Disney World character dining is a quintessential part of going to Disney World. Who doesn't want to enjoy a meal with your favorite Disney character waltzing around? Ok, well maybe some people, but still it's a popular option for most Disney enthusiasts. With so many options, choosing the right experience can be tricky. This guide covers an overview of your options and choosing the best restaurant for you and your family, but join our community to read more reviews and share your favorite Disney World Character dining experience with the community!
Disney World character dining is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to create lasting memories with your favorite characters and for my family, these meals really have created lasting memories that they still fondly discuss and look back on with excitement and joy.
Imagine having breakfast with Mickey Mouse or dining with royalty like Snow White. Character dining offers immersive experiences, autographs, and photos, all while enjoying a tasty breakfast or dinner menu.
Disney World character dining is extremely popular, so as with most things at Disney World, advance planning is essential for a magical dining experience.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for popular spots like Storybook Dining at Artist Point. If you are staying in a Disney resort you can book dining reservations up to 60 days in advance via the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app.
Consider your must-see characters, budget, and park schedule when making reservations. Booking during off-peak hours, such as a late lunch, may improve your chances of securing a table. We like to start discussing what characters we want to see and what experiences are important to us a few months before our trip so that I have a good idea of options before the 60-day reservation mark.
The perfect Disney World character dining experience depends on your group. From princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall to the Evil Queen at Story Book Dining, the parks and resort hotels offer diverse options.
Review menus, recent reviews, and consider your travel time between the park and resort hotels. Many dining options are geared towards kids and provide unique experiences.
Consider these top Disney World character dining options when planning your trip:
Located in the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Royal Table offers the ultimate princess dining experience. Dine in a fairytale castle, savor a prix fixe menu (featuring Filet Mignon and Catch of the Day), and meet beloved Disney princesses. The cost is between $62-75 per adult.
Found in the Norway pavilion at EPCOT, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall provides Norwegian-inspired cuisine and princess meet-and-greets. This stunning setting offers family-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Norwegian favorites.
This table provides a summary of character dining choices, locations, and approximate costs. Prices are subject to change, and some locations accept the Disney Dining Plan.
| Restaurant | Location | Meal Type | Characters (May Vary) | Price Range (Adults) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinderella's Royal Table | Magic Kingdom | Prix fixe | Cinderella and other princesses | $62-75 |
| Akershus Royal Banquet Hall | EPCOT (Norway) | Family-style | Several princesses | Check current prices |
| Chef Mickey’s | Disney's Contemporary Resort | Buffet | Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto | $42-55 |
| Storybook Dining at Artist Point | Disney's Wilderness Lodge | Prix fixe | Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, Evil Queen | $60+ |
| Tusker House Restaurant | Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park | Buffet; Family-style | Donald Duck and friends | $35-59.99 |
| Garden Grill Restaurant | EPCOT | Rotating Family-style | Mickey Mouse and friends | $55 - $74 |
| Hollywood & Vine | Disney's Hollywood Studios | Buffet; Prix fixe | Minnie Mouse, and Disney friends, plus seasonal dinner options | $35-59.99 |
| Crystal Palace | Magic Kingdom | Buffet | Winnie the Pooh and friends | $38-59 |
Disney character dining requires planning, but it’s worthwhile for the special memories. Research different options like the dinner or breakfast buffet choices to make your vacation extra special. These are not counter service locations, but true, quality, experiences.
Our meal at Artist Point's Story Book Dining was a highlight of our trip. While we had a reservation for our dinner, we still had to wait quite a long time to be seated, but it was worth the wait. The food was creative, beautifully themed and delicious. The characters were fantastic and there was entertainment throughout the dinner. I can't recommend this experience enough. We even enjoyed the boat ride to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which made the meal that much more special and memorable.
From your first character meal to a family tradition, character dining creates cherished memories. Ok, so now your turn: join the community to share your favorite Disney World Character Dining or ask questions of the community. Apply here.