Are There any Buffet Character Dining Experiences at Disney World?

December 30, 2019

Dining with characters at the Walt Disney World Resort is a magical experience. There are both buffet character meals and table-service character meals. With several different buffet styles and characters to choose from, you can take your pick from your favorite character experiences and menu styles while saving a little meet-and-greet time in the parks while you’re at it.

Here is a list of the Buffet/Character experiences available at Walt Disney World Resort. (Character appearances and entertainment are subject to change.) Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) are highly recommended!

1900 Park Fare

Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Breakfast – Supercalifragilistic Breakfast. Join favorite Disney Friends for this fabulously festive, all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet! “Popp in” for custom-made omelets, fluffy mini pancakes, Mickey-shaped waffles, carved ham and more. Guests may meet such Disney Characters as:

Mary Poppins
Alice in Wonderland
The Mad Hatter
Tigger
Winnie the Pooh

Afternoon’s – Wonderland Tea Party. Disney Characters from Wonderland invite kids 4 to 12 years of age for an hour of games, stories, and cupcakes. To sip on, kids are given a special “tea” that tastes remarkably like apple juice. The pint-sized partygoers also get to decorate cupcakes with sprinkles and more, make a craft to take home with them and have their photos taken with their very merry hosts.

Dinner – Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. Enjoy an enchanting buffet dinner as the honored Guest of Cinderella and Prince Charming! The Princess’ storybook friends join in the festivities as you have a ball dining on delectable seafood, salad, pasta and beef specialties. The culinary selections are representative of several “kingdoms” from around the globe and include such kid-friendly fare as chicken, cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Located in the Norway Pavilion in Epcot. Akershus invites you to an unforgettable Storybook Dining experience inside a medieval castle with soaring archways and cathedral ceilings. Now open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner – Akershus is not only a great way to save time on Princess Meet and Greets but it also features Norwegian style cuisine for a unique dining option in Disney Parks.
Character appearances usually include: Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Aurora, Ariel and sometimes Jasmine or Mary Poppins. Don’t forget your autograph books!

Cape May Cafe

Located inside Disney’s Beach Club Resort just off Disney’s Boardwalk. What better way to spend a “day at the beach” than by enjoying an American style buffet with some of your favorite Disney Characters? Cape May Cafe offers a Beach Themed Character Breakfast with appearances by: Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Pluto. Crayons on the table let Guests of all ages draw on paper tablecloths, while they enjoy Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, seasoned potatoes, sausage, oatmeal and more. Please note: Disney Characters join Guests for breakfast only.

Extra Magic Tip: Although Cape May Cafe offers many delicious options, if you have a sweet tooth like mine; try topping your French Toast with some Caramelized Bananas! It’s a combination you won’t soon forget.

Chef Mickey’s

Located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Chef Mickey’s invites you to enjoy a lively, all-you-care-to-eat buffet with Disney Friends while the monorail whizzes by. Disney Characters mingle with Guests for photos and autographs and periodically lead meals in song and dance. Character appearances by: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy. Breakfast features such favorites as pancakes, Mickey waffles, French toast, fresh fruit, bacon and more, while Dinner offers roasted chicken, carved beef, pasta, savory sides and kids’ favorites like macaroni and cheese. After your meal guests of all ages will delight in the sundae bar, where you can customize your own decadent dessert!

The Crystal Palace

Located on Mainstreet U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom Park. The Crystal Palace serves up Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with an All-You-Care-to-Enjoy experience bountiful buffet featuring American favorites prepared before you in the onstage kitchen. Character Appearances: Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore.

Extra Magic Tips: Make a reservation before the park opens to get a jump start on your day with unforgettable character opportunities, an amazing breakfast, and avoid the Park-Opening Crowds by starting your day one step ahead of the rest!

Hollywood & Vine

Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood & Vine features a unique Character experience with your favorite Disney Junior Pals! Eat, play and dance along with character appearances by: Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and Roadster Goofy during this fun and engaging dining experience. This Breakfast buffet features favorites like Mickey waffles, frittatas, pastries and fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner are Minnie’s Seasonal Dining and features Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy. Lunch and dinner offerings include family entrees like roasted meats, pastas, and seasonal fish.

Trattoria Al Forno

Located at Disney’s Boardwalk, Trattoria Al Forno features the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast. Jump-start your morning with a hearty breakfast featuring beloved Characters from some of your favorite Disney fairytales. You may encounter such Characters as: Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider. Choose from a variety of plated breakfast entrées, which may include fluffy buttermilk pancakes, breakfast calzone, and a frittata.

Tusker House Restaurant

Located in ‘Africa’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Take an adventure with Donald and friends: Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy for Donald’s Dining Safari – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These all-you-care-to-enjoy meal buffets include traditional American fare, plus unique dishes with African influences. I consider the Tusker House Restaurant one of the best-kept secrets on Disney property when it comes to Character Dining, so if you can grab a reservation at this unique buffet this is certainly an experience that you won’t want to forget.

Extra Magic Tip: Make a reservation before the park opens to get a jump start on your day with unforgettable character opportunities, an amazing breakfast, and avoid the Park Opening crowds by starting your day one step ahead of the rest!
Be sure to check out Kilimanjaro Safaris after breakfast because the lines get long QUICKLY and the animals are more active during the early morning hours.

Regardless of the restaurant that you choose, you are sure to have a magical time as each of these restaurant locations offer a unique and fun dining experience all-their-own. Be sure not to forget your camera, autograph book, and pen! Also, contact me for help with planning and booking your next Disney vacation! I’m a travel agent with Amazing Magical Adventures and my services are complimentary.

Are There any Buffet Character Dining Experiences at Disney World? 2

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