✨ Best Character Dining at Disney World: My Top 3 Picks (and One to Skip!)
- Jenna Miller
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Planning a Disney World vacation? Character dining is one of the most magical ways to meet your favorite Disney friends without waiting in long lines. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which meals are truly worth the splurge. As a Disney travel agent (and mom who’s tried them all!), I’m breaking down the best character dining Disney World has to offer — plus one you MIGHT want to skip.
🥞 Best Character Dining at Disney World Resorts:
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Breakfast)
Located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace has quickly become a guest favorite — and for good reason. At breakfast, you’ll meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy dressed in unique Riviera-inspired costumes: painter Mickey, poet Minnie, sculptor Donald, and ballerina Daisy.
The food is plated and fresh (not a buffet), which makes it feel like a true dining experience. Think fluffy waffles, quiches, wood-fired steak, and pastries that taste like they came straight out of a Parisian bakery.
The character interaction is fantastic — the restaurant is small, so you won’t feel rushed or overlooked.
Bonus: The rooftop views of EPCOT and the surrounding areas are stunning
Note: Characters are only available at breakfast.
🦁 Best Character Dining in the Parks:
Tusker House Restaurant at Animal Kingdom
If you’re looking for the best character dining in the parks at Disney World, Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom delivers both atmosphere and flavor.
You’ll meet Safari Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy, all decked out in their adventurous gear.
The food is buffet-style but offers more variety than your standard options — from kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese to African-inspired dishes like peri-peri chicken and curry.
It’s a fantastic mid-day break spot when you need to cool off and recharge before heading back out on safari (or to Pandora!).
👑 Best Princess Character Dining Disney World:
1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian
After being closed for several years, 1900 Park Fare is back — and it’s one of the most magical princess dining experiences at Disney.
Guests typically meet Cinderella, Tiana, Aladdin, and Mirabel (character lineup can vary).
During the meal, there’s a magical wish ceremony that adds an extra touch of pixie dust for families.
It’s also one of the few resort character dining experiences where you can meet characters at both breakfast and dinner.
The buffet includes a wide range of options that kids and adults will both love — plus a famous strawberry soup you have to try.
🚫 Character Dining to Skip:
Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
This one might be controversial, but hear me out. Chef Mickey’s is often marketed as the iconic character dining experience — but it rarely lives up to the hype.
Yes, you’ll see the Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto), but the restaurant is loud, crowded, and rushed.
The food is pretty basic buffet fare and often gets mixed reviews compared to other options.
You’re paying top dollar for the atmosphere, not necessarily the experience.
👉 There are MANY other places to meet the Fab Five, but this is the ONLY location to meet them all together!!!
✨ How to Choose the Right Character Dining for Your Family
Character dining can be one of the highlights of your Disney vacation — if you choose the right ones!
Still wondering where to dine? Part of booking your trip with me means you’ll have all the resources at your fingertips to find the best choices for your family (and someone to book them all for you!). My planning services are completely free when you book through me — so let’s start planning your magical vacation today!
