Chef Mickey’s – Beloved Restaurant at Disney
One of Walt Disney World’s most beloved restaurants is Chef Mickey’s located on the 4th floor of the Grand Canyon Concourse in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It is a character meal that offers both buffet breakfast and dinner options that come along with a heaping side of character meet and greets. One of the best aspects of this character dining location is that it is chock full of “classic” Disney characters – Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Donald (The Fab Five). If you happen to miss these beloved characters in the parks, you will certainly get your opportunity to see them here. So it shouldn’t surprise you that Chef Mickey’s earned the 2004 Disney Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for Best Overall Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant for Kids!
After checking into the restaurant, you’ll be sent to a line where you’ll wait to have your photo taken with the Chef Mickey’s iconic statue, and then you’ll head over to one of the newly-renovated waiting areas until your pager buzzes. As you are waiting, you can take in the allure of this resort and the Southwest flair all around.
The whole family can eat fun food while the likes of Mickey or any assortment of his pals roam the restaurant. You never know who might show up! Delicious specialties make for a spectacular spread in this bright, happy space located beneath the quiet whisks of the monorail. As you are dining, you can watch the monorail as it rolls by above you taking guests to their next destination – most likely the Magic Kingdom, which is a stone’s throw from this lovely resort.
Breakfast includes a premium fruit bar, cereal selections, classic pancakes (with fun toppings!), Mickey Mouse waffles (a fan favorite), eggs, omelet’s and pastries. Dinner consists of roasted chicken, carved beef, savory sides and kids’ favorites (like mac ‘n’ cheese). Don’t forget the Mickey-shaped pizza. Of course all of the kids can end their meal rather sweetly with the do-it-yourself sundae bar – the toppings are endless. Make sure to save room.
Chef Mickey’s is so popular that it has become quite challenging to actually get a reservation here. My recommendation would be to book this restaurant at the earliest possible time you can (180-days from the guests’ arrival date) to insure obtaining such a prized reservation. It has almost become a rite-of-passage to enjoy this character dining experience and the best part is that you are so close to the Magic Kingdom. After a wonderful meal including hugs and photos with the characters that we all love, you can be on your way to the theme park of your choice for more fun. Don’t forget to allow the monorail to take you there.
If you are looking for a fun character experience with a light atmosphere, you must go to Chef Mickey’s. It has been welcoming guests for some time now and will continue to well into the future of the Walt Disney World Resort. This is a must-see for first-time visitors to Disney World and seems to be a must come-back-to for those returning for many years to come. While Disney World is constantly changing and progressing into the future, it is nice to know that a place like Chef Mickey’s can be a staple in one’s Disney vacation and experience. It is a not-to-be-missed on your list of things to experience during your Disney vacation! Enjoy!
Elyssa Antonelle
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
1-888-812-8750
elyssa@mickeytravels.com
Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…
