5 Fun-filled Disney World Character Dining Experiences That Don’t Require Theme Park Admission

October 9, 2017

Whether you’re looking for the perfect dining spot to set the tone on arrival day, still want to enjoy a character meal on your day away from the parks or aren’t visiting the theme parks but still want a bit of Disney magic, there are a handful of fantastic character dining experiences that don’t require theme park admission. So jot down your favourites and be sure to give one a try the next time you’re in the Disney World area.

1. Trattoria al Forno – Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: This restaurant is a relative newcomer to the character dining scene. Located on Disney’s Boardwalk, this hearty breakfast features much-loved dishes like buttermilk pancakes, frittata or my favourite-the breakfast calzone. However, the real draw here is the chance to meet two Disney couples: Rapunzel with Flynn Rider and Ariel with Prince Eric. Each of the characters makes their way around the restaurant while you dine to pose for photos and sign autographs. Breakfast is served from 7:300am – 11:00am . The cost is $34.99 per adult.

2. 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – This buffet restaurant is conveniently located on the monorail line and offers two different character dining options for breakfast and dinner. Guests dining in the morning will be treated to the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast. Characters in attendance are usually Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, as well as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. Breakfast items include custom-made omelettes, pancakes, Mickey Waffles, carved ham and so much more. Breakfast is served daily from 8:00am – 11:50am.

From 4:00pm – 9:00pm, the restaurant offers Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner where diners are made to feel like the honored guests of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Dinner buffet items include seafood, salad, carvery items, salads as well as a kid-friendly buffet for tiny travellers. Prince Charming and Cinderella make the rounds to meet guests before the party is crashed by Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella.

The cost to dine here is usually between $35- $59 per adult.

3. Cape May Cafe – Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort – This is a great option for guests of the Yacht and Beach Club as well as the Boardwalk Inn. Each morning Cape May offers Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast. The real draw here is getting to see Minnie, Mickey, Goofy and Donal dressed up in their colorful swimming costumes. Breakfast dishes on offer include waffles, french toast, omelettes and breakfast meats. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30am – 11:00am and will set guests around $35 per adult.

4. Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: One of our favorite breakfasts at Disney World, each morning Ohana plays host to the Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch. The food is served family style (with big skillets being brought to the table) including amazing items with a Hawaiian twist like Island-style friend potatoes, Hawaiian port sausages and Hawaiian-style ham topped with pineapple compote. And if that isn’t enough, guests are visited by Lilo, Hawaiian Mickey, Pluto and also have a chance to get photos with Stitch! Ohana is open for breakfast from 7:30am – 12:00pm daily and costs around $35 per adult.

5. Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort: One of the most popular character dining experiences at Walt Disney World, Chef Mickey’s is available for breakfast from 7:00am – 11:15am, brunch from 11:30am – 2:30pm and dinner from 5:00pm – 9:30pm. For breakfast, guests can expect a buffet filled with a nice mix of breakfast classics including Mickey Waffles and a speciality pancake of the day. The dinner buffet also offers much-loved fare like peel & eat shrimp, baked chicken, a carving station and mussels. However, what makes this restaurant so popular are the lively character interactions that you’ll get from Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy. Oh! and be sure to bring your dancing shoes. Prices range from $41 to $50 per adult.

Guests staying both on-site and off have the ability to book any of the amazing character dining spots on our list 180 days before you are due to arrive at Disney. Onsite guests are able to make all of their dining reservations at the start of the 180 day mark as a special resort perk whereas those staying offsite must make bookings 1 day at a time. Reservations can be made via My Disney Experience or by calling 407.WDW.DINE. All of the restaurants on our list are also 1 Table Service Dining Credit for those on the Disney Dining Plan.

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5 Fun-filled Disney World Character Dining Experiences That Don't Require Theme Park Admission 4

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