Our Guide to Walt Disney World Character Meals was last updated during September 2021. Currently, Walt Disney World is offering a modified character dining experience in a limited number of venues. During the initial reopening period, most character meals were closed, but there has been a gradual increase in the number of venues offering experiences. Our 2021 Character Meal guide provides information on all the current Walt Disney World Character Meals, including helpful tips, tricks, and hacks. We have also included historical information on meals that are currently not available but which may open soon.

Which venues currently have character meals at Walt Disney World?

Modified character meals are currently located at:

• Garden Grill Restaurant
• Hollywood & Vine
• Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera(breakfast only)
• Chef Mickey’s
• Tusker House Restaurant.

Also, The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals takes place on Saturdays at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando

What is a modified character meal?

Hugs and autographs with your favorite character are currently not allowed. However, characters will walk through the restaurant as guests dine. Characters will pose for socially distanced photographs near your table.

A keepsake in-lieu of autographs is provided at each venue.

Is the meal modifed?

Although they are slowly returning, buffets are currently not being served in character dining locations. Instead, all-you-can-eat family-style platters are served at your table, or a la carte selections are available.

What characters will you see at each meal?

Characters are always subject to change, but at this time, the following characters regularly appear at these venues:

Garden Grill Restaurant: Farmer Mickey, Chip, Dale), and Pluto

Hollywood & Vine: At breakfast, you will meet a variety of Disney Junior Characters, including Vampirina and Fancy Nancy. Lunch and dinner is Minnie’s Seasonal Dining, where you will meet Minnie and friends, possibly including Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto.

Topolino’s Terrace Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy Duck

Chef Mickey’s  Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Minnie

Tusker House Restaurant Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy

Should you book a modifed character meal?

It is tempting to skip character meals when visiting Walt Disney World in 2021. However, there are a couple of things you should consider before making this decision:

• Character interactions are currently limited at Walt Disney World and character meals offer one of the few opportunities to meet your favorite.
• The new interactions are great fun. Socially distanced does not mean less fun!
• The food in many venues is considerably better than the traditional buffets.

Are all other character restaurants closed?

Currently, 1990 Park Fare, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point are closed. Other restaurants that traditionally have character meals(e.g., Ohana) are open but do not have characters present.

Although not currently advertised as a character meal, Cinderella has been spotted waving to Cinderella’s Royal Table guests.

Traditional Guide to Walt Disney World Charcter Meals

The following information was last updated in 2019. We expect character meals will return to their more regular format in 2022. In the meantime, you may find this information useful, but you should not the current character experience at Walt Disney World is modified.

Going to Walt Disney World? Are you going with the kids?

If you are, meeting characters is likely to be a big part of your Walt Disney World Vacation. In fact, for many adults, it is also a big part of their vacation too!

It is difficult not to get involved with the fun of meeting the occasional Disney Character. However, one thing you will meet is long lines. One way to avoid these lines is to book one of the Walt Disney World Character Meals.

Character Meals are located throughout Disney World and are offered at each theme park plus several resorts. Whether it is Mickey Mouse, a Disney Princess, or Winnie the Pooh, there will likely be a character meal where you can meet your favorite character.

While they often don’t offer the best food, character meals are always great fun.

Magic Kingdom Character Meals

Crystal Palace at The Magic Kingdom

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this impressive venue is located on Main Street USA.

This is your opportunity to meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet. A great character experience that is popular with all little ones even if Piglet does not look much like Piglet!

Booking is essential for this Character Meal, and the Disney Dining Plan is accepted. A generous but not stunning buffet is available to go with your experience.

Cinderella’s Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Set upstairs inside Cinderella Castle, this restaurant hosts a highly sought-after character meal. Advance Dining Reservations are essential and should be booked as soon as the 180-day booking window opens.

Characters do vary, but you can expect to meet Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora & Snow White. In addition, Jasmine or the Fairy Godmother often appear.

The Disney Dining Plan is accepted, but this is a Signature Location and costs 2 table credits. Payment in full is required on booking, and guests on the Disney Dining Plan will have the full cost deducted for a no-show from their card.

The new Signature Celebration Package at Cinderella’s Royal Table offers the Ultimate Princess Experience at the Magic Kingdom. The event consists of 3 components: Dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, priority fireworks viewing, and a delightful dessert party—in addition to several sensational surprises.

Be Our Guest at Dinner

The very popular Be Our Guest is not a traditional character meal. However, on leaving, you can meet the Beast.

Dinner at Be Our Guest, was changed during summer 2018 and is now a fixed price signature meal containing a selection of French Favorites. The meal is not cheap, costing around $60 or 2 table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan.

Be Our Guest is a Quick Service site for breakfast and lunch. Beast is not present at either lunch or breakfast, but the food is better than most Quick Service locations.

EPCOT Character Meals

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Located in Norway and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Belle is your host who you meet on arrival. Also, you will see a selection from Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Mary Poppins, and Snow White.

Food is better than many other Walt Disney World Character Meals but might not be popular with picky eaters. If you are a little picky about your food, breakfast is probably a better choice.

The Disney Dining Plan is accepted and costs only one credit. Another popular venue but easier to book than the Royal Table.

Many Disney World experts consider Akershus Royal Banquet Hall to be one of the best value meals on the Disney Dining Plan. This is probably my favorite of all the Disney World Character Meals.

Garden Grill

Served family-style and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The usual characters are Mickey, Chip, Dale, and Pluto. The restaurant rotates, and you get several views from Living with the Land as you eat.

The Disney Dining Plan is accepted, and reservations are usually easier to obtain than other character meal venues.

Hollywood Studios Character Meals

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine

Hollywood and Vine character meals have changed several times in recent years. Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine is currently only available for breakfast. Characters vary, and the current characters are Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Roadster Racer Goofy.

This meal is excellent fun for little ones and costs 1 Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

A Fantasmic Dining Package is also available and provides VIP seating to watch the show. The dining package, in my opinion, is only worthwhile if you are on the dining plan as it still costs one credit. If you are paying out-of-pocket, it does cost a bit more.

Many recent reports suggest food can be very poor at Hollywood and Vine. However, the kids will not care!

Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood and Vine

Now serving for lunch & dinner is this ever-changing seasonal feast. Minnie and pals are decked out in unique costumes that vary based upon the current season. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted, and Fantasmic Dining packages are available.

The following seasons are currently announced:

Halloween Dine
August 26, 2019 – November 7, 2019 
Visit Minnie’s favorite happy haunt for a spooktacular Halloween feast that’s frightfully delightful.

Holiday Dine
Begins November 8, 2019 
Deck the halls at a dazzling dinner party filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season!

Likely seasons in 2020 are Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine, Minnie’s Springtime Dine, and Minnie’s Summertime Dine.

Animal Kingdom Character Meals

Tusker House

Donald’s Safari Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at Tusker House is located in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom.

Donald is your host, plus there is an opportunity to meet Daisy, Goofy & Mickey Mouse. An excellent buffet accompanies your meal in an interesting environment.

A good meal, but it is not the cheapest character meal. Disney Dining plan is accepted and costs one credit.

Dining packages are available, which include seating at Rivers of Light. Using the Dining Plan still costs 1 credit but is more expensive when paying out of pocket.

Disney World Resort’s Character Meals

1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian

1900 Park fare is open for breakfast and dinner, but two quite different character meals are served.

You can meet Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh at breakfast. We have recently visited 1900 Park Fare after a several years break and have created a review of our experience. The breakfast buffet, in our opinion, is one of the best in Walt Disney World. During Holiday Seasons, this meal is extended into brunch.

Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner has culinary selections that represent several “kingdoms” from around the globe. Cinderella is your host and is usually supported by Prince Charming, Anastasia, Drizella, and Lady Tremaine.

The Character meals at 1900 Park fare are not the cheapest but have some great characters you can’t meet elsewhere.

The Disney Dining Plan is accepted for all meals.

Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Only the breakfast served at Ohana is a character meal. The meal features Lilo, Stitch, Mickey & Pluto. It is a popular location with a good family-style breakfast. The restaurant accepts the Disney Dining Plan and Advance Dining Reservations are essential.

Plenty of family fun throughout your visit. Ohana is very popular for good reasons, and we have more information in our review.

Storybook Dining at Artist Point Wilderness Lodge

Artist Point was one of the finest signature restaurants at Walt Disney World and did not need changing. However, it is now a character meal featuring Snow White and the Gang!

Somewhat surprisingly, this only costs 1 credit on the Disney Dining Plan and appears to represent excellent value for money. Guests share a selection of appetizers and Desserts and pick their own entree. The dishes do sound delicious but are rather underwhelming. In addition, some of the gluten-free dishes served to Mrs. Modernlifeisgood in our recent visit were inedible.

The meal features Snow White, the Evil Queen, Dopey, and Grumpy. It is the characters that make this meal worth attending, and they are great fun.

Currently, the restaurant is extremely popular, and you must book your Advanced Dining reservation early.

Please read our review of our experience with Storybook Dining at Artist Point.

Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort.

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Chef Mickey’s is a very popular and noisy character experience.

Not the best food, but an excellent opportunity to meet Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Pluto. This location is very popular and should be booked as soon as possible. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted.

Our review of Chef Mickey’s has further information.

Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort

The usual characters are Donald, Goofy, and Minnie, dressed in their beach gear. Often a quieter venue which means more time with characters, but usually there are only 3. We think a character meal should have at least four characters.

Disney Dining Plan accepted but perhaps not the best value use of a table service credit.

Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno

Located on  Disney’s Boardwalk, this Character Meal offers a rare opportunity to meet the Disney Princes.

The current characters are Rapunzel and Flynn Rider & Ariel, and Prince Eric.

Wonderland Tea Party at Grand Floridian

A Kid Only(4-10) Tea Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter. Kids get the opportunity to make cupcakes and have tea with the characters.

The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted. The experience lasts for 1 hour, and parents do not stay during the party.

Perfectly Princess Tea Party at Grand Floridian

Rose Petal is your host for this costly experience with a guest appearance by Aurora. Girls receive a Princess Aurora doll, tiara, bracelet, rose, scrapbook, and food during this major event. Boys get an alternative selection of gifts.

Disney Dining Plan is not accepted. The experience is not available on Tuesday and Thursday.

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Opening in December at the new Riviera Resort is Topolino’s Terrace. A new character breakfast will be available at the restaurant. Breakfast will consist of pastries and a choice of freshly prepared entrees. The meal will cost 1 credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Characters are likely to be Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck.

In the evening, the restaurant will become a Signature Dining Location.

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Closed

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness closed in 2018. The site of the BBQ has now been demolished and will not be returning.

Non-Disney Resort Character Meals

There are Disney World Character Meals at several non-Disney properties:

Ravello’s Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals at the Four Seasons

Garden Grove at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel

Covington Mill located inside Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

Letterpress at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

Lakeside at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted for character meals at non-Disney Resorts. However, several of these meals are significantly cheaper than Character Meals at Disney-owned resorts.

Learn More about Disney Dining

We have created a 2021 Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World, which explains all the options available.

Our 2021 Guide to Walt Disney World is an excellent resource for planning your Disney World Vacation.