Meet and Eat: Disney World

Make a reservation to dine with your favorite Disney characters. Here's a guide to some of the best options.

From: Food Network Magazine

Photo By: Gary Alvis

Photo By: Disney Photo Imaging ©Disney

Dine with a Princess

When Food Network Magazine Editor in Chief Maile Carpenter and Food Director Liz Sgroi headed to Disney World with their travel reporters — Charlie, Ellery and Sawyer — they met Sofia the First at breakfast. Find out where to eat and get tips for getting in.

*You may not meet all the characters listed in this guide; appearances are subject to change.

Disney Junior Play 'n Dine

Appearances*: Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Handy Manny

Restaurant: Hollywood & Vine (inside Disney's Hollywood Studios)

Food: Breakfast and lunch buffet

Getting In: Make a reservation as early as possible (up to 180 days in advance); walk-ins are sometimes accepted.

Bonus: Characters break into song and dance — and kids can join in the fun.

Chef Mickey's Fun Time Buffet

Appearances*: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck

Restaurant: Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort (near Magic Kingdom)

Food: Breakfast, brunch and dinner buffet

Getting In: Although this isn't inside the park, it's hugely popular. Make a reservation as soon as possible.

Bonus: The monorail goes right through the restaurant!

Fairytale Dining

Appearances*: Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Snow White

Restaurant: Cinderella's Royal Table (inside Magic Kingdom)

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner; fixed-price menu

Getting In: Plan your trip around this meal: Reservations go fast. You should try to book your table exactly 180 days in advance.

Bonus: Cinderella meets you at the entrance (inside the castle!) before you head upstairs to the banquet hall.

Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast

Appearances*: Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy

Restaurant: Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort (near Epcot)

Food: Breakfast buffet

Getting In: This is a great option for meeting classic characters, and reservations can be easier to get here than at Chef Mickey's.

Bonus: You get to see Minnie with a new look — in her blue beachwear!

A Buffet with Character

Appearances*: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet

Restaurant: The Crystal Palace (inside Magic Kingdom)

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet

Getting In: Book your table as soon as possible to get your preferred time; The Crystal Palace is spectacular and it's in a prime location.

Bonus: If you score a reservation before 9 a.m., you're allowed into the park before it opens!

Princess Storybook Dining

Appearances*: Ariel, Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Mary Poppins

Restaurant: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (inside Epcot)

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet and fixed-price menu (Norwegian-inspired)

Getting In: This is a great place for meeting princesses, and spots don't fill up as quickly as they do for Fairytale Dining.

Bonus: The restaurant is in a medieval castle and you might catch a "princess parade" mid-meal.

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