There are a lot of ways to meet characters in Disney World.
Mickey!
Of course, many characters have set meet and greet times in all four parks where you can meet them and get photos. However, it’s easy to miss out on a meet and greet, so the only surefire way to meet many characters is by booking a character dining experience. However, we have a word of warning about character dining experiences, so take heed.
Disney World has a total of 13 character dining experiences spread out through four parks and Disney World resorts. Let’s take a quick look at the choices:
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Akershus in EPCOT
- Breakfast at Cape May Cafe in Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Breakfast and Dinner at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Garden Grill in EPCOT
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios
- Breakfast at ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Breakfast (on Thursdays and Saturdays only) at Ravello at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando
- Dinner at Storybook Dining at Artist Point in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace in Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While these experiences can be a lot of fun, they can also be overwhelming — and we’re going to tell you why.
Minnie Mouse at Topolino’s Terrace
Even before you start eating, you could have one or two character interactions as you walk into the restaurant. For example, at one point, you had to meet Mickey first at a set meet and greet at Chef Mickey’s. So if you’re already on the verge of being hangry, you have to go through that whole song and dance first. If you’re awkward around characters, this could be anxiety-inducing, too.
Chef Mickey’s
Okay, so the whole point of a character dining experience is that you’re going to meet characters. Characters will come up to your table while you’re eating and interact with you. They will do this while you’re eating — so you won’t be able to eat in peace. Now, note that if you do look like you’re getting annoyed, they’re pretty good at knowing when enough is enough.
Characters will interact with you and they may even sit at your table!
Then there are the little character parades that happen at almost every single Disney World character dining experience. About every 30 minutes, the characters will parade around the room, usually to music, so that you get a chance to see them all at the same time. They won’t interact as much during this, but it happens.
Characters will also parade around the room
Sometimes these dining experiences also have other activities that you can participate in. For example, at 1900 Park Fare, you’ll be given a card to write a wish on (before your meal). Later, there will be a wish-making ceremony where you’ll hold your wishes in the air so that they can be granted. It’s a whole ordeal and not for folks who don’t like participating in group activities.
Our wish card
There’s another thing going on here, too. If you wanted a quiet meal, character dining is not for you. These experiences can get very noisy, what with the music and the loads of kids present, as well as with all the characters running around. Let’s face it — character dining can be a little chaotic.
Daisy at Tusker House
So if you’re looking for a meal experience that’s quieter with a lot less interaction, you’ll want to skip character meals. However, if you want a chance to guarantee interaction with your favorite characters, then character dining is EXACTLY where you want to be. It’s a fun experience for both kids and adults.
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
Why People Are Paying $7,500 for Character Dining in Disney World
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when is Mickey there to greet you?We ate at Chef Mickey in January for breakfast and we walked right to our table had a great meal.Nice visit with the Group and had our picture at the end. It was the best meal with friends we have ever had.