When it comes to Disney Character Dining at Walt Disney World, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is known for its family-friendly foods, and a whirlwind of every child’s favorite Disney characters; Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy. For many Disney vacationers, Chef Mickey’s holds an emotional connection. Perhaps as a memorable childhood experience. But is Chef Mickey’s worth it? For a basic breakfast with Mickey Waffles, a quick dining experience and a child-focused atmosphere here are all the things to consider if you’re adding Chef Mickey’s to your Disney Advanced Dining Reservation lineup.
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Dining at the Chef Mickey Disney World Restaurant
When it comes to choosing Disney Restaurants for your family, things can get complicated. Do you want a character meal? A buffet? Do you want to leave the parks? The Chef Mickey Disney World restaurant offers dining at the Contemporary Resort, located right next to Magic Kingdom, making it an easy restaurant to get to whether you’re staying on or off property at Disney World. The Chef Mickey’s characters give you an experience you can’t get anywhere else, and breakfast at Chef Mickey is the cheapest meal you can have here. As such, if you’re toting little ones, and want a special experience for them, this may be it.
Breakfast at Chef Mickey
Having Breakfast with Mickey at Disney World should be on everyone’s Disney Bucket List. The opportunity to have a slower morning, with a sit-down table-service meal is always welcome. Breakfast at Disney World is one of our favorite meals and a great reason to ease into the day. While we are big advocates of Planning a Disney World Itinerary to make the most of our Disney days, we’re as guilty as anyone of not factoring in the need for breaks from the hot Florida Sun. Or giving in to extra fun with some Disney character dining at Disney World. Mainly because while we routinely seek out the Best Places to have Brunch at Walt Disney World.
We had previously tried other Disney Resort Character Dining and were pleasantly surprised. The Storybook Dining at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with Snow White, the Seven Dwarves, and the Evil Queen was absolutely amazing. As such we thought we’d give the famous Chef Mickey character dining experience a try. Here’s what you should know before you go.
Disney Chef Mickey Restaurant Atmosphere
Offering a 1980s feel in line with Disney’s Contemporary Resort theme, Chef Mickey’s offers separate dining areas, some of which allow views of the monorail above. There is a children’s area, a section with a view, and other random nooks and crannies for tables. This restaurant is located right next to Contempo Cafe and has an open layout so that you can see into the restaurant from other areas of the resort.
Where is the Chef Mickey Restaurant Located?
Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you need to leave the parks to visit Chef Mickey’s. And depending on your Disney vacation style, this could be a good or a bad thing. Frankly, we love leaving the parks, to get away from the crowds. And since the Disney Resort Restaurants are some of the best Disney restaurants on Walt Disney World property, we usually welcome the opportunity to see something new. This restaurant is at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which also houses the Monorail track as one of Disney’s Monorail Resorts, and offers a convenient way to get to this resort.
Chef Mickey’s Decor
As an atmosphere, understand you are not at Chef Mickey’s Breakfast for the décor or the food. You are here for the benefit of getting all 5 characters in one place. This restaurant is at its best “dated”. While we’d like to blame the peeling puzzle piece décor, carpet selection, and paint colors on a true commitment to the 1980s theme of the resort, we really can’t for this one. Like many parts of Walt Disney World, the consistent and never-ending traffic of guests makes true overhaul renovations nearly impossible without closing. That said, know that you’re not here for the fancy-themed décor, it will be difficult to find.
Are Chef Mickey’s Reservations Hard to Get?
Typically, Chef Mickey’s is a Hard to Get Disney Dining Reservation. Depending, of course, on the time of year and day you go. On a typical morning at Chef Mickey’s this restaurant seats hundreds of guests and gets you in and out in about 45 minutes. While a leisurely breakfast may be what you’re looking for, both the characters and the waitstaff are there to serve you quickly and get you along your way. While we wish breakfast with Mickey was calmer, it just isn’t!
Did we feel rushed? Yes. Could we have ordered more of the “all-you-care-to-enjoy” meal? Absolutely. Could we have stayed longer than the average 45-minute mealtime? Of course. But, in our case, there really wasn’t a reason to. All the characters and food arrived at our table within about 15 minutes of being seated. If you’re looking for a quick table-service dining experience before heading into Magic Kingdom, then this may be the restaurant you’re looking for. But, you may not be able to get a reservation because they are difficult to get. You can, however, walk up to the podium and check the wait time.
Chef Mickey Breakfast Menu
This was our first time visiting Chef Mickey’s for breakfast. And while we don’t tend to love buffet-style meals, we are consistently pleased with the Disney character breakfast at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom that we thought we’d give this one a try. Especially, since we had been on the search for Disney Restaurants for Picky Eaters, because we all know kids that are picky about food.
For instance, both Tusker House at Animal Kingdom and Boma offer great buffet menus, but both also offer more ethnic foods that kids might not like. As such, we chose to check out Chef Mickey’s in the hopes of getting a good feel for the food and what you were actually paying for. Check out Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Menu for the most current offerings. Here is the current Chef Mickey Breakfast Menu at Chef’s Mickey’s Restaurant.
Chef Mickey Breakfast Buffet Menu| $51 adult/ $33 child
- Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
- Waffles and French Toast
- Corned Beef Hash
- Charcuterie and Cheese Boards with accoutrements
- Selection of Fruits
- Carved Pit Ham and Beef Brisket
- Eggs and Frittatas
- Children’s Favorites like Mickey Waffles
Chef Mickey Breakfast Specialty Drinks| $5- $11
While regular drinks, like juices and percolator coffee, are included with your Chef Mickey’s Meal, there are a variety of special drinks, that cost extra but can be nice to add to your breakfast. We most love the Disney Mocktails included here. The Pink London Spritzer and Agave Garden drinks are perfect for Disney Adults looking for a non-alcoholic drink at Disney.
- Mickey Mouse Smoothie
Frozen Minute Maid® Mango Smoothie and Strawberry Smoothie topped with Whipped Cream and Cookies ‘n Cream Crumbles - Minnie Mouse Smoothie
Frozen Minute Maid® Strawberry Smoothie and Vanilla Smoothie topped with Whipped Cream and a White Chocolate Bow. - Cold Brew Coffee
Featuring Joffrey’s Coffee™ Cold Brew topped with Whipped Cream and choice of flavor - Watermelon Lemonade
Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade and Watermelon - Pomegranate Lemonade
Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade with Pomegranate and Lime Juices - Hot Chocolate
Topped with Whipped Cream and choice of Flavor - Pink London Spritzer
Lyre’s Pink London Spirit, Grapefruit Soda, Pomegranate Green Tea, Lime and Mint - Agave Garden
Lyre’s Agave Reserva Spirit, Cold-pressed Lime Juice, Passionfruit Papaya Green Tea, and Cucumber
Chef Mickey Breakfast Specialty Cocktails |$15- $17
Chef Mickey’s offers a variety of spirited cocoas, coffees, and cocktails. You can also sometimes grab seasonal cocktails here.
- Peach Bellini: Frexient Blanc de Blancs Cava Brut, DeKuyper Peach Schnapps, and Peach Purée
- Chef’s Bloody Mary: Grey Goose Vodka, Bloody Mary Mix, Worcestershire, and Tabasco Sauce topped with Bacon, Cheddar, and Olives
- Blushing Mimosa: Freixenet Blanc de Blancs Cava Brut with Pineapple Juice and Grenadine
- Cranberry-Orange Mimosa: Freixenet Blanc de Blancs Cava Brut with Cranberry and Orange Juices
- Traditional Mimosa: Freixenet Blanc de Blancs Cava Brut and Orange Juice
- Hazelnut Cold Brew: Frangelico Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Joffrey’s Coffee™, and Hazelnut Syrup topped with Whipped Cream
- Salted Caramel Cold Brew: Chocolate Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Joffrey’s Coffee™, and Salted Caramel Syrup topped with Whipped Cream
- Swiss Chocolate Cold Brew: Chocolate Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Joffrey’s Coffee™, and Swiss Chocolate Syrup topped with Whipped Cream
Is Chef Mickey’s a Buffet or Family-Style Meal?
Chef Mickey’s is a buffet-style meal, allowing you to select your foods from a variety of choices at the buffet line. As such it’s important to note that in a restaurant with the kind of guest volume that Chef Mickey’s has, so much of the food is technically sitting under warmers. This fact is not hidden, as you actually pass the platters sitting under warmers as you go to your table. Liberty Tree Tavern, Ohana, and Sebastian’s Bistro both offer amazing meals that are cooked upon your arrival and simply served family-style at your table.
Is the Food at Chef Mickey’s Good?
For breakfast, there are an array of options here including a starter that includes Harvest sweet rolls and Fresh fried sweet fritters. The main platter meals include scrambled eggs, slow-roasted beef brisket, Mickey waffles, sausages, and bacon. Specialty signature dishes that are added to this meal are “Loaded” Potato Cheese Casserole, a Banana Bread French Toast, and a “Celebration” Mickey Pancake.
Of all the foods at Chef Mickey’s Breakfast, we’d say the Banana Bread French Toast was the showstopper here. And would be the only item we’d order here if it was ever offered a la carte. As a restaurant, Chef Mickey’s is focused on families with small children, which is evident in the menu selection. But, there is also a selection of specialty drinks that include smoothies, and seasonal drinks. Disney adults can also get a basic selection of alcoholic drinks.
Plant-Based Options at Chef Mickey’s
For vegans and vegetarians, Chef Mickeys offers Mickey Waffles and the Tofu Scramble ( which needs to be ordered separately) for breakfast. Other vegetarian options are somewhat limited. Be sure to check out the Menu for Chef Mickey’s to get a good idea of what your options may be.
Is Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Good for Adults?
While we don’t tend to take hard stances on anything, for this we’d say No. Chef Mickey’s isn’t good for adults. If you’re a Disney grown-up traveling without children, there are better character experiences across the parks that would get you those highly coveted character interactions if you want them. Meeting this group of Disney Friends at Tusker House offers a better experience.
As Disney travelers who enjoy restaurants with a view, like Crystal Palace or Toledo, or unique spaces like Skipper Canteen, Chef Mickey’s didn’t really offer either.
And for the Disney Foodie, Chef Mickey’s simply offers food, but not necessarily memorable food. Mickey waffles are available everywhere, and the eggs are better at Kona Cafe, which also serves a stellar banana French toast option, i.e., Tonga Toast. The atmosphere is loud, and chaotic and offers a whirlwind food and character experience that many Disney adults are trying to get away from during a table service meal. If you enjoy the occasional libation or mimosa with breakfast, the drinks menu is limited but does provide a selection of basic drinks and seasonal options as well.
Chef Mickey Characters
Much like every Disney character breakfast on the property, the reason to visit Chef Mickeys for any meal is to see characters. And at this restaurant, you get to see some of the most popular Disney characters without waiting in line! The Chef Mickey characters are Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.
What Characters are at Chef Mickey?
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto are dressed in their best dinner and chef outfits for pictures and interactions as part of your meal experience. At present, character interactions are still distanced, with the characters popping around to each table throughout the meal to pose, blow kisses, dance, and wave. This is an opportunity for guests to get pictures. Kids also have the opportunity to get their autograph book signed by the characters themselves. During pandemic times, a signature card, with a photo and character autographs is given to each guest.
Chef Mickey Breakfast Cost
Breakfast is the cheapest dining option at Chef Mickey’s, at $51 dollars for adults and $33 dollars for children (though prices are subject to change), and is considered an average Disney character dining experience cost. Much less than the $65 adult/ $39 child price tag for Disney Princess dining at Akershus or Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s would be considered a budget-friendly Disney character dining experience.
Chef Mickey Prices
Chef Mickey’s breakfast cost may seem high if you’re a first-time visitor to Disney. Or if you’re not used to the character dining options. But, keep in mind that you are technically paying for a few things here. Namely, the Chef Mickey Prices include the chance to see the Fab Five; Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto all in the same place. You also get an all-you-care-to-enjoy experience as part of your Chef Mickey breakfast price. This means you can have as much as you like of any of the food choices. So if you’re watching your Disney Dining Budget, Chef Mickeys is a good choice. Chef Mickey’s Dinner cost however is $62 per adult/ $39 per child and falls into our “not really worth it” category.
Is Chef Mickey’s Worth it?
If you and your family are visiting Chef Mickey’s for the opportunity to see the characters all in one place and avoid waiting in separate character lines later, then YES, Chef Mickey’s is worth it. And if you’re searching for a budget-friendly Disney character Meal then YES, Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s is worth it.
If you are visiting Chef Mickey in hopes of amazing foods, views, atmosphere, and a leisurely dining experience then we’d say NO, Chef Mickey’s is not worth it. Even at the lower dining cost, it would still require you to leave the parks. Or your own resort, if you’re not staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. And that’s sometimes tough at breakfast time, to begin with. At that point, we’d rather aim for a more satisfying and more budget-friendly breakfast at the restaurants on our Best Breakfasts at Walt Disney World list.
Are Specialty Drinks Included in the Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Cost?
Specialty Drinks, neither non-alcoholic nor alcoholic, at Chef Mickey’s Breakfast, are not included in the Chef Mickey’s Breakfast price. This includes any of the drinks on Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Menu with a price. Most notably, hot chocolates, specialty coffees, mimosas, bloody marys, cold brews, and Disney World Mocktails are all at an extra cost.
Disney Chef Mickey’s Restaurant Review
Overall, the Disney Chef Mickeys Breakfast was a decent dining experience. It was different than other character meals we had, even if it ranked somewhat sub-par on our list. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World for a short stay and have to be selective then we’d say this is a restaurant you can Skip. But if you’re visiting for a longer trip and eager to check out a dining experience here, then breakfast offers the best option in terms of price. What did you think of Chef Mickey’s?
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
I tried to make reservations and couldn’t until 60 days before date we wanted to go . My dad try to but on the 60 days before and it’s all booked for the whole day . Sad I have 2 granddaughters it is there birthdays and 1rst time going 😢 deb
So sorry to hear this Deb! It actually took us a couple of years of trying, before we finally got Chef Mickey reservations, so we hear you. They are difficult to score. In some cases, you may be able to get last-minute reservations by asking your Disney Resort Hotel desk clerk. They are sometimes able to see last-minute cancellations and could be a big help if you tell them you’re celebrating. Best of luck!
I know this was written afew years ago- but I am looking for info and can’t seem to find it. We have a12:20 breakfast reservation at chef mickey’s. (Early Feb 2023) I know breakfast ends at 12:30. Do the characters leave at 12:30 or will they stay until diners are done? Thank you!
Hi! The characters rotate through each set of diners at least once. Since your reservation is a little on the later side, they might come closer to the beginning of your meal, but you will still be able to see them. They base their schedule on whether or not they have visited each table rather than the time. Hope that helps!