This is not really a review of each of them, but more of a quick guide when you are trying to make some decisions on where to grab some grub and a hug or two from a character!
We love character meals. The boys are happy seeing the characters we love and there are no lines involved, but food instead! If you are on the dining plan, they are a great value for your money. If you are not, you might consider a breakfast instead of a dinner to save a little cash. These also take a while, so don't have a fastpass planned close to a character meal, or you might miss it!
Magic Kingdom
Crystal Palace
Which Characters? Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eyore
Fist bump Piglet.
Where is it? Go down main street until you reach "The Hub." Take a hard left.
Type of food service? Buffet
Number of Dining Credits? One
Highlights of the food?
It's really classic food, but yummy! At breakfast, be sure to check out the kids table for "Pooh's puffed french toast." It's amazing. The waiter told me once that he made it with no calories for me, so ask for that one if you're watching what you eat ;-)
Puffed french toast on his plate, and Mickey waffle in hand. Candler leads a good life.
My quick take!
We love this place. The food is solid, the atmosphere is lovely, the characters are wonderful. It's bright and happy in there. Plus, Pooh and friends are great for everyone (I feel like I see lots of adults only even though they seem like small children characters), because these guys are totally lovable.
Cinderella's Royal Table
Which Characters? PRINCESESS! (They rotate, so don't get your heart too set on any one princess).
Where is it? This is THE one in the castle.
Type of food service? Table Service
Number of Dining Credits? TWO. Count them--two whole credits. oof.
Highlights of the food?
Well. No one would say it's award winning food. The high price tag here is for the experience and the food is fine.
My quick take!
This is a really pricey meal. BUT, you're in the castle. You need to have My Disney Experience open and a credit card handy at 6 am 180 days before your trip if this is a must do for you. No pictures here yet for ya. It's in progress!
**The Beast does come to dinner at Be Our Guest, but I feel like that isn't exactly the same, and BOG deserves it's own post.
Epcot
Akershus
Which Characters? PRINCESSES!
Where is it? So, walk back to the World Showcase. Take a left and meander down to Norway. It's kind of tucked into Norway.
Type of food service? This is a combo of a buffet and a waiter for your entree
Number of Dining Credits? One
Highlights of the food?
I really enjoyed the food here. It does have a real Norwegian twist, so if you like fish, you're in luck! Some folks think that it's a little too different, but I think it still has enough American classic staples that no one is going to go hungry here. Plus, you're in Epcot, so you're supposed to be learning a little! ;-)
My quick take!
This is a great alternative to the castle. You still get to meet Disney's leading ladies, the food is good and interesting, and it's only one dining credit. Grab a fast pass to Frozen Ever After afterwards, and then you can walk over to meet Ana and Elsa after that. You can make a whole morning/afternoon/evening out of it!
Here's this yummy salmon dish I got. I personally like getting something other than classic theme park food at a theme park!
Garden Grill
Which Characters? Mickey (in his farmer outfit!), Pluto, Chip, and Dale
Where is it? It's in The Land pavilion. When you enter Epcot, pass Spaceship Earth (or as my boys call it "That Big Ball!" and then take a right. You have to park your strollers between The Land and The Seas. If you try to bring it inside, they stop you (I've totally tried!). And also, the squirrels will eat things you leave in this parking area, so be careful!When you go inside the pavilion, it's on the other side as the entrance.
Type of food service? Family Style
Number of Dining Credits? One
Highlights of the food?
This is nice American food. Breakfast is classic Disney breakfast--Mickey waffles abound! Lunch and dinner is really really yummy. It's also plentiful. If you run out of anything, just ask your waiter to bring more. The vegetarian option as been amazing every time we've been there.
My quick take!
We LOVE this dining location. The food is great, the character interactions are never rushed, you don't have to keep getting up to go to a buffet, and the semicircle booths make you feel more isolated (which is awesome when you have crazy toddlers). We go here really freqently, and I would advice anyone who wants to see some classic characters to go here.
I love their funny little faces in this one.
The character interactions really are the best here!
Animal Kingdom
Tusker House
Which Characters? Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy in safari clothes
Our guys love some hugs.
Where is it? This one is on the left when you enter Africa. You have to park your strollers behind it, in the same parking as the Festival of the Lion King.
Type of food service? Buffet
Number of Dining Credits? One
Highlights of the food?
We really like this food too. It has an "African" flair, but don't worry, there's always regular fare available. There is always an awesome tofu dish that we all love. The desserts are delicious too. We also like the big variety of breads and hummus/dips. SO yummy.
My quick take!
This is another great option for classic characters. The food is great and the characters are fun. It is a bustling place because everyone is going back and forth to the buffet, but that's no big deal. There are a lot of really great food options in Animal Kingdom now though!
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood and Vine
Which Characters? For breakfast, the Disney Junior characters come, and for lunch and dinner, it's Minnie's seasonal dine, so the classic characters are wearing outfits to fit the season.
Daisy is always stylish. Here she is the in the Springtime Dine outfit.
Where is it? Enter HS, go straight, and take a left. It's right next to 50's prime time.
Type of food service? Buffet
Number of Dining Credits? One
Highlights of the food?
I'm not a huge fan of the food. It's not bad, but it's just not super amazing or particularly interesting.
My quick take!
This is the only meal with the Disney Junior characters, so if that's a priority, grab this breakfast. The seasonal outfits are fun too at lunch and dinner. Don't expect a gourmet meal, but you won't leave hungry either.
Might not be my very favorite character meal, but there's no denying that Minnie is a cutie in her spring dress!
Hopefully that will help you sort through all of the character dining choices in the parks. I'll plan on writing more about out of the parks and more in-depth reviews of each one! Happy Disney Planning! Oh, and if you need help with that planning, drop me a line! kacietravelplanner@gmail.com
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