Only a Disney vacation offers meals with this much character.  Take in a meal and rub elbows with some Hollywood stars and even royalty!

But how do you choose? Buffet or Plated meal? Classic characters or take the time to meet some more unique friends?  You want to know which character meals are the BEST.  So, we’re RANKING every character meal in Disney World right now!

When thinking about the all of the Disney Character Dining options, it just triggers that part of the song in Encanto, The Family Madrigal. You know the part, sing along with us…

🎶Okay, okay, okay, okay
So many <Character Meals> in our house
So, let’s turn the sound up, you know why?
I think it’s time for a <Character Meal> round up🎶

Alright, so it doesn’t really fit in the flow of Lin Manuel Miranda’s tight rhyming structure, but you get what we mean!

Now, let’s get to THE RANKINGS!

10. Chef Mickey’s

When folks usually think of character meals, Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort is what comes to mind! It is one of the most popular spots and snagging a reservation here is not for the faint of heart. Even though this iconic dining location is uber popular, it’s not one of the highest ranked.

After offering a Family Feast for some time, Chef Mickey’s returned to its traditional Buffet Service in 2023. The cost for Breakfast is breakfast for $54 per adult and $34 per child, and Dinner is $66 per adult and $41 per child. The fare is pretty standard… Breakfast includes your typical favorites (MICKEY WAFFLES), but there a few surprises like Croissant Beignets. Dinner offerings include — but certainly aren’t limited to — Carved New York Strip Loin and Herb-roasted Turkey, Baked Mac & Cheese, and Shrimp Scampi, along with plenty of staples. But the BIG DRAW here?

You’ll find yourself meeting Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald in cute chef’s outfits. Yep, THIS is the ONLY Character Meal where you can meet the entire Fab Five!

Oh, and you can spot the monorail coasting through the resort lobby while you dine. So, maybe that’s a Fab Six?  Cuz that monorail has its own fan base, too!

On the other hand, though, the atmosphere can be loud and chaotic and the food is typically only okay. Is it a great way to meet fan-favorite characters? Yes. Are there character meals we tend to enjoy more? Also yes.

Want to see our review of breakfast at Chef Mickey’s? Click here!

9. Hollywood and Vine

In seventh place, we’re headed to Hollywood Studios where Hollywood and Vine features TWO character meal options depending on the time of day. Start your day with the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Breakfast for $47 per adult and $30 per child featuring Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Roadster Goofy.

After breakfast, the preschool team hits the shower and the varsity line up comes out for Minnie’s Seasonal Dine. Depending on the season, you might experience the Silver Screen Dine, the Springtime Dine, the Summertime Dine, a Halloween Dine, or a Holiday Dine. During these meals, you’re joined by Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto — all dressed for the occasion and season! Expect to pay $63 per adult and $38 per child.

What we LOVE about this restaurant is all of the character variety. You can see one set of characters for breakfast, and come back for dinner to meet all new friends! You can also keep coming back to see Minnie and the gang in all of their different outfits every season. So fun!

On the flip side, the atmosphere isn’t our favorite and this is a LOUDER meal (particularly the Play ‘n Dine breakfast). Plus, the buffet meal is… well, it is a step above the buffet at Chef Mickey’s, but still doesn’t quite equal our upcoming entries. So even with an impressive roster of characters, it still sits in the middle of the pack. Hey, there are some REALLY good character meals out there!

To see our latest review of Minnie’s Seasonal Dine, click here!

8. Cinderella’s Royal Table

It’s true: Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom is quite possibly THE most popular Character Meal in all of Disney World. Why? Well, there are two big reasons: One, an array of Disney Princesses visit your table as you dine, and Cinderella herself greets you upon arrival!

Aside from Cinderella, the royalty rotates (meaning characters may vary 😉 ), but Princesses spotted at this restaurant have included Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White. 

But the other reason that this dining experience lands on the Bucket List of so many Disney World visitors is, as they say, the “location, location, location!” You see, the setting for this particular character meal is none other than INSIDE the iconic Cinderella Castle. And it sure is a stunner…

And so, with pros like these, why doesn’t this character meal rank higher on our list? One major reason: the price. We’re talking $69 per adult and $42 per child for Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner costs $84 per adult and $49 per child. (Any of the meal times require two Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan.)

And the thing is… while the setting is unparalleled, the quality of the food does not match the price point.

Because of the truly unique experience of dining in Cinderella Castle, we still say it: Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is an experience that is worth doing once to knock off the ol’ Bucket List. That said, there are — in our opinion — better Character Meal experiences to be had.

To see more of Cinderella’s Royal Table, click here!

7. 1900 Park Fare

1900 Park Fare reopened at long last on April 10th, 2024! This restaurant, which is located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, is one of a few that had yet to reopen since the temporary closure of Walt Disney World Resort in 2020. But now, it’s back… with an entirely new Character Dining experience: Wish Makers Enchanted Dining!

During a buffet-style Breakfast ($54 per adult; $34 per Child age 3 to 9) or Dinner ($66 per adult; $41 per Child age 3 to 9), guests enjoy tableside visits by characters including  Aladdin (in his Prince Ali look), Cinderella, Mirabel from Encanto, and Princess Tiana in her new look for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure “as they celebrate the power of a wish.”

Click HERE to step inside the reopened — and refreshed — 1900 Park Fare!

No matter what time you dine, you can partake of 1900 Park Fare’s famous Strawberry Soup among the plentiful buffet offerings.

You can check out our full review of Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare here, and our full review of Dinner here to see how this spot has changed… and what’s remained the same!

6. Tusker House Restaurant

Alright, our next choice can be found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That’s right, it’s Tusker House — where you’ll have a WILD time of character meal fun, all day long!

Tusker House features Donald’s Dining Safari with Donald, Daisy, Goofy, AND Mickey — all ready for adventure in their awesome safari outfits! The characters are rollin’ deep here three meals a day! Breakfast is $47 per adult and $30 per child, and lunch and dinner are $62 per adult and $40 per child.

This spot lands in the middle of our list for a few reasons. On the “cons” side of things, it’s a trickier option for picky eaters, though kids and picky eaters can always find some theme park basics like chicken nuggets and fries and such. Still, it doesn’t quite compete with our top three.

Still, Tusker House definitely deserves some cred! It’s got a very cool atmosphere and the numerous characters are in sweet outfits to match. Plus the food has a focus on African cuisine alongside American fare and it is downright delicious for those who love more unique options that you simply won’t find at any other character meal! We tend to love just about everything we try from the buffet!

Click here for a review of the buffet at Tusker House!

5. ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast

Over at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you can enjoy the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast! Yep, everyone’s favorite island-inspired all-you-care-to-enjoy spot has characters every morning!

Lilo, Stitch, Pluto, and Mickey are bringing the island vibes to breakfast time. They visit guests at their tables, giving us a chance to partake in this unique meet and greet while dine. You can munch on Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Bread, Mickey and Stitch Waffles, Lilikoi Juice, Fresh Fruit, and more for $49 for adults and $30 for kids.

It’s hard to fault this one. The food is delicious, it’s all you care to eat AND it’s delivered right to your table — no getting up to fill your plate from a buffet and potentially missing a character visit! And it’s all just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom. But if Lilo and Stitch aren’t  the pals you’re looking to meet, you might feel some FOMO for not booking one of restaurants that feature more members of the Fab Five. But let’s keep digging and see who’s ranks the top of the list!

(P.S. Remember, characters are only at ‘Ohana for breakfast; Dinner at ‘Ohana is an all-you-care-to-enjoy Hawaiian feast that has a HUGE fan following all its own.)

To see more of ‘Ohana, click here!

4. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

A cast of Disney Royalty awaits you at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT’s Norway pavilion!

Though characters can vary, guests can typically look forward to meeting Princesses such as Snow White, Jasmine, Belle, Tiana, Princess Aurora, and Ariel… all in a truly royal, castle-like setting.

Akershus features all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style platters for Lunch and Dinner featuring — among other dishes — Traditional KjØttkaker (Norwegian meatballs) or the Kylling og Melboller (similar to chicken and dumplings) along with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Grilled Salmon, and Macaroni & Cheese for lunch and dinner. 

Breakfast includes a pastry assortment and Norwegian Waffles, along with classics like eggs, bacon, and sausage. It’s worth mentioning that the kiddos may find the fare more familiar at breakfast, in case you have a picky eater in your group.

Why do we love it? Well, the Disney Princesses are a BIG HUGE DEAL. And meeting this many in one spot is a boon, for sure! And though it’s not THE Castle (that would be Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom), the castle-inspired setting is certainly lovely in its own right.

It’s also worth considering the price of Akershus to Disney World’s other primary Princess meal (as mentioned above): Cinderella’s Royal Table. Breakfast at Akershus is $55 per adult and $35 per child, where Cinderella’s Royal Table is $69 per adult and $42 per child. Lunch and Dinner at Akershus is $67 per adult and $43 per child, where Cinderella’s Royal Table is $84 per adult and $49 per child.

So, essentially we’re talking about a similarly enchanting experience at less cost. (And Akershus is a slightly easier Advance Dining Reservation to come by, to boot.) You can find our most recent review of Lunch and Dinner here, and our most recent Breakfast review here.

Check out the ULTIMATE Princess Character Meal here! 

P.S. Something to note if you are participating in the Disney Dining Plan: Breakfast at Akershus requires 1 Table Service meal credit, while Lunch and Dinner require 2 Table Service meal credits.

3. Artist Point — Story Book Dining with Snow White

We’ve got some Disney royalty securing the number three spot! If you’ve got princess fans, you might want to head over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to Artist Point where you’ll find Story Book Dining with Snow White.

Story Book Dining with Snow White is a dinner-only character meal featuring a prix-fixe menu of more upscale and beautifully presented dishes for $65 per adult and $39 per child.

You’ll see Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy; and have a chance to take a photo with The Evil Queen!

We LOVE that you get to meet some truly unique and rarely seen characters. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to meet Dopey or the Evil Queen anywhere else on property. You don’t need a park ticket to experience this restaurant, and it provides a bit more of an upscale menu, so you’ll really feel fancy dining here!

But there are some slight downsides. Character dining here is only available for dinner, is on the pricier side (and requires 2 Table Service meal credits on the Disney Dining Plan), and if you’re looking for royalty, you’ll only find one princess here (well, and an Evil Queen).

Want to see more of Artist Point? Click here!

2. Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera

We’re really getting close to that top spot! Comin’ in as first runner-up is Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort! This spot might not always be a character meal (the spot offers different experiences for breakfast and dinner), but when it is, it’s a winner!

When the sun goes down, Topolino’s Terrace is an ideal spot for a date night. But when the sun rises, you can welcome the day with Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends. This meal is prix-fixe and offers Italian-inspired, high-end dishes. The meal is $45 per adult and $29 per child and features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy.

This restaurant has a lot of wins. It’s got a gorgeous atmosphere, the food is amazing, AND the character outfits might be some of our favorites. (They are exclusive to Disney’s Riviera Resort!) You’ve got Painter Mickey, Poet Minnie (does that come in my size?), Sculptor Donald, and Dancer Daisy.

The food also feels a lot fairer for the price than some other spots!

In fact, we had a hard time deciding between this one and our first-place winner. They’re practically interchangeable! Pretty much the only con with this one is that you have to make your way over to Riviera Resort — which is easier than you might think since this spot is on the Disney Skyliner route.

To see our REVIEW of this breakfast, click here!

1. Garden Grill

And the winner is…… <drum roll, please>…….Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT’s The Land Pavilion!! It is our number one character meal in Disney World right now — and it’s not the first time it’s earned this title! Garden Grill is a longtime favorite of ours!

Offering Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast as an all-you-can-eat lunch or dinner, this spot serves up some stellar platters of classic flavors like Backyard Grilled Steak, Rotisserie-roasted Turkey, mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes (and some seriously fresh salad made with produce grown right in The Land pavilion). All this is brought to your table while you ACTUALLY ROTATE through scenes from the Living with the Land attraction below. Add that Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n Dale visit your table and this is a pretty fun spot. Lunch and Dinner meals are $62 for adults and $40 for kids.

Breakfast is also a great option, with skillets full of classics including Mickey Waffles, Backyard Grilled Steak, plentiful pastries and skillet potatoes! It’s $47 per adult and $30 per child. 

This spot has a lot going for it. You’ve got classic characters, of course, and they come to your table a LOT. This is a relatively small restaurant, so we’ve found that you can expect more character interactions than a typical meal. Plus, Mickey is in his adorable farmer outfit to go with the fresh and delicious eats you have on your plate. And Chip ‘n Dale, your hosts, are always around for some playful fun!

And the atmosphere is extremely cool. The restaurant slowly turns as you eat so your view changes over the course of your meal. It’s also one of the easier character dining reservations to find because it’s pretty significantly underrated. Garden Grill TOTALLY deserves to keep its top spot. We love the spot so much and we’d love it even more if the breakfast option would return!

Want to see more of Garden Grill? Click here!

Honorable Mentions

The Crystal Palace

Guests can meet Winnie the Pooh and other Hundred Acre Wood pals at this beautiful bright and airy restaurant, The Crystal Palace. And the price tag is pretty standard for character buffets, coming in at $48 for adults and $30 for children for Breakfast and $61 per adult and $40 per child for lunch and dinner. 

Bounce with Tigger, get a hug with Pooh, giggle with Piglet, but make sure you spend some quality time at that buffet.

Step inside The Crystal Palace with us (and learn the ULTIMATE Buffet Hack) here!

Cape May Cafe

Over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a fun spot called Cape May Cafe which features Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast in the mornings.

When available, you could dine on a whole buffet of beachy breakfast and see Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy!

Click here for a recent REVIEW of Cape May Cafe!

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Just across Fantasyland, Be Our Guest Restaurant has occasional surprise appearances from The Beast himself!

Hey, it is his castle. These spots don’t quite fit the bill for full character dining, but it is nice to see some favorite faces during a meal there.

Click here to see more of Be Our Guest!

Alas… a character breakfast that has yet to return is located at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: Trattoria al Forno. This spot used to have the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast!

Who wouldn’t want to have an Italian meal to start the day while mingling with Disney couples like Ariel and Eric and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider? We hope this fun Character Breakfast returns soon, and we will certainly keep you posted on any news. In the meantime, we have been pleasantly surprised by the eats at the current breakfast without characters, and you can check that out here.

Hopefully, our ranking helps you determine what character meal is best for YOU! And we will be sure to update and change our ranking as things change in the parks! As always, keep an eye on DFB for all the Disney tips!

Click here for everything you need to know about character meals!

What’s your favorite character meal? Tell us in the comments!