Disney World's 1900 Park Fare Character Dinner Review
Disney World's 1900 Park Fare Character Dinner Review
Getting There
When our 60-day dining reservation window opened, 1900 Park Fare had not yet reopened. Initially, I hadn't planned to book a reservation there, but I managed to score one for our arrival day at Disney World. On our first park day at Magic Kingdom, we explored the wonderful world of character meals at 1900 Park Fare, located in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The journey to the Grand Floridian was part of the adventure. We enjoyed taking the Monorail, which offered a pleasant break from the afternoon heat. Even in April, the Orlando heat was intense, making the cool, air-conditioned Monorail ride a welcome break from the heat.
The Grand Floridian itself has an upscale charm that sets it apart from other hotels at Walt Disney World Resort. The resort's Victorian elegance and lush surroundings immediately put us in a relaxed, vacation-ready mood. The restaurant is conveniently located on the first floor, right next to the Grand Floridian Cafe. Arriving a bit early, we took some time to unwind in the hotel's grand lobby, soaking in the atmosphere after a long day of walking at Magic Kingdom. Sitting on the couches in the lobby was a nice little break in our day.
Upon checking in at 1900 Park Fare, we were greeted by a very friendly cast member who escorted us to our table. The staff's warm welcome and the luxurious setting of the Grand Floridian made for a delightful start to our dining experience.
The Characters
There have been some new characters since the restaurant reopened. Pre-COVID characters like Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter are no longer seen at a Park Fare meal. However, a nod to the past remains with the antique organ, Big Bertha, still gracing the entrance of 1900 Park Fare. The new lineup includes some favorite Disney characters: Mirabel, Cinderella, Princess Tiana, and Prince Charming himself... Alladin. My son was thrilled to see Prince Ali, offering a refreshing change from the typical characters often seen at other Disney character meals.
Princess Tiana appeared in her new outfit for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, while Cinderella and Mirabel donned their traditional attire. The character interactions were just as magical as ever, with each character making their rounds to our table to chat, take photos, and sign our autograph books. A particularly enchanting feature for kids was something called "wish makers." A postcard was placed on our table, and we were encouraged to write down our wishes. During the meal, the characters held a wish ceremony, with Cinderella starring as the wish maker. This interactive element added a special touch to the experience, making it memorable for both children and adults.
The cast members were incredibly friendly and attentive. Our waitress even provided us with coffee in to-go cups, giving us a much-needed afternoon boost since we mentioned we were heading back to Magic Kingdom. This thoughtful gesture epitomized the exceptional service we received throughout our meal.
The Food
Now, onto the food... Although we weren't using a Disney Dining Plan, it's worth noting that the plans are usable for this meal. 1900 Park Fare has introduced some new menu items alongside its returning favorites. We loved the food at 1900 Park Fare, making it our favorite dining spot of the entire trip. Our reservation was for dinner, so I can't speak to the Park Fare breakfast, but based on our dinner experience, we are eager to try breakfast next time.
The buffet style meal included a variety of dinner options. Among the returning favorites was the famous strawberry soup, a beloved dish from the restaurant's pre-COVID menu. Each of the five members of our party, with our diverse tastes, found something to enjoy. The carving station, featuring prime rib, was a hit with my dad and son, who made several trips back for more. Other delightful offerings included Tiana's gumbo, a variety of salads, peel-n-eat shrimp, mashed potatoes, and garlic sausage. The kid-friendly items, such as pasta with sauce on the side, chicken nuggets, and corn, ensured that even the pickiest eaters were satisfied.
The bread and cheese station was another highlight, with freshly churned butter that was simply delicious. Even the vegetables, like the glazed carrots, were wonderful. For dessert, we indulged in cupcakes, strawberries with fresh whipped cream, and bread pudding. A variety of soft drinks were included in the buffet price, while specialty and alcoholic drinks were available at an additional charge. 1900 Park Fare was undoubtedly our favorite food spot on this trip. My son kept asking to return, a testament to the enjoyable experience we had.
Final Thoughts
1900 Park Fare was my favorite character dining experience on this trip. Although it was our first time at this character meal, it certainly won't be our last. Next time we're at Disney parks, we will definitely return for the 1900 Park Fare character breakfast (and enjoy some Mickey waffles) and likely come back for dinner as well. Between the kid-friendly options, fresh food, and the chance to meet some of our favorite characters, 1900 Park Fare provided a fantastic and memorable dining experience for our family.
To learn more about how I planned my Disney trip for $1,400 including hotel, airfare, and 7 day park hopper plus tickets, check out our blog post "Plan a Free Trip to Disney World Using Credit Card Points." To learn about the rest of our Disney World trip check out:
Our Magical Experience on a Disney World Vacation