Hi Ivory, welcome to planDisney!
You've found the right place to bring all of your questions about planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. My family is celebrating the return of Disney Dining Plans for Guests with Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages beginning January 9, 2024 or later. We've added The Disney Dining Plan to our January vacation because we plan to enjoy one table service meal each day, we love Disney snacks, and we appreciate being able to pre-pay for most of our food items. As an added bonus, the Resort-refillable Mugs keep us hydrated throughout our stay and make great souvenirs.
Character dining is my favorite way to encounter Disney characters with little ones because the characters come to you and your wait time is eat time. Most character meals are served buffet or family-style, which helps ensure that no one gets Grumpy - except Grumpy, of course!
Here is the current list of character dining options that count as two Disney Dining Plan table-service meals:
- Fairytale Dining at Cinderella's Royal Table
- Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (lunch and dinner only)
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Here is the current list of character dining options that count as one Disney Dining Plan table-service meal:
- Cape May Cafe (characters are only at breakfast)
- Chef Mickey's
- The Crystal Palace
- Garden Grill Restaurant
- Hollywood & Vine
- 'Ohana (characters are only at breakfast)
- Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Baquet Hall (breakfast only)
- Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera (characters are only at breakfast)
- Tusker House Restaurant
If your kids love watching Disney Junior, make breakfast with Disney Junior Stars at
Hollywood & Vine a priority. If they're seeking a royal audience, opt for Princess Storybook Dining at
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. My family has plans to see Mickey at
Tusker House Restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
To see how Disney Dining Plan meals translate at any table service restaurant, Ivory, click the check icon next to "View Dining Plans and Discounts" above the restaurant's hours on its webpage. You can make advance reservations for dining online 60 days in advance beginning at 6:00 a.m. ET. Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel can book for their entire length of stay 60 days before their check-in date.
You're not planning this alone, Ivory. Don't be a stranger. Come back and
see us again real soon!
Choose magic,
Jennifer