When it comes to character meet & greets, it really doesn’t get better than character dining. Not only are you able to get some serious QT with your favorite Disney faces, but you also get to indulge in yummy food while you wait. I’ll take that over waiting in line for a traditional meet and greet any day. Since there are so many character dining options to choose from, today I’m going over my top 5 WDW character dining experiences that I believe should not be missed.
Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom
This is probably already at the top of your list, and it should be. Not only do you get to meet Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and many more, but the food is actually really good as well. Cinderella’s Royal Table is probably the most expensive character dining you can do at Walt Disney World but in my opinion, it’s well-worth the price. It’s not something I can afford to do on every visit but it is a memorable experience and one that every princess (and prince) should at least experience once in their lifetime. A couple of bonus tips: if you are able to snag an early morning reservation, in some instances, you’ll actually be able to get into Magic Kingdom before it officially opens – imagine an empty Main Street USA as you make your way to the castle? Another amazing time to book your reservation is during the fireworks. If you’re lucky enough to get a window seated table, this can be a magical experience.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White – Wilderness Lodge Resort
If meeting Snow White and the dwarfs is high on your list of priorities, then you’ll definitely want to check out Storybook Dining at the Wilderness Lodge. This is a relatively new character dining experience and one that offers a traditional table dining experience for dinner. The food consists of hearty American dishes, things you would expect to eat in the wilderness such as Cottage Stew, Roast Chicken, Prime Rib, etc. If you’re open to leaving the parks early then this is a perfect way to cap off a Disney day.
Topolino’s Terrace – Riviera Resort
This one makes my list of top 5 character dining experiences at WDW for two reasons – the food and the fact that Disney has found a way to keep it open during the pandemic. Disney’s Riviera Resort is the newest Disney resort on property and takes influence from the French & Italian Rivieras. This dining experience includes meet & greets with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy – each with a distinctly French/Italian look and hobby. (For example, Daisy is a dancer!). This character breakfast comes with a prix-fixe menu and is expensive but the food is worth it. I ordered the quiche and it was one of the best I’ve ever had in my life. Reminded me of my favorite quiche in Paris! (So I’d say this is legit).
Tucker House Restaurant – Animal Kingdom
The breakfast/lunch character dining at Tusker House is actually my favorite character dining at Walt Disney World. This is a buffet style meal and the food is fantastic. Sometimes these buffets can leave a little to be desired but I was not disappointed here. This is also a great way to meet some of the fab 5 – Mickey, Donald, Goofy, & Daisy. AND they’re in safari attire, so if theming is your thing, then you’ll love this one. I would highly recommend doing this if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan. (It is a really expensive buffet so this is the best way to maximize your budget).
Harvest Feast at Garden Grill – Epcot
Rounding out my top 5, is the Garden Grill at Epcot. This makes the list for a couple of reasons. Reason #1) Have you ever wondered what the food tastes like that you see Disney growing during “Living with the Land”? Well, this is your time to try it! Most of the vegetables included in your dishes come straight from Disney property. Reason #2) this is a circular dining experience which can be super fun for kids (and adults) alike. As you enjoy your meal, you’ll get to see areas of The Land pavilion. Reason #3) This is the only character dining experience where you get to meet Chip & Dale. (Two of my favorite characters to do meet & greets with). It’s also still open during the pandemic with a modified character experience, which is awesome.
Have you done any of these experiences yet? What would make your top 5 list? Would love to hear your opinions in the comments below.
