Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in the Norway pavilion, provides a royal feast with Disney princesses. Guests can dine on Norwegian-inspired cuisine while meeting characters like Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella. Garden Grill, situated in The Land pavilion, offers a unique rotating restaurant experience with appearances by Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale.
These character breakfasts provide an excellent way to start a day at Epcot. Guests can fuel up for their adventures in the park while creating lasting memories with their favorite Disney friends. Reservations are highly recommended, as these popular dining experiences tend to fill up quickly.
Character breakfasts at Epcot offer magical dining experiences for guests of all ages. These enchanting meals allow visitors to interact with beloved Disney characters while enjoying delicious food in immersive settings. Epcot currently features two character dining options for breakfast: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in the Norway pavilion, provides a royal feast with Disney princesses. Guests can dine on Norwegian-inspired cuisine while meeting characters like Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella. Garden Grill, situated in The Land pavilion, offers a unique rotating restaurant experience with appearances by Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale.
These character breakfasts provide an excellent way to start a day at Epcot. Guests can fuel up for their adventures in the park while creating lasting memories with their favorite Disney friends. Reservations are highly recommended, as these popular dining experiences tend to fill up quickly.
Exploring Character Dining at Epcot
Character dining at Epcot offers magical experiences where guests can meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying delicious meals. These unique interactions create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
What Is Character Dining?
Character dining combines a meal with the opportunity to meet and interact with Disney characters. Guests enjoy their food while characters visit each table, signing autographs and posing for photos. This experience eliminates the need to wait in long lines for character meet-and-greets elsewhere in the park.
Character meals provide a more relaxed and intimate setting for interactions. Children and adults alike can engage with their favorite Disney personalities up close. These dining experiences often feature themed decor and special menu items that complement the characters present.
Character Dining Locations at Epcot
Epcot currently offers two character dining locations:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
- Located in the Norway pavilion
- Features Disney Princesses
- Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Located in The Land pavilion
- Features Chip, Dale, and other classic characters
- Offers breakfast and dinner
Both restaurants accept Disney Dining Plan credits, making them popular choices for guests on the plan.
Types of Character Meals
Character meals at Epcot vary in style and offerings:
Princess Storybook Dining: At Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, guests dine with Disney Princesses such as Belle, Snow White, and Cinderella. The restaurant’s medieval castle setting enhances the royal atmosphere.
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast: Garden Grill Restaurant hosts this rotating dining experience featuring Chip, Dale, and other classic Disney characters. The restaurant slowly rotates, offering views of the Living with the Land attraction below.
Breakfast options typically include American favorites like Mickey waffles and eggs. Lunch and dinner menus often showcase Norwegian-inspired dishes at Akershus and family-style platters at Garden Grill.
Breakfast with Disney Characters
EPCOT offers two delightful character breakfast experiences for guests to enjoy. These magical meals allow visitors to interact with beloved Disney characters while savoring delicious food in themed settings.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Located in the Norway Pavilion, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall hosts Princess Storybook Dining. This enchanting breakfast features a rotating cast of Disney princesses, including favorites like Belle, Snow White, and Cinderella.
Guests dine in a medieval castle-inspired setting, complete with stone archways and tapestries. The meal is served family-style, offering a mix of American breakfast staples and Norwegian-inspired dishes.
Princess encounters occur throughout the meal, with characters visiting each table for photos and interactions. This experience is ideal for those seeking a royal dining adventure.
Garden Grill
Situated in The Land Pavilion, Garden Grill presents Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast. This unique restaurant slowly rotates, offering changing views of the Living with the Land attraction below.
Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale greet diners as they enjoy a hearty, family-style breakfast. The menu features fresh, seasonally-inspired ingredients, many grown in EPCOT’s greenhouses.
The circular design ensures characters can easily visit each table multiple times during the meal. Garden Grill’s intimate atmosphere and character interactions make it a favorite among families seeking a more relaxed dining experience.
The Unique Experiences of Epcot’s Character Meals
Epcot offers two distinctive character dining experiences that combine delicious food with magical character interactions. These meals provide memorable opportunities to meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying themed cuisines.
Rotating Dining at Garden Grill
Garden Grill offers a unique rotating restaurant experience. The circular dining room slowly revolves, providing changing views of the Living with the Land attraction below. As guests enjoy their family-style meal, Disney characters like Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale visit each table.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients, some grown in Epcot’s greenhouses. Breakfast includes items like fluffy scrambled eggs and potato barrels.
Prices are $42 for adults and $27 for children ages 3-9, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity.
Storybook Dining at Akershus
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in the Norway pavilion, offers princess character dining. Guests can meet multiple Disney princesses during their meal, including favorites like Belle, Snow White, and Cinderella.
The restaurant serves Norwegian-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are served family-style, allowing guests to sample various dishes. Breakfast options include traditional American fare alongside Norwegian specialties.
Akershus provides an excellent opportunity to meet several princesses without long waits in the parks. The castle-like atmosphere adds to the royal experience.
This dining option is ideal for princess fans and those seeking multiple character interactions in one meal.
What to Expect from the Menus
Character breakfasts at Epcot offer a variety of delicious options to start your day. The menus feature classic favorites alongside unique Disney-inspired creations.
Popular Breakfast Items
Mickey Waffles are a must-try at any Disney character breakfast. These iconic treats are shaped like Mickey Mouse and often served with syrup and butter. Potato Casserole is another crowd-pleaser, offering a hearty and savory option.
Scrambled Eggs and Bacon are staples on most breakfast menus. The eggs are usually fluffy and well-seasoned, while the bacon is crispy and flavorful.
Fresh Fruit is available for those seeking lighter fare. Plates typically include a mix of seasonal fruits like melons, berries, and citrus.
At Garden Grill, guests can enjoy a family-style meal with rotating hot items. The Cheesy Potato Casserole is a fan favorite, combining crispy potatoes with melted cheese.
Special Dietary Options
Epcot’s character breakfasts cater to various dietary needs. Vegetarian options are available at most locations, including meat-free versions of popular dishes.
For gluten-sensitive guests, many restaurants offer alternatives like gluten-free Mickey Waffles upon request. These maintain the classic shape and taste without compromising on dietary requirements.
Dairy-free and vegan options are becoming more common. Some locations offer plant-based milk alternatives for cereals and coffee.
At Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norwegian-inspired items like Norwegian Waffles and Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf provide unique options for those with special dietary needs.
Planning Your Character Dining Experience
Character dining at Epcot requires strategic planning to ensure a memorable experience. Advance reservations and understanding Disney Dining Plan options are key to maximizing your character interactions.
Reservations and Timing
Booking an Advance Dining Reservation is crucial for character meals at Epcot. These popular experiences often fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
For the best character interactions, consider booking an early breakfast slot. The restaurant is typically less crowded, allowing more time with each character. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall offers princess character dining experiences throughout the day.
Keep in mind that character appearances may vary. While specific princesses aren’t guaranteed, you’re likely to meet beloved royalty like Belle, Snow White, or Cinderella.
Dining Plan Participation
Character dining experiences at Epcot participate in the Disney Dining Plan. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall typically requires 1 Table Service credit per guest.
Using the Dining Plan for character meals can offer good value, as these experiences tend to be pricier than standard dining options. However, it’s important to compare the out-of-pocket cost to the Dining Plan value.
Breakfast character dining is often slightly cheaper than lunch or dinner options. Consider this when planning your budget and Dining Plan usage.
Remember that Dining Plan availability and terms may change, so always verify current information when booking your reservation.
Beyond Epcot: Other Character Dining Options
Disney World offers numerous character dining experiences outside of Epcot. These options range from popular park restaurants to hidden gems at resorts. Each location features unique character interactions and diverse menu offerings.
Character Meals at Other Disney World Parks and Resorts
Magic Kingdom hosts Cinderella’s Royal Table, where guests dine inside the iconic castle. Disney Princesses greet visitors at their tables. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s provides a lively atmosphere with classic characters like Mickey Mouse.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers the Cape May Cafe, featuring Minnie Mouse and friends in beach attire. For a more upscale experience, Breakfast à la Art at Topolino’s Terrace atop Disney’s Riviera Resort combines gourmet cuisine with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in artistic outfits.
Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland transports diners to Beast’s castle. While characters don’t visit tables, the Beast makes appearances during dinner service.
Comparing Character Dining Across Disney Properties
Character dining experiences vary in cuisine, atmosphere, and character selection. Cinderella’s Royal Table offers a more intimate setting, while Chef Mickey’s provides a bustling buffet experience.
Cape May Cafe and Topolino’s Terrace offer unique theming and character costumes not found elsewhere. Be Our Guest stands out for its immersive environment, though with limited character interaction.
Menu quality and variety differ across locations. Topolino’s Terrace is known for its gourmet offerings, while Chef Mickey’s focuses on family-friendly favorites. Pricing also varies, with castle dining typically being more expensive than resort options.
Character rotations and interaction times can impact the overall experience. Some locations, like Cinderella’s Royal Table, guarantee multiple character encounters, while others may have less predictable rotations.
Additional Tips for an Enchanting Meal
Maximize your character breakfast experience at Epcot with these practical strategies. Focus on making meaningful connections, capturing memories, and celebrating special moments.
Making the Most of Character Interactions
Arrive early to ensure ample time for character visits. Prepare conversation topics or questions in advance to engage characters more fully. Encourage children to practice their autograph requests or prepare a special greeting.
Be ready when characters approach your table. Put away phones and cameras until it’s photo time. Give each character your full attention to create genuine interactions.
Consider bringing small, appropriate props related to the characters for fun photo opportunities. A tiara for princesses or a stuffed Flounder for Ariel can add magic to your encounters.
Photography and Autographs
Designate a family photographer to capture candid moments. Use natural light when possible for better quality photos. Ask Cast Members to take group shots so everyone’s included.
Bring an autograph book and thick markers for characters to sign easily. Consider creative alternatives like photo mats, pillowcases, or t-shirts for unique keepsakes.
Check your camera settings before characters arrive. Use burst mode to capture the perfect expression. Don’t forget to take photos of the themed decor and your meal too.
Special Occasions and Celebrations
Inform the restaurant of any celebrations when making reservations. Disney often provides complimentary buttons for birthdays, anniversaries, or first visits.
Consider ordering a special dessert to mark the occasion. Some restaurants offer character-themed cakes with advance notice.
Bring small, meaningful items to enhance your celebration. A family heirloom or a child’s favorite toy can make photos more memorable.
Ask characters to participate in your celebration. They might sing “Happy Birthday” or offer a special princess wave for your anniversary.