One of the most unique experiences at Walt Disney World has always been the ability to dine with your favorite Disney characters. There were over a dozen character dining experiences prior to the closure in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since reopening, Walt Disney World has reopened eight of these dining experiences with modifications to make them safer for guests and cast members.
If you have not attended a character dining experience in the last couple of years, it will be different than what you remember. Some changes have improved the dining experience, while others have taken away some of the magic. First, all character dining experiences are socially distanced. There are no hugs or autographs, although you typically receive a special postcard with the characters’ signatures at the end of your dining experience. At most restaurants, the characters do come around and wave to each table, and you are given the opportunity to take distanced photos. Additionally, there are no buffets. Many argue this has greatly increased the quality of food in many of these restaurants.
Here are the character dining experiences currently offered at Walt Disney World as of January 2022:
The All-You-Care-To-Eat Options
Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort offers breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. Many boast that this breakfast is one of the best on property. In my opinion, this is one of the best-valued character meals based on price, quality, and characters. The breakfast costs $42 for adults and $27 for children. You begin with a delicious pastry basket and may then choose from several incredible entrees. The entrees include steak, quiche, waffles, eggs, and smoked salmon.
Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort is currently offering breakfast and dinner with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald. Breakfast will run you $42 for adults and $27 for kids. Dinner costs $55 for adults and $36 for kids. If you attended Chef Mickey’s when it was served buffet style, you may be pleasantly surprised by the change in food quality. For breakfast, there are staples like eggs, waffles, and French toast. At dinner enjoy starters and then choose from turkey, prime rib, tofu, bowl, or salmon as the main course. Kids are served a platter that includes chicken nuggets, turkey corn dog nuggets veggies, macaroni and cheese, and tater tots.
Garden Grill at EPCOT is currently open for lunch and dinner and costs $55 for adults and $36 for children for either sitting. This meal features Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto. The rotating restaurant oversees scenes from Living with the Land, and many of the vegetables served are grown in the greenhouses in Living with the Land. There is no kid-specific menu at this restaurant and children will choose from the same options as adults. The options include grilled beef with chimichurri, harvest salad, turkey breast, and macaroni and cheese.
Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios features two character dining options. For breakfast, guests can see Disney Jr. characters like Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, and Doc McStuffins. This meal runs $42 for adults and $27 for children and features typical breakfast options like pancakes, a 4-cheese omelet, and hazelnut spread stuffed French toast. At lunch and dinner, you can dine with Minnie and her friends for a special seasonal dining experience. Currently, Minnie is participating in her Silver Screen Dine and will change over to the Springtime Dine on March 1st. Lunch and dinner cost $55 for adults and $36 for children and feature dishes like beef tenderloin, a shrimp macaroni and cheese, and a plant-based option. Children can choose from roasted beef, turkey, macaroni and cheese, or salmon.
Tusker House at Animal Kingdom is currently offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here you can see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy in their safari outfits. Keep in mind, Tusker House is going to offer some more adventurous dishes and flavors and may not be as enjoyable if you have picky eaters. Breakfast will run $42 for adults and $27 for children and features both staples like scrambled eggs, sausage, and both Mickey and Simba waffles in addition to a Durban chicken and egg curry. For both lunch and dinner, you will pay $55 for adults and $36 for children. There is no specific children’s menu. All guests can try Moroccan spiced beef, Cape Malay green curry shrimp, spit-roasted herb chicken, or marinated pork.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge is the most expensive restaurant in this category. During Storybook Dining guests will see Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and The Queen. Storybook Dining is offered at dinner and costs $60 for adults and $39 for children. You will begin with a trio of appetizers. For an entrée, adults can choose from a beef stroganoff, prime rib, chicken, pork, fish, or a plant-based dish. Children can decide between rib roast, grilled chicken, or fish. End the meal with a sampling of desserts.
Magic Kingdom’s Castle Dining Experiences
Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest are two signature character dining experiences that are offered at Magic Kingdom. You can eat in Cinderella Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table or in Beast’s Castle at Be Our Guest. Cinderella or Beast only make limited appearances at this time. For lunch and dinner, either restaurant will run you $62 for adults and $37 for children and are served via a prix fixe menu. The menus include more upscale dishes with smaller portion sizes. While both offer incredible ambiance, they may not be the best value currently. Breakfast is also offered at Cinderella’s Royal Table and costs $42 for adults and $27 for children. Cinderella’s Royal Table will require that you prepay when making a reservation.
Important note: At any restaurant at Walt Disney World, you can request other options. If you must dine at one of these locations and there is absolutely nothing your child will eat, politely speak with a cast member and they should be able to find something that works for your family.
