Walt Disney World: Other Character Meals

If you would like to dine with characters other than Mickey and the gang or the Disney princesses, there are 2 special options just for you!

Winnie the Pooh at The Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom

The Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom features Winnie the Pooh and friends, while Hollywood & Vine in the Hollywood Studios welcomes favorite characters from the Disney Junior television shows. Read more to find out the details!

The Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom welcomes Winnie the Pooh and his friends (usually Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is served buffet-style, with all of the characters visiting each table to interact with the guests. As with every character meal, characters are happy to take pictures with guests and/or sign autographs. There is also a fun parade for guests, who follow the characters around the dining room.

Eeyore at The Crystal Palace

Breakfast is available starting at 8:05 a.m., which means that it is possible on certain days to have breakfast before the park opens. This allows guests to get pictures on Main Street with fewer crowds, as well as bypass crowds at park opening.

Hollywood & Vine

Disney Junior Play 'n Dine features characters from the popular Disney Junior television shows at Hollywood & Vine in the Hollywood Studios. Characters are part of the breakfast and lunch experiences only. Characters change regularly as Disney Junior shows grow or decline in popularity; past characters have included: JoJo and Goliath (JoJo's Circus), Leo and June (The Little Einsteins), Handy Manny, and Special Agent Oso.  There are usually 3-4 characters available at each meal.

Special Agent Oso and Disney Junior Play 'n Dine

The food is served buffet-style, with all of the characters visiting each table to interact with the guests. There are also entertainment portions where the Disney Junior characters dance with the younger (and younger-at-heart) guests. Breakfast is available starting at 8:00 a.m., which means that it is possible on certain days to have breakfast before the park opens. This allows guests to get pictures on Hollywood Boulevard with fewer crowds, as well as bypass crowds at park opening.

Conclusion

So what do you think? Are you ready for a meal with Pooh or Disney Junior friends?

For more information on other character dining experiences, read my posts on dining with Mickey and friends, or with the Disney Princesses.

Walt Disney World: Meals Fit for a Princess

There are many character dining experiences available at Walt Disney World, and of course, some of the most popular ones are the meals with the Disney Princesses.

Ariel at Akershus

Do you have a princess who wants to dine with her Disney peers? There are three Disney Princess character meals available at Walt Disney World. Each has its own style, so read more to find out about each one!

Cinderella's Royal Table

The most well-known of the Disney Princess dining experiences, Cinderella's Royal Table is located on the second floor of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. The main appeal of this experience is of course the magic of dining in the castle!

Cinderella's Royal Greeting

It is absolutely necessary to make reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table as early as possible. Advanced dining reservations are accepted up to 180 days in advance, and this highly-sought-after experience fills up quickly. This is the most popular character dining experience at Walt Disney World! The earlier you can make reservations, the better your chances of choosing the date and time you prefer.

Aurora at Cinderella's Royal Table

All three meals are available at Cinderella's Royal Table. Breakfast times start at 8:05 a.m., so it is even possible to have a breakfast reservation before park opening! Likewise, dinner is served until 10:00 p.m., so on nights the park closes early, you may be in the park after closing. This is an advantage because it offers prime opportunities for pictures on Main Street without the usual crowds, as well as allowing you to be well into the park before the main groups of people enter.

Bella at Cinderella's Royal Table

When arriving at Cinderella's Royal Table, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet with Cinderella. A picture is taken by a Disney photographer, and the price of the meal includes the photo package, delivered to your table before the end of the meal. The package arrives in a special Cinderella photo holder, and includes one 8x10 and two 4x6 copies of the picture with Cinderella, plus one 8x10 picture of Cinderella Castle. A group of up to 4 guests receives one photo package, while a group of 5-8 receives 2 photo packages, and a group of 9-12 receives 3 photo packages! In addition, children receive a special gift, usually a wand or sword.

Cinderella's Royal Greeting

The meals at Cinderella's Royal Table are all-you-care to enjoy, but vary slightly in choices. Breakfast includes pre-plated plates of American breakfast food. Lunch consists of a pre-selected appetizer, with choices from the menu for the entree and dessert. Dinner allows for choices of appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Jasmine at Cinderella's Royal Table

Of course, next to dining in the castle, meeting the Disney Princesses is the highlight of the meal! Cinderella does not come to tables during the meal, as she is busy greeting guests downstairs. Her friends come to each table for autographs and/or pictures. Princess characters are subject to change, and may include: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, and/or Snow White. There are usually 4-5 princesses in addition to Cinderella.

Snow White at Cinderella's Royal Table

Prices at Cinderella's Royal Table range from $35-$75, depending on the meal and ages of the guests. The price includes the photo package, meal, tax, and gratuity. Payment in full is required at the time of booking. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 2 table service credits, due to its popularity.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

If preferences or circumstances prevent dining in Cinderella Castle, the Disney Princess dining experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is another wonderful option. Located in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, Akershus also provides a royal experience for visiting guests.

Belle's Royal Greeting

Although this experience is not as popular as dining in Cinderella Castle, advanced dining reservations are still highly recommended in order to be able to dine on the date and at the time you prefer. Advanced dining reservations are available up to 180 days in advance.

Snow White at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

All three meals are available at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Breakfast times start at 8:00 a.m., so it is even possible to have a breakfast reservation before park opening! This is an advantage because it offers prime opportunities for pictures without the usual crowds, as well as allowing you to be well into the park before the main groups of people enter. We were able to walk on to Test Track at park opening, since Akershus is closer to the attraction than the entrance is!

Mulan at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

When arriving at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet with Belle in her yellow ball gown. A picture is taken by a Disney photographer, and the price of the meal includes the photo package, delivered to your table before the end of the meal. The package arrives in a special photo holder, and includes one 8x10 and two 4x6 copies of the picture with Belle. A group of up to 4 guests receives one photo package, while a group of 5-8 receives 2 photo packages, and a group of 9-12 receives 3 photo packages!

Belle's Royal Greeting

The meals at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall vary depending on the meal. Breakfast includes American breakfast food served family-style. Lunch and dinner begin with a Norwegian cold buffet, with choices from the menu for the entree, and a dessert plate to share.

Cinderella at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Meeting the Disney Princesses is always the highlight of the meal! Belle does not come to tables during the meal, as she is busy greeting guests. Her friends come to each table for autographs and/or pictures. Princess characters are subject to change, and may include: Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, and/or Mary Poppins. There are usually 4-5 princesses in addition to Belle. There is also a "Princess Parade" for younger guests to follow their princesses in a parade around the dining area.

Aurora at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Prices at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall range from $25-$60, depending on the meal and ages of the guests. The price includes the photo package, meal, and tax, but not gratuity. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 1 table service credit.

Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner

Another Disney Princess dining experience is Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This experience includes Cinderella and her entourage, and the character interaction is top-notch!

Fairy Godmother at 1900 Park Fare

Advanced dining reservations are always recommended in order to be able to dine on the date and at the time you prefer. Advanced dining reservations are available up to 180 days in advance. However, this meal is generally available even on short notice.

Anastasia at 1900 Park Fare

As the name would suggest, this experience is offered at dinner only. An advantage to this location is that it does not require park admission, since it is located at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It is also a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom, if you do go in to the park on the day of this experience. The meal at 1900 Park Fare is a buffet dinner, including dessert. Many guests have commented on the strawberry soup served here!

Little Princess at the Grand Floridian

When arriving at 1900 Park Fare, guests are first allowed the opportunity to meet have a photo taken in front of a fairytale backdrop. Characters are usually not included in this photo. Photos are then brought to your table and you have the choice to purchase them. This photo is included as part of the special Photopass + package, which allows you to prepay for dining and attraction photos, as well as a photo CD.

Drizella at 1900 Park Fare

Characters appearing at this meal are all connected to Cinderella. Characters may include: Cinderella, Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother, Anastasia, Drizella, and Lady Tremaine. Many guests have commented on the fun interaction with the characters, including shenanigans from the stepsisters.

Drizella at 1900 Park Fare

Prices at Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner range from $20-$45, depending on ages of the guests. The price includes the meal and tax, but not gratuity. When dining on the dining plan, this meal requires 1 table service credit.

Overview

There is a Disney Princess dining experience to fit many preferences. Which is the right one for you and your royal family?

Dining Spotlight: Meals with the Fab 5

When it comes to dining with Disney characters, Disney has a meal to please all guests! Of course, some of the most popular characters are what we Disney lovers call the "Fab 5." The Fab 5 include: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.

 

Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickey's

Why Character Dining?

Character dining is a wonderful way to complete two tasks at one time. Since you have to eat, and you (or your little ones) want to see the characters, why not do both at once? When you participate in a character meal, each character will visit your table at least once during your meal. They will spend time with your group, sign autograph books, and take pictures. The setting is usually less rushed than standing in line at the parks, and you don't run the risk of standing in a long line to have Mickey take a break just as you near the front. For this reason, we meet most of our characters at meals and save the lines for the characters we can't see while dining.

Goofy at Tusker House

The "Fab 5"

There is currently only one restaurant that offers dining with all of the Fab 5. There are also several locations that offer dining with at least 2 of the Fab 5 characters.

Mickey Statue at Chef Mickey's

You can find all of the Fab 5 at Chef Mickey's restaurant at Disney's Contemporary Resort. This restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, and is a favorite for the characters along with the celebration (fun dance party) that happens during the meal. We like to eat here on the day we arrive at Walt Disney World, since it does not require park admission and we can see the characters and feel some Disney magic even before going into the parks. If you purchase the Fastpass + photo package, the group picture with a Chef Mickey statue is also included in the package.

Minnie at Chef Mickey's

My next favorite classic character meal is Tusker House at Animal Kingdom. This character dining location features Donald and friends at all three meals. Donald's friends usually include Daisy (sometimes difficult to find in the parks, so we love to catch her here!), Mickey, and Goofy. The picture with Donald before you are seated is also included in the Photopass + package.

Donald at Tusker House

We also love to eat at the Garden Grill in Epcot, which features Mickey in his farmer's outfit, Pluto, and Chip and Dale (also difficult to find in the parks). The food at the Garden Grill is amazing, since it is seasonal and much is grown at the Land pavilion in Epcot.

Pluto at Garden Grill

Some of the Fab 5 also make appearances at the following dining locations:

• Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort: Characters appear at breakfast and usually include Minnie Mouse, Donald, and Goofy.
• Garden Grove at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel: Two classic characters appear at dinner.
• 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort: Characters appear at breakfast and usually include Mickey and Pluto along with Lilo and Stitch. The character meal picture is also included in the Photopass + package.
• Mickey's Backyard BBQ at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: This dinner show is held seasonally in the summer. Characters usually include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip, and Dale.

It is important to note that Disney World does not guarantee character appearances and all policies state that characters are subject to change without notice. Even Mickey Mouse can get a cold! I am always careful about guaranteeing anything to my girls, in case something doesn't work out the way we expect it to.

Daisy at Tusker House

General Thoughts

As a rule, we much prefer character dining to waiting in long lines at the parks. We are more comfortable and the character interaction is fun! If you would like to dine with Mickey Mouse, Chef Mickey's is by far the most popular location, so making advanced dining reservations is essential. Remember that advanced dining reservations can be made up to 180 days before the trip! I was able to make reservations for a client three months before their vacation, but only after trying for several weeks; it was booked the first several times I tried.

Mickey at Chef Mickey's

Garden Grove and Cape May Cafe are probably the least well-known, being at resorts on or near the Disney Boardwalk. If you are trying to make a reservation and other character dining is booked, there may still be openings at those restaurants.

When in doubt, ask your resident Disney specialist! Do you have questions about character dining? Is there another meal or character that you would like me to cover in the blog? Let me know in the comments section!

Choosing the Right Disney Dining Plan

One of the most popular additions to Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages has been the Disney Dining Plan. With the creation of this popular plan in 2005, guests to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida have been able to pre-purchase a vacation that is for all intents and purposes all-inclusive.

Donald at Chef Mickey's restaurant at the Contemporary Resort

The Disney Dining Plan has evolved over the years. As always, there are people who love the Dining Plan and people who hate it. I fall into the "love" category, especially for families with children up to and including age 9.

Read more to find out why...

The Disney Dining Plan is available if you purchase a vacation package including room and tickets from Disney or an authorized agent. Annual Pass holders (if staying on Disney property) and Disney Vacation Club members are also eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.

Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom

Disney Dining Plan options

Quick-Service Dining Plan:

• 2 quick service meal credits per person per night of stay
• 1 snack credit per person per night of stay
• 1 refillable resort mug per person for length of stay

The cost of the 2013 Quick-Service Dining Plan is approximately $37.58 for ages 10+ and $14.32 for children ages 3-9. The prices of the Quick-Service Dining Plan does not change with the pricing seasons.

Plus Dining Plan:

• 1 table service credit per person per night of stay
• 1 quick service credit per person per night of stay
• 1 snack credit per person per night of stay
• 1 refillable resort mug per person for length of stay

The cost of the 2013 Plus Dining Plan during the value and regular pricing seasons is approximately $55.59 for ages 10+ and $17.16 for children ages 3-9. The cost of the 2013 Plus Dining Plan during the peak pricing season is approximately $56.94 for ages 10+ and $18.16 for children ages 3-9.

Deluxe Dining Plan:

• 3 meal credits (quick service or table service) per person per night of stay
• 2 snack credits per person per night of stay
• 1 refillable resort mug per person for length of stay

The cost of the 2013 Deluxe Dining Plan during the value and regular pricing seasons is approximately $99.97 for ages 10+ and $26.84 for children ages 3-9. The cost of the 2013 Plus Dining Plan during the peak pricing season is approximately $102.27 for ages 10+ and $28.91 for children ages 3-9.

Refillable Resort Mugs

 Definitions of terms

Quick service: restaurants where you stand in line to order your food and pick it up; similar to "fast food" outside the World, with many more options! A quick service meal credit will purchase: 1 entree and 1 non-alcoholic beverage for breakfast; 1 entree, 1 dessert, and 1 non-alcoholic beverage for lunch/dinner; or a "meal" including drink, and 1 dessert.

Table service: restaurants where you sit at a table with a server to take your order and bring your food; reservations are usually needed. Buffet restaurants and character meals fall into this category. A table service meal credit will purchase: 1 entree, 1 dessert, and 1 non-alcoholic beverage. For the Deluxe Dining Plan, a table service meal credit also includes 1 appetizer.

Snack: items identified with a purple DDP icon as eligible for a snack credit purchase; options include: popcorn, drinks, frozen novelties, rice krispy treats, and more!

Refillable resort mug: mug that may be used for fountain beverages only at the resort where you are staying for the length of your stay; beverage options include: coffee, tea, lemonade, and other soft drinks. Juice and milk are not included, but can often be "purchased" using snack credits.

Signature dining: specific high-level restaurants that require 2 table service credits per person per meal.

Dinner shows: specific dining events that require 2 table service credits per person per meal; currently these shows include the Hoop-de-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness and the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at the Polynesian Resort.

Snack Logo

Important notes

Gratuity is not included in the Disney Dining Plan. For any table service credit used, 18% of the total ordered will be automatically added as a guideline. You may of course tip more.

Alcoholic or specialty beverages (for example, souvenir mugs) are also not included.

Room service is available at select Disney resorts and will require 2 table service credits per person.

Because the Quick Service and the Plus Dining Plans only include 2 meal credits per person per day, you will have to get creative for breakfast. You can do this in one of two ways: share quick service meals so that you can cover breakfast, or use a snack credit plus a drink from the refillable resort mug for breakfast.

Most restaurants on Walt Disney World property participate in the Disney Dining Plan. There are a few, especially at Downtown Disney, that may only participate in certain levels of the plan, so be sure to check when you make your reservations.

Due to the popularity of this plan, it is highly suggested to make reservations 180 days in advance, which is the earliest possible time. It is difficult to find space at a table service restaurant if you "walk in," especially at peak vacation times.

The remaining meal and snack credits are listed on every dining receipt. Make sure to check every receipt to make sure the correct amount has been deducted!

There are no Disney Dining Plans available for children under age 3. These children can eat off an adult's plate. At buffet meals, they are able to eat for free.

Advantages

There are several advantages to the Disney Dining Plan:

• It is convenient because you have paid in advance; you don't have to pay for every meal at the time.
• It does save money if you spend all of the credits.
• It allows you to eat at places you might not eat otherwise.

The Disney Dining Plan is especially advantageous for:

• groups with at least one child under age 10. The money saved is significant if you add the costs of children's meals, especially for a child under age 3.
• those who want to do a lot of character meals. These meals are often buffets that have a fixed price, so the savings are obvious.

The Deluxe Dining Plan is ideal for:

• thos who want to experience Signature Dining restaurants, dinner shows, or other experiences (like Cinderella's Royal Table) that require 2 table service credits.
• those who prefer table service to quick service meals; as there is no distinction between credits.
• those who may not have the opportunity to return often and want to take advantage of as many dining opportunities as possible.
• those who want to bring home many treats from their snack credits! 

Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge (Signature Dining)

 Personal thoughts

I have participated in both the Plus Dining Plan and the Deluxe Dining Plan, and enjoyed them both.

The main difference for my family was the number of different meal experiences we were able to do in a single trip. My family enjoys participating in character breakfast meals, and when doing so on the Plus Dining Plan, we often paid out of pocket for some food later on. In contrast, we could do many table service meals on the Deluxe Dining Plan, and we were able to try a lot of new restaurants while still being able to experience our favorites.

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort

I originally thought that perhaps I would regret the amount of time taken at the various table service restaurants. However, I found that my children really enjoyed having the down time, especially if there were characters involved! We had to eat anyway, so the relatively relaxed atmosphere of a table service restaurant rather than the craziness of the quick service locations turned out to be a hidden benefit.

In the past, Disney has offered free dining plans for specific vacation dates. Traditionally, a stay at a value resort has included the Quick Service Dining Plan, while a stay at a moderate or deluxe resort has included the Plus Dining Plan. If you would like a higher dining plan, you can pay the difference in price; I would highly suggest this option if you would like to try the Deluxe Dining Plan but are unsure if it is the best choice for you. The best value in the free dining plan vacations is absolutely the moderate resorts, as they are only slightly more expensive than value resorts, but include the higher dining plan!

What do you think?