Hi Melanie! We love helping first-time visitors to Walt Disney World with their questions! Since you're planning to book a character meal, I can tell you've already done your Disney research and are planning a wonderful vacation!
The answer to your question depends on which Dining Plan you've purchased. The regular Disney Dining Plan includes one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, and one snack per person per night of your trip. You can pay for most character meals at Disney, including Chef Mickey's, with one table-service credit. (Cinderella's Royal Table, however, will cost two table-service credits.) You don't have to pay extra for character meals such as Chef Mickey's; they cost one table-service credit just like other sit-down meals, such as those at Boma or Whispering Canyon.You might want to take a look at the
Disney Dining Plan brochure, which gives you all the details, including a list of all the restaurants and the number of credits they cost.
The
Quick Service Dining Plan includes two counter-service meals and two snacks each day. These credits pay for meals at the Quick Service restaurants, where you don't need a reservation; you just walk up to the counter and place your order. If you have the Quick Service plan and want to dine at a sit-down restaurant like Chef Mickey's, you will need to pay out-of-pocket for your meal.
If you're not sure which plan you booked, call 407-939-7675,and the reservation agent can tell you.
I hope this helps! Please come visit us again at the Moms Panel if you have more questions!