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Character dining is something our family loves to do! Not only do you get great food, and beautiful ambiance but also get to meet your favorite characters, take pictures, and get their autographs! We try to book one character dining experience every trip. It saves us time in line at the park and some of the characters are only regularly available at character meals. It’s always good to have multiple choices since character dining can book up quickly, especially at the most popular restaurants. There are character dining options both inside the parks and at the resorts. There are a few character dining options that are still missing since reopening in 2020, but we are hoping they will make a comeback soon. These are our top three that are currently available today.
3. Garden Grill Restaurant:
At this clever rotating dining experience located in World Nature at EPCOT, you will see Chip ‘n’ Dale and their Disney pals. This is a delicious family-style dining option in a park for lunch or dinner. We are not buffett fans with small kids. It seems like we are constantly getting up and down to cater to their needs while our food gets cold. They quickly get full and are itching to leave and I’ve taken what seems like my second bite of food. At Garden Grill, family-style is a nice relief from the buffets. It gives you an abundance of food to satisfy all palates and appetites and you leisurely enjoy your meal together. Garden Grill is a kid pleaser with a rotating dining room and classic characters in their farming outfits. We are hoping that Disney brings back breakfast at this location soon as that was our favorite! Plus, an early reservation would let you get into the park sooner to hop on Soarin before the regular crowd comes in.
2. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White:
Story Book Dining is like literally walking into the forest of a fairytale to have dinner. The decorations, lights, music, and atmosphere is simply breathtaking. You feel like you are in an enchanted forest. The food courses are very thoughtfully planned and go along with the entire dining experience. We are foodies and have a broad and adventurous palate, but those that aren’t may be leary of trying it. I’m not going to lie, we brought our son a ton of snacks and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich just in case, but there is a kids menu that should please their appetite. The characters aren’t ones you can see just anywhere. Snow White is the most common of the characters that you can meet elsewhere, but Grumpy, Dopey, and the Evil Queen are unique and usually can only be found at special events. Everyone in our family are big fans of the villains and Evil Queen knocks it out the park. She is spot on in her attitude, look, and witty phrases to your banter. Story Book Dining is located inside one of our favorite deluxe resorts, Wilderness Lodge. (Don’t get lost and accidentally go to Fort Wilderness. A funny story for another time.)
1. Topolino’s Terrace-Flavors of the Riviera:
Topolino’s is the newest character dining option at Walt Disney World and is at the very TOP of our list. The character meal is at breakfast time, but reservation can go as late as noon and “oh boy” is it delicious. It is inspired by French and Italian cuisines and on the 10th and final floor of another of our favorite deluxe resorts, Riviera. The classic characters you know and love are showing their talents in their art inspired outfits. They sing, dance and dazzle you with their charm. The food is steller and if you would like to try something else or have a little extra, just ask and it will be brought to you at no extra charge. The view from the balcony is spectacular. Please take time to enjoy and tour the grounds. Take in all that made the French Riviera one of Walt Disney’s favorite getaways. You will see that it is no coincidence Topolino’s is at our favorite resort on Disney property.
Honorable Mention:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is located in World Showcase at EPCOT and feature many of your favorite Disney Storybook Princesses inside a medieval castle. It is a family style meal with something for everyone.
Pixie Path Pointers:
Getting dining reservations for character dining can be quite the challenge. Use your travel agent for this! They will wake up extra early on your reservation day and know the most recent tips and tricks to try and give you the best chance at scoring your first and second choice.
Are you ready to be whisked away to a magical character dining experience? Contact Pixie Path Travels for a free quote.