What would a trip to Walt Disney World be without meeting the Mouse himself? Luckily for visitors, there is an abundance of opportunities to cozy up to Mickey Mouse and pals across each of the four theme parks and resorts. Whether its a meet and greet or character dining experience, each offers something distinctive and unique. For those planning out their Disney days here are our 8 favorite Mouse encounters.
1) Sorcerer Mickey – Hollywood Studios: With a tip of the hat to the Hollywood of days gone by, Mickey and Minnie both appear in Red Carpet Dreams, a meet and greet where they re-create some of their favorite Tinseltown moments. Here you’ll find Mickey dressed up as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia, making for a delightful photo op. Minnie also looks ravishing in her throwback to classic Hollywood glamour. You’ll find both characters across the street from ABC Commissary. They’ll be on hand to welcome guests at Hollywood Studios between 9am and 8pm with breaks scheduled at regular intervals.
2) Chef Mickey’s- Disney’s Contemporary Resort: One of my Disney must-dos is a trip to the Contemporary Resort to enjoy a breakfast at Chef Mickey’s. One of Disney’s most-popular character dining experiences, here guests can enjoy classic American cuisine from Mickey Waffles at breakfast, BBQ Ribs at brunch to carvery items for dinner. But the best part of the meal is that guests get to mingle with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy who are bound to put a smile on your face with their singing and dancing shenanigans. Prices range from $39- $59 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit for those on the meal plan. Dining at Chef Mickey’s books up fast so making advanced dining reservations early is essential. Reservations can be made via My Disney Experience or by calling 407.WDW.DINE.
3) Chase Disney Visa Card Character Meet and Greet – Epcot: One of the many perks Disney Visa cardholders get is the opportunity to have an exclusive meet and greet with Mickey and one of his pals. Located at the patio of the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot, guests showing up must present a valid Chase Disney Visa card to enter. Here you’ll meet Mickey and one of his cohorts (usually Minnie, Pluto or Goofy). The main perk of this exclusive offering is that lines tend to be significantly shorter than at other meet and greets at Walt Disney World Resort. The meet and greet runs from 1:00- 7:00pm daily. Visitors can avoid having to wait in line by visiting a bit later in the day. A PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to capture the moment.
4) Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Another fantastic character dining experience. Have breakfast at Ohana and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a tropical island. The food is a delightful mix of American classics and dishes with a Polynesian flare (try the Tonga Toast) but what really makes this meal stand out is the characters. Guests will be greeted by Lilo, Stitch, Pluto and Hawaiian Mickey. So don your leis and join Mickey in a morning conga line that is bound to get you energized for a day at the park. Breakfast at Ohana is one of the most popular character dining experiences at Disney World and will set guests back $34.99 – $54.99 per adult or 1 table service credit. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance via My Disney Experience or by calling Disney at 407.WDW.DINE.
5) Tusker House – Animal Kingdom: Located in the middle of the bustling Harambe Marketplace, Tusker House is home to Safari Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Minnie and Mickey, who take time out from adventuring to stop by your table and pose for pictures and sign autographs. Their safari-themed costumes make for fantastic photo ops and the all you can eat buffet at Tusker House delights with its combination of American classics as well as dishes from exotic locations like Africa and the Far East. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s ample opportunity to meet the characters making it a slightly easier dining reservation to book. That being said, spots can fill up so the earlier you make your reservation the better. The cost of dining at Tusker House is $34.99 -$53.99 per adult. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance via My Disney Experience or by calling Disney at 407.WDW.DINE.
6) Meet Mickey – Magic Kingdom. The official name for this meet and greet is “Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater.” Guests get to venture backstage to Mickey’s dressing room. Meeting Mickey at the Magic Kingdom definitely one of those pixie dust moments that your family won’t soon forget. PhotoPass photographers will also be on hand to capture the Magic. Because of its location near the front of the Magic Kingdom, this meet and greet can have long lines. I recommend either lining up first thing in the morning when other guests are making a mad dash to Fantasyland or a bit later in the day as crowds start to taper off. You can also use a FastPass if this is high on your Magic Kingdom must-do list. Mickey is usually available to meet from park opening to close. Guest should also note the in Disney days gone by, Mickey at this location would talk. However, recent visitors are now reporting that Mickey has been a little quiet as of late. We aren’t sure as of yet if this change is permanent but we suggest you follow along with our sister site Chip and Co. for the latest updates!
7) Minnie’s Seasonal Dining -Hollywood & Vine-Hollywood Studios – This is a not-to-be-missed character dining experience for fans of the Mickey and friends. Minnie’s Seasonal Dine features a nice buffet that mixes up its dishes depending on the season. But that’s not the only thing that changes each quarter – so does Minnie and crew’s fabulous outfits. Guests are visited by Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Daisy and Donald all dressed up in their Spring, Summer Winter or Fall finery which makes for some really fantastic photo ops. Dining here for dinner is definitely on the pricier side and costs up to $60 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining credit. Reservations are essential at the 180-day mark and can be made online or by calling 407.WDW.DINE.
8) Mickey’s Backyard BBQ – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground- This open-air dining experience gives guests a chance to saddle up next to some of their favorite Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale while enjoying an all-you-can eat BBQ feast. Foodies can indulge in BBQ classics like ribs, hamburgers and corn on the cob. Bring your dancing shoes and join your Disney friends for a boogie to the in-house Country Western Band. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ will set visitors back around $35-59.00 per person or 2 Table Service credits. Reservations can be made at 180 days at 1.407.WDW.DINE.
If you are Disney bound in the weeks or months ahead, Remember that it was all started by a Mouse and take time to say hello to Mickey!
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