Character Dining Yea or Nay?

Exciting Update: Character Dining has returned to pre pandemic operations. So, get your autograph books ready, think of some favorite poses and be prepared to ask your favorite characters some questions while you dine on Mickey waffles and other delicious items.

I am often asked if Character Dining is worth the cost right now and my answer is,"it depends". Super helpful travel advisor aren't I? Well, the truth is, it really does depend. While Character Dining is back at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, it does look different now than it did before Covid. You have to decide if the cost is worth the experience for your family.

Prior to Covid, Character Dining meant you could dine while characters came around to your table. You could hug them, interact with them, have them sign your autograph book, pose for the perfect photo, try to convince Pooh Bear to return your honey packets, or attempt to stop Tigger from wearing your Minnie ears. Currently, you still get to enjoy a meal, but instead of characters coming to your table, they wave and interact from a distance. You are asked to stay in your seats while the characters are out, but you are welcome to take a selfie with them from your table. Many of them will linger around for a minute or two doing various poses, which gives you an opportunity to snap some great socially distanced photos.

So, why do I say, "it depends"? Well, if your main reason for Character Dining is to take the perfect photo of your child hugging their favorite character, you may want to wait until character dining returns to pre-Covid style, if it does. If you are expecting character meals to operate as they did before, you may be disappointed. However, if your goal is to see a variety of characters while relaxing with your family and enjoying a meal, it might be the perfect choice for you. Character Dining costs around $35 per child ages 3-9 and $50 per person ages 10+. Reservations can be made online or through the app.