What Characters Will I Find At Each Disney World Character Dining Experience?

When it comes to finding that perfect character dining experience at Walt Disney World, cuisine can absolutely be a deciding factor, but more than likely you’re trying to find a way for your kids to meet some of their favorite characters, pose for pictures and acquire signatures for their coveted autograph books.  If this is the case, knowing what characters usually make an appearance at each character dining meal is a great way of narrowing in on the dining options that are a “must-do” for your family.  Over the past few weeks, Disney World has announced a few changes to the characters you’ll find at these must-do meals. To get you up to speed, we’ve compiled a list for you of the characters you can expect to find at each location.

Magic Kingdom: 

Crystal Palace –  This lovely buffet features your favorite friends from Hundred Acre Wood including: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet,  Tigger and Eeyore an is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cinderella’s Royal Table – There’s a rotating cast of Princesses on hand.  You’ll usually find Cinderella (who poses for photos at the entrance), Aurora, Snow White, and Ariel.  Jasmine has also been known to make an appearance and occasionally Belle.  You can make reservations for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Be Our Guest – The Beast is on hand for dinner only (Breakfast and Lunch are considered Quick Service and don’t feature characters.)  It should also be noted that The Beast does not visit each table individually like other character dining experiences.  Instead, he enters each dining room, gives a regal wave and then goes to a separate room for a photo op.

Epcot: 

Garden Grill – This fabulous rotating restaurant is in The Land Pavilion, with classic dishes served family style.  While you slowly rotate,  you’re visited by a few classic Disney friends including Chip, Dale, Pluto and Mickey (dressed in his farmer garb!) The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall  –  A nice alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table, Princesses are also on hand during this dining experience.  You’ll usually find Belle, Aurora, Snow White, Cinderella and Ariel.   This Norwegian-inspired restaurant offers hearty breakfasts as well as tasty lunch and dinner offerings.

Animal Kingdom:

Tusker House – One of my favorite character dining options at Disney, this buffet features amazing world cuisine and guests are visited by Safari Mickey, Daisy, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.  The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hollywood Studios:  Both character dining options at Hollywood Studios take place at Hollywood and Vine.  Each meal offers a buffet with a wide range of classic options. Here’s a rundown of who you’ll meet at both experiences:

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine –  NEW CHANGES! – Fans of Mickey and the Roadster Racers will be delighted to know that as of earlier this month Roadster Goofy is now on hand to greet guests at this Disney Junior themed breakfast.  He is replacing Handy Manny and joins other characters such as Sofia the First, Jake and Doc McStuffins.

 

Minnie’s Seasonal Dine – For dinner guests get to meet Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy and Mickey dressed in their favorite outfits of the season!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – This Disney Deluxe Resort offers two character dining experiences at its 1900 Park Fare restaurant. Both are buffet and the experiences are as follows:

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast – This breakfast offering features a rotating cast of Disney characters which may include Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.

Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner – The stars of this suppertime character dining experience are Cinderella and Prince Charming before the event gets crashed by Lady Tremaine (the Evil Stepmother) as well as Anastasia and Drizella (Evil Stepsisters).  Fairy Godmother has also been known to occasionally make an appearance.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Character dining here takes place at the restaurant Ohana for breakfast only.

Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch – Guests dine on breakfast classics with a tropical twist while being visited by Lilo, Stitch, Hawaiian Mickey, and Pluto.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort: 

Chef Mickey’s – This all-you-can-eat buffet is located in the beautiful atrium of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Reservations can be made for breakfast, lunch or dinner and guests are visited by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck and Goofy.

For more information on Chef Mickey’s check out this article.

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort: There is a character dining experience at the Yacht and Beach Club’s Cape May Cafe for breakfast only. Here are the details.

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast – NEW CHANGES! Guests at this ever popular character dining experience are in for a real treat as Disney recently added Minnie’s BFF to the breakfast line-up.  Daisy Duck will now be on hand to visit your table as you dine on much-loved Disney breakfast classics like Mickey Waffles, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, fruit and more! Other characters include Minnie (of course) as well as Donald and Goofy!

 

 

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: Trattoria al Forno located on Disney’s Boardwalk is the newest restaurant to offer character dining (for breakfast only).

Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast – This hearty breakfast features amazing dishes like buttermilk pancakes, frittata and my favorite the breakfast calzone.  You’ll also get a chance to mingle with two of your favorite Disney couples: Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and Ariel and Prince Eric.

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground –  Disney’s beloved campground offers a premium dining experience which is technically considered a Dinner Show with characters.  Here are the details:

Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue – This open-air dining experience features dancing, barbecue and a chance to meet Mickey and pals.  On hand will be Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale.

Those planning a Disney vacation should note that character dining experiences at Disney World are extremely popular.  It is strongly advised that you make your booking as early as possible.  Reservations open up 180 days before the start of your Disney package.  Dining reservations can be made via My Disney Experience, by calling 407.WDW.DINE or by contacting your travel agent.

All characters listed above are subject to change.

Thinking about a visit to Disney? There are still terrific 2018 packages to be had!  Follow the steps to fill out our form and get your FREE quote.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote! 

Thinking about a visit to Disney? Packages are currently available to book through until the end of 2018.  Click here or send an email for your FREE no obligation quote.

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I also love sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks.  Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025  via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com  or follow along on Facebook.

Image copyright Disney.

 

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.