Character meals are one of the most reliable ways to make magical memories at Walt Disney World. The kids get face time with their favorites without waiting in long meet-and-greet lines, and you get to actually sit down and eat while it happens. Win-win.
Here's our ranking of the best character dining options across the resort.
1. Cinderella's Royal Table — Magic Kingdom
Inside the castle. With princesses. It's the gold standard for a reason. Reservations are notoriously difficult, but the experience is worth the effort. Expect Cinderella in the lobby and four to five rotating princesses upstairs.
Best for: First-time princess fans · Price: $$$$
2. Chef Mickey's — Contemporary Resort
The classic. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto rotate through this lively buffet inside the Contemporary. The monorail runs right through the building overhead, which kids love almost as much as the characters.
Best for: Classic Disney photos · Price: $$$
3. Tusker House — Animal Kingdom
African-inspired buffet with Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy in safari outfits. The food is genuinely excellent (the best of any character meal in our opinion) and the African setting feels totally immersive.
Best for: Foodies who still want characters · Price: $$$
"If we had to recommend just one character meal to a first-time visitor, it would be Tusker House. The food, theming, and character interactions are all top-tier."
4. Garden Grill — EPCOT
A rotating restaurant inside The Land pavilion with Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale in farmer outfits. Family-style service means no buffet lines, and the slow rotation gives you new views throughout the meal.
Best for: Families who hate buffets · Price: $$$
5. 'Ohana Best Friends Breakfast — Polynesian
Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto in tropical attire. The Polynesian setting is gorgeous and 'Ohana's breakfast bread alone is worth the trip. Stitch is shockingly enthusiastic for a character actor in a heavy costume.
Best for: Lilo & Stitch fans · Price: $$$
How to Book Character Dining
Reservations open 60 days before your check-in date if you're staying at a Disney resort hotel. Set an alarm for 5:45 AM Eastern that morning, log into the My Disney Experience app, and book the second the clock hits 6:00 AM.
If you miss your window, don't despair — cancellations happen all the time. Check the app every morning during your trip and you'll often find openings.
Worth the Money?
For families with young kids, absolutely. You're paying for the experience, not just the food, and the time saved on character meet-and-greet lines is significant. For adults without kids, we'd skip it and put that money toward a signature dining experience instead.