One of our favorite character dining locations at Walt Disney World is Chef Mickey’s located inside the Contemporary Resort. This was the dining reservation that the girls picked to be able to do on our summer family vacation and we’ve made many memories here over the years! It’s a great place to see the classic characters – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto can commonly be seen here, and we’ve taken some of my favorite family photos here as well. 

Posing with Mickey on our most recent trip to Chef Mickey’s in June 2023. We have been here many times over the years and this was the girls’ pick for Disney dining reservations that they wanted to make sure to experience on the trip! Visit my Ultimate Guide of Disney Outfit Ideas for planning your Disney attire!

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Why Character Dining at Walt Disney World

Character dining has always been one of our favorite way to see a number of Disney characters at one time. It offers you a chance to take a break in an air-conditioned restaurant, give your kids a food break where typically there are a number of different food options, and have a longer chance to interact with characters to get autographs or photos. We love the one on one time, and these have worked perfectly as a mid-day break or great way to start the morning during our Disney stays. 

Located in the heart of Walt Disney World inside the Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s is a beloved dining destination that offers a truly magical experience for guests of all ages. This iconic restaurant combines delicious food, lively entertainment, and the opportunity to meet some of your favorite Disney characters. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Chef Mickey’s is sure to delight. Here are some of the things that make Chef Mickey’s so special and why it should be on every Disney family’s must-visit list to try at least once.

All About Chef Mickey’s

1. The Atmosphere:

As soon as you step foot into Chef Mickey’s, you’ll be transported into a world of enchantment. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with vibrant colors, whimsical artwork, and larger-than-life murals featuring beloved Disney characters. The lively and energetic atmosphere is contagious, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation for the meal ahead.

2. The Characters:

One of the highlights of dining at Chef Mickey’s is the opportunity to meet and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto make regular appearances throughout the meal, visiting each table to pose for photos, sign autographs, and spread Disney magic. This is a unique chance to get up close and personal with these iconic characters, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

3. The Food:

Chef Mickey’s is known for its bountiful buffet, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes to satisfy every palate. From classic American favorites to international cuisine, there is something for everyone. We personally love the breakfast here, and get our staples of Mickey waffles, eggs, and bacon. They also have a wide variety of fruit, danishes, and more hearty breakfast offerings like sausage gravy as well.

For dinner, start your meal with a selection of fresh salads, soups, and bread rolls. Then, move on to the main course, which includes mouthwatering options such as roasted chicken, carved meats, pasta dishes, and seafood. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as the dessert station is filled with delectable treats like cupcakes, cookies, and ice cream sundaes.

4. The Entertainment:

In addition to the character meet and greets, Chef Mickey’s also offers lively entertainment throughout the meal. The characters dance to the beat and invite the audience to clap along.  This adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to the dining experience, keeping both kids and adults entertained from start to finish. Previously, they used to do a napkin dance where you waved your napkin over your head which our kids adored doing as preschoolers, but it seems this particular show element has been updated – so no waving of napkins on this most recent trip! 

5. Tips and Recommendations:

To make the most of your visit to Chef Mickey’s, here are a few tips and recommendations:

– Make a reservation in advance, as Chef Mickey’s is a popular dining spot and tends to fill up quickly. Reservations open at 60 days ahead of your trip, and plan to check back in the week or two before your travel dates if a time wasn’t open on your reservation opening date. Open reservations tend to pop up as you get closer to your travel dates as people change plans and move things around. 

– Arrive early to your reservation time and take some time to enjoy the view from this overlook location. It has a charming view of Magic Kingdom out the west windows. 

– Bring autograph books and cameras to capture the special moments with the Disney characters.

– Don’t forget to try the famous Mickey-shaped waffles, a beloved staple of the Chef Mickey’s menu.

Allergy Friendly Menu

Disney dining is also notorious for their good service for those needing allergy friendly menus, and Chef Mickey’s was no exception. This was the first trip after I had found out there were a few ingredients that I needed to steer clear of (one of them being soy, which you wouldn’t believe the number of foods that is slipped in to!) and they had a convenient “at a glance” allergy menu to keep track of which items on the buffet contained which ingredients. This was incredibly helpful to help navigate what to eat.

Depending on the severity of your allergy and which items you are trying to avoid, don’t be afraid to ask to speak to the chef’s or get a special allergy friendly menu at the other table service restaurants at Walt Disney World too. I was able to get detailed menus at places like Tiffins, that showed me which menu items were soy free.

As you can see on the Chef Mickey’s allergy menu above, I was able to determine that items with the red crossed through circle I should not eat if they contained soy, and I was glad to have the menu because there were a few surprises like the French Toast sticks and pancakes that I may have not been able to guess on my own.

Why You Should Visit Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s at Walt Disney World is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience that combines delicious food, lively entertainment, and the magic of Disney. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Chef Mickey’s is a great options for families with children of all ages. From the vibrant atmosphere to the character meet and greets, every aspect of this dining experience is designed to create lasting memories. So, the next time you find yourself in Walt Disney World, be sure to make a reservation at Chef Mickey’s and prepare for a truly fun meal.

Watch our experience in this video:

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Can’t wait to hear what you plan for your next magical Disney vacation!

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