Walt Disney World Character Meals

Disney truly does it best, and character meals are no exception.  For families who opt to do the Dining Plan, there is no better way to start or end your day than with a hug from Pooh.  Or a high five from Mickey.  Character meals are an excellent way to sit and relax in air conditioning, and they get you out of waiting in line for pictures and signatures in the parks.  You can spend your time in the parks enjoying the attractions, not waiting behind twenty screaming children for a thirty second visit with Minnie Mouse.

Before I dive into the nitty gritty, I have five tips regarding character meals and the dining plan:

1. Gratuity is NOT included.  This is true for all Disney meal plan restaurants.

2. Bring an autograph book for your kids.  These are well worth the money, and if you don't mind having the simple version (no spaces for photos) grab them at Walmart outside Disney if you have a car.

3. If you have the option, book DINNERS.  The dining plan is the same price regardless of what meals you select.  Make reservations for dinners, which run close to $40/person (adult) and maximize your dining plan dollar.

4.  I always recommend meals inside the parks.  Unless you are staying at the resort with the meal you are making a reservation for, you will have to spend extra time getting to your breakfast/lunch/dinner. When you are using Disney transportation, you need to leave approximately 45 minutes of travel time.  When you eat inside the parks, you can plan to spend your day enjoying the attractions and spend less time getting to your character meal.  If you don't mind the transportation time, by all means book meals wherever your Disney heart desires.

5.  Make advance reservations.  Well-in-advance reservations. Plan what park you want to do each day, and book a meal that makes your life easy.

Let's Talk Princesses.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway (Epcot)

In terms of Disney Princess meals, most families will opt for a meal in Cinderella's Castle.  While this meal is superb, and the princesses are out in full force, you should consider booking Norway instead.  The difference is that Norway features Belle (as opposed to Cinderella), and this meal only takes one dining plan entitlement.  If you book Cinderella's Castle, you will need to use 2 dining plan entitlements per person.  Both meals offer excellent food, and a picture package is included in your meal.  Your picture is taken in the lobby before your meal, and they will bring the package to your table while you are dining.  This is a great opportunity to get a Disney family photo without paying extra money.  Make sure everyone's hair is brushed and their faces are free of churro crumbs!

Expect to see:  Belle, Mary Poppins, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel and Snow White (subject to change)

During both meals the princesses make their rounds to your table, and you will need to make sure your little princess (preferably dressed in her princess best) is ready for pictures and signatures. 

If your little one must see Cinderella, look into 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian.  Cinderella, Prince Charming and the wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters host an excellent dinner!

Friends from The Hundred Acre Wood

The Crystal Palace

Our favorite character meal is the Crystal Palace located in the Magic Kingdom.  This meal is buffet style, and it features everyone's favorite friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.  Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore make their rounds for pictures and autographs, giving each child a few minutes for hugs.  The dinner offers a dessert station with a soft serve ice cream machine, as well as excellent options for picky eaters such as pizza and chicken nuggets.  Parent will enjoy steak, salads and more.  If you book dinner, you can dine and then spend your night enjoying the Magic Kingdom.

Expect to see:  Tigger, Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore

Mickey, Donald and More

Donald's Safari Breakfast (Animal Kingdom)

I make only one exception to my "book character dinners to maximize your dollar" rule.  The exception is Donald's Safari Breakfast.  I like to book this breakfast about an hour before the Animal Kingdom opens.  This meal is a buffet, with pancakes, french toast, bagels, fruit, donuts and more.  My kids dine with Minnie, Mickey, Donald and Goofy and we finish up as the park is opening.  Since we're already INSIDE the Animal Kingdom when we exit breakfast, we arrive at either the Safari or Expedition Everest with no wait time.  This meal also allows your children to see the popular Disney characters without trekking over to Chef Mickey.  Chef Mickey is a delight, but it is in a resort (The Contemporary) and reservations are hard to come by.

Expect to see:  Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey (subject to change)

Character meals are expensive, but when using the Disney Dining plan they are an excellent way to sit down, enjoy the characters and make the most of your dining plan dollar!

For more information on Disney Dining, check out their website.