On our first family visit {before becoming a travel advisor}, I found a last-minute, late dinner and grabbed it. I had no idea it was so popular, but I needed some character dining for our first trip – which I planned in just under 6 weeks. Since then, Chef Mickey’s has become a family tradition for us. So, it could be the sentimentality of this location or the magic of the “Fab 5” that makes me think Chef Mickey’s is a must-do for kids and wanna-be kids.
Chef Mickey is a great dining experience on arrival day, but also (because it’s close) for a Magic Kingdom day, and even on a resort day if that is in your plan. Because it’s in a resort – if you’re visiting other attractions in Orlando (Ahem…Universal Studios) and need a little Disney it can be a treat!
Here’s what you should know about Chef Mickey’s Dining Experience.
- Advanced Dining Reservation (ADRs) are required for this location. Chef Mickey’s is one of the most-popular restaurants on Walt Disney World Resort® property. You’ll want to snag that ADR as soon as possible. Currently, ADRs can be made 60 days prior to arrival.
- Location. Chef Mickey’s is located on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Need to know how to get there? Check out the blog on Disney Parks Transportation.
Use your receipt from a same day reservation to access the viewing balcony (also on the 4th floor) for a peek at any Magic Kingdom fireworks show. This is especially fun for holiday shows when you’re not attending the party!
- Characters. Of course! The Fab 5 – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto will celebrate the meal with you in their kitchen chef attire. They’ll stop by each table for a visit, have your autograph books and cameras at the ready.
- Food. Chef Mickey’s served delicious American-style food for breakfast and dinner buffet style pre-COVID. The same delectable desserts and refreshed yummy dishes are served family style, all-you-care-to-eat. At breakfast you’ll find classics like Mickey waffles, breakfast meat, eggs, potato-cheese casserole and banana bread French toast. {I’m not kidding…yum} At dinner you’ll see entrees like glazed salmon, a carving station, and kid-friendly staples like mac-n-cheese, and chicken nuggets to please that picky eater. And…because it’s a vacation a slew of dessert options are available.
While breakfast is the least expensive option, we prefer the dinner menu. Our family favorite dessert choice is – Mickey Domes. Super creamy, chocolate mousse layered on a chocolate sandwich cookie {rhymes with moreo, probably because you’ll want more}, and chocolate ears to finish. Go ahead and take two…thank me later.
- Atmosphere. It’s bustling at Chef Mickey’s. Folks are running to and fro and it can be loud, but the party energy can’t be beat. Get ready to “shake your napkin” and celebrate. There are three dining sections: interior with mostly booths and tables, exterior window – with a great view of Bay Lake, and exterior tables. It’s the quietest in the exterior windows because it’s the smallest section.
- Extras. Need something to do while you wait for a table? Check out the shopping – Bayview Gifts is the Contemporary Resort’s gift shop and it’s a rather large one with lots of sections and items. Like I said before, we like this for arrival day because we can grab a lanyard or autograph book for the trip. You can check out the view from the balcony and see Magic Kingdom (fireworks and lights if it’s after dark – see the Pro Tip above). Finally, the Monorail runs directly through this resort and it’s a site to see – and an experience to ride. Allow time before or after dinner to take a spin on the loop.
Have you been to Chef Mickey’s? Tell us what you think?
