There are so many amazing options when it comes to character dining at Walt Disney World narrowing it down to the top 5 character dining experiences was not an easy task. Some of the things I take into consideration when deciding what experiences make it into my top 5 list are character interaction, restaurant theming/atmosphere, character outfits, the taste of food.
Let’s jump right into my list of top 5 character dining experiences.
Number 5: Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare
First, in a setting like The Grand Floridian how could it not be amazing? 1900 Park Fare is the home to a Supercalifragilistic breakfast, a Wonderland Tea Party, and of course Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. Although, in the number 5 spot we are focusing on dinner, with the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. The character interaction is top of the line here, they are funny, and entertaining for the whole family. Most princess meals are geared towards the girls, but my boys like this character dinner just as much as my princess does. Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella are usually in attendance and visit each table as you dine. The food is served buffet style, and you will find plenty of options to satisfy most everyone in your party.
Summary:
Reasons it made my top 5 character list:
- Character experience is top of the line
- Great opportunity to meet rare characters
- It is not in a park so it can be done on an off park day
- Easy to get to from the Magic Kingdom
Reasons it is not higher on my list:
- The food is somewhat generic
- If Cinderella is the experience you are looking for there are other options
Number 4: Garden Grill at Epcot
Garden Grill is a unique experience starting with the fact that the restaurant rotates. While it rotates you will be able to see parts of the Living with the Land attraction in the Land Pavillion in Epcot. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served family style which is a great alternative to the typical buffet options for most character breakfasts. Chip, Dale, Pluto, and Mickey will be visiting your table while you eat. Mickey is dressed in his farmer overalls.
Summary:
Reasons it made my top 5 character list:
- Unique experience
- All you can eat food but not a buffet
- Mickey’s outfit is so fun
- A great option for early breakfast at Epcot
Reasons it is not higher on my list:
- All Characters are available at other locations
- Not as many food options as other places
- It can be slower than others to see all of the characters
Number 3: Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno
This breakfast experience is located outside of the Boardwalk Resort. If you like to get the day started with a hearty breakfast, this will absolutely hit the spot. Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, and Prince Eric will be walking around visiting with you while you eat.
Summary:
Reasons it made my top 5 character list:
- Unique and good food offerings
- Great opportunity to meet rare characters
- It is not in a park so it can be done on an off park day
- A good meal for an Epcot day because you can walk straight into the back entrance of the park after eating
- Not a buffet
Reasons it is not higher on my list:
- I would have loved to see more theming
- Character experience is only for breakfast
Number 2: Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table is the ultimate dining experience. Dining in Cinderella’s Castle is on everyone’s bucket list, so of course, it has to find a spot on my top 5 character list. Cinderella will greet you and take a picture with you as you enter. You will be escorted up the stairs to your table, after your picture. Several other princesses will visit during your meal, some that you may see include, Aurora, Snow White, Ariel, and Jasmine. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are all pre-fixed pricing.
Summary:
Reasons it made my top 5 character list:
- It is dinner in Cinderella’s Castle
- Ultimate princess dining experience bucket list item
- Food is excellent
Reasons it is not higher on my list:
- It is priced high for smaller portions (2 credits on the dining plan)
- The character interactions are good but can seem rushed sometimes
- There are other places to see all of the princesses at this experience
Number 1: Tusker House at Animal Kingdom
This is the only character experience in Animal Kingdom, and it is in my number 1 spot. The character interaction is great here, the food is awesome and the theming is top of the line. Tusker House serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, you will find traditional Disney breakfast foods on the buffet along with some unique items sprinkled in, you will want to try the Jungle Juice. Lunch and dinner selection, you will have a lot more unique items but don’t fear you will still find some buffet favorites. You will find Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Mickey, and Goofy decked out in their safari outfits. The safari outfits are my favorite.
Summary:
Reasons it made my top 5 character list:
- Character experience is top of the line
- Character Favorites in a fun outfit
- Food is great and unique
- Only character dining option in the Animal Kingdom
Honorable Mention: Storybook Dining at Artist Point
This brand new character experience opened up in December 2018. It made my honorable mention list because I haven’t tried it yet, but I suspect it may make my list. It features Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen. The character experience is only available for dinner. I am pretty excited about checking it out (hopefully in a few weeks) and will report back with my findings. 🙂
Important Reminders
Book your dining reservations 180 days before you travel to take advantage of the most sought after dining, at your preferred times. If you are working with a travel professional they can help you make those reservations. If you don’t have a travel professional you are working with we would love to help you with your vacation.
For information about the Disney Dining Plan, check out our Disney Dining Plan Explained blog.
Thanks for checking out my list of top 5 character dining experiences at Walt Disney World. If you would like to see all the character dining options available you can request your free copy of my Complete guide to Character Dining.
Do you agree with my top 5 list? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or over on my facebook page.
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