Disney character breakfasts on Disney Cruise Line ships are a great way for cruisers to add a bit of fun to their morning meal while interacting with some of their famous favorites.
Disney cruise ships offer many onboard opportunities to mingle with Mickey Mouse and his gang, but only one includes the chance to take a photo with Mickey while eating waffles shaped like his head. Here’s what you need to know about Disney character breakfasts before your next Disney sailing.
Disney character breakfasts are a unique experience that offers waiter-served breakfast, along with other fun touches, like napkin hats. As you dine, Disney characters make their rounds, taking just a couple of minutes at each table to sign autographs and pose for photos.
Disney character breakfasts are usually held once per cruise on sailings of seven days or longer with at least two days at sea. Get your tickets in advance to ensure you’re one of the lucky ones who get to enjoy the popular event.
Some are classic breakfasts that include visits from Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy; others are designated as Disney Junior character breakfasts, featuring appearances by Jake (of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates"), Sofia the First (a princess) and Doc McStuffins (a veterinarian who attends to stuffed animals).
As you'd expect, the draw is the Disney characters. Because food isn't the main focus, the food items are generally nothing spectacular. Menus vary from sailing to sailing but might include items like bacon, eggs and pancakes and other breakfast foods that interest young and old cruisers.
For those who prefer to rub elbows with royalty, Disney also offers a Royal Court Royal Tea onboard. Held in the Royal Court dining room, it features a sweet course, a savory course and, naturally, tea.
Princesses of all types make an appearance, and children who attend are given mementos that include jewelry, a doll, a tiara and a rose, or and a sword and shield, backpack and stuffed bear.
Disney Cruise Line's character breakfasts are free to passengers, but you'll need to obtain tickets in advance, of which there is a limited number.
The Royal Court's Royal Tea has a steep price tag for adults and an even higher price for children (because they’ll come home with extra gifts and mementos). The Royal Tea is not included in your overall cruise fare and you should allow wiggle room in your budget if your kids are big Disney fans.
Tickets for the character breakfast and the Royal Tea can be reserved online in advance through My Disney Cruise, or you can stop at the front desk after boarding to ask about availability.
We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance because tickets to the meals are a hot commodity, especially with so many young Disney cruisers onboard. Your Castaway Club membership level determines your advanced booking window and allows you to book tickets between 75 to 120 days prior to your sail date.
Castaway Club is Disney’s loyalty program that gives cruisers perks for cruising with the company.
You'll find character breakfasts on the entire Disney fleet, which includes Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Treasure (coming in 2024).
Royal Court Royal Tea is found on Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.