Recommendations for Character Dining

[DerraZ]

Hello all-! We are taking a family trip in June, my Husband and I, and our daughters/sons in law and kids. On our Epcot day, we would like to let the 4 adult parents have an afternoon/evening to enjoy around the World Showcase without the kids, while Grammy and Papa take them to a character dinner and meet up for the Epcot show later. We took our girls to Chef Mickeys on our very first trip when they were 7 and 11, so a long time ago. Is it still pretty good or not? We have 3 Granddaughters, ages 8,6 and almost 3. The youngest is starting to recognize the Princesses but really into the traditional characters, especially Minnie and Mickey. Considering Tusker House, however, with Park hoppers, we could go from Epcot to AK but can we go back to Epcot after dinner? I feel like you can only hop once/day? Is that correct? Any and all ideas would be much appreciated! Thank you-

 

[BrianL]

Hello all-! We are taking a family trip in June, my Husband and I, and our daughters/sons in law and kids. On our Epcot day, we would like to let the 4 adult parents have an afternoon/evening to enjoy around the World Showcase without the kids, while Grammy and Papa take them to a character dinner and meet up for the Epcot show later. We took our girls to Chef Mickeys on our very first trip when they were 7 and 11, so a long time ago. Is it still pretty good or not? We have 3 Granddaughters, ages 8,6 and almost 3. The youngest is starting to recognize the Princesses but really into the traditional characters, especially Minnie and Mickey. Considering Tusker House, however, with Park hoppers, we could go from Epcot to AK but can we go back to Epcot after dinner? I feel like you can only hop once/day? Is that correct? Any and all ideas would be much appreciated! Thank you-

You can absolutely hop as many times as you want per day if you have Park Hopper tickets, so no worries there! Many people do all four parks in one day - enter and exit at will.

Tusker House is one of my favorite restaurants for the food and atmosphere. Note that some of the food is a bit more exoitc (not very but al little) but they do still have the basics for kids too. The characters in their safari gear are really cool!

If you want to stay in Epcot, I recommend Garden Grill. They have an "all you care to enjoy" meal that is brought to your table as skillet, and it is fresh and delicious - turkey and thin-sliced steak, potatoes, veggies. They also bring a crock of mac & cheese, and you can get more of anything that you want. The characters are Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale - all in Farmer outfits. The restaurant itself is one of the older ones in Epcot and rotated through the scenes of Living with the Land!

 

[VGCgroupie]

I would look at character dining at Garden Grill in Epcot. Or head over to Beach Clubs character meal. Topolinos at Riviera is a great option too and just Skyliner ride away.

 

[nyy]

Garden Grill is an excellent recommendation! With 3 kids, you won't have to the hassle of getting up to the buffet, keeping an eye on everyone, or missing characters. The food choices are more limited and it is family style.
Chef Mickeys is very loud, busy, and crowded. Those 2 restaurants have a completely, almost opposite vibe. We have done both, many times. We enjoy both.
BC and Topolino's do not have characters at dinner.

 

[DerraZ]

You can absolutely hop as many times as you want per day if you have Park Hopper tickets, so no worries there! Many people do all four parks in one day - enter and exit at will.

Tusker House is one of my favorite restaurants for the food and atmosphere. Note that some of the food is a bit more exoitc (not very but al little) but they do still have the basics for kids too. The characters in their safari gear are really cool!

If you want to stay in Epcot, I recommend Garden Grill. They have an "all you care to enjoy" meal that is brought to your table as skillet, and it is fresh and delicious - turkey and thin-sliced steak, potatoes, veggies. They also bring a crock of mac & cheese, and you can get more of anything that you want. The characters are Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale - all in Farmer outfits. The restaurant itself is one of the older ones in Epcot and rotated through the scenes of Living with the Land!

Thank you! I think it will either be Tusker House or Garden Grill... considered O'hana but reviews aren't great, but thank you for the suggestions and input!

 

[Cinderbrella1]

Garden Grill in the Land pavilion at EPCOT is wonderful; my family still talks about the food and fun that we had there. We also love Topolino's and Tusker House. I've never really enjoyed Chef Mickey's, but my kids did.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Sorry I missed the keyword of dinner. We have been to Garden Grill and really loved it.

 

[patty57]

I love the food at Tusker House, but for kids, Garden Grille is a winner. Turkey, steak, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese...good kid food. Mickey, Goofy, Chip & Dale in farmer outfits. Plus, the restaurant rotates, and you can look into the Living with the Land attraction.
Edited to add that it's Pluto, not Goofy.

 

[BrianL]

Thank you! I think it will either be Tusker House or Garden Grill... considered O'hana but reviews aren't great, but thank you for the suggestions and input!

Honestly, Tusker House and Garden Grill are among my favorite restaurants on property - you can't go wrong!

 

[DisneyCayley]

Garden Grill is my vote for you-agree you wouldn't have to worry about keeping track of everyone at a buffet and when we went the characters all came around multiple times. Chip and Dale were hilarious, Mickey and Pluto were great! I think they usually just come one at a time but it was my parents 50th so Chip and Dale posed together with all of us. It was a special memory to have! Have fun with your grandbabies!