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.
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.
