When visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, the experience is much more than just the rides and attractions within the theme parks. Often the Dining experiences are the most memorable part of your vacation.
Today we are going to take a look at the Character Dining options that exist for breakfast. Would you believe that there are 9 different Character Dining Breakfasts to be found at Disney World?
Character Dining at Disney World means that during your meal you will get to meet and interact with Disney Characters. They will come to your table to greet you, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. These meals are especially great for children as the characters come to them. That makes it really special.
You don't have to be a kid, just a kid at heart to get your picture taken with Mickey Mouse or your favorite princess.
You can find a Character Dining Breakfast in each of the four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, & Hollywood Studios), as well as, each of the monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian Resorts).
Character Dining In The Theme Parks
If you are an early riser, here is a helpful hint to really make your breakfast one to remember: Each of these breakfasts typically starts serving at 8:00 am, while park opening is normally at 9:00 am. If you plan your breakfast for a day that does not have Extra Magic Hour in that park, you will get to enter the park while it is virtually empty and head to your breakfast. This is a great opportunity to get some pictures that you would not normally be able to get with the theme park to yourself.
Imagine being able to capture a picture of your family on an empty Main St. with Cinderella Castle in the background. By making reservations ahead of time in order to get the 8:00 am seating, that picture could be yours.
Magic Kingdom
There are two Character Breakfasts available in the Magic Kingdom:
Once Upon A Time Breakfast At Cinderella's Royal Table - Here is your chance to eat in Cinderella Castle and meet Cinderella herself.- A Buffet With Character At The Crystal Palace - Here you will meet Winnie the Pooh and friends and enjoy a buffet breakfast. (Note: Through Feb. 14th, 2010 the Crystal Palace is undergoing refurbishments and this breakfast will be temporarily held at Liberty Tree Tavern.)
Epcot
- Princess Storybook Dining At Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway Pavilion. Meet the Disney Princesses (but not Cinderella) during this wonderful breakfast served family style.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Playhouse Disney's Play 'n Dine Character Dining At Hollywood & Vine - Enjoy a breakfast buffet and meet your favoite Playhouse Disney Characters. This is a great meal for pre-schoolers and early elementary school age children.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House - Meet Donald Duck and Friends as they are dressed for a safari. Enjoy a wonderful buffet with American favorites and African dishes to try.
Disney World's Monorail Resorts
Tip: To get to the monorail resorts take a bus from your resort to the Magic Kindom and then board the Resort Monorail to get the resort you are visiting.
Contemporary Resort:
- Chef Mickey's - Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, & Goofy for a fun time and great breakfast buffet. If you have to choose one non-princess character dining experience, this is the one to visit.
Polynesian Resort:
- 'Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch - During this family style breakfast you may also get to see Mickey Mouse & Pluto stop by.
Grand Floridian Resort
- Supercalifragilistic Breakfast in the 1900 Park Fare restaurant - At this buffet breakfast you will meet Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland & the Mad Hatter.
Other Character Dining Breakfast
- Cape May Cafe - During this buffet breakfast at the Beach Club Resort you will meet Goofy and his friends.
Make Your Reservations Now!
If you would like to try one of these Character Dining Breakfasts reservations are strongly recommended. You can make reservations on-line or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
All of these breakfasts participate on the Disney Dining Plan. With the exception of Cinderella's Royal Table (2 Credits) all of these Character Meals only take one Table Service credit per person.
My daughter ate at the Storybook princess dining in Epcot over the marathon weekend with her grandparents. Cinderella was there with the other princesses.
Also, I do not recommend the Playhouse Disney breakfast at Hollywood Studios for preschoolers. The characters are dated and have not kept up with current Playhouse Disney shows. JoJo and Goliath have not been regularly on the air that my 4 yr old knows. Last year at almost 3 she responded badly. Even Little Einsteins are no longer a major Playhouse Disney show.
Anna Mae - Thank you for your comments. That is great that Cinderella was at the Storybook Breakfast in Norway at Epcot. Usually Disney goes to great lengths to say that she will not be there.
Also thank you for the comment concerning the Playhouse Disney breakfast. I have heard rumors that JoJo and Goliath were going to be replaced, but have not heard an official announcement as of yet.