Walt Disney World Character Meals and Dinner Shows Ranked in Order

30 comments

1 Lisa { 07.31.10 at 2:48 am }

Why is Cinderella’s Royal Table so highly recommended? It appears to have limited food options relative to the other restaurants. And other than that, princesses are also available to meet in Akershus. From what I have seen, even the decor is not particularly outstanding compared to other restaurants. Finally, the cost is equivalent to two meals. So, what makes it stand out so far above the rest? Thank you.

2 Dave { 07.31.10 at 8:23 am }

Lisa–I don’t disagree with your observations. What stands out about Cindy is the setting–not just in the Magic Kingdom, but also in the Castle–and the limited seating capacity, which means the kids get more interaction with the princesses…

3 Lisa { 07.31.10 at 2:22 pm }

Ok, so it sounds like you’re saying the inside of the restaurant is nicer than that of Akershus. And, the kids have more opportunity to spend time with princesses. Is that right? If so, I may need to rethink our reservations…

4 Dave { 07.31.10 at 6:04 pm }

Yes to the second. On the first, “nicer” is tricky–but more magical, because at MK and the Castle, yes.

5 Sandi { 03.23.11 at 9:06 pm }

Hi Dave! You mentioned in a previous post that it can be difficult to get to Fort Wilderness to see Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. Can you please recommend the best method to get from the Caribbean Beach Resort to the BBQ? We will not have a car; we will be using shuttles. We plan to arrive 1-2 hours early to check out the activities at the campgrounds.

Thanks!

6 Dave { 03.24.11 at 8:09 am }

Hi Sandi!

The basics are that you take a bus to a theme park, and from there take transport, either bus or boat, from that park to Fort Wilderness. Depending on which park you are coming from, you may then need to take a third bus, an internal FW bus, to get to the BBQ area of Fort Wilderness (if you are on the third bus, ask the drvier where to get off for the BBQ)

It’s easiest to bus to the Magic Kingdom. Between the bus depot and the entrance itself, you’ll see boats. One of these has a sign to Fort Wilderness. Take that boat, and once you arrive, follow the signs to Pioneer Hall! and ask a cast memebr around there for directions to the BBQ–there are also signs…

7 Vanessa { 04.25.11 at 12:05 am }

My 5 year old will love to eat w/princesses! Do we do the Cinderella Table in the MK? Is it only breakfast or do they do lunch? HOW do I book it and WHEN? We are going wk of Nov.12th HELP!! thanks

8 Dave { 04.25.11 at 8:13 am }

Hi Vanessa!

It’s breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You can reserve 180 days before your date–and up to 190 days if you are staying at a WDW resort hotel.

For a 180 day calendar, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-your-plans-need-to-be-firm/90-and-180-day-calendars/

You can either call or do it over the web–over the web is better–Go to the online restaurant reservations page here

Read the related part of any of this site’s To-Do Lists for specific instructions, e.g. see Section B on this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/to-do-list/to-do-lists-for-alternative-itineraries/to-do-list-v2-of-2009-autumn-winter-spring-itinerary/

9 Vanessa { 05.04.11 at 1:48 pm }

Important question I forgot to ask regarding if I should get the Meal Plan: We are staying at one of the Mariott Time Share suites. Can we still get the meal plan??

10 Dave { 05.04.11 at 2:17 pm }

Hi Vanessa!

No you can’t. You can only get the dining plan if you stay in one of the Disney owned-and-operated resort hotels

11 Debbie { 05.07.11 at 12:47 am }

My husband and I are taking our family to WDW for our retirement gift. We were both teachers, so not “loaded”, but have planned and saved for several years to do this. We will have 6 adults, 1 junior (17) and 5 youth, ages 7 to 2. It is one of my favorite vacation places. But as we start to plan for a large group, I am gettting overwhelmed. This is a great site, but is there anyone I can personally talk to , or spending the time on here will be my best bet. We want to go Dec. of 2012 (2nd week-as your plan says). We want the best bang and convenience for our money. Cant decide if it is better to stay onsite or off….just soooo many questions…..My dad did this for his family when he retired, and I want to carry on the tradition….just want it to be special for it will be the first time for 2 of my grandchildren. Any suggestions where to start. Thanks!

12 Dave { 05.07.11 at 10:34 am }

Hi Debbie! What a fun problem…

A couple of thoughts.

First, your least expensive on-site option is a couple of Family Suites–each holds 6 over the age of three plus another younger than three in a crib.

Each has two baths, a master bedroom with a queen, and a sitting room with convertible furniture that sleeps 4. These are available at All-Star Music and will be available by 12/12 in the new Art of Animation Resort.

2012 prices aren’t out yet, but for those dates these rooms will likely run around $250 a night (each room) plus tax. Off site will likely cost you half as much. See The Tightwad’s Guide to Staying Off-Site.

See also Large Families.

Second, regarding planning for such a varied group, see Planning a Multi-Generational Trip to Walt Disney World.

Third, for whom to talk to…your best bet is a travel agent…but recall that they don’t get paid until you book, so a kindness would be not to ask much of their time unless/until you are committed to booking with them. I recommend my friends at Destinations in Florida.

Hope this helps!! Dave

13 Leslie { 09.04.11 at 8:08 am }

We are just now planning a trip next month and were able to get reservations at Askerhus. What princesses and other characters are we likely to meet?

14 Dave { 09.04.11 at 8:15 am }

Could be anyone in a skirt except Cinderella! There will be 4-6 characters from among Ariel, Belle, Jasmin, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and also Mary Poppins and Alice

15 Cynthia { 09.18.11 at 1:21 am }

Am planning to take my daughter to WDW next year. She is very in love with the princesses espcecially Belle. Is there any way of knowing what princess asise form Cindy would be at Cindrella’s table? Does it matter what meal we go to or is Breakfast the best? I want here to meet the maximum amount of princesses she can.
Thanks!

16 Dave { 09.18.11 at 9:59 am }

Hi Cynthia! While Belle is almost always one of the princesses, there’s no guarantee…people seem to like the breakfast and lunch more than dinner, but not by a lot.

17 Jessica { 01.29.12 at 9:57 pm }

I am traveling with 2 boys and 1 girl we are doing the 7 day Autumn internary. Can I trade Chef Mickey for one of the character meals? If so which would be the be the best trade?

18 Eva { 01.29.12 at 10:20 pm }

Hi Dave! I cant resist asking you all of my questions since you are so good about answering them!
I have booked a 8:20 breakfast at Chef Mickey’s for our last day of our 5 night/6 day trip. It is the day we’re leaving. I plan to spend the rest of the morning/early afternoon in MK when we’re done as a last hoorah for our boys, 4 and 5.5. I know you recommend Chef Mickey’s as a first-time must do, but is there something else you would recommend? We will have already done Crystal Palace, HDDR, and the Beirgarten and been to all of the parks at least once (MK one day and our first evening). Pretty much following your 6 day autum/spring schedule even though we’re staying one less day.

19 Dave { 01.30.12 at 9:58 am }

Hi Jessica, Chef Mickey is a character meal, with Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy.

20 Dave { 01.30.12 at 10:00 am }

Hi Eva–honestly, I wouildn’t as that time will mean you’ll get to MK after it opens. Can you eat earlier or after 11a?

A very fun alternative for lunch is Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge–reachable by boat from MK. Not characters, but very fun and silly!

21 Carla Rupert { 02.28.12 at 12:47 pm }

Dave,
Spent Xmas 2011 at WDW. Our good friend (and travel agent) set us up for: Askerhus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot; Norway; Princesses), Donald’s Safari Breakfast (Animal Kingdom, Tusker House; Donald Duck, etc), and Ohana Breakfast (Polynesian; Lilo etc.). All were amazing! My 6 year old daughter cried when she saw all of the princesses at Askerhus. It was an amazing adventure and would recommend all three to first-timers. Also, we stayed at Carribean Beach and LOVED it!! Pool was awesome and employees had games pool-side for the kids. FANTASTIC Xmas vacation! We are going back in November, 2012.
WE CAN”T WAIT!!!!!!

22 Dave { 02.28.12 at 5:54 pm }

Hi Carla, what helpful observations, and thanks for sharing! Dave

23 Nicole { 04.17.12 at 12:47 am }

Hi Dave,
We are planning our first WDW trip arriving Dec 3rd and staying for 7 nights (only 6 full days as we arrive late at night). We really want to do MVMCP and have a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Is there any reason why we shouldn’t combine these and have dinner there before the party? On your basic itinerary you have a lunch at Royal Table on a different day to the Christmas party, so I was wondering if there is a reason behind this?

Thanks for all the great information on this site! We are making the trip from Australia, so it’s a one off for us and we want to get it right

24 Dave { 04.17.12 at 6:44 am }

Hi Nicole! There used to be a good reason–the castle dinner was different than breakfast and lunch. But now they are the same, so your plans will work fine!

25 Neil { 05.10.12 at 9:11 am }

Hi! We will be making our first visit to WDW on 20 October and your website has been a fantastic mine of helpful information. We are following your itinerary pretty much to the letter but it seems we have missed the chance to book the Hoop Dee Doo Revue for the Tuesday evening (or any other evening – it must have booked up incredibly quickly as we had no problms whatsoever getting all the other meals booked for the times we wanted). What would you recommend instead? Our kids will be 11 (girl) and 8 (boy).
Thanks

26 Dave { 05.10.12 at 10:32 am }

Hi Neil I’m glad the site has helped!

It looks like Hoop Dee Doo is closing for refurbishment–I haven’t seen this confirmed, but see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/04/03/hoop-dee-doo-revue-closed-for-refurbishment-october-to-december-2012/

You can see my first thoughts on what to do instead in my response to a similar question here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/basic-itinerary/alternative-itineraries/itineraries-for-the-rest-of-the-year/v2-of-2009-autumn-winter-spring-itinerary/#comment-31134

27 Neil { 05.11.12 at 9:17 am }

Thank you very much, I’ve made the changes to my bookings.
Why couldn’t Disney just say it’s not available? I’ve looked on the website every day for nearly 3 weeks and I’ve made two phone calls from England (one operator said tyehn tables hadn’t been releaesed yet and one said it was fully booked!) – what a waste of time and money!! Grrrr!

28 Dave { 05.11.12 at 9:55 am }

Yeah they can do dumb stuff at times.

One thing that just struck me is that the lack of confirmation may be because they are still struggling with refurb plans or even an alternate site while it’s being refurbed.

For example there’s a pavilion with a roof but no walls that is used only a couple of nights a week for Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue. Maybe they are thinking about temporarily housing Hoop Dee Doo in it…A tough alternative for the colder days of November and December…

For my thoughts on the refurb potential see the end of this post: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/04/24/review-the-hoop-dee-doo-musical-revue/

29 Carole Vellosa { 05.19.12 at 7:12 am }

We are a party of 5 adults 1 child 1 baby. during our visit starting August 13th 2012 our grandson has his 7th birthday. We would like to have a small celebration and possibly eat with one of the characters. The quick service dining plan came as part of our package.

Please can you give some advice as to where we should celebrate and how to arrange it.

Thanks. By the way, love your site!!

30 Dave { 05.19.12 at 8:47 am }

Hi Carole and thanks!

I don’t think you can eat with a character in the sense of them sitting at your table…all you can do is book a character meal–where they walk around and greet and pose with the kids. A day or two before your actual reservation, call and let them know it’s a birthday…at that point you can also order a cake.

See this too: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/02/01/is-walt-disney-world-free-on-your-birthday/

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