{"id":15537,"date":"2011-07-08T07:00:37","date_gmt":"2011-07-08T12:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=15537"},"modified":"2016-12-15T09:49:10","modified_gmt":"2016-12-15T15:49:10","slug":"disney-vacations-dining-with-chef-mickey-and-friends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/07\/disney-vacations-dining-with-chef-mickey-and-friends\/","title":{"rendered":"Disney vacations: Dining with Chef Mickey and friends"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chef Mickey takes a break from cooking to mingle with guests at Disney's Contemporary Resort.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Jill E. Cooper<\/em><\/p>\n

As far as summer vacation destinations go, Walt Disney World<\/a> defies all the traditional demographics associated with theme parks.\u00a0 This magical destination is not solely for teens and young families.\u00a0 No, this world-class resort attracts retirees, newlyweds, professional athletes, multi-generational reunion groups, conference attendees and families of every shape and size. \u00a0Despite the stunning diversity in this group, I can almost guarantee that highupon the souvenir list of all of Walt Disney World\u2019s visitors is a picture with \u201cthe big cheese\u201d himself, Mickey Mouse.<\/p>\n

Coming home from Walt Disney World without a photo with Mickey is like returning from Paris without the requisite shot of you in front of the Eiffel Tower. So, what\u2019s the best way to get that picture with the mouse that started it all? Let Mickey Mouse come to you while you experience a sumptuous meal on the fourth floor of Disney\u2019s Contemporary Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Known for its extensive buffet with food to please even the pickiest of eaters, Chef Mickey\u2019s is my favorite place to score a photo with the world\u2019s most famous mouse.\u00a0 Here, you don\u2019t have to stand in line under the Florida sun to get your one-on-one time with your favorite character.\u00a0 He andseveral of his very famous friends rotate from table to table through the entire restaurant.\u00a0 Just minutes outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom, this restaurant is in the center of the magic but since Chef Mickey\u2019s is not found inside one of the theme parks, no admission ticket is required.\u00a0 All you have to do is enjoy your meal, gaze upon the iconic monorails as they pass overhead and keep your camera at the ready so you\u2019ll be prepared to capture that quintessential Disney souvenir when Mickey arrives at your table.\u00a0 Advanced dining reservations are highly recommended and can be arranged by calling (407) WDW-DINE as far ahead as 180 days in advance of your vacation.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d rather be photographed with the Disney princesses or a mischievous alien, then book reservations at one of the other Disney resort restaurants.\u00a0 At \u2018Ohana in Disney\u2019s Polynesian Resort<\/a>, naturally, you’ll say aloha to Lilo and Stitch.\u00a0 The food here is served family-style and exhibits a delightful tropical flair.\u00a0 The views of the Magic Kingdom from this restaurant are enchanting.\u00a0 When the friendly cast member seats you, be sure to request a table near the windows so that you can bask in the glow of the distant castle.<\/p>\n

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Head to Disney Princess Fantasy Faire to meet Cinderella in the flesh. Credit: Paul Hiffmeyer\/\u00a92006 Disney Enterprises.<\/p><\/div>\n

Cinderella, her handsome prince and her hysterically funny stepsisters can be found next door at 1900 Park Fare in the midst of the splendor of Disney\u2019s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa<\/a>.\u00a0 Here, too, the flexibility of an extensive buffet offers diners a wide variety of delicious options for breakfast or dinner.\u00a0 So, if getting the ultimate photographic souvenir is on your to-do list for your next Walt Disney World vacation, consider a delightful character dining experience outside the theme parks.\u00a0 It is an incredibly fun and hassle-free way to interact with the characters you have traveled so far to meet.<\/p>\n

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