Character Dining at Disney World: A Delicious Dose of Magic
- Jennifer Ormesher
- Aug 21
- 5 min read
Dining with Disney characters is more than just a meal—it's an experience. But before you book that table for breakfast with Belle or dinner with Donald, let’s go over a few important tips to help your experience run smoothly.
First, all character dining inside the parks requires valid theme park admission. You’ll need a park ticket and a reservation for the restaurant. Guests staying at a Disney Resort can start booking dining reservations 60 days before check-in—one of many perks we help you take full advantage of!
Characters follow a specific rotation in the dining room, so don’t worry if they visit other tables before yours. Everyone gets their magical moment. And while characters may vary, you’ll usually meet the stars listed in the description.
Got dietary restrictions? Disney has you covered. Just let the restaurant know in advance, and they’ll ensure your meal is safe and delicious.
Pro tip: If your kid is too excited to eat, ask your server for a to-go box (non-buffet locations only). You paid for that Mickey waffle—you should enjoy it!
Table of Contents
Character Dining at Disney World: The Experiences You Can’t Miss
Now that you're prepped and ready, let’s dig into the best character dining options at Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks—organized alphabetically so you can find your favorites fast.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – EPCOT®
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Style: Family-Style American & Norwegian
Characters: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, Tiana
Located in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT®, this regal dining hall brings the fairytale to life. With high-arched ceilings and castle-inspired decor, you’ll dine in royal style while meeting a rotating group of Disney Princesses.
Breakfast includes pastries, scrambled eggs, and Norwegian waffles. Lunch and dinner add unique offerings like Norwegian meatballs (kjøttkake), grilled salmon, and field greens with lingonberry vinaigrette. And yes—dessert is included!
Heads up: Anna and Elsa aren't part of the dining lineup here. You’ll find them nearby at Royal Sommerhus instead.
Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom®
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Style: Table-Service American
Characters: Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Aurora, Merida
Dining inside Cinderella Castle? Talk about a dream come true. You’ll meet Cinderella before ascending to a regal banquet room where princesses make their rounds and magical views of Fantasyland await.
Breakfast options include French toast stuffed with caramel apples, avocado toast, or a traditional spread of eggs and sausage. For lunch or dinner, choose from pork tenderloin, gnocchi, or fresh fish. Kids’ menus and sparkling desserts like “The Clock Strikes Twelve” dark chocolate mousse make the experience extra sweet.
This is one of the most sought-after reservations in all of Walt Disney World—and the only one requiring prepayment at booking. We help our clients snag this one early!
Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom®
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Style: Buffet (American Cuisine)
Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore
Located on Main Street, U.S.A., Crystal Palace serves up hearty buffets in a Victorian-style conservatory filled with light, greenery, and turn-of-the-century charm.
You’ll find Pooh and his pals making the rounds—and don’t be surprised if there’s a cheerful parade where little ones can march alongside their Hundred Acre Wood friends.
Buffet highlights include an omelet station at breakfast, carved meats and pastas for lunch and dinner, and indulgent desserts like warm cobbler and soft-serve ice cream. While vegetarian options are available, the selection is smaller than at other locations.
Garden Grill – EPCOT®
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Style: Family-Style American
Characters: Mickey, Goofy, Chip, Dale (in farmer gear)
This rotating restaurant overlooks scenes from the Living with the Land attraction, giving you a slow, panoramic view of rainforest, prairie, and farmhouse landscapes while you dine.
Expect comfort food favorites served family-style: Mickey waffles and cinnamon breakfast bread in the morning, followed by harvest salad, grilled beef with chimichurri, and roast turkey at lunch and dinner. Many of the veggies are grown right in EPCOT’s greenhouses!
This is a hidden gem with easier reservation availability than other character dining spots. The slow-moving setting and friendly farmer characters make it a peaceful and memorable meal.
Hollywood & Vine – Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Style: Buffet (American Cuisine)
Characters:
Breakfast: Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Roadster Goofy
Lunch & Dinner: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto (in seasonal costumes)
Hollywood & Vine offers two different experiences: a playful Disney Junior breakfast and seasonal dining parties with classic characters at lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s retro decor feels like a 1940s Hollywood cafeteria, complete with art deco flair.
Breakfast offers Mickey waffles, frittatas, French toast with bananas foster sauce, and more. Later meals include roasted chicken, carved beef tenderloin, risotto, and seasonal desserts like bread pudding and Mississippi mud pie.
Bonus: Book the Fantasmic! Dinner Package here and you’ll receive reserved seating for the popular nighttime show. It’s a win-win.
Tusker House – Disney’s Animal Kingdom®
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dining Style: Buffet (American & African-Inspired)
Characters: Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Goofy (in safari gear)
Set in a bustling Harambe Marketplace, Tusker House blends African-inspired dishes with family favorites and delightful character meet-and-greets. Safari-clad Mickey and friends roam the restaurant, stopping for hugs and photos at every table.
Breakfast features Mickey and Simba waffles, Safari Bread, and egg curry with jasmine rice. For lunch and dinner, explore bold flavors like Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp, Berbere-marinated pork, and Moroccan-spiced beef—plus kid-friendly classics.
This immersive setting offers a true sense of adventure, and the food is a fantastic mix of familiar and exciting.
Final Thoughts
Character Dining at Disney World is more than just a meal—it’s an experience full of laughter, magic, and memories you’ll treasure forever. From castles to rotating restaurants and princesses to safari pals, there’s something enchanting waiting at every table.
If this sounds like the kind of magic your family would love, we’re here to help. From choosing the perfect reservation to planning your day around it, we’ll take care of the details so you can focus on fun.
Ready to turn your Disney dreams into delicious memories? Let us handle the planning while you soak up the magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a park ticket for character dining?
Yes. All character dining locations listed here are inside theme parks and require valid admission.
How early can I make reservations?
Guests staying at a Disney Resort can book 60 days before their check-in date. Booking early is key—these spots fill fast!
Can character dining accommodate food allergies?
Absolutely. Let the restaurant or your travel advisor know in advance, and they’ll make sure your dietary needs are met.
Will we get to meet every character listed?
Characters are scheduled but not guaranteed. However, each guest will have time with the ones available during your reservation.
Can I get photos with the characters?
Yes! Have your camera or phone ready. Photographers may not always be present, but characters are happy to pose and sign autographs.
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