By: Maggie Ballantyne, Team Lead & Travel Advisor
February 3, 2026

Character meals are one of the most magical (and my favorite) dining experiences on the Disney property. These meals offer the chance to meet characters without standing in long lines all while enjoying a sit-down meal. Sit-down meals guarantee a nice break from the hustle and bustle of a theme park and especially in the Florida weather, a nice AC break from the heat. That said, knowing what to expect can make the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful one. Knowing the dos and don’ts of character dining can help improve your dining experience and the experience of those around you.

DO: Book Early (or let me do that for you!)

Character meals are among the most competitive dining reservations at Disney. Booking windows open early, and popular locations can fill within minutes.

Perk of booking with a Disney expert like me: I will monitor dining reservation dates and make your character dining reservations for you. That means you can sleep in and avoid the stress of refreshing the app at 6 a.m.

DO: Have your phone out for photos!

At home, I like to have my phone away for meals. At character meals, I encourage everyone to have their phone out and ready! Characters move efficiently from table to table, so being photo-ready ensures you don’t miss the moment.

TIP: If you are traveling solo, characters will pose for selfies! You can also ask a character attendant to take your photo!

DO: Bring your autograph books and pens!

Character meals are perfect for autographs since characters come directly to your table. This creates a relaxed environment for kids and allows for more meaningful interaction. This also helps you check multiple characters off your list without having to use precious park hours standing in line.

DO: Wait your turn!

Characters rotate table by table to keep the experience fair for all guests. Waiting your turn ensures everyone gets their moment without feeling rushed.

DO: Take your time.

Character meals are designed to be slower paced compared to typical dining experiences. Between eating and character visits, these meals can take longer than most expect. I suggest everyone budget at least 90 minutes for these experiences.

DO: Watch the character rotation.

Travel Tip: Ask a Cast Member which way the characters rotate throughout the dining room, so you know when a character is on his / her way and you don’t get up to go to the buffet and miss. Your meet and greet! Knowing how the rotation works helps you anticipate when characters will arrive at your table and ensures you’re prepared.

DO: Participate in the interactive portion of the meal.

Some character meals include dancing, games, or mini parades. Joining in the fun enhances the experience and often becomes a favorite memory for kids (and kids at heart). I especially love the dancing at Tusker House and wishing on a star at 1900 Park Fare.

DON’T: Interrupt another table’s experience.

Even if a favorite character is nearby, it’s important to wait until they officially come to your table. This keeps the experience magical and respectful for everyone. I know it is hard to be patient, but please be courteous to all guests! They are waiting patiently and paying for the same experience as you!

DON’T: Expect a quick experience.

Character dining is an experience, not a quick service experience. If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right time slot.

DON’T: Assume all character meals are the same.

Every character meal differs in atmosphere, food quality, number of characters, and overall experience. Some are lively and playful; others calm and refined. Some offer different characters depending on the time of day while others offer different experiences depending on the time of year.

BONUS: Some character experiences even come with reserved seating for theme park nighttime shows later in the day. As your trusted travel advisor, I will advise you on the best possible dining experiences for your family. When you book your Disney vacation with me, you don’t just get a reservation, you get expert strategy.

· Dining reservations made on your behalf

· Guidance on which character meals are worth it

· Personalized recommendations based on your family

· Stress-free planning so you can focus on the magic

· How to best maximize your dining credits with character dining experiences

Character meals should feel magical, not overwhelming. With the right planning, they can become some of your favorite vacation memories.

Ready to start planning? I’d love to help you book the perfect Disney dining experiences for your family. Please reach out to me at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com when you are ready to get started. If you are interested in more tips on Disney travel, please follow along at www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie

I purchased the dining experiences referenced in this post using credits on the dining plan. The dining plans are purchased at the consumer rate posted online.

The Dos and Don’ts of Character Dining: Know Before You Go!