food IS a theme park
One of Disney World’s most classic experiences is character dining.
Mickey Mouse
When the parks and resorts reopened in summer 2020, most character dining was suspended. However, as Disney World’s phased reopening continues, we’re seeing our favorite character meals slowly return. But there’s no doubt that things are different right now — and we’re here to help ya out! We’re breaking down exactly what you can expect at each character meal, so you can pick the best option for you.
Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all Lords and Ladies to join us at a royal meal in Epcot!
World Showcase Lagoon
Dining with the characters at Walt Disney World is a rite of passage! And if you’ve got a little princess (or prince!) with you, chances are they would LOVE to eat with their idols. And while Cinderella’s Royal Table is the most coveted character dining reservation in all the land (scratch that, the most coveted reservation in ALL OF DINING), it’s not the only place you can eat with royalty.
The Norway Pavilion
Located in Epcot‘s Norway Pavilion, Akershus is (somewhat) of a hidden gem when it comes to character dining. While reservations are certainly highly recommended, it’s much easier to snag one than Cinderella’s Royal Table. And while this castle is more modest, IT’S STILL A CASTLE. So grab your tiara, and let’s head to Norway!
Disney Food for Families columnist Erin Foster has some great character meal tips for your fam!
Goofy Poses at Chef Mickey's
I spent a recent weekend reminiscing over old photos, many of which featured family trips to the Disney Parks. While flipping through the albums, one of my girls commented that the photos were, to put it mildly, character meal intensive. So we started counting, going back to my oldest daughter’s first trip to Walt Disney World in May of 1998.
I have photographic evidence of having been to character meals with my family at least 93 times since then. These meals took place at Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and most predominantly at Walt Disney World, including each of the character meals currently available there, plus the now defunct meals at the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern, Animal Kingdom’s Restaurantosaurus and what is now Fulton’s Crab House at Downtown Disney.
Our single highest visit count is at the Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace, with 17 separate visits.
Liberty Tree Tavern character meal. Gone but not forgotten.
After all that eating, and eating, and eating, aaaand eating, we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way that may make your character meal experience even better than it otherwise might be:
1. Decide Why You’re There and Plan Accordingly
While the obvious answer to, “Why are you going to a character meal?” may be, “to eat.” In reality there are a number of reasons why you might find yourself communing with Mickey and a heaping plate of breakfast lasagna. These may include: [Read more…]
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