Walt Disney World Character Meals and Dinner Shows Ranked in Order
By Dave Shute
How to Eat Where to Eat The Dining Plan Guide to Disney Dining
CHARACTER MEALS AND DINNER SHOWS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
This site’s recommended dining venues are in the basic itinerary and are listed at the bottom of this page.
They were selected based on how well-loved they are by families, kid-pleasing menus, how effectively they achieve their show intent, value for money, and convenience.
If you cannot follow these recommendations, use one of two tools.
First, the thumbnail (click to open; when open, click again once or twice to enlarge) ranks all the characters meals and dinner shows at Walt Disney World based both on appeal to kids and appeal to adults.
Use this information to balance these two kinds of appeal.
Or, second, see the list that comes next. This list recommends character meals and dinner shows in order, first on the basis of characters and the visual appeal of the setting, and after that on the relative amount of attention and fun your kids will get from the characters/event.
RECOMMENDED DISNEY WORLD CHARACTER MEALS RANKED IN ORDER
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom; Cinderella and Princesses)
- Askerhus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot; Norway; Princesses)
Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort; Mickey, etc)- 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian; Mary Poppins, etc. at breakfast, princesses at dinner)
- Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom, Pooh, Tigger, etc.)
- Garden Grill (Epcot; Mickey, etc.)
- Cape May Café (Beach Club; Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, etc.)
- Donald’s Safari Breakfast (Animal Kingdom; Tusker House; Mickey, Donald Duck, etc)
- Ohana Breakfast (Polynesian; Mickey, Lilo etc.)
(None of the other character meals are recommended.)
RECOMMENDED DISNEY WORLD DINNER SHOWS RANKED IN ORDER
- Hoop Dee Doo Revue, Fort Wilderness
No other dinner shows are recommended.
MORE ON WALT DISNEY WORLD DINING
- How to Eat
- The Disney Dining Plan
- What if You Can’t do the Dining Plan?
- Where to Eat
- Dining Alternatives
- The Comprehensive Guide to Walt Disney World Dining
- Character Meals and Dinner Shows Ranked in Order
- Table Service Meals at the Parks Ranked in Order
- Table Service Meals at the Resorts Ranked in Order
109 comments
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!!!!!!
Hi Carla, what helpful observations, and thanks for sharing! Dave
I love your site and already contacted one of your travel agents! What do you think about a 5 year old boy who thinks “princesses are for girls”going to a princess character meal? While the Cinderella meal is the highest must-see, I just get the feeling he isn’t going to find it all that magical.
Hey Lisa, Thanks for the love! You could definitely view it as optional for a 5 year old boy!
Is the Spirt of Aloha show worth going to? – have already taken kids to Hoop-de-Doo, would like to take them to something different. The reviews seem mixed – any other dinner shows the kids (9 and 5) might like? We are planning on doing Pirates & Pals and a character breakfast in addition to a dinner show.
Hi Kevin, frankly I think it not worth the money…there’s a couple of meals that aren’t formal dinner shows but are a hoot–one is whispering canyon at Wilderness Lounge, the other is the character dinner at 1900 park fare at Grand Floridian
Hi Dave, my husband and two sons (one and three 1/2 years) will be heading to Disney in April. My type A has been working on our week long itinerary for the past month! When the 180 days hit I want to advance schedule as much as possible. I was thinking about Hoop Dee Doo as well as Pirates and Pals but concerned my two boys are too young for both. I know many of the events are suitable for young children but do you think 1 and 3.5 is a little too young? The fireworks are pretty late for them. I don’t want to spend needlessly. I’m planning on making reservations for 2-3 character meals in addition. Those might be more up our alley. What are your thoughts? Thanks so much for your time!
Carrie, assuming you’ll be coming back later when the boys are older, I’d skip both and save the money! You can then do these with them when they are old enough to fully appreciate them!
Hi Dave,
We are traveling April 12th-18th with a 4 and 6 year old. We are arriving quite early on Friday the 12th and staying at AofA. We are thinking of taking it easy that first day–enjoying the hotel and pool so I booked the dinner show at the Grand Floridian for 6:15 that first night. A couple of questions… What do you think of this plan for the 1st day? Is Cinderella the only princess that appears at this show? Would you recommend Mickey’s Backyard BBQ or the Hoop Dee Doo show instead? I didn’t know if the kids maybe too young to fully enjoy them or if it was worth the trouble to get to Fort Wilderness. Also, is it just a rumor that there is unlimited beer and wine available to adults at the dinner shows? Lastly, I would also like to book Chef Mickey’s one morning before going to MK. Given the dates we are going to be there and the age of the kids can you recommend an itinerary and what days we should be at MK during our dates of travel so that I may coordinate a breakfast reservation at Chef Mickeys? Thanks so much
Hi Amy! Like your first day plan. And yes, the GF dinner is Cinderella and her sisters and other relatives–no other princesses. I think Hoop will be fine, but I wouldn’t replace it with the barbecue–if you don’t do hoop, I’d take the night off. My itineraries are all for older kids and longer trips–you could adapt one using this https://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/03/09/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-rides-and-attractions/ but it’s probably easier to get ones from TouringPlans.com here: http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/touring-plans For MK, avoid 4/14 and 4/18, and the best days will be 4/16 and 4/17…
Hi Dave,
We are traveling April 12th-18th with a 4 and 6 year old. We are arriving quite early on Friday the 12th and staying at AofA. We are thinking of taking it easy that first day–enjoying the hotel and pool so I booked the dinner show at the Grand Floridian for 6:15 that first night. A couple of questions… What do you think of this plan for the 1st day? Is Cinderella the only princess that appears at this show? Would you recommend Mickey’s Backyard BBQ or the Hoop Dee Doo show instead? I didn’t know if the kids maybe too young to fully enjoy them or if it was worth the trouble to get to Fort Wilderness. Also, is it just a rumor that there is unlimited beer and wine available to adults at the dinner shows? Lastly, I would also like to book Chef Mickey’s one morning before going to MK. Given the dates we are going to be there and the age of the kids can you recommend an itinerary and what days we should be at MK during our dates of travel so that I may coordinate a breakfast reservation at Chef Mickeys? Thanks so much
Dave –
Dining in Hollywood – We’ve got reservations for lunch to 50s Prime Time Cafe, just because it was the only thing available for table-service. You recommend Sci-Fi, but only as a snack. Are reservations needed for that, if you’re not planning on eating a meal there? From what I’ve read on your site and other places, we’d love to see Sci-Fi, but the food is nothing to shout about. Are you able to go in to see it…even as just a snack?
Hi Troy! Sometimes you can get a snack at Sci Fi and sometimes you can’t–it depend show busy it is…I should be clearer about this in the itineraries..it’s worth a look either way
Hi Dave,
We will be visitng Disney from Dec. 13-17th this year. This is our first time going during Christmas which has been a long time dream of mine! Can you mention somethings I should not miss ? We already going to MVMCP on my 40th b-day (16th). What else should we see ? Also is it worth leaving Disney to see ICE at Gaylord Palms ? How could I go about doing that if staying at Disney without a car ? Any suggestions would be much appreciated !
Bridget
Hi Bridget! On stuff not to miss, see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/05/20/christmas-2012-at-walt-disney-world/ I think ICE pales compared to other ways you can spend your time, but if you want to do it, take a cab either from your hotel or a park….
when tring to make a reservation on disney website for chef mickey’s, the site requires that I provide my credit card info but will not FIRST tell me whhat the total amount of the charge will be. This is very frutrating. I just want to price out going to lunch at Chef Mickeys. I did enter all the guests in my party and their age, but the site will not give me a price.
Hi Amy, there are some WDW restaurants that require a credit card as par tof the reservation so that they can charge you a no-show fee.
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This will be our first family trip to MK. My kids are 1.5 and 4. We are just going to MK for one day (we live 2 hours away, not staying at a disney resort, and will be there from Sat March 30 – Tuesday April 2). We are going to MK on Monday. I really want to do a character breakfast before we go to MK but i am confused. Can we go to any of them or so we have to have tickets to that particular park. Please Help!!!! Since we are trying to stay on a budget, can you tell me about how much it would cost with 3 adults and 1 child. I have done so much research that i am just confusing myself i think. Also i will gladly take any suggestions you have for doing MK in one day with little ones. Thank you in advance
Well, Missy, frankly I’d skip it. Those are among the busiest days of the year, and the crowds will be amazing. I doubt any reservations for breakfast are available–they begin to fill up 5 to 6 months ahead. The kids will be free, but if it’s two adults, it’ll cost you around $200–see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/06/03/disney-world-ticket-prices-2012-to-summer-2013/
All my itineraries are for kids 8 and up (see this for why: https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/how-oldtall-your-children-should-be/ ) but you can find itineraries here: http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/touring-plans?utm_campaign=referral&utm_medium=website&utm_source=yourfirstvisit&utm_content=r1&property_id=1
There are two kinds of breakfasts: those in the parks, for which you need a ticket, and those in the hotels, for which you don’t.
Sorry to be bad news and little help…
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We’re staying at Port Orleans Riverside and have reservations for Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. My plan is to get our tickets at POR when we check in, then take a taxi to Fort Wilderness. My question is, can we take the taxi straight to the pavilion, or do we have to go to the Outpost and take the internal bus from there? Also, when it’s time to go, is there a concierge or desk where I can call for a return cab at the pavilion?
Thanks for the help!
Hi Jennifer, cabs at FW drop off and pick up at the “Outpost,” and the BBQ is in the “Settlement, so you’ll need to take an internal bus to and fro. (There’s an annotated map here: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/03/18/the-cabins-at-disneys-fort-wilderness-resort-page-3/ ) There’s a concierge within the check-in building at the Outpost who can call a cab for you; there may also be cabs already there, or you could call one from your cell…
Another option when you leave is to take the boat from FW to MK, and then a POR bus from MK back to POR…
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Thanks for the information! I did think we might do the return trip via MK depending on whether or not the kiddo was up for it, but definitely wanted to have the cab info in my back pocket. The map is SO helpful; thanks for that, too!!!
Hello, again…we were looking at he different princess meals…how much less is Askerhaus that Cinderella’s in MK? When I look on the WDW website, I do not see any prices except for the drinks. I did a practice reservation for our party of 10 – and Cinderella’s was 480.00. Wow! When I practice with Askerhaus, no price comes up so I cannot compare.
One more question, we are now staying at the Wilderness Lodge for our Thanksgiving week trip. Is Artist Point a good place for kids? We have 4 of them between the families – 5 – 11. It seems pricey…worth it?
Thanks and around our house, you are known as “Dave the guru,”
Wendy
Hi Wendy…Dave the guru, huh? While not true, That may have to go into the “more puffery” section on the lower left with the other stuff that’s not true :)!
Akershus prices vary by the season, but it’s less expensive than Cindy–especially if you are using the dining plan (one vs two credits. According to this, the adult rate is around $36-$59, depending on the time of year and meal http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.id=126
Artist Point is great restaurant, but dull for kids. A better WL choice for most families is Whispering Canyon. See also this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-eat/dining-alternatives/the-comprehensive-guide-to-walt-disney-world-dining/
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Thanks for the info – that is what I was thinking about Whispering Canyon – do you think will we need a reservation since it will be such a busy week?
My husband smiles every time I say, “Well, you know, Dave says…” – and thus the label “Dave the guru.”
Wendy
Wendy, even during not-so-busy weeks I’d recommend reservations. That week, absolutely!…and I’m glad I’m making your husband smile!
Hi! Last minute question, do not know if I will get an answer in time, but figured I’d ask! We have an 8:10 reservation for tusker house breakfast in animal kingdom tomorrow morning! We are staying at carribean beach! How do I get there? No one will give me an answer, besides take a cab!!!
Samantha–this’ll be too late for you, but for everyone else reading this: At the WDW resorts, Disney has special buses to take people to the parks for pre-opening breakfasts. Check with your hotel concierge the day before to arrange one and find out when and where to get it.
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Dave, we are heading down to Disney on Sat 5/11 and evidently I’ve waited too long to make a reservation at Chef Mickey for the breakfast because it is completely booked. What is the likelihood of anyone cancelling their reservation? Someone mentioned checking with Guest Services once we arrive and see if they can help. Or is there another character breakfast that would have Mickey show up?? Thanks for your help.
Hey Rick, I can’t quantify the likelihood of a cancellation. Many of these meals have a cancellation penalty, so there are some openings the day or two before. The Mickey meals can sell out 5-6 months in advance, but one that’s worth checking is the Beach Club breakfast at the Cape May Cafe…
I don’t see this on your list …
Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare – Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Is it something that you would not recommend as it’s missing from your list. Our trip is 5 months away and we called for “Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom theme park” but that’s sold out and they don’t have a wait list.
Hi Shaf, it’s here! #4 on the list…
https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-eat/dining-alternatives/character-meals-and-dinner-shows-ranked-in-order/#comment-399003
Hi Dave,
What is the difference between the breakfast and the lunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table? Would you recommend one over the other in terms of food/value? We are not on the meal plan and our kids might actually prefer the breakfast versus the lunch menu — but the adults might not. If we do breakfast — what time should we request?
Thanks!
Hi Molly, just different menus and prices. I suggest a late morning breakfast or lunch to avoid having to get up early…if you are paying cash, I’d go with lunch–just a little more money for a meal than most people will eat more at…
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Hi Dave,
We are planning a character breakfast at the polynesion for 6 adults and 3 children. One of the adults has some serious dietary restrictions and will probably only eat toast. Is there any way we can avoid paying full price for him?
Thanks!
Hi Geneva, a couple of things.
First, Disney is astonishingly helpful with dietary restrictions–see e.g. this https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/
Second, if you don’t put in a special order, I suspect that they will charge him anyway, as the way Ohana works is that food for the entire table is brought, and all guests pick from among it. See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/06/09/review-the-lilo-and-stitch-best-friends-character-breakfast-at-disneys-polynesian-resort/
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Hi Dave,
Is there a character breakfast with Disney junior friends? Particularly looking for Jake and the never land pirates. If not, what do u recommend that is simple enough for a 2 year old boy who loves Mickey?
Joanna, Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. See https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/hollywood-and-vine/
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