Countdown - 51 Days to Go!
- Jillian Wallin
- Oct 19
- 3 min read
🎉 51 Days to Go! In-Park Character Dining at Walt Disney World
If you joined us for Day 52 where we explored out-of-park character dining, you probably guessed today’s topic: in-park character dining experiences! These magical meals require valid park admission, but they offer unforgettable moments with your favorite Disney characters—right inside the parks.
✨ Planning Tip: When searching for character dining on the Disney website, make sure to filter by “Character Dining” under the dining tab—not “Character Experiences,” which includes meet-and-greets we’ve already covered.
Now that mousekeeping is out of the way… let’s dig in!
🐘 Tusker House Restaurant – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Hosted by: Donald Duck and friends
Dining Style: Buffet
Things to Note:
Breakfast includes Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, and African-inspired dishes.
Dinner features Tandoori Chicken, Green Curry Shrimp, and more.
Great reviews, but check the menu—picky eaters may find it adventurous!
🎬 Hollywood & Vine – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hosted by: Minnie and friends
Dining Style: American buffet
Things to Note:
Seasonal themes make this one extra special:
Halloween Dine: Aug 16–Nov 5, 2025
Holiday Dine: Nov 6, 2025–Jan 4, 2026
Silver Screen Dine: Begins Jan 5, 2026
Springtime & Summertime Dine: Dates coming soon!
👑 Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – EPCOT
Hosted by: Disney Princesses
Dining Style: Family-style (American & Norwegian cuisine)
Things to Note:
A great way to meet multiple princesses in one meal.
Some say it’s even better than Cinderella’s Royal Table—high praise!
🌱 Garden Grill Restaurant – EPCOT
Hosted by: Chip and Dale (plus surprise guests!)
Dining Style: Family-style American
Things to Note:
You might also spot Mickey and friends.
Offers unique views of Living with the Land—yes, the restaurant rotates!
🏰 Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom
Hosted by: Cinderella
Dining Style: Prix Fixe
Things to Note:
You pay in full when booking—don’t be surprised by the charge!
While the experience is magical, food reviews are mixed.
TikTok-famous desserts may cost extra.
Book early—this one fills up fast!
Bonus: You can book before park opening for dreamy castle photos.
🍯 The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
Hosted by: Winnie the Pooh and friends
Dining Style: All-you-care-to-enjoy buffet
Things to Note:
To my knowledge, this is the only place to meet Pooh and pals while dining.
Early reservations = stunning pre-park-opening photos!
🌹 Honorable Mention: Be Our Guest – Magic Kingdom
Hosted by: The Beast
Dining Style: Prix Fixe
Things to Note:
No prepayment required.
The Beast walks through, but it’s not an official meet-and-greet (missed opportunity!).
Photo Credit: Jillian Wallin While reviews are hit or miss, we’ve dined here three times and always had amazing food, service, and time!
✨ Bonus Magic: There are three distinct dining rooms that transport you straight into the movie:
The Grand Ballroom – with its iconic chandeliers and snow-falling windows, it feels like you’ve stepped into Belle’s dance scene.
The Castle Gallery (Dining Room) – themed around Belle’s private library, it’s warm, elegant, and full of charm.
The West Wing – dark, moody, and mysterious, complete with the enchanted rose. It’s the most immersive (and elusive!) of the three.
If you’re lucky enough to be seated in the West Wing, prepare for lightning flashes and a truly enchanted atmosphere. Each room offers a different vibe, so if you have a preference, don’t hesitate to ask when you check in!
📝 Final Thoughts
In-park character dining adds an extra layer of magic to your Disney day—but remember, park tickets are required, and reservations fill up fast. So plan ahead, check menus, and get ready for some unforgettable moments!
For our family, we’ve had amazing luck at Be Our Guest, but every family has their own favorites. Which in-park character dining experience tops your list? Share your picks in the comments or tag me on socials—let’s keep the countdown fun rolling!
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