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.
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We love character dining experiences. It gives us an opportunity to rest our 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 stay at the host resort to hop in 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, these froggy-favorite meals are an excellent way to enjoy unique character interactions, as well as explore new resorts and rest up while you fill up.
There are a few key things to consider when thinking about character dining at a Disney World hotel. For example, some character dining options are only available for specific 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 possible to secure your spot.
The prices listed in this post are subject to change and do not include tax or gratuity. Generally, tadpoles aged 2 and under dine for free, as long as they are eating off your plate. While some restaurants specify that child menus are for tadpoles aged three to nine, that's not typically the case at these character dining locations. If your kiddo gets their own plate (regardless of age) and eats off it, you're paying the listed child price, even if they only take two bites.
Resorts can be accessed by Disney transportation or car. You can get to all Disney resorts via the Disney buses 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 you plan to park, be prepared to show your reservation on your phone to the parking attendant, along with a valid photo ID. Typically, a hotel or dining reservation is required to park.
Please note that most character dining experiences do not typically have a PhotoPass photographer available for character interactions. However, there is a photo op and photographer at Chef Mickey's to snap your photo before you dine. Wherever you eat, be sure to have your camera or phone at the ready so you're prepared to capture the fun. 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
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 - Flavors of the Riviera, offers character dining with inspiration from the arts: Breakfast à la Art with Mickey and Friends! The restaurant, named after the Italian name for Mickey Mouse, offers breathtaking views, including a glimpse of 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 gruyère, sour cream waffles, eggs, French toast and more!
Breakfast à la Art with Mickey and Friends costs $52 per adult and $33 per child. The beautiful location, top-tier character interactions and delicious food make 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 if you're staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort or Disney's Art of Animation Resort. 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 bit more upscale at Artist Point, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Classic dishes are given a fairytale spin with options like "Cottage" Beef Stroganoff, Brother's Grimm Herb Chicken and A Stroll Through Nature. Enjoy shared appetizers and desserts at this whimsical location, such as the Miner's Treasures and "Poison" Apple.
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. Visit her when you're ready.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point costs $67 per adult and $41 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.
When it was open, Trattoria al Forno offered 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," was delivered first to the table to share. Adults enjoyed 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 included Flounder's Flapjacks, character waffles, and Little Royal Grilled Steak.
Press pot coffee, specialty character drinks and iced coffees were available for an additional charge. Alcoholic beverages were 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 would mingle with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric. For princess-lovers, this was a fantastic dining location, but it was an even better one for prince fans! This was one of my favorite character dining experiences ever (yes, really!), especially 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) filled us in on what Max and Flounder were up to.
No word on when this dining location is returning, but stay tuned. We will update if and when more information becomes available.
Chef Mickey's — Chef Mickey's, Disney's Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickey's 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!
Also, 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 by Disney legend Mary Blair, which 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, ham and a selection of fruits. Later, dinner features herb-roasted turkey, shrimp scampi, 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 at Chef Mickey's is $58 per adult and $37 per child. Dinner at Chef Mickey's is $69 per adult and $44 per child.
1900 Park Fare — Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers a unique, eclectic character dining experience for breakfast and dinner. It features some rare characters, too!
Inspired by magical stories and Victorian pastimes, make wishes alongside characters who are known for making a wish and having them come true! Jiminy Cricket narrates your wish-making celebration!
During both breakfast and dinner, you'll meet Tiana (in her new Tiana's Bayou Adventure pantsuit), Cinderella, Mirabel and Aladdin (in his Prince Ali outfit). The breakfast buffet offers Mickey-shaped waffles, carved ham, the iconic Strawberry Soup and more. For dinner, this enchanting buffet includes Tiana's Gumbo, curry-roasted chicken, salad, prime rib, 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! Breakfast is $58 per adult and $37 per child, while dinner is $69 per adult and $44 per child.
Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast — Cape May Cafe, 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 Cafe. Minnie Mouse and her friends don the cutest beach attire!
Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast offers a buffet of sliced meats, assorted fresh fruits, Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh-baked pastries and other breakfast faves, including omelets and grits. For an additional cost, you can add on some sunrise sippers, including a mimosa, Bloody Mary or a salted caramel cold brew. Learn more in our froggy review.
Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast costs $49 per adult and $33 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. Currently, Beach Club Resort is undergoing routine exterior maintenance, which will affect the front entrance porte cochere. Keep in mind that if you're traveling here, you may want to allow for more time.
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 twist. Offerings include scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, pork sausage links and Hawaiian-style ham with pineapple compote, Mickey waffles, fresh fruit and the restaurant's signature pineapple-coconut breakfast bread. All of the characters are ready to hang ten with you! Plus, they're all 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 $53 per adult and $33 per child. Learn more in our froggy review!
Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals — Ravello, Four Seasons Orlando
Rise and shine with Goofy at the Four Seasons Orlando! On Thursday and Saturday mornings, enjoy a choice of entrée, sliced fruit and a bakery basket. Gawrsh! Each breakfast includes your choice of coffee or juice (orange and grapefruit), too. Any guesses who Goofy's pals are? Minnie and Mickey, of course! Guests can see the characters as they journey throughout the restaurant.
Bus service isn't available to this resort. However, it's a quick drive away. You also need to make reservations in advance. Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals is $56 per adult and $36 per child. 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 you 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!
