5 reasons to book Character Dining!

Covid Note: In addition to a confirmed dining reservation, in-park dining at table-service restaurants requires a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date for each person in your party ages 3 and up. Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily. We recommend Guests book in-park dining at the park where they have a Disney Park Pass reservation.

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Here are 5 reasons to make sure to book

Character Dining on your Disney Trip!

1. Gives you the chance for autographs and photos with no lines. For me this one was one of the biggest selling features. I really don’t like waiting in lines in the parks to meet characters when there is so much else you can be doing. This was the perfect way to combine the two - eat a great meal and fill the autograph book. The kids loved the more personal photo ops that they got and we didn’t have to do it again once we were in the park. **COVID NOTICE** Please note that at this time autographs are not available. Character selfies from a small distance are allowed. We believe this will be back soon!

2. The menus are awesome! Each restaurant is able to offer a different menu and dining plan so make sure to check out the specifics of each restaurant to see if there is anything that would work better for your family. Many are buffet and so there are a ton of options for the kids and make filling up a plate for even a picky eater super easy. One of my favourites (and really a once in a lifetime experience!) was taking my daughter to the Princess Dining at the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian Hotel in Disneyland. The food was phenomenal and had a formal “tea-party” dessert which was so magical.

3. Kids under three are free! The character dining experiences are of course not the most economical choice for breakfast but they certainly are a once in a lifetime memory maker. It’s a splurge but totally worth it in my opinion. If you have kids under the age of three they are able to eat for free at most of these restaurants! You can still make the memories and get the photos! Make sure to include them in your reservation count though so they have a seat at the table as most tables are preset for families. 

4. Great way to take a break! Rather than booking your breakfast for first thing in the morning, I suggest getting to the park as early as you can (haha I’m such a keener at Disney!) and enjoy some time in the park with the lower crowds. Pack a light breakfast (some apples, coffee, muffin etc) and enjoy the shorter lines for a few hours. If you book around 10:30, you can pop out of the park just as the crowds are increasing and sit and enjoy a big brunch! 

5. It’s a once in a lifetime! If you are planning on only visiting Disney once in your life with your kids, it’s 100% worth the splurge. For many people, one amazing Disney trip while the kids are little is what is possible. If that’s the case, then the character dining is a MUST! IT really is an amazing way to make those memories with the kids without the annoyance of waiting in any lines. You are treated to top notch service and great food with memories to last a lifetime! 

@northmeetsmouse

Tips

• Always, always, ALWAYS make a reservation!!! I can’t stress this enough. If you leave your character dining experience to chance you may be out of luck as they are usually sold out. Your travel agent will know when you are able to make your reservation and will give you the heads up. 

• The characters come to your table during the meal so you can sit and enjoy your food without running around to chase them.

• If you know your kids are terrified of characters...maybe skip character dining this trip!

• Unfortunately strollers are not permitted in the restaurants (due to space and characters moving around) so make sure to pack for your table accordingly. There is stroller parking outside so make sure you have everything you need in a bag you can bring in. 

• Interact with the characters! They love being asked questions and chatting during their time with you! 

• Make sure to bring your autograph book! 

• Have your camera ready the whole time! 

• Always let the restaurant know if you are celebrating something special like a birthday! You can make this note on your dining reservation as well! While it’s not guaranteed, they will always try to do something special if they are able. 

• If you don’t want to miss out on park time, make your reservation for either your arrival or departure day so you aren’t using one of your ticket days!

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Disneyland Character Dining

*Character Dining experiences are currently modified

1. Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park  - Plaza Inn in Disneyland Park

2. Goofy’s Kitchen - Disneyland Hotel 

3. Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast - Disney’s PCH Grill at the Paradise Pier Hotel

4. Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet - Grand Californian Hotel

5. Princess Breakfast Adventures - Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel 

Disney World Character Dining

*Character Dining experiences are currently modified

1. Topolino's Terrace - Disney’s Riviera Resort (This is a VERY popular one!)

2. Garden Grill - EPCOT Future World

3. 1900 Park Fare - Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

4. Ohana's - Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

5. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - EPCOT World Showcase

6. Cape May Cafe - Disney’s Beach Club Resort

7. Tusker House Restaurant - Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

8. Chef Mickey's Buffet - Disney’s Contemporary REsort

9. Hollywood and Vine - Disney’s Hollywood Studios

10. Perfectly Princess Tea Party - Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa