The Most Overrated Character Dining Experience at Disney (and 3 Better Options) 

Families flock to Disney Parks for the thrilling theme Park rides, themed resorts, and stellar service, but most kiddos have their hearts set on one goal: character sightings.

Disney characters make the Walt Disney World Resort experience magical, and some Disney fanatics would argue a trip is complete with character dining. What’s better than sharing some flapjacks with Goofy or a chocolate-drenched waffle with Chip?

The good news? There are several character dining experiences to choose from at Walt Disney World. The not-so-good news is these reservations can be hard to get, and their bills tend to be pricey, even with a Disney dining plan. Disney characters can be elusive in the parks, but Disney World character dining is a surefire way to snag a photo with your favorites without waiting in a mile-long line.

Related: These Are the Most Entertaining Non-Character Dining Experiences to Have at Walt Disney World Resort

Not all character dining options are created equal, and getting the most bang for your buck is worth it. That’s why one of the most popular (and expensive) experiences might be one to skip: Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

In a popular thread on Reddit, u/Sprinkle-Muffin prompted Disney fans to share opinions on Disney character dining:

My family wants to do characters dining for the first time and aren’t to sure which has the best experience/food. We are willing to go for any meal.

Currently I have a reservation for Chef Mickey’s for breakfast.

Best Character Dining
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While reviews for Chef Mickey’s were mixed, user u/PaperbacksandCoffee shared a less optimistic view:

I personally think Chef Mickey’s is underwhelming.

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Although it’s a beloved brunch featuring a buffet of photo ops with characters, it misses the mark on the food quality, which is a setback considering the prices:

• $51 per adult
• $33 per child (ages 3-9)

Throughout the thread, Disney fanatics echoed each other, naming better character dining options for the original poster to test. Although mentions of Cinderella’s Royal Table, Garden Grill, Artist Point, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall were made, these are the three Mickey meals that rose to the top.

Related: 10 Fabulous Character Dining Meals At Disney World Resort

1. The Tusker House

For a safari-style sit-down with Mickey, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Daisy, you can head to the Tusker House restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant provides more dining options and lower breakfast prices with ​​$29 per child, ages 3-9, and $45 per adult. With rave reviews for the Tusker House’s buffet, it’s great to add to your next Disney itinerary.

2. Ohana

If you’re a fan of munching on pineapple-coconut breakfast bread with Lilo, Stitch, Pluto, and Mickey, then Ohana might be your character dining spot. At Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Ohana means family—and Stitch fans can get an out-of-this-world breakfast encounter a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom. Ohana mirrors The Tusker House with its prices: $45 per adult and $29 per child (ages 3-9).

3. Topolino’s

Breakfast on a terrace with scenic views of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios sounds magical, but it’s even better when Mickey & Friends join the fun. At Disney’s Riviera Resort, Topolino’s offers breakfast à la Art at $42 per adult and $27 per child (ages 3-9), and the Disney fans give the food two thumbs up.

Dining with Disney favorites can be the highlight of a meticulously-planned Disney World vacation. While there’s no “wrong” way to go, getting top-notch dishes to go with your character encounters at these three hot spots can make your time character dining even more magical.