Disney World Character Dining 101: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

Kristi DeRubertis,

Character dining is a unique and exciting experience that allows guests at Disney World to dine with their favorite Disney characters while enjoying a delicious meal. With numerous character dining options throughout the parks and resorts, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. This complete guide to character dining at Disney World will help you navigate the options and make the most of your experience.

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, draws of character dining at Walt Disney World is the opportunity to meet characters without having to wait in long lines. Instead of waiting in line for hours to meet just one character, guests can enjoy their meal while characters come right to their table for photos, autographs, and hugs. This makes the experience more relaxing and enjoyable for both children and adults, allowing guests to have quality interactions with multiple characters in one sitting.

Character dining at Disney World is extremely popular and books up quickly. This is due in part to the intimate atmosphere that allows guests to interact with their favorite Disney characters. To ensure a more personalized experience, Disney limits the number of reservations accepted for character dining time slots. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, especially during peak travel times. It is recommended to follow the 60-day guideline to secure your spot for character dining at Walt Disney World.

Children aged two and under dine for free at Disney Character Dining, which is a fantastic perk! However, it’s important to note that the pricing for child and adult dining corresponds to the age categories of tickets. Child Character Dining prices apply to children aged 3-9, while adult Character Dining prices are for guests aged 10 and older.

In addition to the character interactions, the food at character dining experiences is always top-notch. Many of the restaurants offer buffet-style dining with a wide variety of options to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic American fare like Mickey waffles and bacon to more exotic dishes like sushi and curry, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And for those with dietary restrictions, Disney is known for accommodating special requests to ensure that all guests have a satisfying dining experience.

When choosing a character dining experience, one of the most important factors to consider is the location. There are character dining options in all four theme parks, as well as at many of the Disney resorts. Each location offers a different atmosphere and character lineup, so it’s important to consider which characters you want to meet and which park or resort you will be visiting the day of your reservation.

Character Dining Outside of the Parks

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: 1900 Park Fare
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Cape May Cafe at Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Chef Mickey’s
  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort: Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends

Character Dining Within the Parks

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park: Tusker House Restaurant
  • EPCOT: Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant
  • EPCOT: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall with Disney Princesses
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Disney Junior Play n’ Dine breakfast or dinner with Minnie and friends at seasonal dining parties
  • Magic Kingdom: Crystal Palace breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and friends
  • Magic Kingdom: Cinderella’s Royal Table

Another important factor to consider is the cost of the character dining experience. Prices vary depending on the location and time of day, with breakfast typically being the most affordable option. It’s important to note that character dining experiences can be quite pricey, so it’s a good idea to budget accordingly and make reservations in advance to secure your spot. Fortunately, there’s a character dining experience for every guest and every budget. You can enjoy a delightful breakfast starting at $36, with lunch and dinner prices ranging from $36 to $60 or more. When you see prices listed as a range, keep in mind that children’s pricing is typically at the lower end (ages 3-9) and adult pricing at the higher end (ages 10+). Children 2 and under dine for free but be sure to include them in your guest count.

Did you know that character dining is included in the Disney Dining Plan? For a complete list of the restaurants with character dining that participate in the Disney dining plan, click here. As a reminder, two table-service meal credits will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at:

  • Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
  • Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (at lunch and dinner only)

TPM Pro Tip: For a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, be sure to inform the staff when making your reservation or upon check-in. You may receive a delightful surprise, such as a beautifully decorated cupcake, as a token of celebration. This is just one of the many ways Disney adds a touch of magic to your dining experience!

There are so many character dining experiences, and sometimes it can become overwhelming. While they’re all a magical experience with delicious food, our family has a clear favorite when it comes to which location we want to dine at. That of course is, breakfast with Lilo and Friends at Ohana! It’s a fine line to walk – balancing food quality and character experience and some restaurants do it better than others. ‘Ohana is one of those and I always recommend their character dining experience to other families. You can read more about my family’s Ohana breakfast experience here.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera and autograph book to capture the magical moments with your favorite Disney characters. Character dining experiences provide the perfect opportunity to take photos, get autographs, and interact with the characters in a more relaxed and intimate setting. So be sure to make the most of your experience by soaking in the magic and creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Character dining at Walt Disney World is an essential experience for any Disney-loving family. The unique dining experience combined with delectable cuisine, beloved characters, and enchanting moments, making it a truly unforgettable addition to your visit to the happiest place on earth. Guests of all ages will delight in the chance to dine alongside their favorite Disney friends, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

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