includes roasted turkey breast, grilled beef with chimichurri, and a variety of fresh vegetables. The character interactions here are frequent and engaging, ensuring that every guest has plenty of opportunities to meet and take pictures with Mickey and his friends. The rotating aspect of the restaurant adds an extra layer of fun, as you get to see different scenes from the Living with the Land ride, making the dining experience even more unique.
Hollywood & Vine
Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another fantastic spot for character dining. Offering seasonal dining events, this restaurant allows guests to meet popular Disney Junior characters during breakfast and beloved Disney characters like Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy during lunch and dinner. Themed meals change with the seasons, adding a festive touch to your dining experience. From a springtime celebration to a Halloween feast, each visit to Hollywood & Vine promises something new and exciting.
The seasonal themes at Hollywood & Vine make it a unique dining destination throughout the year. During Halloween, guests can enjoy Minnie’s Halloween Dine, featuring the characters in festive costumes. At Christmas, Minnie’s Holiday Dine brings a cheerful, festive atmosphere to the restaurant. The menu features a variety of American cuisine, including carved meats, seasonal vegetables, and a selection of desserts. The ever-changing themes and decorations keep the experience fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
Tusker House Restaurant
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House Restaurant provides a safari-themed character dining experience that’s sure to delight. Set in the bustling Harambe Marketplace, this restaurant offers a buffet of African-inspired dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. As you dine, Safari Donald and his friends – including Mickey, Goofy, and Daisy – make their way around the restaurant, dressed in their safari gear. The lively atmosphere and delicious food make Tusker House a favorite among many Disney guests.
Tusker House’s buffet includes a wide range of options, from traditional African flavors to more familiar American dishes. Guests can enjoy favorites like peri-peri marinated salmon, beef bobotie, and Cape Malay curry chicken. There are also plenty of kid-friendly options like mac and cheese, corn dog nuggets, and a selection of desserts. The vibrant, colorful décor and the lively character interactions make Tusker House a fun and engaging dining experience for guests of all ages.
1900 Park Fare
For a touch of elegance and a dash of whimsy, 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a must-visit. This enchanting restaurant offers a Supercalifragilistic Breakfast featuring characters like Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, and Winnie the Pooh. In the evening, the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner provides an opportunity to meet Cinderella, Prince Charming, and other characters from the fairytale. The Victorian-themed setting and delectable buffet make dining at 1900 Park Fare a truly royal experience.
The breakfast at 1900 Park Fare includes a wide array of options, from classic American breakfast items to unique offerings like strawberry soup. The dinner menu is equally impressive, with carved meats, pasta, and a variety of international dishes. The character interactions are always a highlight, with the quirky Mad Hatter providing plenty of entertainment during breakfast and the elegant Cinderella and Prince Charming adding a touch of magic to the dinner service. The Victorian décor and grand setting of the restaurant enhance the overall experience, making it a memorable dining destination.
Crystal Palace
Moving to the heart of Magic Kingdom, the Crystal Palace is a beautifully themed restaurant that offers a whimsical character dining experience with Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. The Victorian greenhouse-inspired design, combined with a bountiful buffet, creates a charming atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with characters like Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore, making it a delightful dining spot for fans of these beloved characters.
The Crystal Palace’s buffet includes a variety of options to suit all tastes, from Mickey-shaped waffles at breakfast to carved meats and a selection of desserts at dinner. The light and airy design of the restaurant, with its large windows and beautiful garden views, adds to the pleasant dining experience. The character interactions are frequent and friendly, with Pooh and his friends making sure to visit each table for hugs, autographs, and photos. The charming setting and delightful characters make the Crystal Palace a favorite for many Disney visitors.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in the Norway pavilion at EPCOT, offers a regal dining experience fit for a princess. This medieval castle-inspired restaurant hosts the Princess Storybook Dining, where guests can meet a variety of Disney Princesses, including Belle, Ariel, Aurora, and Snow White. The menu features Norwegian-inspired dishes, and the royal setting adds an extra layer of enchantment to your meal. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in a fairytale dining experience.
The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall provides a unique dining experience with a touch of Norwegian culture which is the perfect addition to your day of drinking around the world at EPCOT. The breakfast menu includes traditional American items like scrambled eggs and bacon, as well as Norwegian specialties like smoked salmon and Jarlsberg cheese. The lunch and dinner menus offer dishes such as Norwegian meatballs, salmon, and a selection of salads and desserts. The medieval castle décor, complete with banners and stone archways, enhances the fairytale atmosphere. The princesses, dressed in their finest gowns, make their way around the restaurant, providing guests with unforgettable interactions.
Chef Mickey’s
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic character dining experiences at Walt Disney World. This lively buffet-style restaurant allows guests to dine with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto in a festive atmosphere. The monorail passing overhead adds a touch of magic to the setting, making it a popular choice for families. From the extensive breakfast buffet to the delightful dinner options, Chef Mickey’s ensures a fun-filled meal with some of Disney’s most beloved characters.
The buffet at Chef Mickey’s includes a wide variety of options, from classic breakfast items like pancakes and omelets to dinner favorites like roast beef and mashed potatoes. The festive atmosphere, with its bright colors and cheerful music, sets the stage for an enjoyable dining experience. The character interactions are plentiful, with Mickey and his friends stopping by each table for photos, hugs, and autographs. The location within the Contemporary Resort, with the monorail passing through, adds to the unique charm of this dining destination.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Finally, the pinnacle of character dining experiences at Walt Disney World is Cinderella’s Royal Table, located inside the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. This enchanting restaurant offers a truly royal dining experience with Cinderella and her princess friends and is the perfect ending to a day of riding the best attractions at Magic Kingdom. The stunning setting within the castle, combined with a delectable menu, makes it a sought-after reservation. Guests are treated to a regal feast while being visited by princesses like Ariel, Aurora, and Snow White. The grandeur of the castle and the chance to dine with royalty make Cinderella’s Royal Table a must-do for any Disney fan.
The menu at Cinderella’s Royal Table features a variety of gourmet options, from roasted chicken and beef tenderloin to an assortment of delectable desserts. The opulent décor, with its stained glass windows and elegant chandeliers, creates a truly magical atmosphere. The character interactions are a highlight, with each princess taking the time to visit each table, making every guest feel like royalty. The experience of dining within Cinderella Castle, combined with the chance to meet some of Disney’s most beloved princesses, makes Cinderella’s Royal Table an unforgettable dining experience.
In conclusion, the best restaurants to meet characters at Walt Disney World offer a magical blend of delicious food and enchanting encounters. From the intimate charm of Trattoria al Forno to the grandeur of Cinderella’s Royal Table, each dining spot
