Disney offers many opportunities to dine with characters, both those in full guise (like Mickey Mouse) and “face characters” in costume (like Cinderella). While they don’t actually sit with you throughout your meal, they do roam around the restaurant and visit your table for interludes. Character meals are more expensive than comparable meals (ranging from $25 to $76 for adults and $14 to $40 for kids ages 3–9), but the chance to meet the characters in an unhurried atmosphere makes it worthwhile. Even if characters aren’t at the top of your menu, character dinners are a good deal—the cost of these buffets and family-style meals is usually less than a la carte meals when you factor all costs. Character meals are extremely popular—make reservations as far in advance as possible at 407-WDW-DINE and have a credit card ready (required to book all character meals).

Be aware that there’s a mad rush for reservations for meals at Chef Mickey’s, Akershus, Crystal Palace, and Cinderella’s Royal Table. Folks start phoning and logging in at 6:00 am Eastern time, exactly 180 days prior to their desired date, and tables are often gone in a matter of minutes. If you get a table, at Cinderella’s, expect to pay for the meal in full by credit card at the time of reservation—this payment is refunded if you cancel up to 48 hours in advance. If you miss out on these popular character meals, don’t despair. Try again once you get to Disney. Cancellations are possible, so it never hurts to ask for a table, even as you’re walking through Cinderella Castle. If you are set on dining with a princess, try the character dinner at 1900 Park Fare.

✔   Some character breakfasts start prior to park opening. All Disney resorts offer special Disney bus transportation to the early character breakfasts.

✔   For the best character experience, dine off-hours. While Mickey may only give you a quick hello during busy mealtimes, you might end up with a close, personal relationship when tables are empty.

✔   Don’t be shy, grown-ups! Even if you aren’t dining with kids, the characters visit your table. If you’d rather sit things out, they will simply give you a nod or handshake.

✔   The “head” characters don’t speak, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep quiet around them. Talk to them and they’ll pantomime and play along!

✔   Most character meals take just one table-service credit on the Disney Dining Plan.