There are a ton of toadally awesome reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. You're right there on property, close to the parks and fully immersed in the Disney magic the whole time you are visiting! (Plus, enjoy hoppin' hotel deals from Undercover Tourist). You know we frogs are all about the pool, a deciding factor for us. But another primary consideration is the dining options, especially when characters are involved.
We love character dining experiences. It gives you an opportunity to rest those frog legs and fuel up for even more park time! But the best part (aside from the amazing food, of course) is that you get to meet your favorite characters, often in exclusive outfits! In our humble frogpinion, these character experiences at the Disney World Resort hotels are every bit as special as those in the theme parks.
You don't have to be staying at the host resort to hop over for a meal. Plus, exploring the character dining options at the resort hotels gives you an excuse to discover new resorts. Prepare to be wowed by magical touches, mouth-watering food and memorable interactions with your favorite Disney characters. Let's dig in!
The Dish on Character Dining at Disney World Hotels
If meeting favorite Disney pals is a priority on your list, character dining is a great way to check that box. With several convenient, delicious options for character dining at Disney World hotels, character dining is an excellent way to get that character interaction, get to know new resorts and rest up while you fill up.
There are a couple of important things to note when considering character dining at a Disney World hotel. Some character dining options are only available for certain mealtimes, so you'll want to plan (and reserve) accordingly. You can make Advance Dining Reservations for character dining at a Disney World hotel 60 days in advance — we recommend hopping on it as soon as you're able! When it comes to pricing, the prices listed in this post are subject to change and do not include tax or gratuity. Tadpoles ages 2 and under dine free, and "child" dining prices are for kiddos ages 3 to 9, unless noted otherwise.
Resorts can be accessed by Disney transportation or car. You can get to all Disney resorts via Disney busses or by your own car (and usually Uber/Lyft drop offs), while some can also be accessed by boats, monorails or the Disney Skyliner. If planning on parking, be ready to show your reservation on your phone to the parking attendant, along with a photo ID. Typically, a hotel or dining reservation is required to park.
Keep in mind that most character dining experiences will not have a PhotoPass photographer available (A select few may have a photographer designated for one character during your meal, but not for additional characters). Be sure to have your camera or phone at the ready so you're prepared to capture the fun in any case. Cast members are usually nearby to help take photos on your phone as well.
Breakfast à la Art with Mickey and Friends — Topolino's Terrace, Disney's Riviera Resort
Walt Disney World's newest resort, Disney's Riviera Resort, is modeled after the European Riviera, with grand architecture and beautiful decor, including its very own art collection. The resort's signature rooftop restaurant, Topolino's Terrace, offers character dining with inspiration from the arts — Breakfast à la Art with Mickey and Friends! The restaurant, named for the Italian name for Mickey Mouse, offers breathtaking views, including a peek at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
More adorable views come your way when Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy appear as artists dedicated to their craft ... outfit and accessories included! Join Mickey the painter, Minnie the poet, Donald the sculptor and Daisy the ballerina for a special breakfast, with a prix fixe menu featuring dishes even the tadpoles will approve. Savor quiche gruyere, sour cream waffles, eggs, smoked salmon and more!
Breakfast à la Art with Mickey and Friends costs $49 per adult and $30 per child. The beautiful location, top tier character interactions and delicious food makes this one of our favorites — see our frog family review for more details. Bon appétit!
Disney's Rivera Resort is accessible by bus service, and reserved parking is available for dining guests. For an extra magical entrance, you can glide into your breakfast reservation in a character-themed gondola on Disney's Skyliner transportation system. Don't froget to stop and admire the gorgeous mosaics in the resort's Skyliner hub!
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Enter an enchanted forest, with twinkling lights amid a canopy of trees at one end, and a spectacular view of a babbling brook at another. At Storybook Dining at Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, you truly enter Snow White's story. Feast on a prix fixe dinner menu of culinary specialties while Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy come for a visit. The Queen lurks nearby, too, if you're brave enough to ask for a photo!
Disney's Wilderness Lodge is reminiscent of the turn-of-the-century National parks lodges, making it the perfect rustic-yet-enchanting setting to meet Snow White. The offerings and presentation are a little more upscale at Artist Point, which we loved. Classic dishes are given a fairytale spin with options like Hunter's Pie, Brother's Grimm Herb Chicken, A Stroll Through Nature and more. Enjoy shared appetizers and desserts at this whimsical location, some of which are served on your table's own twinkling tree.
We loved getting time with rarer characters such as Grumpy and Dopey, but don't froget about The Queen! She is as regal as you'd expect, and had Leap in stitches. For kiddos who may be a little leery of her (and we don't blame them!), The Queen does not make the rounds, so they're safe at the table to converse with Snow White and her friends. The Queen is set up in a separate area with the Magic Mirror on the wall, and you head to visit her when you're ready.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point costs $65 per adult and $39 per child. Alcoholic beverages are available for an additional cost. True to the restaurant's Pacific Northwest feel, you'll find a wide variety of wines and beers from the area, as well as other magical concoctions. Hop over to our foodie review for more magical details!
Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast — Trattoria al Forno, Disney's BoardWalk
Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast is temporarily closed and there is no estimated reopening date.
If your kiddo has a dream to dine with Ariel, Prince Eric, Flynn Rider or Rapunzel, you're in luck! While not technically at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno is right next to Disney's BoardWalk Inn on the BoardWalk. If you're in an EPCOT-area resort, such as Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin or Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, this is an especially quick (and scenic) walk.
Trattoria al Forno offers a prix fixe menu for the Bon Voyage Breakfast. A variety of pastries, including one shaped like the Corona crest, aka the sun symbol from "Tangled," is delivered first for the table to share. Adults can enjoy entrées such as King Triton's Shipwreck al Forno (a calzone with scrambled eggs, bell peppers, salumi, bacon, sausage, cheese and gravy), Tangled Eggs (a fresh mozzarella, tomato-basil, open-faced omelet with gravy and breakfast potatoes) or a Tower of Pancakes (with apple compote and bacon or sausage), among other yummy dishes. Kids entrées include Flounder's Flapjacks, Character Waffles or Little Royal Grilled Steak. Add on Press Pot Coffee, specialty character drinks and iced coffee for an additional charge. Alcoholic beverages are also available to add-on, including red or white sangria, mimosas, peach Bellinis and our personal fave, the Caprese Bloody Mary.
During your breakfast, you'll mingle with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric. For princess-lovers, this is a great one ... but it's an even better one for any prince fans! This was one of my favorite character dining experiences ever (yes, really!), watching the hilarious banter fly between Flynn Rider and Prince Eric. Rapunzel was bubbly and bright, comparing locks with Lily, and Ariel (in her teal dress, if your little princess is interested in catching the princesses in all available wardrobe options) filled us in on what Max and Flounder have been up to.
Chef Mickey's Family Feast — Chef Mickey's, Disney's Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickey's Family Feast at Disney's Contemporary Resort is a fan-favorite, and for good reason. Not only can you meet the Fab Five for a breakfast or dinner buffet, you can also hop right on the monorail or take the walkway to Magic Kingdom!
When we say Chef Mickey's is in the Contemporary, we really mean it — the restaurant is in a bright, open space where you can watch the monorail whiz by as you dine. Other points of visual interest include picturesque views of Bay Lake and the iconic, 90-foot-high mural from Disney legend Mary Blair that overlooks the restaurant.
Tadpoles will love seeing Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy in their adorable culinary outfits (Mickey's got the chef hat of course)! Breakfast offerings include Mickey waffles (naturally), French toast, fresh fruit and bacon, scrambled eggs and seasonal vegetables. Later, dinner features roasted pork, shrimp and grits, carving stations and tadpole faves such as mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. Of course, this is just a sampling of the many all-you-care-to-enjoy options — there's something for every froggy! Oh ... and don't froget to visit the sundae bar!
Breakfast and brunch at Chef Mickey's is $54 per adult and $34 per child. Lunch and dinner at Chef Mickey's is $66 per adult and $41 per child.
1900 Park Fare — Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers a different, eclectic character dining experience for breakfast and dinner ... with some rare characters, we might add!
Inspired by magical stories and Victorian pastimes, you'll make wishes alongside characters who are known for making a wish and making their wishes come true! You'll also experience a wish-making celebration that is narrated by none other than Jiminy Cricket.
During both breakfast and dinner, you'll meet Tiana (in her new Bayou Adventure pantsuit, of course!), Cinderella, Mirable and Aladdin (in his Prince Ali outfit). The buffet breakfast offers Mickey-shaped waffles, carved ham, the iconic Strawberry Soup and more. For dinner, this enchanting buffet includes Tiana's Gumbo, seafood, salad, pasta and beef specialties, plus chicken, cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese for the littles.
Oh, and look up! Big Bertha, a turn-of-the-century organ from France, provides a stunning backdrop to your meal!
Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast — Cape May Café, Disney's Beach Club Resort
Fill up on a yummy breakfast hosted by the main mouse herself at Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Café. Minnie, Goofy and Daisy and Donald Duck are dressed in their cutest beach attire!
Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast offers a buffet of sliced meats, assorted fresh fruits and yogurt, breakfast breads, Mickey waffles, cheeses, cereals and grains, fresh-baked pastries and other breakfast faves, including crepes! For an additional cost, you can add on some sunrise sippers, including a mimosa, Bloody Mary or a coffee with Bailey's or Kahlua. Cafe au Lait, assorted juices, cappuccino and espresso are all available to add on, as well. Learn more in our froggy review.
Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast costs $47 per adult and $30 per child. After breakfast, Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers easy transportation options to both EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios by water taxi, walking or the Disney Skyliner.
Best Friends Breakfast Featuring Lilo and Stitch — ‘Ohana, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Say "aloha" to Lilo and Stitch, Mickey and Pluto at 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort! Feast family style on American breakfast favorites with a Polynesian flair. Offerings include scrambled eggs (Hua Paka), fried potatoes (Uala Kahiki), pork sausage links and Hawaiian-style pork with pineapple compote (pua'a), Mickey waffles, fresh fruit and the restaurant's signature pineapple-coconut breakfast bread. All of the characters are ready to hang ten with you and are dressed just for the occasion — Mickey's lei is just the cutest! The Polynesian Village Resort is a quick jump via monorail or boat to Magic Kingdom.
Best Friends Breakfast Featuring Lilo and Stitch is $49 per adult and $30 per child. Learn more in our froggy review!
Good Morning Character Breakfast — Garden Grove, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
The Good Morning Character Breakfast at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel is temporarily unavailable.
Over at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, guests can mix and mingle with a duo of Disney characters, including Chip 'n' Dale, Goofy and Pluto, at the Good Morning Character Breakfast at Garden Grove. Garden Grove was designed with a Central Park-feel in mind, with a majestic 25-foot tall oak tree at the restaurant's center.
This character buffet only takes place on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) for breakfast hours, and includes fresh pastries and fruit, Mickey Mouse Belgian waffles, a build-your-own omelet station, breakfast potatoes, a variety of eggs, cereals and oatmeal. Starbucks Coffee and Florida orange juice are included in your breakfast, as well. Alcoholic beverages, such as peach Bellinis, Bloody Marys and mimosas, are available for an additional cost.
This location does not accept the Disney Dining Plan. Guests will need to pay for parking if driving to this experience. The hotel is located just next to the BoardWalk (easy walking distance), and does have bus service.
Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals — Ravello, Four Seasons Orlando
Rise and shine with Goofy at the Four Seasons Orlando! On Thursday, Saturdays and select Tuesdays, take your pick from tasty buffet items or hop to the omelet station for your own personalized creation. Gawrsh! Each breakfast includes your choice of juice, soft drink, coffee or tea. Adults can add bottomless mimosas to the experience for an additional cost. Any guesses who Goofy's pals are? Minnie and Mickey, of course! Guests can see the characters as they journey throughout the restaurant. A complimentary photo of guests is taken upon arrival.
Reservations are required for this experience, and since it's an off-site hotel, there is no bus service available. The resort is, however, a quick drive away!
Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals is $54 per adult and $34 per child (12 and under). This location does not participate in the Disney Dining Plan.
*All Disney World hotel character appearances and entertainment listed here are subject to change.
Have done any character dining at the Disney World hotels? Which character dining experience is your favorite? Which is next on your list to try? Be sure to share with us in the comments below!
Related: All of the Disney World Character Dining Locations Ranked
Hoppy planning!
