A Chef Mickey Restaurant Breakfast Review: Is it Really Worth it?

Should you book Chef Mickey’s Restaurant for Breakfast on your next Disney World Trip? 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. And for many Disney vacationers, Chef Mickey’s holds an emotional connection. Perhaps as a memorable childhood experience. But is Breakfast at 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.

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. Plus, Chef Mickey’s characters give you an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Note that 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. For our money, however, it’s not. Here are all the details about Chef Mickey’s and why we wouldn’t recommend it.

Character Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s

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. And breakfast at Disney World is one of our favorite meals and a great reason to ease into the day. And since we routinely seek out the Best Places to have Brunch at Walt Disney World, a few Disney Character Meals always end up in the mix.

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. Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh is an absolute joy, and Garden Grill with Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale is always a good time. 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. 

Chef Mickey Restaurant Details

To get a handle on what you need to know aheadof time, here are all the details about Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s Restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World. Keep in mind this is a breakfast buffet- where the server brings you piles of food from the food warmers, and you can then, request more, as you work through it all. ( It is an all you care to enjoy experience).

• Location: 4th Floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Character Breakfast Hours: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Character Breakfast Food: American, Buffet
• Character Breakfast Cost: $59 per Adult, $38 per Child ( ages 3-9)
• On the Disney Dining Plan: Yes, 1 Table Service Dining Credit
• Accepts Discounts: Yes, WDW Annual Passholders 10% Discount
• Reservations: YES. Recommended
• Dress Code: Clean and Neat. No swimwear. 
• Booking: 60 days before your trip. Chef Mickey’s Restaurant Reservations

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. 

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”, and chaotic. 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. As the Contemporary is a resort designed in the Brutalist Architecture style, if you’re looking for anything that doesn’t look like heavy concrete, or angled thick glass, it will be difficult to find.

Where is the Chef Mickey Restaurant Located?

Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, just outside Magic Kingdom park, you can walk here, or grab a Disney bus. You do have to leave the parks to come here, 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.

A Note on Disney’s Contemporary Resort. If you’ve read our Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review, you know where this is going. But we feel we need to warn you. Arriving to the Contemporary by Magic Kingdom pathway, you will need to take the elevator, of which there are only two, or about 4 flights of stairs to get to the main floor of the resort, where Chef Mickey is located. If arriving via monorail, you will need to again, take a little elevator or escalator down to get to the restaurant. As both visitors and guests here, we can share that you should ALWAYS EXPECT LINES to the restaurant, elevators and monorail.

Chef Mickey Dining Reservations

As shared already, you should always make reservations for Chef Mickey. We assume it’s the nostalgia, because there really wasn’t anything at this restaurant that would warrant the nonstop flow of people, or the hard to get reservations.

Are Chef Mickey’s Reservations Hard to Get?

Yes, 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 breakfasts at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom and 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. In our search for Disney Restaurants for Picky Eaters, we chose to try Chef Mickey, because we all know kids that are picky about food. That said, almost everything served at Chef Mickeys, you could easily get at your resort food court. Check out Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Menu for the most current offerings. Here’s what we ate at Chef Mickeys.

Chef Mickey Breakfast Buffet Menu | $59 adult/ $39 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

Are Specialty Drinks Included in the Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Cost?

No, Specialty Drinks at Disny are not included in the meal cost. The Chef Mickey price does not include 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. 

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. 

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.

Chef Mickey Plant-Based Options

If you’re eating Vegetarian at Disney World, Chef Mickey offers Mickey Waffles and the Tofu Scramble ( which needs to be ordered separately) for breakfast. Other vegan and 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. I don’t love the tofu scramble, and just had regular eggs and french toast.

Is Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s Good for Adults?

While we don’t tend to take hard stances on anything, for this we’d say No. Chef Mickey’s is not good for adults. If you’re a Disney grown-up traveling without children, there are better character experiences across the parks and resorts that would get you those highly coveted character interactions if you want them.

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 Restaurant 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. However, Meeting this group of Disney Friends at Tusker House, Cape May, Topolino Terrace, and Garden Grill offers a better experience overall.

What Characters are at Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s?

Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s includes character meet and greets with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. And they 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.

Where can you see Mickey and Friends at a Character Meal at Disney World?

If you’re reading this post, chances are what you’re really looking for is where to find a Character Meal at Disney World with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Pluto, Goofy and maybe Chip and Dale. That said, here’s a better list of Disney Character Restaurants to choose from, that are all better than Chef Mickeys.

• Tusker House in Animal Kingdom : Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Goofy
• Topolino Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort ( Breakfast only) : Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy
• Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios: Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Pluto
• Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy
• Garden Grill in Epcot Park: Mickey, Pluto, Chip, Dale

Chef Mickey Restaurant Cost

Breakfast is the cheapest dining option at Chef Mickey’s, at $59 dollars per adult and $38 dollars per child  (though prices are subject to change), and is considered an average Disney character dining experience cost. Much less than the $76 adult/ $47 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. Though not as good as Topolino’s Terrace Mickey a la Art Breakfast or Garden Grill with Chip and Dale. 

Chef Mickey Prices

Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s 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 financially, but even then it’s still really in the “not really worth it” category, for us.

Is Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s Worth it?

No. Hands down, we’d say Chef Mickey’s is one of the most overrated restaurants at Disney World, and we do not recommend 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 there are better restaurants to choose.

Topolino Terrace over at Disney’s Rivera Resort has better food, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy character outfits, and an atmosphere that feels worth the cost. Tusker House in Animal Kingdom gets you the fab 5 in their safari gear, with better food and atmosphere. Even Garden Grill over at EPCOT, gets you good food and a playful time with Mickey and friends and Chip and Dale too! 

If you are visiting Chef Mickey in hopes of amazing foods, views, atmosphere, and a leisurely dining experience then we’d still 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 we mentioned above.

Chef Mickey Restaurant Pros and Cons

Since we could talk about this experience all day, we thought we’d break down the Chef Mickey Restaurant Pros and cons for you, so you can make the decision for yourself. For us, as for you, some factors hold more weight than others.

PROS	CONS
Characters – fab five all in one place	Rushed – Fast Service, Fast Characters, a High Volume restaurant, focused on getting you fed and on your way.
Within walking distance of Magic Kingdom	Chaotic Atmosphere, Dated Look and Feel
	Average Food – Buffet- style, Warmed under a light, can get similar anywhere.
	Cost is High for what it is- $59 per Adult/ $38 per child + 18% Tip
	Hard to Get Reservations

Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s Restaurant Review

There you have it. Apologies to everyone out there, who loves Chef Mickeys at Disney World. Really, we gave it our best shot here. The combination of running children, harried staff, fast service, sub par food left under the warmers, atmosphere and cost, did not help us ease into our day, and instead it all felt like a mad crazy rush. Definitly not a vacation experience we plan to repeat.

Overall, we felt like the Breakfast at Disneys Chef Mickey 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. If you go, best of luck to you to make the best of it! While we know many others share this unpopular opinon, we’d love to hear your thoughts.