Are Character Meals Included In Disney Dining Plan? | Your Guide

Yes, many popular character meals are indeed included in the Disney Dining Plan, typically requiring one Table Service credit per person.

Embarking on a Walt Disney World vacation involves a lot of planning, and understanding how your dining choices integrate with a prepaid plan can simplify your trip significantly. Character meals offer a memorable way to meet beloved Disney characters without waiting in long lines, providing a unique dining experience for families.

Understanding the Disney Dining Plan Basics

The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal package designed to offer convenience and potentially budget control during your Disney vacation. Guests purchase the plan as part of a vacation package, receiving a set number of meal and snack credits per person, per night of their stay.

Currently, Disney offers two primary dining plan options:

• Disney Quick Service Dining Plan: This plan includes two Quick Service meals and one snack or non-alcoholic beverage per person, per night.
• Disney Dining Plan: This more comprehensive plan provides one Quick Service meal, one Table Service meal, and one snack or non-alcoholic beverage per person, per night.

Credits are loaded onto your MagicBand or Disney MagicMobile pass and can be redeemed at participating locations across Walt Disney World Resort. The value of these credits varies depending on the type of meal or snack you choose, offering flexibility in how you use them throughout your trip.

Character Meals and Dining Plan Eligibility

The good news for character enthusiasts is that a substantial number of character dining experiences are eligible for redemption using the Disney Dining Plan. Most character meals require one Table Service credit per person, making them a popular choice for guests on the standard Disney Dining Plan.

These meals combine a delicious dining experience with character greetings, often in a buffet, family-style, or plated format. Characters typically rotate through the dining room, stopping at each table for photos and interactions.

Distinguishing Credit Values for Character Dining

While most character meals are a single Table Service credit, it is important to note a few exceptions that require two Table Service credits. These premium experiences are typically found at signature restaurants or offer an exceptionally unique setting or character lineup.

• Standard 1-Credit Character Meals: Examples include Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT, or Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These provide excellent value for a single Table Service credit.
• Signature/Premium 2-Credit Character Meals: The most notable example is Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. This experience is highly sought after due to its iconic location and the opportunity to dine with Disney Princesses in a fairytale setting. Another example is Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, offering a unique character experience with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen.

Understanding these credit distinctions is crucial for planning your dining strategy, especially if you aim to experience multiple character meals or those requiring more credits.

Making Reservations for Character Dining

Securing reservations for character meals is paramount due to their popularity. Disney’s reservation system opens 60 days in advance for all guests. However, guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel receive an added benefit: they can make reservations for their entire length of stay (up to 10 days) starting 60 days before their check-in date. This extended booking window provides a significant advantage for popular dining spots.

Reservations can be made through the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World website. Being prepared with your desired dates and times is key, especially for high-demand locations. Staying current on recommended vaccinations is a smart step for any trip, as advised by the CDC.

Tips for Securing Popular Character Meals

• Be Ready at 6:00 AM EST: The reservation window opens precisely at 6:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. Log in and be ready to book right at this time for the best chance at securing your preferred character meal.
• Prioritize High-Demand Meals: If you have a must-do character meal like Cinderella’s Royal Table, attempt to book it first.
• Consider Less Popular Times: Booking a late lunch or an early dinner might offer better availability than peak meal times.
• Check for Last-Minute Availability: Even if your initial attempts are unsuccessful, keep checking the My Disney Experience app. Cancellations happen, especially in the days and hours leading up to the reservation time.

Maximizing Value with Your Dining Plan

When considering the Disney Dining Plan, it is helpful to assess whether it provides good value for your family’s eating habits and desired experiences. For character meals, the plan can offer significant savings, particularly if you choose higher-priced options that would otherwise be out-of-pocket expenses.

To maximize value, consider using your Table Service credits for character meals that feature buffets or family-style service, as these often have a higher cash price. Strategically planning which meals to use your credits for can help offset the overall cost of your vacation.

Example Character Meal Credit Usage

Character Meal	Location	Credits Required
Chef Mickey’s	Contemporary Resort	1 Table Service
Tusker House Restaurant	Animal Kingdom	1 Table Service
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall	EPCOT	1 Table Service
Cinderella’s Royal Table	Magic Kingdom	2 Table Service
Story Book Dining at Artist Point	Wilderness Lodge	2 Table Service

Character Meal Experiences: What to Expect

Character meals are more than just food; they are immersive experiences. Most character meals offer a buffet, family-style, or plated dining service. Buffets provide a wide selection of dishes, allowing everyone to find something they enjoy, while family-style meals bring platters of food directly to your table.

The highlight, of course, is the character interaction. Characters typically visit each table, allowing for individual photos, autographs, and brief moments of conversation. The pacing is usually well-managed, ensuring that most guests get to see all the characters present during their meal.

Remember to have your camera ready and an autograph book if you wish to collect signatures. Cast Members are skilled at ensuring a smooth flow of character visits, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Popular Character Meals & Locations

Meal Name	Park/Resort	Key Characters
Chef Mickey’s	Contemporary Resort	Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto
Garden Grill Restaurant	EPCOT (Land Pavilion)	Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey, Pluto
Hollywood & Vine	Hollywood Studios	Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Goofy (seasonal outfits)
‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast	Polynesian Village Resort	Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto
Crystal Palace	Magic Kingdom	Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore

Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It for Character Meals?

Deciding if the Disney Dining Plan is a good fit for your vacation, especially with character meals in mind, comes down to your priorities. For many, the convenience of pre-paying for meals and snacks removes a significant budgeting concern during their trip. This allows for a more relaxed approach to dining, knowing that the cost is already covered.

If your family plans to enjoy several character meals, particularly those with higher cash prices, the dining plan can offer financial advantages. It effectively locks in your meal costs, protecting you from potential price increases and simplifying the dining experience by using credits instead of constantly tracking individual expenses. However, if your family prefers lighter meals, quick service options, or only plans for one or two character meals, paying out-of-pocket might offer more flexibility.