While most character dining is suspended in Disney World, Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Rivera is the one location currently offering a modified character dining experience.

And, while we know there will be a number of changes to the dining experience, including a limited menu, we stopped by Topolino’s Terrace to see what it’s actually like on reopening day!

Mobile Dine Check-In

First of all, Topolino’s Terrace uses the new Mobile Dine Check-In feature that allows you to skip the host when you arrive. You’ll be able to access the check-in through your Dining Reservation in “My Plans” in the My Disney Experience app.

Once you’re all checked in, you can head to the restaurant! At Topolino’s, they had this sign with a QR code to scan that would take you to the Mobile Dine Check-In as well.

The new feature texts you when your check-in is confirmed and when your table is ready. Today, it took almost no time since the restaurant was on the slow side.

We were greeted by the smiling faces of Cast Members — or at least half of their smiling faces. As is the standard in all areas around Disney, Cast Members are sporting face masks. Guests are required to wear masks in most areas of the hotel as well. 

Our seater took us right to our table and was happy to answer any questions we had before our server came over. But before we get into the dining experience, let’s take a look around Topolino’s to see what health measures we can spot.

Click here to learn more about the Mobile Dine Check-In feature!

Health Measures

First of all, Topolino’s hasn’t removed any tables, but many of them are marked as unavailable for physical distancing.

Some of the lounge seating is marked this way as well.

When a dining party is finished, the tables are cleared and sprayed with a combo of hydrogen peroxide and water that sits on the table for about 2 minutes.

We noticed some added signage to encourage physical distancing around the restrooms, too.

Other than a few signs, there were no major changes in the restrooms.

Of course, the changes to the space aren’t the only health measures.

The Menu

The way you get your menu has changed too! You’ll receive a handout with a QR code for your menu. Scan that code and you’ll be directed to an online version of the Topolino’s menu on your mobile device.

Paper menus are also available by request and disposed of after each use.

The menu is the same one you’ll spot on the Disney World website so it’s easy to take a look at what you might order in advance. Do keep in mind that Topolino’s is offering a limited menu at this time.

Modified Character Experience

As we mentioned, Topolino’s Terrace is the only character dining experience in Disney World at this time, but it is modified. There’s some signage posted to note that you will see Disney friends as they parade through but to remain seated as they come by.

Sure enough, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy all strolled through the restaurant at some points. Each of them paused so that we could snap a few pics or a selfie if we wanted! 

Mickey was the only one to come semi-close to our table. We still couldn’t hug our favorite mouse, but it was nice to have a laugh with him!

At this time, characters are not signing autographs. Instead, we got this adorable “Fun on the Riviera” postcard from our Disney pals!

All four characters have pre-signed signatures on the back.

The modified character experience definitely feels a little different, but it was still pretty fun to get to wave to our Disney friends.

Read more about how different character dining is here!

The Food

We were SUPER pleased to note that the complimentary pastry course was still a thing. Right now, they only have two sauces due to supply chain issues.

Still, they are SO delicious.

Click here to read about why we LOVE these pastries SO much!

For our meal, we opted for the Quiche Gruyere with House-made pancetta, roasted potatoes, field greens, and lemon vinaigrette…

…and the Smoked Salmon with an everything bagel, tomato, red onion, cream cheese, and capers.

Both the quiche and the salmon were savory and a delicious start to our day. The quiche is very filling, but not in an overwhelming type of way!

Our server let us know that for now the menu is limited for a few reasons. Supply chain issues have made it difficult to get some necessary ingredients and physical distancing in the kitchen has made it impossible to prep some items. They told us that this limited menu would continue at least through the first phase of reopening.

Paying the Check

Paying the check was pretty different as well. Instead of the typical check fold, we received this disposable one. Each fold is disposed of after use. If you pay with a card and need to use a pen, the pen is immediately dropped in a sanitizer bucket.

There was a handout notice on tipping that is typically posted in the regular check folds.

And there you have it! There certainly are some changes at Topolino’s Terrace, but things don’t feel too different. You will be spaced out, you’ll check out the menu in a new way, and you might now be able to hug Mickey, for the time being, but it’s still nice to bite into a muffin while gazing out over the gorgeous Riviera Resort. Cast Members were being very helpful and were super willing to answer all of our questions!

Just remember, this is new for everyone. So changes to the process can be expected. Things may look a little different, even from what we experienced today, the next time you dine at Topolino’s Terrace!

Stay tuned to DFB today as we explore ALL OVER the reopened Disney World resort hotels!

Click here to see what changes guests can expect to their Disney World dining experiences this summer!

Have you visited Topolino’s Terrace? How does this compare to your experience?