Hi Jessica!
Welcome to planDisney!
I am so excited to see that you are taking a trip for your daughter's 9th birthday, in just a few weeks time! Oh, I cannot wait to get back to the Most Magical Place on Earth!
There is something very magical about dining in the very beautiful Cinderella Castle, and reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table are opening up on September 11th (subject to change), either online, or by using My Disney Experience, for bookings beginning September 24th. Despite being located in one of the most fairytale settings in the whole of Walt Disney World Resort, the princesses will not be available to greet their Guests at this time. The Garden View Tea Room at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is also currently unavailable.
There are, however, some other options for character dining. They don't include princesses, but you might like to visit Disney's Riviera Resort, to enjoy
Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends at Topolino's Terrace. Many of the character dining events have been temporarily suspended, so this is a great opportunity to see some Disney friends while you enjoy your meal. The characters will walk through the restaurant, but will not stop by your table at this time. You will, however, have several photo opportunities, and for anyone with selfie-taking skills you will have the chance to take these with Mickey and friends in the background! There might just be a little surprise at the end of your meal!!
It is important to note that Guests dining in table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels will undergo a temperature screening prior to entering the location.
Character dining is very limited at this time, and along with Topolino's Terrace, reservations are available online at Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT. Also, you can enjoy a Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and his Pals at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 313-7777. You will need to take a taxi, as there is no Disney Transport available for this Resort hotel. I have dined at this beautiful location a few times, and it would be well worth a visit. Also, from September 25th, reservations will be available at Hollywood & Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios for Minnie's Seasonal Dining and the chance to wave and take photos of Minnie and Mickey, and other Disney friends. Reservations open up on September 11th for Hollywood & Vine.
Mickey Mouse Celebration Cakes can be requested on arrival at participating restaurants, and these would be a perfect surprise to end a birthday meal.
During the phased re-opening of Walt Disney World, we may need a little more considered and careful planning, but our vacations to Walt Disney World Resort can still be a magical experience. Please read this information about
Returning to a World of Magic, and keep your eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for all the latest official updates as they are announced.
Please know we are working to be able to answer your questions as quickly as possible, and we look forward to providing an update as soon as we have more information to share. Come back and ask as many questions as you like! We are always happy to help you plan your vacation.
Sue