Restaurants | Walt Disney World

6 Character Dining Experiences at Disney World That Don’t Require a Theme Park Ticket

January 22, 2025

No park ticket? No problem! You don’t need to be in a theme park to experience the magic of Disney! Character dining experiences are offered at six of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and are the perfect opportunity for making wonderful memories and staying fully immersed in the magic without ever stepping foot in the parks. Enjoying one of these meals with beloved Disney friends is a great way to spend your arrival day, departure day, or a much-needed rest day from the action.

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s is one of the most sought-after reservations at Disney World, and for good reason! This iconic restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort checks off all the vacation must-haves with its prime location near the Magic Kingdom, convenient and easily accessible monorail transportation, a bright and cheerful atmosphere, and great one-on-one time with some of Disney’s most beloved characters. If meeting the Disney “Fab Five” is at the top of your Walt Disney World vacation to-do list, then Chef Mickey’s is the place to be! Not only will you get to dine on a buffet of favorite dishes for breakfast or dinner, but you’ll also enjoy visits with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto!

1900 Park Fare

1900 Park Fare offers a memorable character dining experience, featuring a wide variety of dishes to please every palate. Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this charming restaurant hosts daily breakfast and dinner buffets, and while you dine you’ll also have the chance to visit with beloved friends like Mirabel, Tiana, Cinderella, and Aladdin.

Topolino’s Terrace

Topolino’s Terrace, located atop Disney’s Riviera Resort, offers a daily character breakfast with a touch of elegance. You’ll enjoy picturesque views and a prix-fixe menu of delicious dishes inspired by French and Italian cuisine, while meeting beloved Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, all dressed in stylish, art-themed outfits.

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast

Mornings are a lively affair at Disney’s Beach Club Resort during Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe. This character dining experience features an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet of classic breakfast favorites, with Minnie Mouse and a few of her closest friends in attendance.

Story Book Dining

Prepare to be transported to the magical setting of the Enchanted Forest when you visit Story Book Dining at Artist Point. While indulging in a prix-fixe menu of choices inspired by Walt Disney’s hit film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, you’ll also enjoy time with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even the Evil Queen herself every evening at dinner at this lovely restaurant inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

‘Ohana

Walt Disney World guests can enjoy a character dining experience every morning at ‘Ohana, located inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Here, Lilo and Stitch (along with a few of their friends) make the rounds during an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast of Mickey waffles, eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, and various pastries, served family-style. For some added fun, consider resort hopping before or after your meal to visit the Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resorts, which are also on the monorail line.

The magic of Disney is that it’s always there, at your fingertips and ready to be experienced no matter where you are. Whether you’re in the parks or elsewhere around the Walt Disney World Resort, you are bound to find plenty of opportunities for pixie dust – and the character dining experiences at the Resort hotels are no exception. They are perfect for the young, the young at heart, and everyone in between, and always promise a solid dose of pure Disney fun!