Imagine starting your day with a delicious meal, surrounded by your favorite Disney characters, all without the crowds and the need for a theme park ticket. Sounds perfect, right?
Some of the most magical character dining experiences can be found at Disney resorts, providing a perfect blend of convenience, enchantment, and delicious food. While there are plenty of options available, I've handpicked the top four that you simply can’t afford to miss during your Disney resort stay.
Enjoy a delightful meal, meet your favorite characters, and save on theme park tickets by indulging in these fantastic character dining spots during your Disney resort day.
What Is A Character Dining Experience?
A character dining experience at Disney is a unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while meeting beloved Disney characters. Typically, characters will visit each table, allowing guests to interact, take photos, and collect autographs.
It's an immersive experience that brings Disney magic to your dining table, making it perfect for families, Disney fans, and anyone looking to add a touch of enchantment to their meal.
What to Expect
During a character dining meal, you can expect the characters to come to your table, providing personal interaction time. The dining atmosphere is often themed to match the characters, enhancing the overall experience.
Guests can take photos and get autographs, so don't forget your camera and autograph book! Character dining is suitable for all ages, making it a fun and memorable experience for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Who is Character Dining Good For?
Character dining is ideal for:
Families with young children who adore Disney characters. This is a relaxed atmosphere helping young kids avoid exhaustion in long lines.
Adults who want to relive childhood memories or enjoy the Disney magic.
Guests who want a more relaxed, immersive dining experience without the need for park tickets. This is a perfect activity for your resort/rest day.
Anyone celebrating a special occasion like birthdays, anniversaries, or first visits to Disney
Now, let's count down the Best Character Dining Options available at Disney resorts.
#4: Cape May Cafe: Character Dining
Cape May Cafe offers a charming beach-themed breakfast where you can enjoy typical American breakfast fare with some of your favorite Disney friends. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect start to your resort day.
Location: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Cuisine: American buffet
Characters: Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy
Time of Day: Breakfast
Average Cost: $35-$59.99 per adult
How It Works: At Cape May Cafe, characters visit each table, allowing for personal interactions. They’re dressed in adorable beach attire, adding a fun, summery vibe to your meal.
Getting There: From any Disney resort, you can take a bus to Epcot and then either walk or take a boat to Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Download our transportation guide for more tips.
#3: ‘Ohana: Character Dining
‘Ohana serves up a tropical breakfast with a side of fun, featuring beloved characters in a lively, Polynesian setting. It’s an experience that brings the aloha spirit to your Disney vacation.
Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Cuisine: American, Polynesian-inspired
Characters: Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto
Time of Day: Breakfast
Average Cost: $35-$59.99 per adult
How It Works: At ‘Ohana, the characters visit each table while you enjoy a delicious family-style breakfast. The island-inspired decor and Hawaiian music add to the enchanting experience.
Getting There: From any Disney resort, take a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then the monorail to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Download our transportation guide for more tips.
#2: Storybook Dining at Artist Point: Character Dining
This dining experience combines the rustic elegance of Artist Point with the whimsy of a fairy tale, making it a standout choice for character dining. The themed environment and character interactions are sure to enchant guests of all ages.
Location: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Cuisine: American
Characters: Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, The Evil Queen
Time of Day: Dinner
Average Cost: $60 and above per adult
How It Works: Storybook Dining offers a unique, enchanting dinner where characters stroll through the forest-themed dining area. After dinner, each table will get invited to get up and go meet The Evil Queen. The interactions are magical and beautifully orchestrated, bringing the fairy tale to life.
Getting There: From any Disney resort, take a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then a boat to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Download our transportation guide for more tips.
#1: Topolino’s Terrace: Character Dining
Topolino’s Terrace offers an exquisite breakfast with a touch of elegance, perfect for those looking to enjoy a high-end dining experience while still immersing in Disney magic. The character interactions and stunning views make it an unforgettable part of your Disney resort day.
Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort
Cuisine: French and Italian-inspired
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy
Time of Day: Breakfast
Average Cost: $35-$59.99 per adult
How It Works: At Topolino’s Terrace, characters visit each table, dressed in stylish artist-themed outfits that reflect the Riviera’s artistic heritage. The setting is upscale, yet family-friendly, providing a refined yet magical experience.
Getting There: From any Disney resort, take a bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and then the Skyliner to Disney’s Riviera Resort. Download our transportation guide for more tips.
Cost vs. Value For Disney Character Dining
Character dining at Disney resorts offers incredible value for the cost. While prices can be higher than typical dining experiences, the added magic of character interactions, photo opportunities, and autographs provides a memorable and unique experience. The convenience of enjoying these experiences without the need for park tickets further enhances the value, making it a worthwhile investment for families and Disney fans.
FAQ For Disney Character Dining
Q: Is character dining at Disney resorts a good alternative to dining in the parks?
A: Absolutely! Resort character dining provides the same magical experiences and beloved character interactions without needing a park ticket. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a leisurely meal and meet your favorite Disney friends.
Q: How do character interactions work at these restaurants?
A: Characters visit each table and will spend a few minutes with each person at the table. At these Disney resort restaurants, characters make their way to each table, allowing for personal interactions, photos, and autographs. It ensures that every guest gets time with the characters.
Q: Can I get pictures and autographs at these character dining locations?
A: Yes, definitely! Be sure to bring your camera and autograph book. Characters are more than happy to pose for photos and sign autographs, making these dining experiences extra special.
Q: Is it necessary to book reservations in advance?
A: Highly recommended. Character dining experiences are popular, and reservations can fill up quickly. It’s best to book as early as possible to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
By choosing these top-notch character dining spots at Disney resorts, you can enjoy the magic of meeting beloved characters while savoring delicious meals, all without stepping foot in a theme park. It’s the perfect way to add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your resort day. For more tips on how to navigate Disney transportation, be sure to download our comprehensive transportation guide.
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