No Disney World vacation [1] is complete without a morning spent dining on Mickey waffles with your favorite Disney characters, but we recently discovered that one of the best Disney Character Breakfasts isn't even inside the resort.
Disney Character Breakfasts [2] can save you a ton of time because you can knock out a meal and a few character meet-and-greets at once. This particular breakfast can also save you a ton of money [3] (hey, that's more money in the souvenir budget) because it is a fraction of the cost of similar dining experiences.
Are those Mickey waffles already calling your name? Read on to find out exactly when, where, and how you can get the most budget-friendly Disney Character Breakfast at Disney World.
Where Is This Secret Disney Character Breakfast?
This little-known character dining experience takes place three times a week at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista [5] hotel near Disney Springs [6]. The hotel's Lakeview Restaurant hosts a Disney Character Breakfast every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The hotel has ample parking, but there is a $15 daily parking fee, so you're better off taking the pedestrian walkway from Disney Springs.
What Is the Menu Like and How Much Does It Cost?
On Disney Character Breakfast mornings [7], the restaurant offers a huge breakfast buffet (à la carte items can be ordered on non-character-breakfast days). On the buffet, you'll find foods you'd expect at any other Disney Character Breakfast, like fresh fruit, pastries, breakfast meats, and, of course, Mickey waffles.
The cost is $28.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 4 to 11. That is significantly cheaper [8] than some of the on-property character meals, which can cost upward of $50 for adults and $30 for kids.
Reservations aren't required, so you can pop on over whenever you are ready for all-you-can-eat Mickey waffles.
Which Characters Can You Meet?
You won't be able to meet Mickey at this particular Disney Character Breakfast, but you will get to pal around with his friends, Goofy and Pluto. Because this breakfast isn't as busy and crowded as many of the on-property character meals, the characters tend to have more time for hugs and photos with each family they visit as they walk around the room.
Do You Have to Stay at the Hotel to Enjoy the Disney Character Breakfast?
No! You don't have to be a guest of the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista to enjoy its Disney Character Breakfasts, but it is a great option if you are planning a trip to Disney World. It's one of seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, which are considered official Walt Disney World Hotels, so you get many of the same perks (like Extra Magic Hours and bus transportation) you'd enjoy at hotels inside the resort.