When people plan their Disney World vacations, they usually center around two things: Flight of the Banshee fastpasses and/or their favorite character dining experience. With over 35 different character meals across Walt Disney World, there are many to choose from and every type of character. And it’s a lot easier than dealing with the hordes of people attempting to get through Pandora to ride a Banshee!
But it wasn’t always like that.
A long time ago, in a vacation kingdom far, far away, there was only one measly character meal each week!
And you didn’t need any reservations!
The History of Character Meals at Disney World
Can you imagine a time when you didn’t have to call 180 days in advance to secure a seat at Chef Mickey’s or Cinderella’s Royal Table?
Me, neither.
Dining a la Disney and Breakfast a la Disney were some of the earliest offerings from Disney at the resorts and the Village Marketplace. It’s a very odd name, don’t you think? I’d expect that type of meal in the France Pavilion…
Each evening at 5p.m., Walt Disney characters will arrive at the Golf Resort’s Trophy Room to mingle with guests and pass out a gift to each child. — April, 1981 Walt Disney World News
I wonder what the gift was? Did you ever experience Dining a la Disney?
After Dining (and Breakfast) a la Disney, the next big step would be a breakfast show with Melvin the Moose at Fort Wilderness, but it wouldn’t last very long. We finally get Chef Mickey’s in 1990, but not the Chef Mickey’s that we know today.
Want to learn more about Walt Disney World history? Check out my list of books about WDW!
Did you ever get to eat at the first Chef Mickey’s? Do you have any memories of the first character meals?
Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel
MiceChat’s partners at Get Away Today offer you amazing savings on Disney tickets and travel.