Character dining is one of the easiest ways to meet a whole host of Disney characters and fill up for (or wind down after) a fun-filled day in the parks! While we have our complete guide to Disney World character dining, we wanted to share our froggy favorites. With so many characters to meet and delicious food to taste at Walt Disney World Resort's restaurants, it can be difficult to decide on the best character dining experience for your family. Therefore, when it comes to deciding on the best character dining at Disney World, we're hoppy to remove the guesswork! We’ve ranked all of the restaurants offering character dining based on the characters (of course!), food and atmosphere to help you choose the best fit for your family vacation.
Best Character Dining at Disney World
There are 13 character dining locations at Walt Disney World Resort, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from. However, the only character dining that hasn't returned post-pandemic is Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Disney's BoardWalk. As of publication, no reopening date has been announced. Below, we've ranked the best character dining Disney World has to offer, whether you're looking for Mickey and friends, royalty or a variety!
Froggy Note: The characters listed are the characters that generally appear at these dining locations. They are subject to change. There may be more, fewer or even different characters during your visit. Also, keep in mind that some of Disney's best character dining takes place at Disney's Resort hotels. While you don't have to stay at the hotel to partake in a character meal, it's another good reason to stay on-site (bonus: book with us to save some extra green!).
Character Dining with Mickey and Friends
1. Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney's Riviera Resort
First, Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort has one of the most adorably themed character dining experiences. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy have arrived at the European Riviera to study different art forms. For example, their outfits reflect their areas of expertise: Mickey the painter, Minnie the poet, Donald the sculptor and Daisy the dancer. We think the character interactions are the highlight of this character breakfast. We didn't feel rushed during our individual interactions, and the characters made multiple rounds. Lily twirled around in her dress alongside Daisy in her tutu!
The prix fixe menu includes shared pastries, an entrée and fresh juice or coffee. Entrées include French toast, wood-fired butcher's steak and eggs, avocado and smoked salmon toast, sour cream waffles and more. Additionally, the tadpoles can create their own combination of an entrée (Mickey waffle dippers, scrambled eggs or fruit and yogurt) and two sides (roasted potatoes, fruit cup, bacon or sausage) from the kids' menu. However, while the food is undeniably delicious, it's on the pricier end for the amount you get compared to the breakfast buffets. Nevertheless, it's worth it for many visiting frog families.
Hop on over to our Topolino's Terrace foodie review for more details!
Pricing: $52 per adult, $33 per child (breakfast); open for dinner without characters
Why we love it: Beautiful location, unique character outfits and top-notch character interactions
2. Tusker House Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Located in the Harambe Village of Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House adds vibrant flavor and fun to your Disney day! Tusker House offers an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet-style dining experience and an opportunity to snap photos of Donald Duck and friends in safari gear.
We love heading straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris when the park opens before settling in at Tusker House for a hearty breakfast! The Legacy Mimosa, made with whiskey, sparkling wine, Grand Marnier Liqueur and orange juice, is a refreshing treat for us adult frogs!
For breakfast, we rarely know where to begin! Should we start with the mango-apricot jam cake, South African French Toast Bulkas or Mickey-shaped waffles? You also can't go wrong with the classics! During breakfast, Tusker House serves pork sausage, cooked-to-order omelets and ham — plus much more! For lunch and dinner, you can get plentiful braised beef tajine, Berbere-marinated pork, green curry shrimp and naan with flavorful dips. Meanwhile, sides include spiced broccoli and North African Pilau. There's also a plentiful plant-based menu that includes delicious bites such as a couscous salad and carrot-ginger soup.
Top off your meal with Savannah-inspired desserts such as verrines and blondies. The menu is seasonal, so there's always something new to try on every visit!
At Tusker House, there is something for everyone's tastes. The food is delicious and you get to dance and sing with classic Disney characters, including Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse! Tusker House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with character meet-and-greets at all three meals. Explore our foodie review for more details!
Pricing: $49 per adult, $33 per child (breakfast); $64 per adult, $42 per child (lunch/dinner)
Why we love it: Delicious food and great character experiences
3. Chip 'n' Dale's Harvest Feast at Garden Grill at EPCOT
The Garden Grill claims the no. 3 spot on our list of best Disney World character dining with Mickey Mouse, thanks to its unique atmosphere, hearty meals and the ample time characters spend at each table. The restaurant, located in The Land pavilion at EPCOT, slowly rotates as guests dine, giving them a unique perspective of the Living with the Land boat ride below and a changing background throughout the meal.
The food is classic American fare in bountiful portions, served all-you-can-eat, family style. For example, for breakfast, enjoy Mickey-shaped waffles, skillet potatoes, free-range scrambled eggs and grilled steak. For lunch and dinner, heaping plates of fresh-from-The-Land salad and vegetables, along with home-style mashed potatoes, accompany turkey breast slices with gravy, macaroni and cheese, and grilled steak to appease every taste. Dessert — a strawberry shortcake with whipped cream — is yummy too!
We never feel rushed with the characters at Garden Grill. Chip 'n' Dale, Pluto and Mickey clad in his farmer’s overalls meet and play with guests as they dine. Every time we visit, Lily and Tad love posing with Pluto and playing with Chip 'n' Dale! By the way, do you know how to tell Chip 'n' Dale apart? It's easy. Chip has a black nose like a chocolate chip! Dale's nose is red. Garden Grill is open with characters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hop on over to our Garden Grill foodie review for more details!
Pricing: $49 per adult, $33 per child (breakfast); $62 per adult, $42 per child (lunch/dinner)
Why we love it: The ambiance and fresh, hearty food
4. Hollywood & Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios
One of the best character dining restaurants for the littlest tadpoles is Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Disney Junior Play 'n Dine breakfast satisfies the entire family with a hearty buffet featuring waffles, omelets, pastries and more. Disney Junior favorites such as Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy and Vampirina interact with the little ones.
During lunch and dinner time, Minnie Mouse and her friends host seasonal dinner parties with outfits and decor to reflect the season. Character guests usually include Minnie, Mickey, Goofy and Pluto in their best seasonal outfits, of course. Head over to our Frog Family review for more details!
Pricing: $49 per adult, $33 per child (breakfast); $63 per adult, $42 per child (lunch/dinner)
Why we love it: Perfect for tadpoles and a great seasonal option
5. Cape May Café at Disney's Beach Club Resort
Minnie Mouse loves to throw a beach bash! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Disney's Beach Club Resort gathers Minnie and her besties in their beachy best to start the day sunny side up. Breakfast includes a mix of items from pastries, omelets, cheddar biscuits and gravy, Mickey and Minnie waffles, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and more. This is a relaxed, casual dining experience and a perfect choice if you're staying at one of the EPCOT-area resort hotels. Hop on over to our full foodie review for more details!
Froggy Note: Disney's Beach Club Resort is currently undergoing a refurbishment, specifically the front entrance porte cocheres. Keep in mind if traveling here.
Pricing: $49 per adult, $33 per child (breakfast); open for dinner without characters
Why we love it: Its variety of food and great character interactions
6. Chef Mickey’s at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort offers a classic family-style restaurant that serves both breakfast and dinner. At Chef Mickey’s, the Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy) join guests for their meals. The restaurant overlooks Bay Lake, as well as the 90-foot-high mural by Mary Blair that has become an icon of the Contemporary Resort.
For breakfast, enjoy fresh fruit, Mickey waffles, corned beef hash, buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon and other morning favorites. At dinner, offerings include carved New York strip loin, baked macaroni and cheese, grilled vegetables, herb-roasted turkey breast, shrimp scampi and more. With so many options, this is a great choice for groups with diverse palates, as well as picky eaters. Indeed, Chef Mickey’s is a crowd-pleaser with a few surprises.
Pricing: $58 per adult, $37 per child (breakfast); $69 per adult, $44 per child (dinner)
Why we love it: The classic Fab Five characters in a fun location. Wave to the monorail as it goes by!
The Four Seasons also hosts a Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals. However, since it is not an official Disney Resort, it was not included in this ranking. That being said, the buffet is definitely worth trying out!
Character Dining with Royalty
1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT
Akershus is the ultimate princess party! It's located in EPCOT's Norway pavilion, which is now home to Royal Sommerhus and Frozen Ever After. The dining room is set in a medieval castle, complete with a buffet feast fit for royalty. Our little princess, Lily, loves meeting her favorite princesses. After meeting Belle in her beautiful yellow ballgown, Snow White, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ariel and Cinderella are on rotation, ready to mingle and march. (Elsa and Anna do not appear at Akershus, but you can find them greeting guests nearby at Royal Sommerhus.)
You’ll find familiar fare at the banquet tables, along with some flavorful delights such as the Norwegian waffles or the traditional Norwegian meatballs (kjøttkaker) at lunch and dinner. Also, it’s impossible not to feel like royalty as we dine at Akershus, and I love seeing the smile on Lily’s face as she gets to visit with her favorite princesses. Additionally, tadpoles also get to participate in a princess processional, dancing and waving alongside their favorite characters!
Akershus is a great alternative to Cinderella's Royal Table if you're unable to secure that coveted reservation.
Pricing: $59 per adult, $38 per child (breakfast), $69 per adult, $46 per child (lunch/dinner)
Why we love it: A great opportunity to see lots of princesses
2. Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom
When it comes to Disney, nothing says "dream come true" like dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the heart of Magic Kingdom inside Cinderella Castle. You’re greeted by Cinderella herself as you enter the castle and ascend the spiral staircase (or take the gilded elevator) to the banquet hall above. At Cinderella's Royal Table, you can look out the castle windows overlooking Fantasyland and visit with princesses such as Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine and Snow White as you enjoy gourmet prix fixe dishes such as roasted lamb chops, grilled filet mignon and chicken roulade. The food is exquisite, but the real showstoppers are the desserts! Try the “Clock Strikes Twelve," a chocolate ganache tart topped with a creamy salted caramel-coffee mousse, or "Jaq & Gus," cheesecake with seasonal flavors and garnishes, to please even the tiniest tummies.
Princesses are also given a magic wand to take home with them, while princes are given a small souvenir sword. To make things a little extra magical, tadpoles are given a wishing star and are prompted to literally wish upon their star with a wave of their wand or sword. Lily has kept her wishing star for years!
Cinderella's Royal Table is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you're lucky enough to be dining during the fireworks, you'll get a spectacular view with the lights turned down and the music piped in! This is one of the toughest places to get a table in all the land, so make sure to book this advance dining reservation early — preferably a full 60 days ahead! Check out our complete guide to Cinderella's Royal Table for more details.
Pricing: $74 per adult, $45 per child (breakfast); $88 per adult, $52 per child (lunch/dinner)
Why we love it: Its location and ambiance. How can you beat eating inside the castle?!
3. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
Heigh-ho, it's off to Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort we go for a character dinner featuring Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and the Evil Queen! Enjoy appetizers and then choose your entrée from a prix fixe menu, including Royal Prime Rib Roast, Brother’s Grimm herb chicken or a vegetarian option — Sorceress Spell of "Tricken" Chicken — featuring cauliflower purée, roasted veggies, chimichurri and vegetable jus.
Rounding off the menu are cocktails, mocktails and beer and wine from Oregon and Washington state. Try sinfully delicious desserts such as the Fairy Tale Seasonal Tart and, of course, a “poison” apple. Don't worry, it's just a dark chocolate-apple mousse with a sour center that's totally Snow White approved. This Disney character dining location is notable not only for its delicious food but also for its unique atmosphere. Guests dine in a rustic Enchanted Forest to mimic the iconic movie, complete with twinkling lights. Hop over to our foodie review for more royal details!
Pricing: $67 per adult, $41 per child (dinner)
Why we love it: Elegant atmosphere and rare characters
4. Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno at Disney's Boardwalk
Currently, Trattoria al Forno is open, but the character dining experience is unavailable.
Located at Disney's BoardWalk (one of our favorite areas on Disney property), Trattoria al Forno is home to a breakfast celebration featuring some of Lily's and my royal favorites: Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric. Each is welcomed with a royal entrance and makes their way to your table individually. (Don't shy away from asking them questions ... Flynn had some hilarious conversations with us!) Brief interactive activities are planned for little ones, as well!
Since the dining experience is currently unavailable, I am unable to share the menu items. But from what I remember, King Triton's Shipwreck al Forno was spectacular. Definitely a must-try when this character experience returns.
Why we love it: A royal-themed experience with rarely-seen princes
Character Dining with Unique Characters
1. The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom
Another great restaurant for the little ones is The Crystal Palace, nestled beside the hub in Magic Kingdom. The open, Victorian-style setting is a bright and verdant backdrop for meeting friends from the Hundred Acre Wood, including Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and the willy, nilly, silly ol' bear himself, Pooh. The restaurant currently serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Pooh and friends present at all meals.
For breakfast, enjoy all-you-can-eat eggs, pancakes, bacon and fresh fruit. For lunch or dinner, dine on seasonal salads, country-fried chicken and pasta! However, be aware of the timing here. If you are finishing your meal around the same time a parade or fireworks display is ending, it can get a little crowded as you try to make your way back out into the park. For more information, check out our complete Crystal Palace guide!
Pricing: $52 per adult, $33 per child (breakfast); $62 per adult, $42 per child (lunch/dinner)
Why we love it: Lots of buffet options and very family-friendly
2. ‘Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Dynamic duo Lilo and Stitch, along with other classic Disney characters such as Mickey and Pluto, join guests for the Best Friends Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Breakfast is the standard fare of scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, sausage, bacon and fruit served 'ohana style. In addition, if you’re looking for a Polynesian-inspired breakfast, head over to Kona.
The real allure of ‘Ohana is at dinner time. No traditional Disney characters appear during dinner. However, the evening meal is certainly not lacking in fun, as it features live music and more! Note: Games are currently unavailable. The dinner menu at ‘Ohana features peel-n-eat shrimp, 'Ohana noodles, wood fire-grilled black pepper-mirin-teriyaki beef and grilled chicken that's finished with ‘Ohana’s specialty bread pudding a la mode with caramel sauce. Finally, with the right timing, dinner at ‘Ohana also provides a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Check out our full review for more information!
Pricing: $53 per adult, $33 per child (breakfast); open for dinner without characters
Why we love it: Delicious food and rare characters
3. 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Make a wish! 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet for breakfast and dinner, as well as a lineup of classic and modern Disney characters known for making a wish. Join Aladdin in his royal Prince Ali outfit, Tiana in her new adventure outfit for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Mirabel from "Encanto" and, of course, Cinderella. Don't worry — the famous Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup remains a staple menu item for breakfast and dinner.
For example, at breakfast, kick start your day with bread pudding, doughnut holes, muffins, cinnamon pull-apart bread, beef and potato hash, classic eggs Benedict, carved ham, croissant breakfast pizza, smoked salmon, cheesy potato casserole and spiced tofu scramble. Meanwhile, the dinner menu features peel-n-eat shrimp, Tiana's famous gumbo, baked salmon, carved prime rib, curry-roasted chicken, roasted garlic sausage, salads and a variety of sides. To cap it off with dessert, indulge in a Grand Floridian Financier, toasted coconut cake, lemon-blueberry cheesecake, vanilla cupcake or warm chocolate cake. Finally, no matter what time you dine, keep an eye (and ear) out for “Big Bertha!" This is a turn-of-the-century organ (crafted in France) that plays while you eat. It totally sets the mood for a whimsical meal at 1900 Park Fare.
Pricing: $58 per adult, $37 per child (breakfast); $69 per adult, $44 per child (dinner)
Why we love it: Rare characters in a beautiful location
You're sure to find at least one restaurant that will make the whole family hoppy. These are our picks for the best Disney World character dining. What are your favorites? Share in the comments below!
Related: The Ins and Outs of Disney Advance Dining Reservations
Related: All of the ~Frogtastic~ Places to Find Mickey at Disney World
Hoppy planning!
