The 9 Best Disney World Character Breakfasts - A Magical Start to Your Day - Next Stop WDW (2024)

(Last Updated On: November 5, 2023)

There’s no denying that a trip to Disney World is like stepping into a storybook where every moment is infused with a pinch of pixie dust. But how about starting your day not just with a breakfast but a magical meal that comes with hearty hellos from your beloved Disney characters? That’s right, we’re talking about the best Disney World Character Breakfasts!

They’re not just meals; they’re memory-making experiences. And today, we’re going to dive into the 10 best Disney World Character Breakfasts that will ensure your day begins with a fairy-tale flair.

Contents show

Unveiling the Charm of Disney Character Breakfasts

Now, why is it important to start your Disney day with such a memorable meal? Simple! It sets the tone. It’s the difference between an ordinary day and an extraordinary one. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet your favorite characters without the long lines at the parks. And, of course, the food is scrumptiously delightful. Ready to explore? Let’s sprinkle some magic onto your itinerary!

What Are Disney Character Breakfasts?

Imagine sipping your morning coffee or orange juice while Mickey, Minnie, or even the Disney Princesses stop by your table for a chat and a photo. That’s the essence of a Disney Character Breakfast. It’s an all-in-one experience where delicious food meets magical moments with Disney characters.

The Magic of Dining with Disney Characters

There’s something ineffably joyful about seeing your favorite characters in person. The sparkle in their eyes, their iconic outfits, and their signature moves create an ambiance that’s nothing short of magical. Dining with them? Well, that’s a whole new level of enchantment!

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Top 9 Best Disney World Character Breakfast Experiences

1. Chef Mickeys

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy

Check out the menu

Nestled in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s is an institution in itself. Here, you’ll dine with Mickey and the gang in a vibrant, open-space restaurant while monorails whiz by overhead. The buffet is brimming with mouthwatering options, and the character interactions are full of energy.

The 9 Best Disney World Character Breakfasts - A Magical Start to Your Day - Next Stop WDW (1)

2. The Garden Grill at Epcot

Characters: Mickey, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale

Check out the menu

Over at Epcot, The Garden Grill offers a unique rotating dining experience with views of the Living with the Land attraction. As you enjoy farm-fresh fare, Chip ‘n’ Dale along with other friends will make their rounds, ensuring your breakfast is brimming with giggles and good food.

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3. Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom

Characters: Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Ariel and Jasmine

Check out the menu

Dine like royalty at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Set in the iconic Cinderella Castle, this is where you can hobnob with the Disney Princesses. The regal ambiance and the delectable food make this more than a meal; it’s an event.

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4. Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Characters: Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and pluto

Check out the menu

Aloha, character breakfast! ‘Ohana brings a tropical twist to your morning with Lilo & Stitch. The family-style breakfast, the laid-back atmosphere, and the Polynesian hospitality make it a must-do.

The 9 Best Disney World Character Breakfasts - A Magical Start to Your Day - Next Stop WDW (4)

5. Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy

Check out the menu

Go on a culinary safari at Tusker House. Here, Donald Duck and friends are decked out in safari gear, ready to share a hearty meal and wild adventures with you.

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6. The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom

Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore

Check out the menu

Inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s, the Crystal Palace is as charming as it is delightful. Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood wander from table to table, bringing smiles and honey-dipped joy to everyone.

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7. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot

Characters: Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Mulan, or Mary Poppins

Check out the menu

Located in the Norway pavilion of Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is another spot for princess admirers. The setting is regal, the characters are gracious, and the Scandinavian-inspired breakfast is a royal treat.

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8. Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck

Check out the menu

For a touch of European elegance, head to Topolino’s Terrace. Here, Mickey and friends don their best artist, dancer, and writer costumes while you indulge in a sophisticated, Mediterranean-inspired breakfast.

9. Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Characters: Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy

Check out the menu

If you fancy a beachside atmosphere with Goofy, Minnie, and friends, then the Cape May Café is your spot. The New England-style setting and the sumptuous buffet are the perfect backdrop for character shenanigans.

Planning Your Disney Character Breakfast Adventure

Scheduling Your Character Dining Experience

To secure your spot at these popular breakfasts, you’ll need to plan ahead. Reservations open up 60 days in advance and they go quickly, so mark your calendar and be ready to book early in the morning.

Duration of Character Meals

Typically, character breakfasts last about one to two hours. This gives you ample time to enjoy your meal and interact with each character as they make their rounds.

Navigating the Booking Process

Ready to book? Head over to the Disney World website or use the My Disney Experience app. Make sure your desired date and time are available, and book as soon as your reservation window opens. It’s straightforward, but you’ve got to be quick!

The 9 Best Disney World Character Breakfasts - A Magical Start to Your Day - Next Stop WDW (8)

Making the Most of Your Disney Character Breakfast

Opportunities for Autographs and Photos

These breakfasts are prime times for autographs and photos. Bring your autograph book and camera (or smartphone), and be ready when the characters come to your table. They’ll sign and pose for pictures, creating keepsakes that last a lifetime.

Buffet or À la Carte: Deciding Your Dining Style

Some character breakfasts are buffets, while others are à la carte. Buffets offer a wide variety, great for picky eaters or those with hearty appetites. À la carte meals are more relaxed and often feature unique dishes.

Transportation to Early Morning Character Meals

Getting to your early breakfast reservation is a breeze with Disney’s transportation system. Buses, the monorail, and boats start running early, but always check the schedules as they can vary. If you’re staying at a nearby resort, walking might be a delightful option, too!

Special Considerations and Insider Tips

Character Meals without a Park Ticket

Yes, you can enjoy a character meal even without a park ticket! Restaurants like Chef Mickey’s and ‘Ohana are located within resorts, so you can book a breakfast on a day you’re not visiting the parks.

PhotoPass Photographers at Character Meals

Some character meals have Disney PhotoPass photographers on hand to capture those magical moments. These photos can be linked to your My Disney Experience account, making it easy to relive the magic once you’re back home.

Evaluating the Value of Character Meals on the Disney Dining Plan

If you have the Disney Dining Plan, a character breakfast can be a great use of your credits. They’re not just meals; they’re experiences, making them a valuable part of your Disney adventure.

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Best Disney World Character Breakfasts

The best Disney World Character Breakfasts are more than just a meal; they’re a sprinkle of magic at the start of your day. Each restaurant offers its own unique flair, menu, and cast of characters, ensuring that every breakfast is a distinctive and delightful experience. Whether you’re laughing with Lilo and Stitch, having a royal encounter at Cinderella’s table, or sharing honey with Pooh, these meals create moments that become cherished memories.

As you plan your Disney adventure, consider fitting a character breakfast into your schedule. It’s a decision that adds depth to your experience, bringing the stories and characters you love into a personal, interactive setting. Remember, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the smiles, the hugs, the photos, and the autographs. It’s about starting your day with joy, laughter, and a touch of Disney magic.

About the Author

Darren Cater

I’m Darren, the editor of nextstopwdw.com. With years of Disney World adventures and countless memories made, I’ve mastered the art of planning a Disney World vacation. My articles are fueled by experience and a love for Disney World, aiming to turn your dream trip into a magical reality.

See author's posts

The 9 Best Disney World Character Breakfasts - A Magical Start to Your Day - Next Stop WDW (2024)

FAQs

Where are the character breakfasts at Disney World? ›

Where are the character dining experiences located?
  • Cape May Cafe – breakfast only. Disney's Beach Club Resort; characters wear beach bash outfits. ...
  • Chef Mickey's – breakfast and dinner only. ...
  • Hollywood & Vine – lunch and dinner. ...
  • Topolino's Terrace – breakfast only. ...
  • Tusker House.
Jun 11, 2023

What happens at Disney character breakfast? ›

Breakfast with Disney Characters

Enjoy a buffet with a wide selection of breads, pastries, cereals, scrambled eggs, cold cuts, cheese, smoked salmon, pancakes fruit juice and hot drinks along with your favourite Disney Characters to join in the fun - they will stop for a catch-up, some photos and autographs!

Do you have to stay at a Disney Resort to do a character breakfast? ›

I always try to schedule at least one Character Dining opportunity during my visits! I am happy to share that Guests can reserve Character Dining in any of the Disney Resort Hotels even if they are not staying at that hotel (or even on Walt Disney World Resort property)!

Are Disney character meals worth it? ›

I go for the overall experience. I love seeing my kids light up when interacting with characters, who take their time at each table. A lot of guests rush through long lists of to-dos at Disney World. For me, character dining is about slowing down and savoring that iconic Disney magic.

Which princesses are at Akershus? ›

Which Disney Princesses Are at Akershus? Now to the best part of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — meeting the Disney Princesses! You'll often see five princesses throughout your meal, which typically include Belle, Aurora, Tiana, Ariel and Snow White.

How far in advance can you book a character breakfast at Disney World? ›

You will be able to make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance when you arrive in the United States – you can do this online or by using the My Disney Experience app – download that to your phone, and create an account.

How long do character breakfasts last? ›

From my experience, the meals typically last around one hour to 90 minutes. You'll want to make sure you stay long enough for all the Characters to have a chance to visit your table, which can sometimes add to the overall time spent at the restaurant.

What time do character breakfasts start? ›

Breakfast/brunch begins at 7 a.m. every day and is served until 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. Visit on the later end (closer to 11 a.m.) if you want the meal to serve as lunch (but give yourself time to dine and see characters a few times).

How much is the Princess breakfast at Disney World? ›

How much is breakfast with the princesses at Disney World? The cost of breakfast with the princesses at Disney World starts at $45 for adults and $29 for children (defined as ages 3 to 9). An a la carte breakfast meal is available at Trattoria al Forno. Costs do not include taxes or gratuity.

Should character breakfast be late or early? ›

Schedule your character meal for 10:00am or 10:30am. This way, after you arrive early for the morning hours to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds and less chaos, you'll have a nice escape to a nice meal waiting for you right as the the people arrive. You will love this break from the crowds.

Do any of the Disney hotels offer free breakfast? ›

Disney Resort Hotels – Frequently Asked Questions

A: No. However, you should be able to find a dining location offering breakfast at your Disney Resort hotel.

When should I book Disney character dining? ›

Character Dining at Disneyland can be booked 60 days in advance, and if you're traveling during a busier travel time, you'll want to follow that 60-day guideline.

Do you tip at Disney character meals? ›

Even though they are typically buffet style, we always tip 18%. The cast members who have served us have been terrific. They always make sure we see all of the characters in between trips to the buffet. Of course you can choose whether or not to tip based on the level of service.

How much money should you take to Disney for food? ›

Remember – you'll need to do this for each person for each day of your trip.
Average number of Quick Service meals per dayAverage number of Table Service meals per dayAmount to budget per adult, each day of your trip
11$61
12$103
21$80
02$84
2 more rows

Do you tip Disney characters? ›

Giving a Disney cast member a tip might seem like a kind thing to do when you're visiting the parks. But an ex-Disney princess has urged visitors not to tip the characters – and told them what they should do instead.

How do I book a character breakfast at Disney Orlando? ›

To make those reservations, you can either go to the website list of restaurants where reservations are accepted or use the My Disney Experience Mobile App. I often use the mobile app. To make a reservation in the mobile app, open the app and click on the plus sign at the bottom.

How much does it cost to have breakfast with the characters at Disney World? ›

Typically, a character breakfast will cost anywhere from $15 to $36 per person, but prices are subject to change. Payment for each meal is set up a bit differently. Some will include taxes and gratuity in your check and others you will pay up front and you can leave gratuity if you wish after your meal.

Does Disney World still do the character meals? ›

The theme parks and Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort offer a variety of Character Dining opportunities. Character Dining is very popular, and we strongly recommend that you make reservations in advance.

How much is character breakfast at Disney World? ›

The price ranges from almost $60 to $120 per adult to around $35 to $70 per child, depending upon the time of day and what character dining experience you're booking. If you have the Disney Dining Plan, most character dining experiences are worth one table-service meal credit.

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