Hey Mamas! If you’re deep in the Disney planning rabbit hole (we’ve all been there!), you’ve probably stumbled across Character Dining. You probably are wondering, is it worth the price tag? As a Certified Disney Travel Agent and mom of 3 kids under 5, I’m here to break down the magical-yet-complicated world of character meals to help you decide if it’s the right move for your family’s next adventure!

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👑 What Exactly IS Character Dining?

Simply put, character dining is a table-service meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) where beloved Disney characters come to your table while you eat.

Instead of waiting in a long line to meet one character, you get guaranteed, one-on-one time with multiple characters in a relaxed, air-conditioned setting. Some are buffet-style, some are family-style (meaning big platters of food are brought right to your table for sharing), and some are prix fixe menus.

⭐️ Why I love Character Dining

My kids need time to warm up to the characters. When we wait in line and see the characters in the parks, it’s a rushed experience that lasts only a few minutes. They don’t have time to warm up and they are usually a little too nervous to have genuine interactions or photos with smiles. 

When we do character dining, the kids see the characters moving throughout the room for an extended period of time and the characters usually do some sort of little performance, like dancing around. By the time the characters get to our table, my kids have had a little time to get used to them and are much more excited to interact with the characters.

✨ The Good, The Bad, and The Realistic

Benefit (The Good)	Drawback (The Bad)
Time Saver! You “kill two birds with one stone” by eating and meeting characters simultaneously.	Cost. It is significantly more expensive than a typical quick-service meal because you are paying for the character experience.
Guaranteed Meet & Greets. Every character will come to your table. No missing the rotation because of a bathroom break!	Food Quality Can Vary. While it’s generally good, you’re paying for the experience, not gourmet cuisine.
Climate Control. You’re out of the hot sun and humidity, which is a HUGE win, especially with young kids.	Noise Level. Especially at popular spots like Chef Mickey’s, it can get LOUD and chaotic.
Multiple Characters. You meet 3-5 different characters in a single seating.	Time Commitment. It’s a sit-down meal that typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.

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⏱️ How Long Will it Take & When Should We Go?

Expect the entire experience, from check-in to saying goodbye, to take about 1 hour to 1.5 hours. This is why planning them strategically is key!

The Best Time to Book a Character Meal:

1. Early Morning Breakfast (The Park Ticket Maximizer): Book a breakfast before the theme park officially opens. This gets you inside the park early, you can enjoy your meal, and be one of the first in line for a major ride right when the park opens. Hello, low wait times! (Note: This only works for in-park dining.)
2. Midday/Lunch (The Heat Escape): Book a late lunch during the hottest part of the day (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM). It’s the perfect mid-day break to recharge, cool down, and still check off those character meets.
3. On a Non-Park Day (The Resort Magic): Book a character meal at a Disney Resort hotel on a day you are checking in, checking out, or taking a rest day. Bonus: You don’t need a park ticket for these locations!

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💰 Booking and Budgeting: The Logistics

How Much Do They Cost?

Character dining is a prepaid, fixed-price meal. As a general guide (prices are always subject to change):

• Average Adult Price: Ranges from $45 to $88 per person (ages 10+).
• Average Child Price: Ranges from $30 to $52 per person (ages 3-9).
• Children under 3 are generally free but must be accounted for on the reservation.
• Tax and gratuity are often not included in the listed price.

When and How to Book:

This is the most critical part! These reservations are highly sought after.

• When: The booking window opens 60 days in advance of your visit.
  • Pro-Tip for Resort Guests: If you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can book for your entire trip (up to a 10-night stay) starting 60 days from your check-in day! This gives you a massive advantage.
• How: You can book online on the Walt Disney World website or via the My Disney Experience app starting at approximately 6:00 AM EST on your booking day.

**Hot tip: If you book your Disney World trip with me, I will book all of your dining reservations for you, so you don’t have to wake up early or stress about getting those must-have reservations!**

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⭐️ My Favorite Character Dining Picks

Every character meal is fun, but these four are my absolute go-to recommendations for families!

Dining Spot	Location	Characters	Vibe & Why I Love It
Cinderella’s Royal Table	Magic Kingdom (Inside Cinderella Castle)	Cinderella + A Rotating Cast of Princesses (usually 4-5)	The Ultimate Princess Experience. You are dining inside the castle! While it’s the most expensive, the “wow” factor is unmatched. You meet Cinderella downstairs, then ascend to the banquet hall to meet the other princesses at your table.
‘Ohana (Breakfast)	Polynesian Village Resort	Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto	Tropical Fun & Family-Style. This is a fun, loud, high-energy breakfast. The food is brought to your table (all-you-care-to-enjoy), and it’s full of tropical flavors like the famous POG juice. Great for a non-park day!
Tusker House Restaurant	Animal Kingdom	Safari-Themed Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Mickey	Delicious Food & Safari Gear! The food here is a buffet with a great mix of traditional American fare and unique African-inspired dishes (perfect for an adventurous adult palate!). The characters in their safari outfits make for adorable photos.
1900 Park Fare	Grand Floridian Resort & Spa	A Unique Mix: Often includes Cinderella, Mirabel, Tiana, and Aladdin	The Grandest Setting. This beautiful Victorian-themed buffet has recently reopened with a new character lineup celebrating the power of a wish! The setting is gorgeous and offers unique characters you don’t find together elsewhere. Don’t skip the famous Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup!

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Ready to skip those long park lines and treat your family to a meal they will never forget?

I’d be happy to check your travel dates, guide you through the 60-day booking process, and ensure you snag a coveted reservation at one of these magical spots! Click here to get started!