Understand which character meals may use one or two Table-Service meals and what to verify before booking.
Compare one-meal and two-meal Walt Disney World character experiences, including parks, Resorts, gratuities and reservation tips.
One-Meal Starting Points
Character Meals That Often Fit a Standard Dining Day
Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickey’s
Classic characters and buffet dining create a highly recognizable experience.
Best for: First-time visitors
Plan note: Verify current redemption.
View restaurant detailsEPCOT
Garden Grill Restaurant
Family-style dining and a rotating restaurant fit efficiently into an EPCOT day.
Best for: Families
View restaurant detailsAnimal Kingdom
Tusker House Restaurant
A broad buffet gives varied groups many options.
Best for: Families
View restaurant detailsHollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine
Seasonal character meals provide a seated break in the park.
Best for: Families
Plan note: Character themes vary.
View restaurant detailsMagic Kingdom
The Crystal Palace
A central location and buffet make this easy to combine with a park day.
Best for: Winnie the Pooh fans
View restaurant detailsRiviera Resort
Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast
A Resort breakfast near the Skyliner works well with EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
Best for: Families
Plan note: Breakfast differs from dinner.
View restaurant detailsSpecial Experiences
Character Dining That Uses Two Table-Service Meals
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Dining inside the castle is a location-driven experience.
Best for: Princess fans
Plan note: Disney currently lists this as two meals.
View restaurant detailsPrincess Storybook Dining offers princess interaction in EPCOT.
Best for: Princess fans
Plan note: Disney identifies lunch and dinner as two meals; verify breakfast.
View restaurant detailsWilderness Lodge
Story Book Dining at Artist Point
A themed prix-fixe dinner creates a focused Snow White experience.
Best for: Special evenings
Plan note: Disney lists this as two meals.
View restaurant detailsMatch the Experience
How to Choose the Right Character Meal
Choose the characters first, then compare meal format and location.
Confirm whether the meal uses one or two Table-Service meals.
Include every guest, including infants, in the reservation count.
Review cancellation, prepayment and gratuity terms before booking.
Before You Arrive
Character Dining Tips
Keep cameras and autograph items ready.
Ask a Cast Member before leaving if a character was missed.
Tell the server you are using a Dining Plan.
Budget separately for gratuity where applicable.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Table-Service meals does Character Dining use?
Many use one, while Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus lunch and dinner, and Story Book Dining currently use two.
Are character appearances guaranteed?
No. Characters can change or be canceled.
Are gratuities included?
Generally no, with limited exceptions.
Do infants count in the reservation?
Yes, include the total number of guests regardless of age.
Verify Current Participation
Restaurant participation, menus, prices, characters and required meal redemptions can change. Confirm current details in My Disney Experience or on Disney’s official restaurant page before booking or ordering.
Review Disney’s official dining directory