Recently my husband and I were discussing Walt Disney World with a friend who is considering taking his family on their first trip to Disney. After several questions about why we love Disney so much, the topic of Disney Character Dining came up. He wanted to know more but thought we probably didn’t experience character dining on our vacations since my husband and I don’t have kids. I can easily see how it might look like character dining is an experience just for families with children; however, I’m here to tell you that’s not the case. Character dining is one of my favorite experiences at Walt Disney World!
No matter which character dining experience you choose, the food is phenomenal! Personally, I’m partial to character breakfasts. After all, who doesn’t love Mickey waffles?! In addition to Mickey waffles, most character breakfasts include traditional breakfast foods such as eggs, tasty sausages, bacon, and sometimes delicious potatoes. Depending on which restaurant you choose, there will most likely be selections to go along with the theme of the restaurant. At ‘Ohana, you will find a delicious POG juice made from passionfruit, orange, and guava juices. Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a character breakfast at Tusker House features some African inspired cuisine in addition to traditional America breakfast foods. At Tusker House, guests can try a coconut-sweet potato casserole, beef bobotie, basmati rice, sweet plantains, and more.
The lunch and dinner selections for character dining are just as tasty as the breakfast offerings and offer a wider variety of dishes. My favorite character dinner, Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast at The Garden Grill features farm fresh foods served family style. Selections include char-grilled filet of beef, roasted turkey, garden fresh vegetables, a skillet dessert with vanilla bean ice cream, and more. At Epcot’s Akershus, guests can enjoy Norweigian selections such as Traditional Kjøttkake, Scandinavian seafood, and Noweigian inspired desserts.
The atmosphere at many of the character dining experiences is another great reason you will love character dining, even as an adult. No matter what age you are, Cinderella Castle is spectacular. Cinderella’s Royal Table gives guests the opportunity to dine in this iconic location surrounded by stone archways, medieval flags, and beautiful stained glass windows. Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House provides an atmosphere similar to that of an African market. Epcot’s Garden Grill has one of the most interesting atmosphere’s of any Disney character dining experience. The restaurant itself slowly spins while you dine! This allows for multiple views of The Land pavilion, including a view inside the Living With The Land attraction.
Despite what some might think, characters are not just for kids. I don’t know about you, but I love meeting Mickey Mouse just as much as any 5 year-old does. No matter your age, meeting a Disney character can instantly take you back to your childhood. Even if you’re not dining with children, the characters will still come visit your table to say hello and pose for photos. It’s almost guaranteed the characters will do something to bring a smile to your face during your visit.
Have you experienced character dining without kids? Let us know which dining experience is your favorite in the comments below!
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I have heard Cinderella’s step-sisters and Lady Tremaine are hilarious! They weren’t at 1900 Park Fare when I dined there. I really need to try to find them on my next trip!
Three of us, ages 27,29,and 32 went to the Character meal with Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare. We had the best time with the two step-sisters and the step mother! They were so funny and interacted with us for a long time. Prince Charming took pictures with each of us. Cinderella was beautiful and when we told her how handsome her Prince was she said, “Yes! Yes he is.” and gave him a loving look. The food was amazing. The strawberry soup was to die for! A few year later, we went back and had breakfast with Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter. Again they were so funny and interacted with adults is a great way! I can’t wait to go again!! We call it our girls trip with no grown ups!
How fun! Living near WDW someday is one of my dreams!
Won’t be a vacation, since I live in the Orlando area, Kim. But I’m a proud Annual Passholder and have been for over 10 years now. Looking forward to my special celebration at WDW.
How fun! Enjoy your trip!
1900 Park Fare is such a fun place to eat! I remember meeting Mary Poppins there. She is always so fun to talk to. Have a great time on your vacation and happy birthday!
I love meeting them too, but I will only wait in line to see them if it’s an extremely short line. So character dining is the perfect way to meet them! I had some friends without kids dine at Akershus recently . They all loved dining there!
It’s always so fun to dine with the characters!
My husband and I are going without the kids for the first time in September. We have 5 character meals booked and I am so excited about all of them! I love seeing the characters as much, if not more, than our kids!
I can truly say, I’ve had the pleasure or having a meal in several places with plenty of characters coming around. My first time staying on property at WDW was in 1992, when I came on my own. I had the BEST time the entire trip. I was especially excited in joining Mary Poppins over at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort, prior ro heading to the Magic Kingdom. Meeting Mary was truly a thrill for me, and I was in my 30’s back then. Since I am about to turn 52, I am hoping to enjoy a special meal for my birthday coming up. I will be working on my actual birthday, but will be at one of the parks on the 21st…celebrating!
Glad to read this. My husband and I are making our first visit to WDW next month, and I have booked us in for CRT, Akerhus, Crystal Palace and Tusker House. I’m keen to meet characters, he’s keen not to line up to meet characters- win win!
I travel alone and always do as many character dinings as I can.