Disney World character dining locations that are actually worth the money

What makes Disney stand out from all the rest? (Besides the magic, unique attractions, and delicious food.) The Disney character experiences, of course! There’s nothing like actually getting to meet some of your favorite Disney characters up close and personal.

And there are even restaurants located across Walt Disney World property that allow you to dine with them, too! Enjoy a delicious cooked meal while some of the most beloved Disney characters come right to your table, sign autographs, and even take a few pictures with you and your family.

While the Disney character dining experiences tend to be more expensive than your average Walt Disney World restaurant, some of them are most certainly worth every penny. But where do you even start? That’s why I’ve broken down some of my all time favorite Walt Disney World character dining locations that are actually worth the money.

Hollywood and Vine

I’m starting off with a character dining location in Hollywood Studios — Hollywood and Vine. This Disney character dining experience is great for all ages, but especially if you have little ones who love Disney Junior. This buffet style breakfast or lunch experience will be one of your children’s favorite memory at Walt Disney World since Disney characters like Vampirina, Sofia the First, Roadster Goofy, and other Disney Junior characters play and cater directly to the kids. Dinner is also served buffet style and families will get to see original Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy.

But that’s not all because Hollywood and Vine also hosts special occasion dining during certain times of the year. If you are visiting Walt Disney World during specific times of the year, be sure to check out Minnie’s Springtime Dine, Minnie’s Summertime Dine, Minnie’s Halloween Dine Dinner or during the holiday season you can join Minnie for her annual Holiday Dine Dinner.

Minnie's Hollywood and Vine — Credit: Disney

‘Ohana

This is one of my all time favorite Disney character dining experiences on Walt Disney World property because of the atmosphere, the food, the juice, and of course, the characters. At this tropical paradise located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you’ll experience a family style breakfast with fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, Hawaiian bread, Mickey waffles, sausage and potatoes. And, if you are a vegan or vegetarian, be sure to let the server know as they have special accommodations just for you!

The characters that will visit your table during this wonderful breakfast dining experience include Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Lilo, and Stitch, all dressed in their Hawaiian best, of course.

Ohana Dining Experience — Credit: Disney

1900 Park Fare

Although 1900 Park Fare, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian and Spa, has most of the same food as other breakfast-style buffets (though they do have a delicious strawberry soup which is like nothing I’ve ever had before), what I like about this character dining experience most is the mix of Disney characters. The Supercalifragilistic breakfast consists of Disney characters such as Mary Poppins, the Mad Hatter, Alice, Pooh, and Tigger. Each character will swing by your table during breakfast with their own personality and uniqueness, making this Disney character dining experience truly like no other.

Dinner is also a Disney character dining experience and is also served buffet style. Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner includes characters such as Cinderella, Prince Charming, the Evil Stepmother, and both Evil Stepsisters. The food selection represents those of several “kingdoms” from around the world including herb-crusted prime rib, barbecue pulled pork, shrimp scampi, butternut squash ravioli, and for the kids, chicken, cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese and more!

Trattoria al Forno Bon Voyage Character Breakfast

The Disney character dining experience at the Bon Voyage Breakfast is like no other. And why do I say that? There are characters here that you can’t meet anywhere else on Walt Disney World property. And the food is phenomenal.

Dine like royalty with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, and Prince Eric. The character experiences are so unique, fun, and they create incredible memories with you and your family that will last a lifetime.

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s is a classic — and it’s filled with classic Disney characters! Head on over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to enjoy a buffet style breakfast, brunch, or dinner while having Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto all come over to your table for a visit.

The characters also have a celebration during your experience as they dance around and wave towels over their heads. You, too, can join in on the party and wave your napkins around in the air and create lots of memories with your loved ones.

Crystal Palace

As a huge fan of Winnie the Pooh, I absolutely adore this experience. Head over to Magic Kingdom to enjoy either breakfast, lunch, or dinner with the gang from the Hundred Acre Woods. Join Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore at this one-of-a-kind Disney character dining experience.

There are so many Disney character dining experiences to choose from across Walt Disney World property. Choosing one may be overwhelming, but always make sure to look at which characters will be visiting and what type of cuisine will be offered as everyone’s preferences differ.