Dining Spotlight: Best Character Dining at Disney World
There are plenty of character dining experiences to delight everyone at Disney World. Character dining has always been a popular choice for families to make that special memory. But, did you know that plenty of people without kids do them also? It's true (I have done the research myself). Some of these dining experiences aren't just about the characters but are known for their fabulous cuisine. With every character meal you can expect some personal interaction with the characters who visit your table in addition to some fun things for smaller kids. Most experiences have some sort of parade or singing where small kids can march around for a quick walk about the restaurant (depending on the venue). It's always cute and definitely picture worthy! Here are some of my favourites!
Storybook Dining at Artist's Point in the Wilderness Lodge
I love everything about this character meal. First of all, you get to see some rarely seen characters. Snow White is joined by Dopey, Grumpy and the Evil Queen for this fairy-tale experience. Secondly, the Wilderness Lodge is such a gorgeous resort and Artist's Point is transformed into a fairy-tale forest for this experience. Lastly, it provides an excellent dining experience. This prix fixe dinner has an interesting menu which includes Royal Prime Rib, Cottage Beef Stew and Brothers Grimm Roasted Chicken. You can finish off your meal with a "Poison Apple" for dessert. For the complete menu click here.
Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast
Trattoria al Forno (on Disney's Boardwalk in the resort area adjacent to Epcot) hosts the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast. This character meal is home to Rapunzel, Ariel and their significant others -Flynn Rider and Prince Eric. I loved so many things about this experience! At my meal, Rapunzel and Flynn came out first and visited all the tables. Flynn was quite funny making disparaging remarks about Prince Eric (he's quite cheeky). Ariel and Eric came out to mingle taking "selfies" with guests. There was some dancing and they involved the kids in the fun. Breakfast was amazing. This is a prix fixe meal which starts off with an assortment of freshly made pastries served in, what else- a frying pan! There is also fresh fruit. Some of the unique (and heavenly) choices for the main course consisted of pancake towers, breakfast calzone and open faced omelettes. I'm feeling stuffed just thinking about it! You can see the full menu here.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
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If you have princess fans in your family, the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a way to get a heaping dose of princess in your day. The restaurant has a medieval castle theme which is the perfect backdrop for meeting royalty. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at this character meal which is found at the Norway pavilion in Epcot. First and foremost, this experience is all about the princesses! Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine, Mulan and Ariel can be found here. It's a wonderful thing that they are right here- no waiting in line! You can expect a princess procession the kids can participate in during the meal which is fun. This meal experience is a combination of some buffet items along with platters of breakfast items served family style. For lunch and dinner, you order your main entree and there is also a buffet of cold meats, salads, cheeses and more. For a complete menu click here.
Cinderella's Royal Table​
Cinderella's Royal Table is one of the most sought after reservations to get in Disney World! I mean, it's IN THE CASTLE! Who doesn't want to know what's inside? This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner where you can meet many of the most popular princesses. Here you will find, Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White and of course, Cinderella. This experience is all about the ambience. The meals are prix fixe and are the most expensive character meals at Disney. Children are given a special "wishing star" with their meal and there are of course, the princesses! It is definitely a special treat to be in the castle and that is what makes it such a popular character meal. Visit their menu here. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/cinderella-royal-table/menus/
Tusker House Restaurant
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The Tusker House restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with classic Disney characters. Here you can find Mickey, Minney, Donald and Daisy in their safari garb. Tusker House is located inside Animal Kingdom Park in Africa. The meals are served buffet style and this has consistently been one of the highest rated buffet meals, often compared to Boma. You can expect a mix of African and Indian flavours along with some kid’s favorites at lunch and dinner. Disney favorites such as Mickey waffles, pastries and more during breakfast. You can see their menu here.
Jill Loveland
