Top 5 tips for magical Disney character breakfasts

By Maria Mora

A Florida vacation to Walt Disney World isn’t complete without a character breakfast. Trust me, even the hardest of hearts will be melted like butter on pancakes by the sight of little kids hugging Mickey and Pooh. Here’s my top 5 tips for getting the most out of the experience.

1. Do your research. Each dining experience has a unique spin, at locations throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney’s select Orlando hotels. At Epcot’s Africa exhibit, kids enjoy a safari-themed breakfast with Donald Duck. At Disney’s Polynesian resort, Lilo and Stitch host a traditional breakfast. For the most traditional character breakfast, head to Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (and get a Mickey-shaped waffle!)

2. Make reservations well in advance. Despite over a dozen character dining locations spread out between Disney’s Florida theme parks and Orlando hotels, the dining experiences stillfill up very quickly. No one wants a disappointed, hungry kid, so call in advance to reserve a character breakfast. Reservations can be made weeks in advance and should be part of your early Florida vacation planning.

3. Have your camera ready. Costumed characters mill around throughout a character breakfast. Kids can get out of their seats to approach, or you can just stay at the table to wait for them. Some of the locations, like the Crystal Palace buffet in the Magic Kingdom, include little mini parades during mealtime. Don’t get stuck with a pastry in hand when Piglet pays a visit: be sure to keep your camera and video camera handy or in an open bag at your side.

4. Prepare for autographs. Pick up an autograph book at any Disney gift shop before you go to breakfast, or save some cash and get one before entering the theme park. Each character will either sign an autograph by hand or stamp the book with a special stamp — you can even keep the book handy after breakfast for more character signatures throughout the parks. Every since our trip, my three-year-old keeps his treasured autograph book in his bedside drawer.

5. Talk to the chef. My son has a peanut allergy. I worried about all the restaurant dining we’d do on our Florida vacation, but it turned out being totally stress-free, especially at our Disney character breakfast. When you sit down, alert your server to any dietary needs or allergies, and the chef will likely come to your table to let you know what’s safe to eat.

Related resources

• Disneyland vacations
• Walt Disney World vacations

Maria Mora is a memoir blogger and wannabe photographer. She travels extensively throughout Florida and the Caribbean with her two young sons.

Tagged: Florida