Character Dining with Donald Duck; Tusker House Restaurant; Animal Kingdom; AA
  • Oct 3, 2024
    Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    hello my family of 4 is having our 1st Disney experience our daughter is 6 and son is 1 what are some must do dining options? we will also be going with another family with children the same age

    Hello and welcome to planDisney!

    How exciting to plan your first visit with little ones to the Walt Disney World® Resort! With children that age, I would recommend a few character dining experiences. A few of our favorites include Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera (characters are at breakfast), Chef Mickey's, The Crystal Palace, Tusker House Restaurant, Cinderella's Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and 1900 Park Fare. As you might imagine, children's reactions (especially the toddlers) to characters can be unpredictable. So, if you have not done so already, do a few practice runs with other character experiences close to home. 

    Before taking our girls to Disney, I took them to my university where I teach on days when our mascot was out at events. Once they were ok with taking a photo with the mascot, I figured they would be ok with interacting with characters at Disney. Be prepared to just hold the 1-year olds and let them wave at the characters if they are not yet ready to walk over to them. 

    We took our girls on their first visit when they were 5-years old. Prior to going, we bought autograph books and big pens (which are easier for some of the characters to handle). We also talked with the girls about getting autographs. In addition, we purchased princess outfits and decided when the girls would wear those and how we would store them in the parks - we decided to use locker rentals because the dresses we chose were super cute but not the most comfortable. 

    Also, consider making a reservation for your 6-year old at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park. You could do a princess day with the appointment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a dining reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table, and a character experience meeting Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall.

    Since this is your first visit, I also recommend Memory Maker. It will allow you to download all of your digital photos taken with Disney PhotoPass® Service. And, when making those advanced dining reservations, check the menus at each restaurant. In my experience, breakfast has been more budget-friendly. Here are links to the breakfast menu and the dinner menu for Tusker House Restaurant to give you an idea. A link to the menus can be found on the home page for each restaurant. In the spirit of Tiana, I am sending a wish to the Evening Star trusting that your trip will be a dream come true!

    Magic and memories,
    Donyell


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Meet the Panelist: Donyell, North Carolina

Hello from North Carolina! I am a mom of twin girls, wife, and university professor who has been inspired by the creativity of Disney for a lifetime. Since my first Disney visit when I was 12-years-old, I have been drawn to the adventures crafted by Disney Imagineers. Planning Disney vacations helps connect me to families who will find in Disney the kind of joy my family has experienced over the years. Allow me to help you map your own Disney journey so that you, too can create the memories of a lifetime! Learn More About Donyell

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