Character dining is one of the most popular activities at Walt Disney World. Getting to meet Mickey, Minnie and all your favorite Disney pals while enjoying a delicious meal is magical. With so many character dining options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which experiences are truly the best. This article breaks down the 10 best character dining experiences at Disney World based on the characters you’ll meet, food quality, atmosphere and overall experience. From classics like Chef Mickey’s to newer options like Topolino’s Terrace, these are the top character meals you’ll want to book for your next Disney vacation.

1. Chef Mickey’s – Contemporary Resort

The quintessential Disney character dining experience, Chef Mickey’s allows you to dine with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto all dressed up in their chef outfits. It’s loud, chaotic and always popular.

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto
Food: Large buffets with standard American breakfast and dinner favorites. Decent food, but not exceptional.
Atmosphere: Loud and chaotic. Lots of families. Open kitchen layout.

2. Tusker House – Animal Kingdom

Tusker House offers guests an African-inspired buffet with Donald, Daisy, Mickey and Goofy dressed in safari gear. You’ll also find Disney Junior characters here.

Characters: Donald, Daisy, Mickey, Goofy plus Disney Junior characters
Food: African-inspired cuisine and American classics served buffet-style
Atmosphere: African marketplace theming with lively music

3. Topolino’s Terrace – Riviera Resort

Topolino’s Terrace has quickly become one of the best character dining spots thanks to delicious food and unique artist-themed character costumes. The elegant atmosphere also sets it apart.

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy dressed as artists
Food: Some of the best food at Disney. Unique French dishes.
Atmosphere: Sophisticated and elegant. Gorgeous views.

4. Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios

Meet Disney Junior characters like Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and the stars of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse over family-style dishes at this Hollywood Studios favorite.

Characters: Disney Junior characters
Food: Family-style entrées, salads and desserts
Atmosphere: Fun, playful, lots of families

5. Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom

Have breakfast, lunch or dinner with Winnie the Pooh and friends at this bright, buffet-style eatery in the heart of Magic Kingdom. The food is just okay but the characters interactions are delightful.

Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet
Food: Large buffets with American classics. Food just okay.
Atmosphere: Bright, elegant Victorian theme

6. Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom

Every Disney fan’s dream – you‘ll dine inside Cinderella Castle alongside Disney princesses at this one-of-a-kind fairytale experience. The food is nothing special but the overall experience is exceptional.

Characters: Cinderella, plus visiting princesses
Food: Pre-fixe menu of American cuisine. Just okay.
Atmosphere: Inside Cinderella Castle! Elegant medieval theme.

7. Garden Grill – Epcot

Garden Grill lets you dine with Mickey, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale while slowly rotating for scenic views of Living with the Land. The family-style comfort food hits the spot after a long day at Epcot.

Characters: Mickey, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale
Food: Family-style comfort food classics.
Atmosphere: Relaxed and homey. Rotates for nice views.

8. 1900 Park Fare – Grand Floridian

Have breakfast or dinner at this bright, Mary Poppins-themed restaurant with Alice in Wonderland and Winnie the Pooh characters. It’s prix-fixe dining with large buffet sides.

Characters: Alice, Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh
Food: Breakfast and dinner buffets. Quality varies.
Atmosphere: Whimsical English tea party theme.

9. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Epcot

Dine like royalty alongside Disney princesses at this Norwegian castle-themed restaurant in the Norway pavilion. The atmosphere transports you straight to the fjords.

Characters: Visiting princesses dressed in Norwegian attire
Food: Authentic Norwegian dishes served family-style
Atmosphere: Castle courtyard theming. Lively ambiance.

10. Ohana – Polynesian Village Resort

Ohana lets you enjoy a family-style Hawaiian feast with Lilo, Stitch and other characters from the hit Disney movie. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is delightfully tropical.

Characters: Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto
Food: All-you-can-eat Hawaiian dishes family-style
Atmosphere: Open dining room with tropical theme

Booking Your Character Dining Experience

Character dining reservations open 60 days in advance for guests with a Walt Disney World package, and 180 days in advance for guests with an on-site hotel reservation. Popular character dining spots like Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table book up quickly, so make your reservations as soon as possible once the booking window opens. Keep checking back for cancellations if your desired time is not available right away. When booking, take note of the experience you want. Some character meals are best for meeting rare characters, while others focus more on food quality and atmosphere. Use this list to choose the perfect character dining experience to create magical memories!

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