Considering booking any character breakfasts at Disney World? This is the post for you!
Breakfast with your favorite Disney characters sounds like a lot of fun, but is it really worth it?
Character breakfasts at Disney World are super popular, drawing in both kids and adults.
These meals offer the chance to meet beloved characters without standing in long lines.
But, despite usually being the cheapest time of day to dine with characters, they come with a hefty price tag and can take up a good chunk of your day.
So, should you bother?
We’ll explore whether these meals are worth the time and money, diving into what you get for the experience and if it’s the best use of your Disney trip.
If you’ve ever questioned the value of character breakfasts, you’re in the right place.
Let’s find out if they’re truly or just another expense.
This post is all about helping you decide if character breakfasts at Disney World are worth the time and money.
Character Breakfasts at Disney World
Can You Have Breakfast with Disney Characters at Disney World?
Yes, you can absolutely have breakfast with Disney characters at Disney World!
As the name suggests, character breakfasts are not just about eating; they offer a unique way to meet and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters in a more relaxed setting.
Let’s break down the different options you have and what you can expect.
Where are the Walt Disney Character Breakfast Locations at Disney World?
Disney World offers a plethora of locations where you can enjoy a character breakfast. Each venue has its own theme and set of characters.
List of Character Breakfasts at Disney World
Character Breakfast Magic Kingdom:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- The Crystal Palace
Character Breakfast Epcot:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Garden Grill Restaurant
Character Breakfast Hollywood Studios:
- Hollywood & Vine Disney Junior Play n’ Dine
Character Breakfast Animal Kingdom:
- Tusker House Restaurant
Character Breakfast Disney World Hotels:
- 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
What to Expect at Disney World Character Breakfasts
When you book a character breakfast, you’re not just paying for the food. There’s a lot more that comes with it. Here’s what you can expect:
- Character Interactions: Characters walk around the dining area, stopping at each table to interact, take photos, and sign autographs. This gives your family personalized time with beloved Disney characters.
- Themed Dining Areas: Each location has a unique theme that adds to the magic. From the majestic settings of Cinderella’s Castle to the wild vibes of Tusker House, the ambiance is part of the experience.
- (Often) Buffet or Family-Style Meals: Most character breakfasts offer a buffet or family-style meal. This means you can enjoy a variety of dishes, from traditional breakfast items to unique, themed foods. For others, you may order off a traditional menu (which is common at a lot of Disney’s table service restaurants).
How to Schedule a Character Breakfast at Disney World
Character breakfasts are extremely popular, so it’s crucial to make reservations well in advance if possible (especially if you’re hoping to go to Cinderella’s Royal Table or Topolino’s – but many of them can get super busy fast – especially over the holidays).
Disney allows reservations 60 days before your visit, and slots fill up quickly. Here are some tips for booking:
- Set a Reminder: Mark your calendar for the 60-day reservation window (you can book from 6 AM Eastern Time.
- Use the My Disney Experience App
- Be Flexible: If your first choice isn’t available, try different times or dates. You can also keep checking. Remember other guests are constantly canceling dining reservations, so just because there aren’t any reservations right now, it doesn’t mean that will always be the case!
How much does a character breakfast cost at Disney World?
So by now, you may be ready to book your next or first ever character breakfast at Disney World.
But first, let’s answer one very important question: How much does it cost to have breakfast with the Disney characters?
While character breakfasts are magical, they do come at a higher price point compared to standard dining. Here’s what you need to know:
Price Range: Expect to pay between $47 to $69 per adult, with children often at a slightly lower rate ($30 to $42).
How much is the Cheapest Character Breakfast at Disney World?
All character breakfasts Disney World has to offer are expensive. But some are certainly cheaper than others.
Cheapest Character Dining at Disney World – Breakfasts:
- Cape May Café – Adults: $47 & Children (Ages 3-9): $30
- Garden Grill – Adults: $47 & Children (Ages 3-9): $30
- Hollywood & Vine Disney Junior Play n’ Dine – $47 & Children (Ages 3-9): $30
- Tusker House – $47 & Children (Ages 3-9): $30
Which are the Popular Characters You Can Meet When You Have a Disney World Breakfast with Characters?
One of the main attractions of character breakfasts is, of course, the chance to meet various Disney characters. Here are some of the popular characters you can expect to see:
- Mickey Mouse and Friends: Iconic characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald are regulars at many character breakfasts.
@caffeinebythecastle Happy Valentine’s Day! 💖 Who do you think the cutest Disney couple is? Daisy Duck and Donald Duck are adorable 💖 #valentinesday #disneyworld
Donald & Daisy Duck at Topolino’s!
- Disney Princesses: If you or your kids are fans of Disney princesses, dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a must.
- Special Characters: At Hollywood & Vine, you can meet TV favorites from Disney Junior. During seasonal events, you might see Minnie Mouse and her friends in unique holiday outfits.
Which is the best character breakfast in Disney World?
This depends largely on the atmosphere and characters you want to meet (and the food, though this can be relatively similar at many locations).
As of right now, I’d recommend Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Although attending a character breakfast at Disney World Resorts may seem inconvenient unless you’re staying there, this isn’;t the case with Cape May Café. After all, Beach Club is so close to Epcot (just a couple minutes away from the France Pavillion)!
And if you’re staying at a Disney World Skyliner hotel, you can catch the Skyliner to Epcot, and only have a short walk to Cape May Café.
RELATED POST: Disney Skyliner Hotels – A Comprehensive Guide (best & worst & budget tips!)
The reason this is one of the best character breakfasts at Disney World is:
- It’s a buffet with genuinely great food (I’m talking chocolate chip pancakes!).
- You can meet Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Goofy!
- It is a sophisticated yet colourful restaurant.
- Cape May Café is more relaxed than many other character breakfasts (like Chef Mickey’s), but it is still family-friendly.
The Time Commitment: Is a Character Breakfast in Disney World Time-Consuming?
When planning your Disney World trip, you might wonder if the fun of a character breakfast is worth the time it takes. Here’s what you need to know about the time commitment involved.
Duration of the Experience
Character breakfasts can be quite the experience, but how long do they actually take?
Typically, you can expect to spend about 1 hour to 90 minutes at a character breakfast.
Impact on Your Disney World Itinerary
So, what does this mean for your daily plans and park schedule?
Attending a character breakfast can indeed take a chunk out of your day, but it can also set a magical tone for your Disney adventure. Here’s how it might affect your itinerary:
- Early Morning Reservations: Booking an early breakfast, especially one before the parks officially open, can give you a head start. You’ll be fuelled up and ready to hit the rides as soon as the park opens. Plus, early reservations often mean fewer crowds.
- Late Morning Options: If you opt for a late morning breakfast, you might spend those early hours enjoying shorter lines at popular attractions. However, this might result in a midday lull where you need to rest and recharge after your meal.
Character breakfasts do require a time commitment, but if planned well, they can become a highlight rather than a hindrance to your Disney World itinerary.
Benefits of Attending Character Breakfasts
Exclusive Character Interactions
- Personalized Time: Characters come to each table, giving your family personalized attention.
- You Don’t Have to Wait in Lines: Instead of waiting in long queues to meet characters in the parks, you get to enjoy a relaxed meal as the characters come to you.
- Unique Moments: These interactions often feel more special than those in the parks because they can be less rushed and more personal.
Drawbacks of Character Breakfasts
Character breakfasts at Disney World can be a magical experience, but they also come with some notable drawbacks. Understanding these can help you decide if they’re worth your time and money.
Cost VS Other Experiences
Character breakfasts at Disney World are not cheap. They can be quite pricey compared to other experiences you can have at the park.
- Expensive Compared to Regular Breakfasts: As I mentioned earlier, simple breakfast at a quick-service restaurant in the park might cost $10 to $15 per person. Even table-service meals that aren’t character meals can often be as low as half the price!
To put it into perspective, a family of four could (easily) spend around $200 on a character breakfast. That same family could have multiple regular meals for that amount.
RELATED POST: How Much Can You Save By Dining Exclusively at Disney World Quick Service Restaurants VS Table Service Locations in 2024?
Sure, character breakfasts offer unique interactions, but the cost is significantly higher.
- Other Premium Experiences: There are other premium experiences at Disney World, such as VIP tours, special event tickets, or behind-the-scenes tours. The money spent on one character breakfast could sometimes fund (or go a long way towards) a different, perhaps more extensive, premium experience.
RELATED POST: Behind the Scenes at the Magic Kingdom: What You Need to Know About the Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Given the high cost, one must weigh whether the character interactions and themed settings justify spending several times more than a standard meal.
Potential Crowds and Wait Times
Despite having a reservation, character breakfasts can still involve dealing with crowds and potential wait times, which can dampen the experience.
- Busy Environments: These breakfasts are popular and tend to attract a lot of guests. Even with a reservation, the dining halls can be crowded and noisy, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Wait Times: Upon arrival, you might still have to wait to be seated.
- Impact on Your Day: Extended wait times can eat into your park time. If you spend two hours at breakfast and another hour dealing with wait times and entry, that’s three hours of park time gone. For those trying to maximize their Disney experience, this could be a significant drawback.
While character breakfasts offer magical moments, they also come with higher costs and the potential for delays and crowds. Understanding these drawbacks can help you make an informed decision on whether these experiences are the best fit for your Disney World adventure.
Ta Ta For Now
Character breakfasts at Disney World offer a unique blend of dining and entertainment.
They give you the chance to meet beloved characters without long waits, in themed settings that add to the magic.
However, the cost is significant. A family can expect to spend hundreds of dollars, and the crowded, noisy environments may not be for everyone.
In the end, whether character breakfasts are worth it depends on your priorities.
If meeting characters in a relaxed setting is a must for your trip, and you’re prepared for the higher price, then these breakfasts can be a highlight.
But if budget and time are tight, you might find better value elsewhere in the parks.
Make sure to weigh the pros and cons to decide what’s best for your Disney adventure.
This post is all about helping you decide if character breakfasts at Disney World are worth the time and money.
Other Related Posts You May Like
6 Fabulous Frugal Tips for Eating at Disney World on a Budget (Without Compromising on Quality)
8 Essential Disney World Hacks For Having a Relaxing Vacation (Stress-Free Tips)
9 Reasons Why Disney World Table Service Dining Is Better Than Quick Service