Walt Disney World offers so many different amazing dining options. These options can range from snack food stands, quick dining options, buffets, family service, and more. Today, we're going to discuss one of the most entertaining dining options, the best character breakfast at Disney World.
Character dining is so much fun. You can enjoy a delicious meal while well-known friends visit each table! They stop to talk, take pictures, sign autograph books, and just guarantee that you and your party are having a great time.
Whether in the parks or just around the resort as a whole, you can find character dining almost everywhere. Let's discuss the best character breakfast options in Disney World for you and your party, as well as some to avoid.
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Best Character Breakfast Disney World Reservations
A big thing to remember is your best character breakfast Disney World reservations. All character dining will require a reservation. Some locations can have a walk-up queue where you can put your name on a waiting list, but it is not always guaranteed. Dining reservations can start to be made 60 days before your trip. Slots open up early and fill up fast.
Also, keep park reservations in mind, a requirement until January 9th, 2024. If you plan on traveling between now and the first week of January, you will need to reserve the park that has the dining location you are booking. Park reservations are incredibly easy to make, and the sooner it's done, the better! When you are purchasing day tickets, you will be redirected to a screen that informs you to reserve a park. There, you can reserve a slot for yourself and whoever is linked to your party in the MyDisney Experience app.
Unsure of what the MyDisney Experience app is? That's okay! This is Disney World's official app for any smartphone. Here, you can link park tickets, hotel stays, dining reservations, and more. You can access all of your photos, mobile order food at various locations, and even mobile-checkout at a few retail locations! Signing up and linking your party is a breeze, and should definitely be done before your trip.
Best Character Breakfast Options In Walt Disney World
As earlier mentioned, there are so many options for character dining. But…Where can you find the best character breakfast options in Disney World.
Most options are found inside the parks, but others can be found at select hotels around the property. This is where your park reservations will come into play, so be sure to line up your dining selections with which parks you're visiting and when!
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom offers two options for character breakfasts!
Cinderella's Royal Table
Cinderella's Royal Table is the restaurant that sits proudly in the castle. Characters include a rotation of various princesses including Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, and Aurora. Breakfast hours are from 8am to 10:15am, with a price point of $65 per adult and $39 per child ages 3-9.
The dining is wait-style, where you will pick entrees, beverages, and sides off of a traditional menu. They offer things like stuffed French toast, a standard breakfast, steak and eggs, and more. For kids, they have cold cereals, eggs, oatmeal, and more.
This does require a reservation without a walk-up possibility. Spots are hard to get for this one, so if you really want it, make sure you're taking advantage of your 60 day window. Another thing about this dining location is that you must pay up front. That means that when you are reserving this restaurant, you have to be ready to pay for you and your party right then and there. This can put a big dent in your wallet with how pricey this restaurant is.
The character interactions here are hit or miss. You'll spend some time with Cinderella first, who is in the lobby with a PhotoPass photographer waiting to meet guests. After your photo-op, you then enter the restaurant. Here, the rest of the princesses will make their rounds at each table for pictures and autographs. Personally, I had an average interaction with the characters when I dined here. They came around once, stopping for minimal conversation as they signed my autograph book. However, I have seen some people get great conversations with lots of time invested into each one!
The Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace is located on Main Street U.S.A. Characters include Winnie the Pooh and his Hundred Acre friends! Breakfast runs from 8am to 10:45am, costing $45 per adult and $29 per child ages 3-9.
This is a buffet, which means it is all you care to enjoy. That, along with the fact that it is a character dining, really makes the price point a good one. The food offerings include eggs, bacon, pastries, cereals, biscuits and gravy, and sometimes, the ever-loved churro Mickey waffles! Soft drinks are included, but they do have alcoholic beverages for an additional fee.
While you can utilize the 60-day window for this, it isn't always the fastest dining location to fill up. That being said, they do offer a walk-up queue, which is an added bonus.
The characters here are extremely interactive. They will make their rounds, and usually come back more than once! Every time I have eaten here, I am bombarded with attention from each character. The pictures and memories I have at this location are some of my absolute favorites.
Epcot
This park offers two options for character breakfast as well, with one just making its comeback recently!
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
This location is toward the end of the Norway pavilion in the World Showcase. While the characters can change, they are consistently princesses. This includes Ariel, Belle, Tiana, Snow White, and Aurora. Breakfast runs from 8:30am to 12:10pm. The price is $53 per adult and $34 per child ages 3-9.
At this dining spot, you will have family-style dining. This is a common dining method for Disney, where large platters of various foods are brought to the table. While it isn't a ‘get up and serve yourself buffet', it is still all you care to enjoy! If you ever want more of something, your server will bring you another platter. Here, you can find eggs, pastries, fruit, bacon, potato casserole, and more. They also have a ton of plant-based dining options!
There is no possible walk-up queue for this restaurant, and reservations can be a bit difficult to get since a lot of guests want to dine with the princesses. I would definitely suggest taking advantage of your 60-day window for this one.
The characters here are all face characters, which means there is plenty of conversation to be had. Get those autograph books and cameras ready, because they will surely visit your table at least once!
Garden Grill Restaurant
Garden Grill is located in The Land pavilion in the middle of World Nature. Characters include Chip, Dale, Pluto, and Farmer Mickey. Breakfast starts at 8:30am and goes to 10:30am with a cost of $42 per adult and $27 per child ages 3-9.
This is another family-style dining location, and they do not skimp out. Platters of eggs, bacon, waffles, fruit, potato casserole, and flank steak will just keep coming. Their warm cinnamon loaf is to die for, and they specialize in using ingredients from the gardens in The Land. The food here is just absolutely incredible, to say the least.
Garden Grill offers a walk-up queue, but it is guaranteed to fill up quickly. Reservations are moderately difficult to get here, especially because breakfast just recently returned! If you have this location in mind, it's best to snag it as soon as you can.
The characters here are so incredibly interactive. The restaurant is circular in shape, and you will most definitely see them more than once. Aside from signing autographs and taking memorable photos, they are sure to engage in such fun conversations!
Hollywood Studios
This park offers one character breakfast, and while it may not be for everyone, the food is surely worth the experience alone.
Hollywood and Vine
H&V is located in Echo Lake, right off Hollywood Boulevard. Characters differ for breakfast compared to lunch and dinner, so keep that in mind when reserving this location. Breakfast characters include Vampirina, Sofia the First, Goofy, and Doc McStuffins. If you have members of your party that are familiar with Disney Junior, then this is the spot for you. Breakfast runs from 8:30am to 10:30am, with a cost of $42 per adult and $27 per child ages 3-9.
You will find a large buffet here, of course, meaning all you care to enjoy. On the spread, guests can find pastries, waffles, potatoes, an omelet station, and more. There are so many options here, you cannot go wrong.
This dining location can be reserved with the 60-day window, and spots are fairly easy to obtain. There's also a walk-up queue, and you can definitely score using that as well!
While the characters might be unfamiliar to some, they are super interactive and guarantee a fun time for all! There are occasional dance parties throughout the meal, with lots of hands-on memorable moments that you'll be sure to get some great photos from.
Animal Kingdom
Here, you will also find just one character breakfast option. However, that does not mean it's a weak link!
Tusker House Restaurant
In the heart of the Africa pavilion, you can find this extremely fun restaurant. Joining you for breakfast is safari Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. Breakfast runs from 8am to 10:30am. The cost is $45 per adult and $29 per child ages 3-9.
This is buffet dining, with nothing shy of deliciousness. You can find unique pastries like guava cream cheese danishes, zebra coffee cakes, chocolate danishes, and more. Along with that, there are eggs, bacon, rotisserie ham, Andouille sausage, oatmeal, cardamom granola, and so much more. The flavors offer cultural twists to traditional dishes, which is so enjoyable for a dining offering.
Walk-up queues are rare and hard to come by, so definitely rely on that 60-day window for this one. Reservations here will fill up quickly due to the popularity of the eatery.
Character interactions are hit or miss here. Depending on where you are seated, there is a chance they miss your table. When they do come around, they will sign autograph books, take pictures, and even hold a small dance party in the middle of the restaurant.
Best Character Breakfast Options in Disney World Resort Hotels
The options in the park are great, but what if your party is having a free day? Or even getting a late start to a park day? This is where the resort character breakfast options come in!
For these locations, you will not need a valid park ticket (and park reservation) to dine, but will most likely still need an actual restaurant reservation. As stated many times, be sure to take advantage of your 60-day window.
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Here, you can find Chef Mickey's, an always popular option for breakfast. Breakfast runs from 7:30am to 12:30pm, with a price point of $51 per adult and $33 per child ages 3-9. Characters include Chef Mickey, Chef Goofy, Minnie, Donald, and Pluto.
This buffet is classic yet amazing. Eating here multiple times, I've always found something new to try! There are so many cold cereals accompanied by small containers of milk, biscuits and gravy, French toast, waffles, carved ham and brisket, cheeses and meats, and more! Even the pickiest of eaters will find something here that they enjoy. There are also specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to add a pop of flair to your morning meal.
Difficulty to obtain a reservation here varies. I have found that sometimes it is super simple to grab a last-minute spot, while other times, it is immediately booked out when my 60-day window opens. There is a walk-up queue for this, which is a huge help.
The characters here are not shy. They will have you up out of your seat, dancing around, and waving your napkins. They'll come around more than once, making for so many photo opportunities! There is never a dull moment when you step into this restaurant for a best Disney World character breakfast.
Disney's Polynesian Resort
On the second floor of the resort is ‘Ohana, an amazing character dining offering. From 7:30am to 12pm, you can enjoy the delights of this location. Lilo and Stitch are the main headliners at the restaurant, but sometimes Mickey and Pluto will appear as well. It costs $45 per adult and $29 per child ages 3-9.
The dining is family-style with those amazing platters that seemingly never stop coming to your table. There is a skillet with eggs, sausage, waffles, potatoes, and ham with pineapple compote. Your table will also have a bowl of fruit, and the amazing pineapple-coconut bread. You can also get POG (Passionfruit, orange, guava) juice here, a fan favorite. The food is nothing but delicious, with elevated flavors and fresh-yet-filling ingredients.
To snag a reservation here, you're going to want to be up early at your 60-day mark. These are incredibly hard to get, as it is so desirable. While there is a chance of a walk-up list, I wouldn't count on it.
The characters are so fun here. They make their rounds at the tables, posing for silly pictures and signing autograph books. A few times during your meal, they will lead a conga line around the center of the restaurant with little instruments and fun songs. You're sure to have an amazing time here!
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Head over to Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club for a wonderful character breakfast! From 7:30am to 11:30am, join Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy to have a meal. The cost is $45 per adult and $29 per child ages 3-9.
This is buffet dining, and the options are wonderful. Some headliners include both omelet and carving stations, varying fruits, eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, and more. The salted caramel rolls with the vanilla cream sauce they have at the tables are an absolute dream. I ate here for breakfast back in January of 2022, and I have thought about these rolls ever since.
Dining reservations are required here and are about average in difficulty to obtain. Walk-up possibilities are rare, but that's okay! If you want to dine here, you should be able to get the time and meal that you desire.
The characters at this location love to have fun, be silly, and interact. It's best to have your autograph books out and ready, that way they have time to see everyone!
Disney's Riviera Resort
Whether you take a bus, an Uber, or the Skyliner to get here, Topolino's Terrace is worth the trip! Enjoy breakfast from 7:30am to 12:15pm. Characters include Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their best artist outfits. The price point is set at $45 per adult and $29 per child ages 3-9.
This is a wait-staff menu option dining. Meaning, you will pay one set price, but pick your entrees and sides from a designated menu. On the adult menu, guests can find options like a gruyere quiche, avocado toast, waffles, bagels and lox, and more. For children, you can find Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, and more. There are specialty beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic offered at an extra fee. The Riviera even has its own blend of coffee that is available here!
Topolino's does offer a walk-up list from time to time, but it can fill quickly. Reservations are encouraged, and can sometimes be difficult to snag. Be sure to be awake and ready at your 60-day mark if you want to dine here!
The characters here are fairly interactive. They are sure to stop at each table, and can sometimes stop around more than once! These are costume characters, so conversation is at a minimum, but photos will definitely be adorable. This makes for one of the best character breakfast options in Disney World.
What Are the Best Character Breakfast Options in Disney World?
With so many options for character dining, it can be hard to pick and choose. Luckily, we're here to help! Keep in mind that all character breakfast experiences are great in their own way. But, these are ones I would surely recommend as the best, and have dined at them multiple times. Let's break it down to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck, the most delicious food, and the best character experiences!
The Crystal Palace
Choosing to dine here, you cannot go wrong. The price point is great, especially because it is a buffet and all you care to enjoy. Not only will you get your money's worth, but you have fun characters to interact with!
You can see Winnie the Pooh and friends around Magic Kingdom from time to time, but having breakfast with them is a lot of fun, and gets you those close encounters and memories to last a lifetime. They are all so interactive, which makes you feel like the entire meal is worth it.
Not to mention, the buffet has something for everyone. And who can go wrong with churro Mickey waffles, which are only available here!
Plus, reservations are simple to obtain! Even if you miss out on the start of your 60-day window, you'll surely be able to grab a spot here. A good tip; get a reservation before the park opens! Then you'll be able to take those special empty castle pictures before you enjoy your meal.
Garden Grill Restaurant
One of my favorite breakfast spots at Walt Disney World, this is such an enjoyable meal. Family-style platters will just keep coming! The food is fresh and delicious, leaving you full without feeling heavy and bloated.
This restaurant is super cool because it rotates! As you eat, the restaurant is (very) slowly turning, giving you views of both The Land pavilion and the Living with the Land attraction. This is super unique and only a feature at this restaurant. And while reservations might be hard to get right now due to popularity and the recent return of breakfast, that should die down a bit in the future.
This is the one spot you can dine with Chip and Dale, and they are not shy! You'll see them multiple times throughout your meal, and each interaction is just as special as the last! Remember, they love compliments on the food they've gathered for you.
Speaking of food, everything here is absolutely amazing. The flavors are incredible and the options are traditional with a touch of uniqueness. Let me touch on the bread again, because it really is quite amazing. You'll surely be asking your server for another loaf…Maybe more than once!
‘Ohana
What can't I say about this restaurant? I could probably write ten more articles about this one location alone. I know the main focus of this is breakfast, but you can't go wrong with any meal here. Even with fewer characters than in other locations, the interactions, food, and specialties make the price completely worthwhile.
Stitch is only found in Tomorrowland sometimes, while Lilo isn't found anywhere at all. Dining here offers such a unique experience with the opportunity to interact with two rare characters. Dancing, fun photo-ops, and Stitch…What more could you want?
Let me answer that question; Good food. And trust me, they have loads of that here. Hawaiian flavors make their way into traditional breakfast fare, and it is a taste of Heaven. Try to put down the pineapple-coconut bread…I dare you! My favorite part of the platter is the ham with pineapple compote. Normally, I am not a fan of ham, especially for breakfast. But the taste and cook is perfect, and the compote adds a world of flavor to it. Plus, they offer unlimited POG juice here, which isn't as common around the resort anymore.
The one downside to this restaurant is the difficulty to get a reservation. Luckily, the 60-day window is available to you. There are also so many websites that offer help in obtaining harder reservations.
Topolino's Terrace
A popular and enjoyable restaurant, Topolino's will leave you speechless, smiling, and full!
It's great to have a meal with the classic Mickey and friends, especially in their adorable outfits. They will be sure to create amazing memories with you and your party.
The food is so sophisticated for a great price. Everything is fresh and more unique than traditional breakfast options. They also offer a build-your-own kids meal, where children can pick two options from the menu and make their own plate. This is great for kids who can't decide what to eat, or ones who only like certain things.
Again, getting a reservation here can sometimes be difficult. I would recommend taking an early morning reservation or one closer to the end of breakfast, that way it isn't as desirable of a time.
Worst Character Breakfast Options in Disney World
While everyone is free to choose whatever dining they desire, I want to point out some that I just don't feel are worth it.
Cinderella's Royal Table
Yes, dining with the princesses is a dream for almost every little one. But paying an arm and a leg to do so, especially for food that isn't as good as some other locations, is not worth it.
The character interaction is very iffy here, where some days you can get multiple visits and in-depth conversations, and other times you just feel rushed. The food is pretty traditional, and portions can sometimes be small.
Reservations are nearly impossible to get for this restaurant. And even when you do, you must pay upfront, which is just another big tax added to your vacation. For less money, better food, and more character interactions, I would recommend a restaurant like Akershus. This way, you still get the princesses, but in a more interactive environment with better meals!
Hollywood & Vine
While I do like the food here, and reservations are simple to obtain, the characters are only enjoyable to those who have consistently watched Disney Junior. Any character interaction can be a fun one, but it's hard to have your meal interrupted by someone you aren't familiar with.
Also, this is a pretty standard buffet. Options are great, and you're likely to find something for everyone. But for a similar price, you can book a reservation for somewhere like Cape May Cafe or The Crystal Palace, with a few better options.
Tusker House Restaurant
This is way less about the food and more about the characters! The food is delicious with some unique flavors added to traditional dishes.
However, this is another place that is almost impossible to get reservations for. There are rarely walk-up windows, so if you can't snag a spot, you're out of luck.
Alongside that, the character interaction can be quite lackluster. Depending on where you're seated, you may only see some of the characters, with no view of any dance parties and fun activities during your meal.
For a similar price, I would recommend Chef Mickey's, with a more spread-out buffet that offers a lot more character moments.
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