One of the most magical parts of any Disney World vacation is the chance to meet your favorite Disney characters. And what could be better than enjoying a delicious meal while interacting with Mickey, Cinderella, and all their friends? If you're looking to make your trip extra special, character dining is a must-do.

This guide will help you choose the best character dining spots at Disney World, so you can enjoy a tasty meal and get some unforgettable photos with Disney characters!

Donald Duck Daisy Duck — **Favorite Disney characters**

Why Do Character Dining?

Character dining is a fun and easy way to meet characters without waiting in line at the parks. You get to enjoy a meal while characters come to your table for photos, autographs, and a little interaction. It's especially great for families with young kids (or anyone who loves Disney magic!).

Plus, some of the restaurants are themed to match the characters, making the experience even more immersive.

1. Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom

If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the top choices for character dining. Located inside Cinderella Castle, it’s the ultimate place to meet princesses while dining in a beautiful setting.

What to expect:

Princesses like Cinderella, Snow White, and Aurora (sometimes others like Belle and Ariel too)
A three-course meal that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
A chance to feel like royalty in the iconic castle setting

✨ Pro Tip: It’s a popular spot, so make sure to book your reservation as early as possible (up to 60 days in advance) to secure a spot!

2. Be Our Guest Restaurant – Magic Kingdom

For something a little different, head over to Be Our Guest in the Beast’s enchanted castle. While not traditional character dining, the setting alone makes it feel like you're dining with the characters of Beauty and the Beast.

What to expect:

A gorgeous, immersive setting with rooms themed after scenes from the movie
A chance to see the Beast (who often wanders around the dining room)
Delicious French-inspired cuisine
Prix-fixe menu

3. Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

One of the most beloved character dining experiences is Chef Mickey’s. This casual buffet-style meal gives you the chance to meet classic Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.

What to expect:

A family-friendly buffet with breakfast, brunch, and dinner options
Meet Mickey, Minnie, and friends as they come around to each table
A fun, colorful atmosphere with Disney music and plenty of laughter

✨ Pro Tip: Chef Mickey’s is great for families with young kids—it’s lively, fun, and you don’t have to worry about any formalities.

4. The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom

Another fantastic option inside Magic Kingdom is The Crystal Palace, where you can dine with Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. The beautiful Victorian-style restaurant is perfect for a fun, character-filled meal.

What to expect:

Characters like Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet
A buffet with a wide variety of options, including a mix of American classics and Disney favorites
A bright, airy atmosphere with a great view of the gardens outside

✨ Pro Tip: The Crystal Palace is great for breakfast, but also offers a fun lunch and dinner experience for fans of the Pooh characters!

5. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Epcot

For a taste of princess magic without leaving Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion is a must-visit. This character dining spot features many of the same princesses you’ll find at Cinderella’s Royal Table, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and Norwegian-inspired cuisine.

What to expect:

Princesses like Belle, Aurora, and Ariel
A prix-fixe menu with options like Norwegian pancakes, herring, and beef medallions
A less crowded option compared to other princess meals

✨ Pro Tip: While Cinderella’s Royal Table can be harder to get into, Akershus is often a bit easier to secure a reservation for!

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion

6. Tusker House Restaurant – Animal Kingdom

If you want a fun, safari-inspired dining experience, Tusker House Restaurant at Animal Kingdom is a great choice. You’ll get to meet classic Disney characters like Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy in their safari outfits.

What to expect:

A colorful, buffet-style meal with African-inspired dishes
Characters like Mickey, Goofy, Daisy, and Donald in safari gear
A lively and fun atmosphere with music and a vibrant setting

✨ Pro Tip: This is a great way to enjoy a unique meal with characters while exploring the park—perfect for a midday break!

7. Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

For a more relaxed, island-themed dining experience, Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a family-style breakfast with characters like Lilo and Stitch.

What to expect:

A family-style breakfast with character appearances from Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto
Polynesian-inspired dishes like scrambled eggs, Mickey waffles, and tropical fruit
A laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely meal

✨ Pro Tip: Ohana is especially great for a fun, character-filled breakfast before you head to the parks!

💡 Bonus Tip: Make Your Reservations Early!

Character dining at Disney World is one of the most popular experiences, and reservations fill up quickly. Be sure to book your spot as soon as you can—up to 60 days in advance!

Final Thoughts

Character dining is one of the best ways to bring extra magic to your vacation planning Disney experience. Whether you’re dining with princesses, meeting Mickey and friends, or exploring new worlds with Pooh and his pals, these meals are sure to create lasting memories for your whole family.

Need help planning your Disney trip or finding the best reservations?

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