One thing I’ve learned after multiple Disney trips is that character dining is about so much more than the food.
When you’re traveling with toddlers, grandparents, babies, and a multi generational group, character meals become built-in air conditioning breaks, a chance to sit down, and an easy way to meet characters without standing in long lines.
We’ve tried several character dining experiences over the years, and while all of them were fun, a few stand out as experiences we’ll book again and again.
Here’s our ranking.
#1 Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (EPCOT)
This wasn’t even supposed to happen.
We were spending the day in EPCOT, and honestly, it was hot. Really hot.
My mom needed a break, everyone was getting tired, and I was disappointed that my daughter hadn’t gotten much of a princess experience at Magic Kingdom. Between managing a baby, a toddler, and trying to enjoy the parks ourselves, we skipped most of the princess meet and greets.
So we grabbed a last minute reservation at Akershus.
I cannot tell you how glad I am that we did.
We arrived around 11:45 AM and the restaurant was surprisingly empty. There were only a handful of tables occupied, which meant the princesses spent so much time with each family.
We met five princesses and never felt rushed. My daughter got the princess experience I had been hoping for all trip. There was time for pictures, conversation, hugs, and those magical little moments that make Disney so special.
Then the food arrived.
Growing up in Texas, I’ve learned that when food is served family style, there’s a pretty good chance it’s going to be good.
Akershus did not disappoint. Everything felt fresh, flavorful, and much higher quality than I expected from a character meal. Instead of constantly getting up for a buffet, we were able to sit, relax, and enjoy our meal while the princesses came to us.
This meal completely surprised us and easily became our favorite character dining experience of the trip.
It will absolutely be a planned stop on future Disney vacations.
#2 Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast
If Akershus wins for princesses, Topolino’s wins for food.
This is one of those rare Disney meals where I would happily eat there even if there were no characters involved.
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy are dressed in adorable artistic outfits that feel unique compared to the traditional Disney character dining experiences. The breakfast is fantastic, the atmosphere feels upscale without being stuffy, and the views from the rooftop resort are beautiful.
For adults who appreciate good food, this one is hard to beat.
#3 Story Book Dining at Artist Point
This is probably Disney’s most underrated character dining experience.
Instead of bright colors and loud music, you feel like you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest.
You’ll meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen.
And honestly? The Evil Queen steals the show.
The interactions feel different from traditional character dining, and the entire experience feels immersive from start to finish.
This is one of those meals that appeals to adults just as much as kids.
#4 1900 Park Fare
One of my favorite things about 1900 Park Fare is that it feels a little different every time.
The character lineup isn’t the standard Disney group that you’ll find everywhere else, which makes the experience feel fresh and unique.
The Grand Floridian itself feels special, and taking a break from the parks to enjoy a meal here is part of the experience.
If you’re looking for something that feels distinctly Disney without being overly crowded or rushed, this is a great option.
#5 Tusker House
Tusker House perfectly matches the atmosphere of the park.
The safari outfits are adorable, the food is more adventurous than many Disney buffets, and the entire experience feels tied into the storytelling of Animal Kingdom.
This isn’t the meal I’d recommend for every family, especially if you have extremely picky eaters, but if your family enjoys trying new foods, it’s a fantastic experience.
Plus, seeing Mickey and friends dressed for safari is worth it all by itself.
#6 The Crystal Palace Breakfast
If you have toddlers, this one deserves serious consideration.
Our son was absolutely fascinated by Pooh Bear.
He watched that bright yellow bear walk around the restaurant like it was the most exciting thing he’d ever seen.
The best part about traveling with little kids is that sometimes they don’t need elaborate experiences to be happy. Sometimes all it takes is seeing a giant Pooh Bear and a plate full of Mickey waffles.
Speaking of Mickey waffles, yes, they absolutely lived up to the hype.
The breakfast offerings are family friendly, the atmosphere is cheerful, and the characters are perfect for younger children.
Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore all make their way around the restaurant, and the location inside Magic Kingdom makes it easy to start your day before heading to attractions.
For families with toddlers and preschoolers, this one is hard to beat.
My Two Biggest Character Dining Tips
1. Work With a Travel Advisor
Disney dining reservations can be almost as competitive as some of the rides.
One of the biggest benefits of working with a travel advisor, like me, is having someone help you plan your dining strategy, prioritize reservations, and make sure you’re ready when booking windows open.
I spend a lot of time helping families determine which dining experiences fit their travel style, their children’s interests, and their overall budget.
The right reservation can completely change your Disney experience.
2. Don’t Panic If Reservations Are Gone
Seriously.
Some of our best Disney memories weren’t planned six months in advance.
Akershus wasn’t on our original itinerary. That unexpected lunch became our favorite character dining experience of the entire trip.
People cancel Disney reservations constantly. It starts raining. Plans change. Flights get moved. Families adjust their schedules.
Keep checking. Sometimes the reservation you almost missed becomes the highlight of your vacation.
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation?
One of the biggest mistakes I see families make is waiting too long to start planning.
The most popular resorts, dining reservations, and special experiences can book quickly, and figuring out which ones are actually worth your time can feel overwhelming.
That’s where I come in.
As a travel advisor specializing in Disney vacations, I help families create personalized itineraries that fit their budget, travel style, and family dynamics. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, grandparents, teenagers, or a little bit of everyone, I’ll help you prioritize the experiences that matter most and skip the ones that don’t.
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