Hi Kristin!
I'm so glad to see you back with another question and even more thrilled to hear you have another upcoming trip. January is a great time to visit as temperatures are cooler, the holiday rush is over, and the return of the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is usually just around the corner. The 2024 festival dates haven't been announced just yet, but I also have a late January visit planned and hope to see more details shared soon. I just
love savoring all the beautiful and artful festival food creations each year.
Speaking of food, I'd be happy to share my favorite picks for a
Character Dining experience. As you mentioned, there are so many great options to choose from but since you prefer to dine on a rest day (great idea to build one into your plans, by the way) you'll want to focus on the experiences at the
Disney Resorts Collection hotels. My favorite is Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at
Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. Not only is this gorgeous restaurant on the top floor of
Disney's Riviera Resort a delicious and delightful experience, but the menu is sure to please picky eaters and more adventurous palates alike.
My daughter loved the Mickey Waffle Dippers served on an artist's palette plate with a variety of dipping sauces in the paint areas. Adorable, delicious, and a fun way to keep little eaters entertained while waiting for the characters to stop by. You might want to opt for a mimosa alongside the Quiche Gruyère or the Sour Cream Waffle (my two favorite entree options) while your partner enjoys the delicious Wood-fired Steak and Eggs (my husband's top choice). Be sure to take time to enjoy the beautiful rooftop patio before or after your meal to take in panoramic views.
My other suggestion would be
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort. This iconic location is, in my opinion, a Disney rite of passage. I still remember eating there as a child and watching the Monorail glide past us overhead. This venue offers an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet for breakfast or dinner so this would be a great option if you'd like to sleep in a bit on your rest day. You'll also be able to let your little one choose his favorite buffet items instead of ordering from a set menu.
If you're planning to enjoy a number of table-service meals on your trip you might want to consider adding the
Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package. This would give each member of your travel party aged 3 and older a Resort-Refillable Mug as well as 1 Table-Service Meal, 1 Quick-Service Meal, and 1 Snack per night of stay. It's a great way to pre-pay for your dining experiences so you can focus on the delicious menus instead of your budget. The
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan is another option if you don't plan to experience Table-Service meals each day of your trip. As a reminder, advance dining reservations can be made beginning 60 days in advance of your visit.
I hope this was helpful Kristin. If I can answer any additional questions please stop back and let me know. I'm wishing you a most magical visit in the new year!
Magic and memories,
Amy