Character Dining Finally Returning to Disney World’s Most Popular Restaurant!

For those looking into dining options at Walt Disney World Resort, there seem to be endless options. There are nearly 400 eateries to choose from, covering everything from snacks to counter-service meals, sit-down restaurants, and more. While counter-service/quick-service spots are great for those looking to save a little, there’s no question that sit-down dining experiences are something special — especially if they are meals where you can meet characters.

Credit: Disney

One of the most popular places to dine at Walt Disney World is Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom Park. What makes this restaurant so unique is that Guests actually dine INSIDE Cinderella Castle! The restaurant has been open since 1997 and is beloved by both children and adults. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance and, if you don’t try to make a reservation as soon as possible, you may not be able to snag one.

Credit: Disney

When Cinderella’s Royal Table reopened after the COVID closure, its character dining experience was extremely altered. Instead of going to each table and visiting each Guest, Cinderella and her fellow princesses would walk through the dining area, waving and blowing kisses. However, Disney has just announced that that will be changing!

Cinderella’s Royal Table will be returning to a traditional character dining experience beginning February 28! That means that the Disney princess-lover in your family will once again be able to see princesses like Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ariel, and, of course, Cinderella, up close!

Character Dining is currently not available at this location. Characters will return on February 28.

The area around Cinderella Castle will be roped off shortly before the nighttime spectacular. If you wish to see the show or explore the park, please depart the castle at least 20 minutes before showtime.

Credit: Disney

Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is truly a unique experience. Here is more on the magical spot inside Cinderella Castle:

Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Enter the majestic Grand Hall and ascend a spiral staircase to the banquet hall above (A gilded elevator is also available to transport you to the festivities). Then, dine in a storybook setting surrounded by soaring stone archways, majestic medieval flags and spectacular stained-glass windows overlooking Fantasyland.

A Feast Fit for Royalty

Breakfast
Kick off your day in majestic style, complete with bubbly cocktails, flaky pastries and avocado toast. Craving something heartier? Try the Caramel Apple-Stuffed French Toast or Beef Tenderloin and Egg. Or sink your teeth into a Traditional Breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes. Also available are nonalcoholic drinks like orange juice, lemonade, Twinings of London tea and freshly brewed Joffrey’s coffee.

Lunch and Dinner
Prepare yourself for an enchanted lunch or dinner as Cinderella’s Royal Chef begins your feast with assorted cured meats and cheeses. Soon after, it’s on to an unforgettable main course with choices for adults ranging from roasted chicken breast and tenderloin of beef to chef’s fish of the day.

For your wee ones, favorite options like beef tenderloin, chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese. And no matter the path your meal takes, be sure to polish off your dining experience with a scrumptious dessert like the coffee pots de creme or the signature The Clock Strikes Twelve—dark chocolate mousse with a dark chocolate ganache served with a raspberry coulis.

Credit: Disney

Character dining has almost completely returned to Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can also dine with characters at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, The Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom, Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and more!