Reviews

Restaurant Review: Hollywood & Vine

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Restaurant Review: Hollywood & Vine

Location: Hollywood Studios

Standard Meals Offered: Disney Junior Character Breakfast, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine for Lunch & Dinner

Current Meals Offered: Minnie’s Seasonal Dine for Lunch & Dinner

Rating: 

 

Hollywood & Vine is a staple dining experience at Hollywood Studios. Pre-COVID, this location offered a Disney Junior character buffet breakfast, and then a Minnie’s Seasonal Dine buffet for lunch and dinner. Since reopening, the offerings and experiences have changed to only offer Minnie’s Seasonal Dine for lunch and dinner, with a set menu instead of the buffet (as of September 2020). The character interaction is modified as well for social distancing, but don’t let that stop you from seeing Minnie and the gang!

Our Experience

The Food

We dined here for lunch and were pleasantly surprised by our meals. Hollywood Studios is our least favorite park to dine in, so we had set the bar pretty low for Hollywood & Vine. That being said, currently the set menu is the same for lunch and dinner, and the food is very heavy. I imagine the set menu will be here to stay for a long time, if not permanently, and Disney will do away with buffets completely moving forward. 

The meal starts with a family style salad and yummy sweet rolls, and then each person orders their own entree and their own dessert. For our entrees, my husband ordered the pork dish, and I had macaroni and cheese with shrimp.We usually split meals for lunch, so this was much more than we are used to getting! The food was actually delicious, though!

 

The Characters

Minnie is the host of this special event. All of the characters were in their Halloween costumes which was so fun to see! Minnie, Mickey, Goofy and Pluto come around the restaurant several times while festive Halloween music plays. They “stop by” each table (staying socially distanced) and interact with guests – they’ll even pose for pictures behind you! Similar to our experience at Topolino’s Terrace, the characters do an AMAZING job with guest interactions.

Each “season” is a different theme for the characters, but the overall experience is the same. Here are the different seasons provided by Disney World’s website – they’re all so fun!

  • Halloween Dine
    • September – November
    • Visit Minnie’s favorite happy haunt for a spooktacular Halloween feast that’s frightfully delightful.
  • Minnie’s Holiday Dine
    • November – January
    • Deck the halls at a dazzling dinner party filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season!
  • Silver Screen Dine
    • January – March
    • Join Minnie Mouse for a fabulous dinner party celebrating the glitz and glamour of Hollywood!
  • Springtime Dine
    • March – June
    • Shake off winter’s chill with a divine dinner party that marks the bright and beautiful delights of spring!
  • Summertime Dine
    • June – September
    • Head to Hollywood & Vine for a beach-inspired bash celebrating the sizzle of summer!
The Price

You are definitely paying for the character experience at this location. Right now because there are such limited character meals available across the parks and resorts, this spot might be worth the money if you’re looking to enjoy a character meal! 

The price is a flat charge for the family style appetizers, one entree and dessert (alcohol and gratuity is excluded). We paid $59.99 each, which is WAY more than we ever spend on lunch. Kids are $35 each (they get the appetizers, one entree, two sides and dessert), so for a family of five that adds up quickly. 

WDW Park Planners Tips:

This is a popular spot right now since character dining options are so limited around the parks and resorts. We were able to snag a lunch reservation the night before, so keep checking the app to try and get in! Check the “lunch” & “dinner” categories as well as the individual time slots – sometimes different options pop up. You might get lucky like we did!

This spot is also great for bigger groups since the restaurant can accommodate them 🙂

 

Reviews

Restaurant Review: Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

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Restaurant Review: Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort

Meals Offered: Character Breakfast and Dinner

Rating: 

This rooftop restaurant at Disney’s Riviera Resort offers two incredible dining options – and we experienced them both! 

Character Breakfast:

Breakfast was our first time at the resort and restaurant, and we were in awe of the beauty of everything! Aside from the fact that the resort has that new smell and feel to it, the decor is just breathtaking. The resort is European inspired (French and Italian), and the amount of detail and Disney history found throughout  is unbelievable. The story for the character breakfast (because Disney always tells a story) is that Mickey and his friends are studying at an art school and are dropping by to say hi! Each of the characters has a different skill and are dressed accordingly (i.e. Mickey is a painter). 

The meal is definitely on the pricier side, but you’re paying for the character experience. It’s $42 for adults and $27 for kids, and you pick a meal from a variety of options on the menu. The food was delicious and the service was the best. We sat for about an hour and were able to see the characters come around three different times – they come out individually and then as a group and do a fun parade and dance around the restaurant! Also, be sure to check out the amazing views outside on the terrace. It’s one of the best views of Disney property!

COVID Breakfast Thoughts: 

This is one of the only character meals available on property. Disney has offered a modified experience since characters cannot come around to the tables for individual pictures and autographs. We were unsure of how it would really be when we went, and I have to say, we loved it! Seeing Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy parade around the restaurant was so much fun, and we got to see them a ton! Even though they can’t “stop” at your table, the characters were great about posing in the background (6 feet away) so you could get pictures with them. Instead of autographs, the restaurant provided a pre-signed card. So overall, we would highly recommend this spot, especially once the “regular” character interactions are allowed again. View the Breakfast Menu HERE.

Dinner:

We had a delicious dinner and wonderful experience at Topolino’s Terrace. Currently, the outdoor terrace is closed, but we would have loved to have sat out there for our meal (and will have to come back and try it!). We were seated in one of the booths in the middle of the restaurant which was great. For the best view, request a table by the window!

The French and Italian inspired food was to die for, and we loved everything we tried on the menu! Again, this spot is a little pricey but worth the expense for a nicer meal at Disney. Despite being a little nicer, Topolino’s is still very family friendly and has great kids meal options on the menu. Check out the Dinner Menu HERE.

 

WDW Park Planners Tips: 

For Breakfast: 

The Riviera Resort is located on the Skyliner transportation system. If you’re going to breakfast at Topolino’s, plan your Hollywood Studios or Epcot day around that since you can take the Skyliner to both of those parks! Super easy and fun 🙂

For Dinner:

Try to time your meal around the nighttime shows (when they come back) at Epcot and Hollywood Studios since you can see them from here!

 

Questions? Send me an email below!

 

Disney 101

Disney Character Dining 101

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Meeting your favorite characters up close and personal is a highlight on any Disney vacation! There are tons of great dining locations with character meals around the parks and resorts, so check out the full list of options. 

Inside the Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table!

Read below to find out about the restaurants and locations, which meals offer the characters, and what characters will be stopping by your table! Everything is broken out by park and location.

Magic Kingdom

  • Be Our Guest 
    • Meal(s): Dinner
    • Characters: Beast
    • Information: This spot is loosely considered a character meal. Before being seated (dinner is a sit down, whereas breakfast and lunch are quick service meals), you have the opportunity to meet Beast and get an autograph and picture with him. He does not come around to the tables, but rather, he comes into each of the dining rooms and greets his guests all together. 
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Characters: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Jasmine, Snow White (subject to change)
    • Information: Cinderella’s Royal Table is the crown jewel of all character meals (pun intended!). Located inside the Castle, you are greeted first by Cinderella before you ascend up the tower into the dining room. The other princesses come around to each table for pictures and autographs, and there are some special surprises throughout your meal! Please note this restaurant is very challenging to get into, and you must pre-pay for the meal.
  • Crystal Palace
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger
    • Information: This restaurant is a classic at Magic Kingdom and is located at the end of Main Street USA across from Cinderella Castle. The buffet is mediocre, but the atmosphere is fun for the kids. Winnie the Pooh and his friends come around to each table and there’s a cute parade!
Photo: Walt Disney World Resort

Hollywood Studios

  • Hollywood & Vine
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Characters: 
      • Breakfast: Disney Junior Friends (Roadster Goofy, Vampirina, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins)
      • Lunch & Dinner (Seasonally): Minnie & Friends (Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Goofy)
    • Information: Hollywood & Vine is the only character meal at Hollywood Studios. The characters vary for breakfast and lunch/dinner, but all three meals are a buffet. The food is just okay, so you’re really paying for the character experience. This is a fun chance for your kids to meet their favorite Disney Junior pals at breakfast, OR meet Minnie and friends at the seasonal dining event. The characters are dressed in theme for that season, so be sure to check the theme and dates here!
Photo: Walt Disney World Resort

Epcot

  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Characters: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Ariel
    • Information: Join your favorite Disney princesses in this medieval castle for a dining experience you’ll never forget! This restaurant is located in Norway in World Showcase, next to the Frozen Ever After ride. It’s important to note that Anna and Elsa are NOT at this dining experience, but you can find them nearby in a separate character meet and greet. This is a great option for families wanting to meet the princesses – especially if they can’t get into Cinderella’s Royal Table. Still a tough reservation to get though, so do it early!
  • Garden Grill Restaurant
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Characters: Chip & Dale, Pluto and Mickey
    • Information: Come see Chip & Dale and their friends at a unique dining experience within the Land Pavilion. Your views will change throughout the meal, as the restaurant rotates! You will see all different views from Living with the Land while the characters come around to each table. All three meals are a buffet, but this buffet comes with great reviews!
Photo: Walt Disney World Resort

Animal Kingdom

  • Tusker House
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Characters: Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey
    • Information: Meet Safari Donald at this fun dining location in Harambe at Animal Kingdom! This popular spot offers a buffet for all three meals, featuring African inspired flavors (don’t worry, there are options for even the pickiest of eaters!). Tusker House can accommodate large groups, so this is a great option if your party wants to do a character meal and be seated all together!
Photo: Walt Disney World Resort

Resorts

  • 1900 Park Fare
    • Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
    • Characters: 
      • Breakfast: Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger
      • Wonderland Tea Party (kids ages 4-12 only): Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter and friends!
      • Dinner: Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Drizella and Anastasia
    • Information: There are three great options for character dining at this one restaurant! Join Alice and friends for a buffet breakfast, or come to the “unbirthday” party for an hour-long afternoon tea! The tea is a ticketed event and is for kids ages 4-12 only. Click here to learn more about this special event. For the buffet dinner, join Cinderella and Prince Charming for an evening of magic and fun!
  • Cape May Cafe
    • Location: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
    • Meal(s): Breakfast
    • Characters: Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy
    • Information: This breakfast buffet is a great way to kick off your day! Join Minnie and friends at this beach inspired dining experience. Located right off the lobby of the Beach Club, this popular spot is open to all guests (not just Beach Club guests). Cape May Cafe is a great option for larger groups, but be sure to make an advance reservation!
Photo: Walt Disney World Resort
  • Chef Mickey’s
    • Location: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
    • Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto
    • Information: Chef Mickey’s is one of the most popular character meals at Walt Disney World. Located inside the Contemporary Resort, it serves a buffet for all three meals. Mickey and friends come around to each table for pictures and autographs, so be sure to wear your ears! A great idea is to start your day here for an early breakfast before heading to Magic Kingdom.
  • Garden Grove
    • Location: Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
    • Meal(s): Breakfast (Saturdays and Sundays only) and Dinner
    • Characters:
      • Nightly Dinners: Goofy and Pluto
      • Saturday Breakfast: Goofy and Pluto
      • Sunday Breakfast: Goofy, Pluto and Chip & Dale
    • Information: Garden Grove is a great option for a quick and easy character meal, especially if you’re staying at the Swan or Dolphin. The restaurant itself is set in New York City’s Central Park, and guests dine beneath a beautiful 25-foot oak tree with twinkling lights and lanterns! Keep in mind characters are only available for nightly dinners as well as for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted here.
  • ‘Ohana
    • Location: Disney’s Polynesian Resort
    • Meal(s): Breakfast
    • Characters: Lilo and Stitch
    • Information: Come see Lilo and Stitch at this delicious, family-style breakfast. This is an especially popular spot for dinner, but breakfast can book up, too! With Hawaiian inspired food and beautiful views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom, this is a spot your family will love.
Photo: Walt Disney World Resort
  • Perfectly Princess Tea
    • Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • Meal(s): Morning Tea
    • Characters: Sleeping Beauty
    • Information: Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite princess for this royal tea party in the Grand Floridian. Finger sandwiches, tea and princess cake are just a few of the magical treats served, and a special appearance by Princess Aurora makes this an event you’ll remember for years! Please note this is a ticketed event (and is expensive!) and children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the tea.
  • Ravello’s Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals
    • Location: Four Seasons Orlando
    • Meal(s): Breakfast (select days only – Thursdays, Saturdays and select Tuesdays)
    • Characters: Goofy, Mickey and Minnie
    • Information: Join Goofy and his pals for a special breakfast at the beautiful Four Seasons restaurant, Ravello. This buffet breakfast offers an incredible spread of foods in a sophisticated space – a different feel from the Disney Resorts. Goofy and friends come around for pictures and autographs while you dine!
  • Storybook Dining at Artist Point
    • Location: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • Meal(s): Dinner
    • Characters: Snow White, the Queen, Dopey and Grumpy
    • Information: Enjoy a delicious dinner in the Enchanted Forest at the Fort Wilderness Lodge. Be on the lookout for some special visitors – Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and even the evil Queen herself might be in attendance! This new spot is extremely popular and fills up quickly, so be sure to make your reservation early.
  • Topolino’s Terrace
    • Location: Disney’s Riviera Resort
    • Meal(s): Breakfast
    • Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy
    • Information: This new character dining experience sits on the rooftop of the Riviera Resort and has sweeping views of the parks. You’ll be joined by Mickey and friends in their European themed attire – you won’t want to miss a picture with them! This beautiful restaurant serves a delicious sit-down breakfast (it’s not a buffet!). After you’re done, enjoy a ride on the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios or Epcot – it’s the perfect way to kick off your day!
Photo: Walt Disney World Resort
  • Trattoria al Forno
    • Location: Disney’s BoardWalk
    • Meal(s): Breakfast
    • Characters: Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, Prince Eric
    • Information: Don’t miss the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno. This dining experience offers some unique characters you can’t find anywhere else – so don’t miss your photo opportunity with them! Breakfast is a plated meal with several pre-fixe options. Walk over to Epcot or take the boat to Hollywood Studios after this yummy breakfast!