Every Character Dining Disney World 2023 Experience Reviewed

Character Dining Disney World is a perfect way to make special memories on your Disney World vacation and provides the best way to meet a lot of Disney characters while avoiding lines that often form to meet characters in the Disney World theme parks.

Disney World Character meals give guests an opportunity to have one-on-one time with several Disney World character which makes it easy to get autographs and photos. If meeting Disney World characters is a top priority for you then this is a great way to meet a large variety of characters while you dine at some great restaurants. Every character dining option features a different theme and characters so it can be tricky trying to figure out which one is best suited for you.

Our guide has you covered on everything from what to expect, tips and tricks, average cost, and food options at each dining experience.

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Walt Disney World Character Dining In The Theme Parks

There are Disney World character dining options located inside the Walt Disney World theme parks and inside the hotels. Below is our list of the character dining options located inside the theme parks.

The Crystal Palace Character Dining

Where? Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

What do they serve? Breakfast buffet stations include an omelette station, breakfast meats and potatoes, pastries, and more. For lunch and dinner, you’ll find buffet stations offering salads, breads, soup, carved meats, desserts and more.

What characters are here? Winnie-the-Pooh characters

Who should go to this Disney World character dining meal?  This experience is perfect for those looking for an all-you-can-eat buffet at a decent price compared to some other character dining experiences, or for those families who love the Winnie-the-Pooh characters.

What costs are involved? Guests must have paid park admission to have access to The Crystal Palace. Breakfast is slightly less expensive than the other meals, but expect upwards of $20 for children and up to $50 for adults.

Any drawbacks? Families with older children may be less interested in the available characters.

Pro tip: Make your reservation towards the end of the breakfast period (just before 11:00 AM) so that you can sample both the breakfast and the lunch menus.

Read our full review of the Crystal Palace character dining in Magic Kingdom to see why this is one of the best character experiences in Magic Kingdom!

Hollywood & Vine Character Dining

Where? Hollywood & Vine, Disney's Hollywood Studios

What meals do they serve? Lunch and dinner

What do they serve? A variety of American style comfort foods. Typically this meal is a buffet but due to our unusual circumstances it's a pre-fix menu offering salads, soups, roasted meats, fish, sweets, and more.

What Disney World characters are here? Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and Goofy in seasonal costumes. For Halloween, you can expect a Halloween theme and for Christmas you will see them all in their holiday best- including Goofy in his Santa costume!

What costs are involved? Average of $35-$59.99 per person. You must also have park admission to Hollywood Studios.

Any drawbacks? This will be limited capacity and reservations will be hard to come by. Be sure to book your meal as soon as reservations open for you date!

Pro tip: Check the website as you’re planning your vacation, as there are several “Minnie’s Seasonal Dining” events throughout the year here with fun themes hosted by Minnie and her friends. These events include unique music, menu items, and décor, activities, and party gifts.

You can see our full review of the Hollywood and Vine character dining experience here.

Chip ‘n' Dale's Harvest Feast

Where? Future World inside Epcot

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

What do they serve?  Choices for breakfast include eggs, fruit, Mickey-shaped waffles, breakfast meats, and more. For lunch and dinner, you’ll find everything from home-style Pot Roast to salads to macaroni & cheese. There are also a variety of allergy-friendly choices here, and many of the veggies are grown right on site.

What characters are here? Chip ’n’ Dale and other classic Disney favorites, like Pluto and Mickey Mouse himself.

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal? Those with food allergies will appreciate the options here. This is also a good pick for those looking for fun ambiance, as the restaurant is set in a rotating room with views into the Living with the Land exhibit.

What costs are involved? Guests must have paid park admission to have access to The Garden Grill. On its own, expect to pay up to $60 for adults and around $20 for children.

Any drawbacks? The Garden Grill offers less variety than other buffets.

Pro tip: Check out the meal ahead of time to make sure that they’ll have something you love!

Cinderella’s Royal Table Character Dining

Currently, this character meal is not advertised as having characters present however Cinderella has been spotted from a distance waving to those that are dining. You can read our full review to see how it compares.

Where? Inside Cinderella Castle in Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom Park

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

What do they serve? Breakfast offers you many tasty options from Baked Quiche to Caramel Apple-stuffed French Toast to Shrimp and Grits. If you prefer a lunch or dinner meal, you’ll be treated to a grand, three-course meal including choices between Braised Pork Shank, Fish, Chicken, and more. Of course, kids meals are available too.

What Disney World characters are here? Classic Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, and Rapunzel

Who should go to this Disney World character dining meal? Anyone who is desiring a truly immersive experience, those seeking fine dining, and especially families with young princess-lovers will love this experience.

What costs are involved? Guests must have paid park admission to have access to Cinderella’s Royal Table. On it’s own, average over $60 per adult.

Any drawbacks? This is one of the most expensive character dining options.

Pro Tip: Each guests receives a complimentary photo with Cinderella.

Be Our Guest

Technically, this character meal has only offered the chance to meet Beast in the past but we still count it as a character meal.

Where? Inside Beast's Castle in Magic Kingdom Park.

What meals do they serve? Lunch and dinner

What do they serve? American and french cuisine from a pre-fix menu.

What Disney World characters are here? The Beast from Beauty and the Beast.

Who should go to this Disney World character dining meal? This meal has fine dining options, great food, and the inside of the castle is worth seeing for every Disney fan.

What costs are involved? Guests must have paid park admission to have access to Be Our Guest. On its own, costs average over $60 per adult.

Any drawbacks? This is one of the most expensive character dining options.

Pro Tip: Each area of the restaurant offers a different view of the castle. The area with Beast's room will change from light to dark as the rose petals fall. You can request what area you want to be in when you're seated, if available.

You can see our full review of our recent Our Guest experience here.

Tusker House Restaurant Character Dining

Where? Africa inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

What do they serve? This Harambe marketplace restaurant features both American and African fare in a buffet setting. For breakfast, enjoy choices such as frittata, Mickey Waffles, pastries, fruit chutneys, and beef bobotie. For lunch and dinner, pick from choices like spit-roasted chicken, peri peri salmon, curry chicken with basmati rice, and more.

What characters are here? Safari Donald Duck and his friends

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal? This is a great choice for those seeking a character dining experience but what a more unconventional menu.

What costs are involved? Guests must have paid park admission to have access to Tusker House Restaurant. Expect to pay up to $60 for adults and around $30 for children.

Any drawbacks? It’s been said that the desserts aren’t as desirable here. Additionally, the large space makes for less frequent interactions with the characters.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Character Dining

Where? The World Showcase inside Epcot

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

What do they serve? Both American and Norwegian fare is served here in buffet-style. For breakfast, find both eggs and sausage as well as Gjetost Cheese with Salami and more. For lunch and dinner find Chicken or Salmon as well as Tradisjonell Kjottkate and more.

What characters are here? Storybook Princesses including Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, and Ariel

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal?Families who love Disney Princesses will love this dining experience. Additionally, those looking for a more uncommon menu will enjoy the Norwegian options.

What costs are involved? Guests must have paid park admission to have access to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. By itself, expect to pay up to $60 for adults.

Any drawbacks? This is one of the more expensive character dining options.

Pro tip: You’ll receive a complimentary picture package, so make sure to take advantage! Additionally, this is a great opportunity for children to dress up, as they’ll be invited to take part in a parade around the dining room.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Character Dining

The below Disney World character dining options are located throughout the resort at many of the best Disney World hotels. You can see all of our pros and cons for every Disney World hotel here.

Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends

Where? Disney's Riviera Resort, EPCOT Resort Area

What meals do they serve? Breakfast

What do they serve? Breakfast begins with fresh pastries and bread. Your choice of entrées include: Quiche Gruyère with house-made pancetta, Sour Cream Waffle, Smoked Salmon, Two Eggs Any Style, and more.

What Disney World characters are here? Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in Parisian/European inspired outfits.

What costs are involved? Average of $35-$59.99 per person, no park admission required.

Any drawbacks? This is one of the more expensive character dining options since it's taking place in one of the more upscale resort restaurants.

Pro Tip: Don't miss the Disney interpretation of “Funiculi, Funicula” as the characters dance around the restaurant when the music plays which offers a little more interaction.

You can see our full review of Breakfast with Mickey character dining experience with COVID changes here.

Chef Mickey's

Where? Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the Magic Kingdom Resort area

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, brunch, and dinner

What do they serve? Breakfast buffet options include eggs, pancakes, breakfast meats, and more. Brunch includes many of the same breakfast offerings but with a few other options like shrimp and baked salmon. For dinner, you’ll find a variety of salads, a variety of meats and pastas, carving stations, and treats like bread pudding and a key lime tart.

What characters are here? Mickey and friends, such as Pluto, Donald Duck, Minnie, and Goofy. Each table will receive a special autographed souvenir card from Mickey and his friends.

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal? This is one of the most beloved character dining experiences of Walt Disney World. Families looking for a more classic character dining experience will love the chance to meet all the classic Disney characters. Those who are also looking for a unique setting will enjoy the fact that they’ll be dining surrounding by passing monorails.  Disney historians will also love the 90-foot-high mural done by famed Disney artist Mary Blair.

Any drawbacks? The food advertised as “family-friendly”, so it may seem less-than-gourmet.

What costs are involved? Average of $42 per adult and $27 per child

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals Character Dining

Where? Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

What meals do they serve? Breakfast

What do they serve? You’ll find a variety of traditional breakfast items in a delicious buffet, or take advantage of the made-to-order omelet station.

What characters are here? Goofy is the Master of Ceremonies here, but Mickey and Minnie frequent the area, too.

Who should go? Those staying at Four Seasons Resort Orlando will enjoy the convenience of this dining experience and its complimentary digital photo download. Additionally, because it’s a little removed from the parks, it’s a more relaxed experience.

Any drawbacks? This experience has a pretty specific schedule, only being offered on Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30-11:00 AM.

What costs are involved? This breakfast is $46 for adults and $24 for children.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting during a school break period, this experience is also available on Tuesdays!

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Where? Disney’s Fort Wilderness

What meals do they serve? Dinner

What do they serve? Frontier themed food such as fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, savory sides and strawberry shortcake.

What characters are here? Not specific characters but the Pioneer Hall Players and cast members.

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal? This frontier style show has been at Walt Disney World since it opened! Families that appreciate Disney history but anyone will enjoy this show as its lively and fun!

What costs are involved? Costs depend on your seating, the closer to the stage the more expensive the tickets ranging from $72-64 for adults and $43-$38 for kids.

Any drawbacks? Usually only available at dinner and doesn't offer specific Disney characters.

Pro tip: Don't forget to try the strawberry shortcake!

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Where? Disney's Wilderness Lodge

What meals do they serve? Dinner

What do they serve? Story-book themed options with shared appetizers called Hunter’s Terrine, Wild Mushroom Bisque and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. Pre fix menu with these entree options: Royal Prime Rib Roast, Brother’s Grimm Herbed Chicken, Magic Mirror’s Slow-braised Pork Shank, Beef Stroganoff and Bashful’s Butter Poached Sustainable Fish. And the vegetarian option: A Stroll Through Nature—featuring asparagus, leeks, arugula and gnocchi. Kids options include Royal Prime Rib Roast, Grilled Chicken or Princess Pasta.

Desserts include the “Poison” Apple, a dark chocolate-apple mousse, the Fairy Tale Gooseberry Tart and Miner’s Treasures.

What characters are here? Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and The Queen.

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal? Any Snow White fans will love this meal! The interactions between Snow White and the Queen are worth seeing and has gotten great reviews since it's returned.

What costs are involved? Expect to pay up to $60 for adults and around $35 for children.

Any drawbacks? Wilderness Lodge may not be as convenient as a character dining option in the parks but you will be able to use Disney transportation to get here.

‘Ohana Character Dining

Where? Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Magic Kingdom Resort area

What meals do they serve? Breakfast and dinner

What do they serve? For breakfast, enjoy a buffet of both American and Hawaiian fare from fruit to Pua’a (pork) to homemade pinapple-coconut bread. For dinner, enjoy a family-style meal with choices like pork dumplings, a variety of skewers, noodles and vegetables, and of course, dessert.

What characters are here? Lilo, Stitch, and their friends are available at breakfast only.

Who should go?  Families who love the theming and eats of the Polynesian Village will enjoy dining at ‘Ohana. Although characters aren’t available during dinner, families looking for a more interactive experience for their children will still love it, as entertainment includes everything from coconut races to hula dancing to storytelling and more.

What costs are involved? Expect to pay around $50 for adults and around $30 for children.

Any drawbacks? If you’re looking for a more relaxed or sophisticated dining experience, you may want to look somewhere else as the games and activities can make the environment quite noisy. Characters are only available during breakfast and brunch.

Pro tip: If you want to upgrade your experience to include a “My Storybook Moment” at breakfast, children will find a friendship tote waiting for them at the table containing a Stitch plush doll, a ukulele, and a Lilo & Stitch keepsake that the characters themselves can sign.

Cape May Café Character Dining

Where? Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Epcot area

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, brunch, and dinner

What do they serve? For the breakfast buffet, enjoy everything from breakfast meats and breads to pastries, cheeses, and more. The brunch menu is the same, but offers a choice of alcoholic beverages for an added fee. Enjoy a seafood buffet at dinner with sides like breads, soups, salads, cheeses, and plenty of favorites for children to enjoy. There are also many options for those who do not enjoy seafood.

What characters are here? Characters are only available for breakfast and brunch, so make sure you make a reservation for early in the day. You’ll find Minnie with some of her friends like Goofy, Donald, and Chip ‘n' Dale.

Who should go to this Walt Disney World character dining meal? This is a less popular character dining spot, but the food is still excellent, so those who are wanting a less crowded experience with more one-on-one time with the characters will enjoy this. Also, it’s a do-not-miss for those looking for some good seafood.

Any drawbacks? Characters are only available during breakfast and brunch.

What costs are involved?  Expect to pay around $35 for adults for character dining, and about $20 for children.

Pro tip: This is also the only place you can enjoy Oreo bonbons, one of Disney World’s most famous dishes (only available during dinner).

Walt Disney World Character Dining Currently Suspended

The options below are currently suspended until further notice, we expect to see more character dining return over time so keep checking back for recent updates. 

1900 Park Fare Character Dining

Where? Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Resort Area

What meals do they serve? Breakfast, brunch, and dinner

What do they serve? Enjoy a breakfast buffet with options such as fresh fruit and breads, a carving station, made to order omelets, and more. During the dinner buffet, enjoy fresh salads, a carving station, and other dishes from Fried Sustainable Mississippi Catfish to Floridian Strawberry Soup. During afternoon tea, enjoy various brunch dishes, salads, omelets, fruit, breads, and sweets like bread pudding and chocolate mousse.

What characters are here?  Classic Disney characters like Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie-the-Pooh

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal? The variety of classic Disney characters will appeal to families with children of different ages, even adults! Those families who can’t decide between breakfast and lunch will enjoy the brunch option, too.

Any drawbacks? The restaurant itself isn’t that excitingly decorated. It’s not as themed as some of the other character dining choices.

What costs are involved? Expect to pay around $25 for children and around $50 for adults for the meal.

Pro tip: This is one of the most popular character dining experiences, so make your reservations early! If you love the movie Cinderella, be sure to make your reservation for dinner so that you can experience “Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner” and meet all the characters from the beloved film. Also, children 4-12 can join in the Wonderland Tea Party every afternoon for games, stories, and cupcakes.

Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea Character Dining

Where? Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

What meals do they serve? Tea Party

What do they serve? Children will enjoy apple juice “tea”, fruit, sandwiches, and cake. Adults will enjoy tea, cheeses, fruit, sandwiches, and various salads.

What characters are here? Each tea party will feature a visit from one classic Disney Princess

Who should go to this character dining Disney World meal? Your favorite little princess! Admission includes one child and one adult, but you can add on additional people if you have more children that want to attend for a fee. This is a great pick for those looking for more than just a dining experience, as this includes music, dancing, storytelling, gifts, keepsakes, and more. Children must be accompanied by a parent.

What costs are involved? The Tea Party is $333.64, which includes admission for one adult and one child. Admission for infants is free, but it does not include food or gifts.

Any drawbacks? This is said to be a phenomenal experience, but it is fairly expensive, especially if you have more than one child attending.

Pro tip: Dressing up is encouraged!

Trattoria al Forno Character Dining

Where? Disney’s Boardwalk Walt Disney World Resort

What meals do they serve? Breakfast and dinner

What do they serve? Breakfast allows you to choose one starter and one entree, with choices such as eggs, pancakes, and more. Dinner offers a variety of delicious Italian fare, from the Pesce con Ravioli to the Lasagna al Forno to the Oak-grilled Strip Steak.

What characters are here? Characters are only available during breakfast. You’ll meet characters like Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapuzel, and Flynn Rider.

Who should go? This restaurant isn’t a buffet and is quite sophisticated, so this is a good choice for someone looking for a more upscale experience. This also one of the only dining experiences where you’ll find princes with their princesses, which is quite rare in the park.

What costs are involved? Breakfast will cost $34 for adults and $20 for children. For dinner, you’ll expect to pay around $11 for appetizers, around $19 for pizza, and up to $38 for main courses.

Pro tip: Take advantage of the Adventure Journal that you’ll find on your table that you can use to get autographs from your favorite characters.

5 Tips To Make the Most of Your Disney World Character Dining Experience

Want to make the most of the time you have with your favorite character? Keep reading for top memory-making tips!

1. Communicate with your waiter. Celebrating a birthday or another occasion? Need a drink refill? Have allergy concerns? Take advantage of Disney's amazing customer service by communicating with your waiter for an extra-special experience.
2. Bring your autograph book. Besides the few experiences that provide materials for the characters to autograph, it will be up to you to bring your own autograph books. These can be purchased throughout the park, but you can also find many cheaper options online before you leave. A book filled with various signatures and notes may be your most prized souvenir from your trip!
3. Be flexible. There is no guarantee that you will see any specific character during your dining experience. The one exception to this is when a dining experience is named after a specific character, in which case that character will always be there. Besides these few instances, it's best to not get your heart set on any one Disney Princess, any one Winnie-the-Pooh character, etc. Go into the experience with a flexible attitude, and make the most of the characters you do see!
4. Be respectful of the character's time. Remember that everyone is at the restaurant for the exact same reason that you are: to meet their favorite characters! If you miss your chance, the character will need to move on to spend time with another family. Because of this, it's important to be aware during your experience. If you see a character heading in your direction, it is best to wait to use the restroom or to take another buffet trip until after you've met with them. Have your autograph books and cameras ready. Plan ahead for the most quality time with your favorite character.
5. Dress up! This is the perfect opportunity for your children to put on their favorite Disney costume, especially if it's likely that they'll be meeting that exact character during dinner. This makes for especially fun pictures! Just remember that those over the age of 14 are not allowed to dress up.

Plan Your Disney World Vacation

There are so many aspects of your Disney World vacation that require planning. Dive into our other planning articles for the best Disney World planning tips.

1. Every Disney World Hotel Pros and Cons
2. Discount Disney World Tickets
3. How to Use Disney World Uber + Lyft
4. Get the latest Disney World deals with our newsletter!

To learn about other available restaurants or to make a reservation, visit Walt Disney World's official website.