2 BIG Changes Coming to Disney World Restaurants This Week!

It’s been nearly three years since Disney World’s historic closure and reopening, but we’re finally starting to see the parks returning to more normal operations.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

When it comes to character dining experiences, we’ve seen the reopening of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT, as well as buffets returning to both Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom and Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Next week, two more character dining restaurants will return to their pre-closure experiences.

When Cinderella’s Royal Table reopened, it did so without the princesses, although guests did get the opportunity to see Cinderella during their meal. Well, the princesses are returning to the restaurant as of February 28th.

Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Princesses we’ve previously seen here include Cinderella (of course!), as well as Ariel, Jasmine, Snow White, and Aurora — they do tend to change from time to time, so you might even see a surprise princess you weren’t expecting to see!

Cinderella’s Royal Table

That’s not the only change coming next week, though. A big change is also happening at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. After Chef Mickey’s reopened, the restaurant served guests family-style all-you-care-to-eat. However, that will change on March 1st, when Chef Mickey’s becomes a buffet again.

Mickey at Chef Mickey’s

Advance dining reservations for both character dining experiences are now available, but as these are two VERY popular spots, you’ll want to try to make those as early as you can. You can do that as early as 60 days before the first day of your Disney World trip. We’ll also be sure to let you know if the menus change at either of these spots (and we’ll let you know what the Chef Mickey’s buffet menu is once we’ve seen it), so stay tuned to DFB for more.

With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.

DFB Dining Guide

We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!

Avoid THESE Disney Restaurants If You Have Anxiety

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023.

Will you be booking reservations at either of these restaurants? Let us know in the comments!