After multiple trips to Walt Disney World, I have narrowed down my favorite character meals. I would not hesitate to book all of these again on our next trip.
‘Ohanas – Enjoy a family style breakfast complete with Mickey Waffles as Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch make appearances at your table. The kids can enjoy a parade around the restaurant led by their favorite characters. Book a breakfast here before hopping on the Monorail for a day at the Magic Kingdom. Choose from any seating time that fits your day’s itinerary.
My favorite memory: I love Stitch. I would say that he is my absolute favorite character. During our 10th anniversary trip, we booked this character meal just for the two of us. I tried to have my picture taken with Stitch but he would not stop knocking my Mickey ears off my head.
Chef Mickey’s – Chef Mickey’s is the meal to attend if you want to meet The Fab Five! Choose between the breakfast or dinner buffet and you’ll also get to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto in their chef attire. The best seating of the day is 1.5 hours before the time Happily Ever After is scheduled. There is a great viewing platform on the opposite side of the Contemporary from the restaurant. You can stand here and watch the fireworks and then hop on the monorail to return to the Magic Kingdom to catch your resort bus.
My favorite memory: This was our very first character meal on our very trip and it is where my son got to see Pluto for the very first time. He was just over 2 years old and he loved Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Pluto snuck up behind him and tapped Jacob on the shoulder. When he saw Pluto, he squealed in delight.
1900 Park Fare’s Happily Ever After Dinner: Join Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Drizella and Anastasia for a delicious dinner buffet including Prime Rib. Cinderella and the Prince will dance for you and even invite the kids out to the floor. Get the video camera ready for Anastasia and Drizella’s visit to your table. You never know what those 2 will say! The best seating of the day is 4:30. Arrive early and you might get to open the restaurant.
My favorite memory: On our first trip, I booked this meal on my daughter’s fifth birthday. She was sitting at the table enjoying her dessert when Lady Tremaine came up and asked her to dance. While they were dancing, Prince Charming cut in and she got to enjoy a dance with him. She was dressed as Cinderella which made the moment even more magical.
Donald’s Safari Meal at Tusker House: Located in the heart of Africa in the Animal Kingdom, this character meal offers a unique food buffet. Meet with Donald outside for a family portrait and have your personal camera ready for table visits by Goofy, Daisy and Mickey in their safari gear. Have the little ones sit on the seats at the end of the table for the best photo opps. The best seating of the day is 8 am when you can enter Animal Kingdom before it opens. As soon as you finish your meal, head over to the Safari to see the animals. You won’t even need a Fastpass+ since you are dining right at the entrance and should beat the crowds to the attraction.
My favorite memory: This is not really my memory, but of one that I witnessed. We were seated next to a small table that only had one lady at the table. When she saw Mickey, she started crying and hugging him. She began to tell Mickey how much he meant to her. It was very heartwarming to realize in that moment that Mickey was as real to her as he was to my young children.
Garden Grill: Enjoy a delicious family-style meal complete with vegetables grown right there in Epcot. Have the autograph books open and ready for visits by Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale. And no, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, the restaurant is actually rotating! You will complete a full 360 circle during the course of your meal. It does move at a snail’s pace, so no need to worry about motion sickness while you eat.
My favorite memory: While my son was eating his dinner, Chip snuck up behind him and made antlers on his head while I snapped a picture. Those 2 chipmunks are such a hoot!
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.