No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without saying hi to the character that started it all, Mickey Mouse. There are a number of different ways to meet Mickey; in fact, Disney World is especially thorough in making sure if you want to take a photo with him, you can do so – in some instances, you don’t even need a park ticket. If you aren’t into waiting in long lines, many character dining restaurants around Disney World include Mickey Mouse.
Character dining is a great way to meet an array of characters, from the classic Fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald) to princesses to Disney Junior characters. Most character dining options are buffets or family-style dining, meaning there aren’t as many a la carte options (though some do exist). Not only do you eliminate the need to stand in a long line to meet characters, but it’s also a great way to meet them in fun, unique outfits tailored specifically to that restaurant’s theme.
If you want to cross off multiple items on your Disney World to-do list at the same time (like eat breakfast and meet Mickey Mouse), consider booking an Advance Dining Reservation at one of the following restaurants.
It’s important to note that the availability of a given character is subject to change, but you are more likely than not to spot Mickey Mouse every day at these restaurants (heaven forbid Mickey has something else to do on the day you visit!).
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Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
There are few Disney World restaurants as recognizable and iconic as Chef Mickey’s. It’s almost a rite of passage to bring your kids here. This large buffet-style restaurant is found in the main atrium at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Watch the Monorail pass by overhead as you meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy dressed as chefs. It’s the only restaurant on Disney World property where you can meet the Fab 5 all in one spot!
Dining experience: Buffet, American cuisine
Meals served: Breakfast, Dinner
Mickey’s outfit: Chef Mickey
‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)
If Chef Mickey’s is an iconic character dining restaurant, it can only be matched by ‘Ohana. Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana is one of the most highly sought-after Dining Reservations across Disney World. If this is on your must-do list, book a reservation here the moment your 60-day window opens. Note that the characters (including Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, and Stitch) are only available during the Best Friends Breakfast.
Dining experience: Family-style, American and Polynesian cuisine
Meals served: Breakfast (characters do not appear for dinner)
Mickey’s outfit: Hawaiian shirt
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Garden Grill (EPCOT)
While the bulk of EPCOT’s restaurants are found in World Showcase, there are a couple of great finds elsewhere in the park. Notably, Garden Grill is a fan favorite in the Land Pavilion. The slow-rotating restaurant boasts views of Living With the Land down below as Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale visit your table. No matter which meal you choose, you may find a new favorite restaurant in Garden Grill.
Dining experience: Family-style, American cuisine
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Micky’s outfit: Farmer Mickey
Topolino’s Terrace (Disney’s Riviera Resort)
The newest character dining restaurant to hit the scene, Topolino’s Terrace, is found at the top of Disney’s Riviera Resort. The restaurant has sweeping views of the surrounding resort area, and the characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy) are dressed in adorable artist outfits for “Breakfast à la Art.”
Dining experience: Prix fixe, American cuisine (note that dinner features French and Italian cuisine)
Meals served: Breakfast (characters do not appear for dinner)
Mickey’s outfit: Artist’s/painter’s outfit
Tusker House (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will find one of the best character buffets on Disney World property at Tusker House! This under-the-radar character dining spot has excellent options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not only that, but the characters (Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Daisy) are all dressed in adorable safari outfits.
Dining experience: Buffet, American and African cuisine
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Mickey’s Outfit: Safari Mickey
Hollywood & Vine (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to several table-service restaurants, including Hollywood & Vine, the park’s character dining option. During breakfast, Disney Junior characters greet guests at their tables, so if you want to meet Mickey, be sure to book a lunch or dinner reservation. That is when the restaurant is transformed into Minnie’s Seasonal Dining. The restaurant, along with the characters’ outfits, takes on a new theme each season.
Dining experience: Buffet, American cuisine
Meals served: Lunch and Dinner (Mickey does not appear during breakfast)
Mickey’s outfit: Seasonal attire (Halloween costume in the fall, Christmas-themed attire during the holidays, etc.)
Ravello (Four Seasons Resort Orlando)
The final character dining option that features Mickey is a bit more exclusive than the others, but only in that it is off the beaten path and is only offered a couple of mornings per week. If you weren’t aware, there is a Four Seasons Resort found on Disney World property, and each Thursday, Saturday, and select Tuesday morning, the on-site restaurant Ravello hosts Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals, including Mickey! Like other Disney World Resort hotels, you do not need to be an overnight guest in order to dine here – the public is welcome.
Dining Experience: Prix fixe, standard breakfast cuisine (dinners feature Italian cuisine)
Meals served: Breakfast (Thursday, Saturday and select Tuesdays only. Characters do not appear for lunch or dinner or on any other day of the week).
Mickey’s outfit: Resort outfit
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