Character Meals
Character meals are larger-than-life experiences that might be the high point of your child’s visit to Walt Disney World or Universal. Mickey, Minnie, and more come alive and welcome your kids as if they were old friends.
These meals, ranging from Alice in Wonderland–theme tea parties to Mickey Mouse–led parades (and everything in between) are unique, one-on-one opportunities where characters pose for pictures and engage with the little ones. Kids adore hugging or getting an autograph from their favorites; even tots who may be shy at first will usually warm up to their most-loved character.
Top Picks for Breakfast
Walt Disney World
Chef Mickey's Fun Time Buffet, Disney's Contemporary Resort. This breakfast combines space-age Disney styling with Mickey Mouse, Donald, and the gang, plus the ever-popular Mickey-shaped waffles.
’Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch, Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The intergalactic Stitch and his human friend, Lilo, join your family in a tropical setting for this very popular breakfast. Every 30 minutes, Mickey and Pluto join in while kids parade around the restaurant with maracas and wide grins.
Topolino's Terrace–Flavors of the Riviera, Disney's Riviera Resort. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy are dressed with European elegance as you dine on the top floor of Disney's newest restaurant. Entrées such as sour cream waffles, quiche Gruyère, and wild mushroom scrambles elevate this meal above other character dining.
Universal
Despicable Me Character Breakfast, Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Every Saturday morning Gru, his three girls, and the lovable minions rotate around Royal Pacific's Tahitian Room while you dine on pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs.
Top Picks for Lunch
Walt Disney World
The Crystal Palace Character Meal, Magic Kingdom. A lovely Victorian setting is the perfect place for the old-fashioned and lovable Winnie the Pooh and friends to greet your kids. This is the only meal at which you'll find characters from the Hundred Acre Wood.
My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Girls ages 3 to 11 enjoy the princess experience here. Dressing up is encouraged, and lunch, featuring tea and sandwiches, is served on china plates. Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty herself) will make an appearance. Little ones receive a special Disney Girl Princess doll, jewelry, a ribbon tiara, and a photo scrapbook page.
Top Picks for Dinner
Walt Disney World
Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. A dinner buffet of worldly cuisine is complete with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and their family (including the wicked steps) making the rounds.
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, EPCOT. Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, the Little Mermaid's Ariel and many more princesses could appear at this medieval castle–style Norwegian building.
Tusker House Restaurant, Disney's Animal Kingdom. With selections such as peri peri salmon, spit-roasted chicken, and African side dishes, the option offers some of the best food at any character meal while Minnie, Daisy, and Donald mingle in their safari gear.
Universal
Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience, Universal Studios. During Halloween Horror Nights in the fall, a character experience unlike any other is available at Classic Monster Cafe. Character actors from the haunted park will visit your table in an experience so intense it's not recommended for anyone under age 13.
Marvel Character Dinner, Islands of Adventure. On Thursday–Sunday night Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Storm, and Rogue can be found at Cafe 4, while you enjoy specialty pizzas and pastas.
