There is a brand new Character Dining experience in Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge!
Making its debut this evening, Artist Point now presents a character dinner featuring friends — and one foe! — from the beloved Disney film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy now meet and greet with guests throughout the prix-fixe dinner, which also presents a photo opportunity with The Queen!
For years, Artist Point served as the the signature dining option in Wilderness Lodge with a focus on the tastes and feel of the American Northwest. But both the setting and the menu have received an entire makeover for this new meal, bringing Walt Disney’s first feature-length animated film to the forefront of the experience in every aspect.
So it’s time to enter the Enchanted Forest… by way of Artist Point!
Artist Point
Atmosphere
And so, the story begins…
Storybook Dining Menu insert
Cast Members are waiting to bring you right into the story!
Cast Member Hosts
Storybook Dining Cast Member Name Tag Enhancements
Artist Point has been transformed into the Enchanted Forest from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for this new character meal. If you’ve previously dined at Artist Point, you’ll recognize lots of elements of the decor such as the room’s signature lanterns hanging high above.
Artist Point Character Meal
Only now, woods of the Enchanted Forest fill the room and cover the ceiling (and it’s cool how these new elements fit in so naturally with the previously-existing earthy color scheme).
Artist Point
Those natural elements — also emphasized by the restaurant’s large windows capturing the Resort’s unique landscaping — expand to the table settings, where unique forest trays further set the scene.
Artist Point
Artist Point
And the table settings present each guest with their own “enchanted apple.” (More on this to come…)
Table Setting
Of course, the main thing that makes up the atmosphere at any character meal is…
Here come the characters!
Characters and “Show”
… the CHARACTERS!
Snow White
The fairest of them all, Snow White, will greet you at your table!
Snow White
So will Dopey…
Dopey
Dopey
… and Grumpy!
Grumpy
Grumpy
As mentioned, the three above will greet guests at their tables. But The Evil Queen is not exactly known for warmly approaching others 😉 , so she remains at her photo opportunity area where guests are welcome to pose with her.
Evil Queen at Artist Point
You can meet Snow White in the parks at meet and greet areas in Epcot and occasionally in Magic Kingdom, and she can also often be encountered at Disney Princess-themed Character Meals such as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
However, typically the Dwarfs are only present at special extra-ticket events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Queen can be even more difficult to find, and when she does make an appearance in Disney World it is likewise at special events such as the Club Villain party, which was previously offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The Queen
In fact, meeting any of the Disney Villains is a somewhat rare experience, so meeting The Queen is quite a special thing (as she will no doubt remind you 😉 ).
Something to note: when guests are seated at the tables, they’ll find a character signature card at each setting (this is the “enchanted apple” I mentioned earlier).
Character Signature Card
Autograph seekers should note: Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey will all still sign autographs for guests, but The Queen might not.
Now that we’ve seen our way around, let’s look into the final component of Storybook Dining with Snow White… the DINING 😉 !
Eats
The prix-fixe dinner for Storybook Dining at Artist Point offers guests their choice of an individual plated entree, along with shared appetizers and desserts for the table, with each course offering items themed to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
We’ll be diving into those shortly, but let’s start with a look at the drinks. Of-age guests may select a “Wickedly Refreshing Cocktail.” (For guests paying out of pocket — as opposed to using the Disney Dining Plan who will have one included — these drinks range from an additional $11.25 – $12.50.)
Wickedly Refreshing Cocktails Menu
The cocktails are also themed, of course, with options including The Smoking Mirror, The Antidote, the Enchanted Apple, Alchemy, Evil to the Core, and A Brew of Peaches.
The Smoking Mirror adds an unexpected rosemary smoke to Johnnie Walker Black whiskey — its strong flavor given a bit of a sweet-and-tart complement with wildberry and lime. The presentation is fun on this one with the smoking glass.
The Smoking Mirror
The smoke effect is cool to look at and lends a bit more “magic” to the enchanted atmosphere. But its the unique blend of flavors that make the drink even more memorable.
The Enchanted Apple will be a better fit, though, for those who prefer sweet/sour cocktails, as it mixes Skyy Citrus Vodka with DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple with white cranberry juice.
Enchanted Apple
A Brew of Peaches is Buffalo Trace Bourbon made smoother with peach and raspberry as well as a rim of Brûlée Demerara Sugar.
Brew of Peaches
Non-alcoholic specialty drinks are readily available as well, and the offerings are also quite creative. And note that one non-alcoholic drink is included with the meal. (Guests on the Disney Dining Plan may also add an alcoholic drink as seen above or another non-alcoholic specialty as part of the inclusions to the Dining Plan from this year).
Non-alcoholic Specialties
Transformation Potion starts as a simple lemonade.
Transformation Potion
But along with it comes a bottle of blue “potion.”
Transforming Blue Potion
This, of course, is what makes the drink transform!
Transformation Lemonade
Kids — okay, and a lot of us adults, too — will love it! Plus, the drink comes with a sugary stirring stick!
Transformation Lemonade
In the Clouds is, to be sure, a total sugar rush, as it starts with a fairly substantial bunch of cotton candy.
In the Clouds
It’s poured over with Blueberry Monin.
In the Clouds
Voila!
In the Clouds
But now, according to the menu, the story really begins…
Shared Appetizers Menu
Shared Appetizers for the Table are a Winter Squash Bisque, Hunter’s Pie, and a Wicked Shrimp Cocktail.
Shared Appetizers for the Table
The Winter Squash Bisque is complete with a marshmallow lollipop and a bit of granola. And LOOK!
Winter Squash Bisque
It’s served in a black cauldron! Here you see the swirling of the caramel marshmallow lollipop into the soup. The lollipop is meant to melt in upon stirring and add its creaminess to the soup.
Winter Squash Bisque
The Hunter’s Pie is served in individual portions as well.
Hunter’s Pie
The chicken pies with black truffle have a ton of flavor, and are also served with stone fruit preserve to add some sweet to the savory goodness, if you like.
Hunter’s Pie
The Wicked Shrimp Cocktail comes complete with soy, miso, avocado, Thai chili, and greens.
Wicked Shrimp Cocktail
While the Hunter’s Pie and Winter Squash Bisque pair with each other quite naturally, the Shrimp Cocktail is a bit out there on its own. But, as the appetizers are shared for the table, it certainly does lend some variety, at least, to suit different palates and even offer some unexpected spice to the meal.
Each guest chooses their own entree for the meal. Adults select from Seafood Stew, the Royal Prime Rib Roast, the Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken, Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank, Bashful’s Butter-poached Snapper, and A Stroll through Nature.
Adult Entree Menu
The Royal Prime Rib Roast, I’m happy to say, lives up to its title!
Royal Prime Rib Roast
Not only was the Prime Rib wonderfully prepared (juicy, tender, and packed with flavor), but I also loved the inclusion of a traditional Popover on the side. The horseradish mashed potatoes were a strong complement here.
Royal Prime Rib Roast
The carrots were extremely smokey and not something I enjoyed, but the rest of this meal is highly recommended.
A Stroll through Nature is the only vegetarian option, so I’m glad to report that it’s truly a standout.
A Stroll through Nature
This gnocchi dish has an incredibly rich, creamy sauce, and it’s complete with butternut squash, arugula, sage, and plenty of parmesan cheese. We loved it, and have already heard from several people who dined at Artist Point tonight that they enjoyed it as well.
A Stroll through Nature
Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank is another great choice, honestly. It’s fall-off-the-bone tender and the jus/gravy had very concentrated flavor — truly exceptional.
Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank
The Celery Root Mashed was fine, but a bit watery.
Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank
Bashful’s Butter-poached Snapper is served atop a root vegetable risotto with wild mushroom and a citrus butter sauce.
Artist Point Snapper
The snapper itself was super light and buttery, but I wanted more flavor from the dish. (I guess you could say it was a little too “bashful,” in that sense.) The root vegetable risotto made up for some of those missing flavor points, though. It’s a great addition.
Root Vegetable Risotto
The Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken is served with confit potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken
Apples and a lovely, creamy chestnut butter lend some variety to both taste and texture. This one was actually excellent, even though the chicken was in danger of being overdone (it wasn’t…not quite). I loved the confit potatoes, especially with the chestnut butter!
Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken
Though I would still recommend the prime rib and the veal over the chicken from the meat dishes, I did appreciate the more unique additions of the apples and butter to what is otherwise a fairly ordinary dish.
Children have their own Entree choices as well, known here as Grumpy’s Grub! These also include a Royal Prime Rib Roast and Grilled Chicken. Additional options are a Vegetarian Steam Bun and Prince and Princess Pasta with a choice of red or cheese sauce. Chicken Tenders (as you’ll find in small print) are also available by request.
Grumpy’s Grub Menu
Kids can also “Color the Queen” while they anxiously await their visits from Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy!
Children’s Menu Activities
But back to the food… more specifically, dessert! There’s no need to make a choice here, because — like the Appetizers — these are Shared Desserts for the Table.
Dessert Menu
So everyone GETS. THEM. ALL!
Shared Desserts (with Dopey!)
Dopey, as you can tell, is especially proud of the Miner’s Treasure.
Dopey and Miner’s Treasure
This potted dessert layers sponge cake and chocolate gems with buttercream icing.
Miner’s Treasure
Though the colors are somewhat striking (like gems in the mine), the flavors are simple and classic.
The “Poison” Apple is made up of a white chocolate-apple mousse.
“Poison” Apple
It’s the bit of punch from the sour center that brings the “poison” here (though its definitely mellowed out by the super sweet mousse).
white chocolate apple mousse
Each guest also receives their own Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie.
Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie
The sweet and tart gooseberry filling is topped with plentiful meringue.
Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie
So, if you’ve been keeping score, that’s three appetizers, one big ol’ entree apiece, and three desserts so far. That is to say, there is a LOT of food here. But we’re not quite done yet, with one more dessert to go.
The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen is the grand finale.
The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen
Your server will appear with a smoking box filled with crackled maple popcorn and chocolate ganache hearts. The presentation is a fun and fantastical way to end the meal.
The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen
And with that…
“The End”
… our first Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White and friends comes to an end!
Overall
A few logistics: currently, Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is offered for dinner from 4:00 – 9:00 PM each evening. The out-of-pocket cost for Adults (ages 10 and up) is $55.00, and the cost for Children (ages 3-9) is $33.00. For guests participating on the Disney Dining Plan, the meal requires one Table Service entitlement. Storybook Dining at Artist Point does not currently accept Tables in Wonderland.
I have dined at Artist Point many times over the years during its time as a Signature Restaurant. I had enjoyed some really good meals there, but also had some less-than-memorable dinners. But one thing I can already say with some certainty after this first experience at the new Storybook Dining at Artist Point is that it is indeed memorable. With some rarely seen characters along with well-executed food that is also creatively and well themed, you can tell a lot of thought has been put into this new experience, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
I know the original Artist Point had plenty of fans, and it’s a simple truth that character dining isn’t for everyone, so some guests will feel the loss of signature dining at Wilderness Lodge. But taken on its own, Storybook Dining knocks it out of the park as far as both character meals and prix fixe menus go. And those who are looking forward to this particular experience, I think, will be really pleased!
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Is this now a 2-credit meal for the Disney Dining Plan?
Amber, nope — it’s just one table service credit!
So you get an appetizer even when using a dining credit?
Adrienne, yes: you get the whole prix fixe meal.
Can two adults share one meal at this restaurant? We have a reservation for May, but we were hoping to share the meal.
Brittany, because it’s prix fixe, you’ll be charged for the number of diners. In all likelihood you will not be allowed to share.
This seems to be a very hard reservation to get! Especially during the free meal plan months. I’ve had great experiences with walking ups-especially with eating at the resorts.
I’m curious about anyone’s experience with walking up for Storybook?
Thanks!
So…to where did they move all the good food on the old menu?
Janet, the old menu was replaced, so unfortunately we haven’t seen any of the older menu items since Storybook Dining began.
So in other words they ruined Artist Point.
It all looks delightful, thanks for sharing your experience; everything looks delightful. I’m booked here for my birthday dinner September 3, and am so looking forward to it. Question though. I noticed in your photos that on the shared dishes there were 2 hunters pies, 2 soup, 2 gooseberry pies, etc. Was this because there were two of you? I’m kind of hoping that all 3 of my party will be able to try each appetizer and dessert, without having to eat from the same bowl or cut a pie in half.
Larry, you will receive enough appetizers for everyone! Enjoy!
That’s really good to know! Party of 8 here-took me 2 months of trying but finally got the reservation.
It says valid theme park admission required. Is this inside of the parks? I thought it was outside of the park?
Jackie, you’re right that it’s outside the parks — at Wilderness Lodge. No ticket required!
This look so wonderful, thank you so much. Please may I ask if QS dining credits can be used as part payment for this dining experience? I have been to WDW 5 times, but next year is our first time onsite with a free QS dining plan. Many thanks. ?
Stella, Storybook Dining is a table service restaurant, so they require one table service Disney Dining Plan credit. Disney World doesn’t accept the QS credits as partial payments at table service. Have a wonderful trip!
I have a reservation for November and I have been so excited but I’ve been seeing such mixed reviews on the quality of the food. I’m wondering if it will be worth it now!
I would love to go here for the unique character experience. Our two kids will be 11 and almost 15 at the time. They are super picky eaters and no way would like what is on the adult menu. Would they allow them to eat off of the children’s menu with maybe larger portions, if we still pay adult prices?
Emily, you’ll probably want to call the restaurant to see if this is possible. We would expect the kitchen to accommodate, but exactly how is the question. Try calling (407) 824-3200.
Love your review. I am looking so forward to dining here. Everything looks fantastic, a family environment good food and characters to boot. Classic Disney!
I saw that they recently changed the appetizer of the soup to a mushroom bisque. I don’t eat mushrooms. Would Disney just allow me to not get the soup? I’d hate to waste food I won’t eat.
Tara, talk to your server. I would expect they’d leave it out or replace it.
Do you know if they will bring out anything for a child under the age of 3?
Stephanie, typically a child under three is allowed to eat off a parent’s plate, but you could ask if you need something else. And they may ask you if you’d something additional for your kiddo.
We dined here right after it opened this winter. We did 4 characters meals during our trip and this was by far our favorite and maybe one of our top 5 favorites things about our whole trip – my boys loved it!
I have been going to Disney for years and this is hands down one of my top 5 restaurants in Disney until I went this past weekend and walked right out. This restaurant has changed for the worse to appease tourism. This is not the first or last time Disney will do this either. Not worth going food quality is no where near the same level just by seeing what is offered on the menu. They clearly took a step down. The mushroom soup which used to be on the old original menu (for years) has been replaced with a different imposter mushroom soup. Terrible experience. This place has always been quite a snobby place but for this menu and this experience there is no room for such attitude because they now cater to children and the palet of a minor. Very very disappointed and will not be back!!! Goes great with the Chinese cartoons in the rooms lol
So, on the dining plan you can get an alcoholic beverage along with a specialty non alcoholic beverage?
Jean, with Storybook Dining, you get a regular included beverage PLUS a specialty or alcoholic beverage on DDP.
Excellent Review! Thank you for taking the time to write such a well rounded and interesting article. We have 107 days until our reservation 🙂
We went last night and loved it! Everyone loved the food, especially. Just wanted to let you that they appear to be changing some of the offerings. Besides the mushroom bisque that was already mentioned in the comments, the Hunter’s Pie is now a Hunter’s Terrine (like a pate). And the Stew is now a beef stew instead of a seafood stew. Thanks for reviewing, it convinced us to go even though we usually don’t do character meals.
Thanks, Sharyn!
I have a two year old I wont get charged for him right?
Amanda, that’s correct.
Well, this makes me grumpy
My husband and I did this on our honeymoon last month. LOVED the experience and the entrees were excellent. Desserts were tasty and fun too! The appetizers have changed significantly and were not enjoyable though!
Hi- visiting in 2020 and would appreciate getting a sense of how long the meal takes. I’ve got a 5:15 reservation for this dinner but have the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage at 6:45. Challenges around dessert followed by dessert aside, is this timing realistic? Any advice would be appreciated!
Merick, AJ says it should work out fine. She recommends telling your server about your schedule so he/she can make it happen!
So excited to give this a try with the kids on our trip. We haven’t done character dining in the past so this will be their first time. I think this one will check all the boxes for us – great food and a visit from a princess!
How long does this experience generally run? I nabbed a last minute reservation at 4:15…flight out of Orlando at 7:44.
I’ll definitely be looking for a better reservation the closer we get.
Juanita, if you need to be out by a certain time, talk to your server. He or she can try to pace the meal for you!
I’m surprised they’re using parmesan cheese in a vegetarian dish. Parmesan often contains meat products, so is generally avoided by vegetarians. Even if the recipe originally used vegetarian parmesan, it would be an easy mistake to accidentally substitute a non-vegetarian parmesan in the future. Fingers crosses that the chefs and ingredient restockers are doing their homework!
We’re going to Disney in March 2020 and, having been once before where we ‘met’ all of the mainstream characters, I booked a reservation at this restaurant for the Queen and dwarfs. The food menu had me worried from the get-go though and I’m still on the fence. I’m sure my family will be okay with the entrees (we’re a prime rib loving family) but the only appetizer that appealed to me was the mushroom bisque I’ve read a few bad reviews about it. Out of 6 of us, maaaaybe my oldest and husband will try the other appetizers. So this leaves me questioning our reservation and, knowing there’s still time to change our mind, wondering if we should cancel?
My family has a reservation here. If we are staying at AOA. What would be the best transportation method/route to get there?
Amanda, from AoA, the best, free route is a bus to MK and a boat to WL (you don’t need to enter the park to access the boat launches to the resorts). You could hire a Minnie Van/summon a rideshare if you’re not averse to spending money on transportation. But Wilderness Lodge is a quick jaunt from Magic Kingdom, so your free travel option is the bus and the boat.
Hi there !
LeAnn here from Maine
I just wanted to share that the experience you get at storybook dining far outweighs the menu choices … it’s fantastic ! I cannot wait to go again 💕💕😊
If I get to meet Dopey, I’ll eat anything! 🙂
We went March 2020 and the menu has changed up a bit. They now have mushroom bisque soup that is to die for. My husband got the land and sea and it was sooo good. This will be a must do restaurant when we go back.
Our reservation from March 2020 was canceled due to the covid closures. The cast member that called to cancel assured us they would give us priority to rebook a future dining experience. Storybook dining never reopened. We went in October 2020, March 2021, and now November 2021. Disney would not honor their promise to rebook a character dining for our family. They sent us to the My Disney experience app (which we had already tried for each trip and been unsuccessful as everything was fully booked up). We booked this trip prior to the girls losing their father in August and we are now a one income family and will not be able to afford to go back. I really wanted to make this last trip special for them and I am so disappointed. Disney should have had a better system in place to assist the families who were affected by their closures.
Jacquelyn the reason you could not find any available dining reservations for Story Book Dining at Artist Point is because the restaurant is still closed. 😔 It will reopen on December 16,2021.