Chef Mickey’s is a staple character dining restaurant at Disney World – and here’s why this Disney mom keeps returning (yes, even though her kid is grown up!)
Have you ever dined at Chef Mickey’s? If not, I highly recommend adding this table-service restaurant to your must-visit list. Chef Mickey’s holds a special place in my heart. It was my son’s first character dining experience, and I make it a point to visit every time we’re at Disney World.
In addition to all of the magical memories families can make while meeting beloved characters and dining at Chef Mickey’s, the restaurant also stands out due to its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food. Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, it’s an experience unlike any other (I mean, where else will the Monorail pass by overhead as you dine?!)
Here’s why my family keeps going back – and why you’ll want to book a reservation for Chef Mickey’s on your next visit.
You’ll Get to Meet the Fab Five at Chef Mickey’s
Photo by Brett Svenson
One of the highlights of dining at Chef Mickey’s is meeting the Fab Five, and they’ll come right to your table!
In the theme parks, meeting Mickey, Minnie, and their pals can mean waiting hours in a long character line to snap a picture with just one character. However, as you dine at Chef Mickey’s, there’s no waiting – and there are plenty of characters.
Mickey, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy will interact with you and your family throughout your dining experience. You will have numerous opportunities to take a family photo each time they come to your table, and there’s even a chance to spend quality time with each of them (which makes it extra-special for kids.)
After your meal, you’ll meet Chef Minnie as you leave the restaurant, and a PhotoPass Photographer will capture a great picture of you and your family to commemorate the experience! You will also get a souvenir card signed by the Fab Five, giving you another fantastic reason to book a meal here.
Location, Location, Location
Photo by Cliff Wang
You can’t beat the location of this dining experience. Chef Mickey’s is located in the Contemporary Resort’s Grand Canyon Concourse, on the fourth floor.
When you arrive, you’ll have a chance to dine in the midst of some of the Contemporary’s most iconic sights. You can take in the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling Mary Blair mural as you watch the Disney World Monorail pass through the building. It’s quite a sight!
If you don’t explore the Contemporary often (or haven’t yet stayed here), it’s an excellent place to relax after a busy day at Magic Kingdom or explore if you plan a resort day. Take a stroll outside for breathtaking views of Seven Seas Lagoon, visit the Fantasia Gift shop, or grab a drink while you wait for your table at Outer Rim Lounge.
One of the distinctive features of dining at Chef Mickey’s is its open-concept layout; no high walls separate Chef Mickey’s from the rest of the floor, allowing you to see right up to the resort’s roof.
As one of the original Disney resorts, the Contemporary Resort is a must-visit in person. A stay at this Deluxe resort might be out of budget, but making a dining reservation at Chef Mickey’s is a great way to experience it without breaking the bank.
Chef Mickey’s Offers Options for Everyone
Photo by Cliff Wang
One of my favorite features of Chef Mickey’s? The fact that it’s a buffet-style restaurant. I understand buffets aren’t for everyone, but for me and my family, having a wide variety of food options is a fantastic way to dine.
I appreciate the delectable food and diverse menu options whenever I eat here. There are 10 food stations available:
- A carving station
- Asian station
- Latin station
- American station
- Italian station
- Soup station
- Bread station
- Cold station
- Kids’ station
- Desert station
Everyone in your dining group can find foods they’ll enjoy, and you can have as many plates as your stomach can handle, which is a huge perk! A buffet like this is an especially great option when you’re dining with picky eaters, too. There’s plenty of familiar comfort food on the menu at Chef Mickey’s, so kids (and adults) of all tastes can easily find something they’re comfortable with.
Plus, when it comes to value for your money, a buffet like the one at Chef Mickey’s is pretty reasonable. As of summer 2024, the cost for dinner is $66 per adult and $41 for children 3-9 years old during dinner hours.
Don’t want to spend that much? You can also opt for a breakfast buffet; the cost is less at $54 per adult and $34 per child ages 3-9. However, the dinner option is better because you get more bang for your buck, in my opinion.
If you haven’t dined at Chef Mickey’s yet, I recommend booking a reservation for your next trip. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
