Character dining is one of the most magical experiences at Disney World, but it can also be one of the most expensive. As a mom of four, I've learned how to make these special meals both memorable and budget-friendly. Here's everything you need to know about Disney character dining.
What is Character Dining?
Character dining allows you to meet Disney characters while enjoying a meal. Characters visit each table individually, giving you quality time for photos, autographs, and interactions. It's perfect for families who want guaranteed character meet-and-greets without waiting in long lines.
Cost Breakdown
- •Breakfast: $35-55 per adult, $20-35 per child
- •Lunch: $45-65 per adult, $25-40 per child
- •Dinner: $55-85 per adult, $30-50 per child
- Note: Prices vary by location and season. Children under 3 eat free.
Best Character Dining Locations
Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto
Meal: Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Price: $45-65 per adult
Pros: Classic Disney characters, great for first-timers, easy monorail access
Cons: Can be crowded and noisy, expensive
Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)
Characters: Donald, Daisy, Mickey, Goofy (in safari outfits)
Meal: Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Price: $35-55 per adult
Pros: Unique safari theme, good food variety, less crowded
Cons: Requires park admission, can be hot
Garden Grill (Epcot)
Characters: Mickey, Pluto, Chip, Dale (in farmer outfits)
Meal: Family-style dinner
Price: $45-65 per adult
Pros: Rotating restaurant with Living with the Land views, good food
Cons: Only dinner service, requires park admission
Budget-Friendly Character Dining Tips
1. Choose Breakfast
Breakfast is typically the cheapest meal and offers the same character interactions. Plus, you start your day with a full stomach!
2. Use Disney Dining Plan
If you have the dining plan, character meals are often a good use of table-service credits.
3. Book During Off-Peak
Character dining is cheaper during value seasons and less crowded during off-peak times.
4. Skip Dessert
Many character meals include dessert, but you can often skip it to save money and calories.
When to Book Character Dining
Reservation Timeline
- 60 Days:Book popular locations like Chef Mickey's and Cinderella's Royal Table
- 30 Days:Book moderate popularity locations like Tusker House
- 1-2 Weeks:Check for last-minute cancellations
- Pro Tip: Set up dining alerts on touringplans.com for hard-to-get reservations
Character Dining FAQs
Q: How long does a character dining meal take?
A: Plan for 1-1.5 hours. Characters visit each table individually, so the experience takes longer than a regular meal.
Q: Can I bring my own autograph book?
A: Yes! Characters will sign autograph books, and many locations also provide character cards.
Q: What if my child is scared of characters?
A: Characters are trained to be gentle and will respect if a child doesn't want to interact. You can still enjoy the meal!
Q: Is character dining worth the cost?
A: It depends on your family. For character-loving kids, it's often worth it to avoid long lines. For budget-conscious families, consider one special meal per trip.
Ready to Book Your Character Meal?
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