Disney’s Modified Character Dining Experiences

Walt Disney World has been opened to guests now for a few months, but not all experiences are exactly the same as they were before.  One of the great experiences guests can choose to have at Walt Disney World is character dining; however, this is one encounter that has been slightly adjusted since reopening.  We look at what you need to know about charactering dining now at Walt Disney World.

Disney has brought characters to guests in a variety of ways through dining experiences. From the iconic Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary to new, unique experiences at Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera, character dining has become a staple for many when visiting Walt Disney World and it can still be one even today.

What is Available?

The first thing to know is that not all character dining experiences are open at Walt Disney World currently.  Luckily Disney seems to be constantly updating and changing these options.  Each week it seems they are opening more options, but make sure to check the Know Before You Go guide from Disney to get the latest update.

Right now, guests have a few great options when it comes to dining.  Garden Grille at Epcot, Chef Mickey’s opening soon with characters at the Contemporary Resort, Topolino’s Terrace (breakfast) at Riviera as well as Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  

What Characters Do I See?

Right now, at Walt Disney World most character dining experiences are focused on what they call “fur” characters.  This unfortunately meals no princesses at the moment.  At Garden Grille, those crazy chipmunks can be seen as well as Mickey and Pluto.  Chef Mickey’s hasn’t officially opened yet, but previously this was a great spot for the Fab Five and we don’t expect that to change.  At Topolino’s, guests can enjoy some adorable costumes with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Donald.  Finally, at Minnie’s Halloween and Dine, guests get to see Minnie and friends in their fantastic Halloween costumes.  Even though the princesses aren’t currently out, guests have a lot of options to meet the main mouse and friends.

Modified Interactions

In order to keep guests and our favorite pals safe, Disney has modified how guests interact with characters during these meals.  Characters will now parade around the dining area multiple times allowing guests to take photos, videos, blow kisses and interact all from a distance.  Characters won’t stop at each table for a 1:1 interaction, but instead do more of a wave and walk as they pass by.  The good thing is they do this multiple times which allows guests to have multiple opportunities to take pictures.

Food Options

Another thing that has been adjusted during character meals is how food is presented. Those meals that used to be buffets have been modified into a family style meal or other option.  Know ahead of time that buffets aren’t happening right now in Disney.

Checking-in

Guests are also being asked to use mobile check-in for most dining experiences in Disney.  Guests can sign into their dining experience through the My Disney Experience app on their phone.  This is a great way to prevent guests from gathering at the host stand.  Guests can instead chill until being notified their table is ready for them.  It is fun to see how Disney is using technology to help keep guests and cast members safe.

Character dining is a must for many guests when heading to Walt Disney World and it still can be something that is on your list when visiting.  There are many great options that allow you to see and interact with your favorite characters from a distance.  Don’t hesitate to try out these character meals during your next visit to Walt Disney World, they are sure to be magical.

Holiday Eats & Treats at Disney Springs!

Excuse us while we fill your screen with mouthwatering goodness! Disney has released Disney Springs eats and treats for this holiday seasons and yes, we’re drooling! Check out the scrumptious images and details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

The holidays are here and we’re ready to share some jolly foodie cheer! There’s no denying that some of the best food comes out around the holiday season and that’s no exception at Disney Springs. With everything from quick, sweet bites at your favorite quick-service locations to delicious and indulgent dishes, desserts, and cocktails at our incredible restaurants, there’s a little bit of something for everyone’s taste buds. Ready to plan your culinary adventure? I’ve curated all the flavorful details for you and where to find them below: 

Black Forest Parfait, Holiday Mickey Mousse, Holiday Petit Cake, Mickey Santa Dome Cake, Peppermint Crème Brûlée, Spiced Yule Log, at Amorette’s Patisserie

Amorette’s Patisserie (All items available through Jan. 2)

  • Black Forest Parfait – Chocolate mousse with cherry cream and cherry liquor
  • Holiday Mickey Mousse – White chocolate mousse, dark chocolate with chocolate chiffon cake
  • Holiday Petit Cake – Almond Chiffon cake, Hazelnut Panna Cotta, Cherry jam, Chocolate pieces, and hazelnut liqueur 
  • Mickey Santa Dome Cake – Large Dome Cake (Ask a Cast Member for available flavors.)
  • Peppermint Crème Brûlée – Chocolate Peppermint-infused custard with crushed peppermint, meringue and sable cookie 
  • Spiced Yule Log – Red Velvet Chiffon with spiced cheesecake filling, Dark Chocolate Crisp Pearls, garnished with chocolate ganache, poinsettia, and a fondant reindeer
Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle, AristoCrepes

AristoCrepes

  • Cherry Jubilee Bubble Waffle – Cherry fruit filling and ice cream in a waffle (Available Dec. 1-Jan.3)
  • Sweet Potato Pie Bubble Waffle – Sweet potato waffle and ice cream topped with marshmallow fluff (Available through Dec. 1)
  • Eggnog Crepe – Eggnog custard in a crepe with pralines (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 3)
  • Mickey Snow Globe Sipper Cup – Disney Annual Passholder exclusive novelty (Available while supplies last)
Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Warm, house-baked pumpkin bread in a rich custard topped with rich vanilla bean ice cream and finished with a golden spun sugar garnish
1871 Chili, City Works Eatery & Pour House

City Works Eatery & Pour House

  • 1871 Chili – Angus steak, milk stout, pork, chipotle peppers, sour cream, red onions, served with a cornbread muffin

The Daily Poutine (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Gobbler Poutine – French fries with shredded turkey, gravy, and cheese curds
Holiday Turkey Sandwich, Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich 

  • Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and  mayonnaise
Mickey Santa Piñata, The Ganachery

The Ganachery (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Eggnog Ganache Square – Creamy bourbon eggnog covered in dark chocolate
  • Gingerbread Ganache Square – Gingerbread spices combined with creamy milk chocolate
  • Mickey Santa Piñata – Dark chocolate piñata decorated like Mickey Santa filled with marshmallow treats
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer and Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (All items available through Dec. 25)

  • Ghirardelli White Chocolate Caramel Steamer – Steamed milk, rich cocoa butter notes from the white chocolate caramel squares, classic caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a touch of sea salt.
  • Ghirardelli Peppermint Hot Cocoa – Peppermint with the decadence of Ghirardelli chocolate
Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs 

  • Peppermint Bark Ice Cream – Rich white chocolate ice cream blended with crunchy chocolaty peppermint bark and peppermint pieces. (Available in a cone, cup or any handmade dessert through Jan. 15.)
Milk and Cookies by the Fireside, C9 Light Deviled Eggs, Papa Noel’s Churrasco, Mistletoe Mule and Very Berry Margarita, Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar (All items available through Jan. 3)

  • Milk and Cookies by the Fireside – Butter cookies and coquito with rum
  • Child Cookies and Milk – Chocolate chip cookie and milk
  • C9 Light Deviled Eggs – Colored deviled eggs with shrimp, and caviar
  • Grandma’s Favorite Sliders – Venison sausage sliders, cranberry-bacon jam, and watercress on brioche bun
  • Papa Noel’s Churrasco – Flank steak with fried sweet plantains and spicy aji amarillo peanut sauce
  • Jock’s Holiday Nog – Cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, vodka, hazelnut-flavored liqueur, and vanilla
  • Mistletoe Mule – Vodka, lime, and passion fruit topped  with ginger beer
  • Very Berry Margarita – Tequila, coconut rum, cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur, and cranberry juice
Varietal blends, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea

  • Celebrate this holiday season and warm up your heart and cup with Joffrey’s new line of blends including Disney’s Riviera Resort Blend and the 2020 Holiday Blend plus Campfire Mug Gift Set
Fried Mac and Cheese, Mac & Cheese Disney Food Truck

Mac & Cheese (Disney Food Truck)

  • Fried Mac and Cheese – Crispy fried cheesy elbow macaroni with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese (Available through Jan. 3)
Jolly Holiday Float, Marketplace Snacks

Marketplace Snacks

  • Jolly Holiday Float – Cranberry orange juice with vanilla ice cream
  • Olaf Pilsner Novelty Cup 

Outdoor Vending Carts & Kiosks (Available through Jan. 3)

  • Feliz Navidad – Tequila, crème de cassis, apple juice, and lime juice
  • Claus-Mo – Vodka and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur mixed with cranberry juice
  • Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon-flavored liqueur, blue curaçao liqueur mixed with Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice
  • Florida Yule – Vodka and orange juice topped with ginger beer
  • Winter Wonderland – Cinnamon whisky and cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur
  • Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whisky, vodka, and white cranberry juice
  • Mickey Christmas Tree Novelty Popcorn Bucket (Available while supplies last)
  • Peppermint Mickey Novelty Bottle Topper (Available while supplies last)
  • Mickey Jingle Bell Novelty Glow Cube (Available while supplies last)
Apple Cider Whiskey Sour, The Polite Pig

The Polite Pig

  • Holiday Feast – Leave your Thanksgiving meal to The Polite Pig and order the Holiday Feast featuring your choice of main course, sides, and dessert. Call (407) 938-7444 to order. (Orders must be placed by Nov. 23 for pickup on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Apple Cider Whiskey Sour – Hand-crafted special blend of rye, apple cider, sour mix, and bourbon with a sweet cinnamon sugar rim.
Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread, Splitsville

Splitsville (All items available Nov. 13-Dec. 31)

  • Grilled Chicken & Apple Flatbread – Maple apple butter, smoked gouda, and goat cheese topped with crisp diced apples, grilled chicken, red onion, bacon, and cilantro
  • Spiced Pear Spritzer – Fresh pear nectar, ginger liqueur, vodka, lemon juice and allspice topped with ginger ale and garnished with star anise
Chocolate Peppermint, Christmas Cookie, Gingerbread, and Cannoli Cupcakes, Sprinkles

Sprinkles 

  • Pumpkin Cupcake – Pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting rim (Available through Nov. 29)
  • Double Stuffed Oreo® Cupcake – Oreo® cookie crust, chocolate cake, vanilla buttercream filling, vanilla buttercream frosting with Oreo® crumble rim (Available through Nov. 22)
  • Cannoli Cupcake – Ricotta Pistachio Cake filled and frosted with mascarpone cream, topped with crushed cannoli shells, chopped chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios; finished with truffled chocolate ganache (Available Nov. 23-29)
  • Christmas Cookie Cupcake – Vanilla cake studded with red and green sprinkles topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with red and green sprinkles and a homemade sugar cookie coated in sprinkles (Available Nov. 27- Jan. 3)
  • Gingerbread Cupcake – Spiced ginger cake topped with cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake – Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with bittersweet chocolate-peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies (Available Nov. 30-Dec. 27)
Tiramisù Push Pop, Vivoli il Gelato

Vivoli il Gelato

  • Tiramisù Push Pop – Tiramisù cream, cocoa powder, and cake soaked in coffee sauce
  • Cotton Candy Affogato – Choice of gelato paired with espresso, whipped cream, and cotton candy
Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Butternut Tortellini, Heirloom Apple Salad, Fall Spiced Sangria, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (All items available through Dec. 31)

  • Roasted Pumpkin Soup – Cardamom cream, spiced pumpkin seeds
  • Butternut Tortellini – Delicate Squash, cranberries, pumpkin butter
  • Heirloom Apple Salad – Local burrata, baby kale, pear butter, currants, ver jus
  • Fall Spiced Sangria – Apples, pears, cinnamon
Saganaki On Fire, Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George 

  • Saganaki On Fire – Made with vlahotiri cheese and metaxa (a Greek spirit), this traditional dish from Greece is set on fire tableside and served with crostini
  • Hooten Young American Whiskey –  Discovered by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – American whiskey with notes of maple, vanilla, ripe apple. and a long smooth finish. Available in the Hoot Cocktail, Wine Bar George Old Fashioned, or however you like to enjoy your whiskey.
Santa’s White Christmas Cookie, Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie,  Gideon’s Bakehouse

I know we’re all anxiously awaiting the upcoming opening of Gideon’s Bakehouse! As a sneak peek, I’m excited to share two of their limited-time cookies that will be available through Dec. 31 when they open soon at Disney Springs:  

  • Santa’s White Christmas Cookie – White Chocolate Chip Cookie filled with notes of Coconut, Sweet Caramel, Vanilla, and Nutty Flavors with freshly ground locally roasted coffee beans throughout. The cookie elves have also added the crunch of coarse sugar, the Gideon’s signature sea salt, and a pinch of Christmas glitter.
  • Cookie Vom Krampus Cookie – Deep, dark Triple Chocolate Velvet textured cookie filled with Andes Mint and available in its own special packaging. 

Looking to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal? A few of our table service restaurants are offering their own unique menus on Thanksgiving Day including: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works Eatery & Pour House, Paddlefish, Paradiso 27, Taste of the Americas, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, Terralina Crafted Italian, The Edison, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made at disneysprings.com or opentable.com. 

Remember to allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination when traveling to Disney Springs and be sure to follow @disneysprings on social media for more delicious happenings across property. 

Disney’s Whispering Canyon Cafe to Offer Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! While many Walt Disney World restaurants have offered Thanksgiving meals in the past, we simply aren’t sure what may unfold with Disney’s phased reopening. With that being said, one restaurant – Whispering Canyon Cafe located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort – has announced they will have a Thanksgiving meal!

As shared on the Walt Disney World website:

“Disney Dining on Thanksgiving Day: Indulge in one of the most beloved American traditions with a Thanksgiving meal at Whispering Canyon! Come on November 26, 2020, treat your tastes—along with family and friends—to a cornucopia of food! Please note that availability is limited, and that all dining events are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Advance reservations are highly recommended.”

Epcot’s Space 220 Restaurant to Open March 2021??

The very, very long awaited Space 220 restaurant has been of much discussion this past year. When Disney first announced the arrival of a space-themed restaurant in Epcot’s Future World, April 2019 was the target open date. Now, over a year and a half later, we are still waiting for our chance to dine in space. Well, there’s new reports that March 2021 is a possible target for opening!

Scott Gustin reported in Twitter: “I’m now hearing March 2021 as a possible goal date for Space 220… but that timeline comes with the same footnote I shared back in February.” February’s tweet: “Any rumored opening date for Space 220 should be in quotes, air quotes, italics, and sarcasm font at this point. The construction delays are a legit problem — and the reports about glass issues are true.”

What glass issues you ask? Scott Gustin previously reported in the following tweet: “there were some… issues with the large glass installed inside the restaurant. Those issues have been resolved but were part of the initial delays.”

Olivia’s Cafe Added to New “Table-Service To Go” Feature

Chances are if you’ve visited Walt Disney World in the past year or so, you’ve tried the Mobile Ordering option on the MyDisneyExperience App. Now, most all of the quick-service restaurants are on mobile ordering, some requiring this as the only way to pick up food at that location. Disney recently add a new feature however that includes Table-Service Restaurants with a to-go option! Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West has joined this new mobile ordering feature.

There are currently four table-service to-go selections including: Sanaa, The Wave… of American Flavors, Kona Cafe, and now Olivia’s Cafe.

How do you use this new to-go feature? When visiting the MyDisneyExperience App, click the plus button on the main screen to select “Order Food”. You’ll then be shown a list of venues offering Mobile Ordering. Find Olivia’s (or the restaurant of your choice) and select available pick up times. And just like that you’ll be prompted to build your order with some of the very favorite Olivia’s menu items!

What do you think about this new “Table Service To Go” option? We simply love that Disney is trying to make dining experiences as efficient and comfortable for their guests as possible!