If you are planning your Advanced Dining Reservations for your upcoming Disney World vacation, you might be looking to book one of the most popular character dining locations, but you are going to want to read this first!

Chef Mickey’s is a very popular character meal at Disney World and for good reason — you can meet several of the original Disney characters here, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. But before you book that reservation, let us introduce you to a good alternative that some (some meaning us) say is better!

Our suggestion is to take a look at Garden Grill located in EPCOT. This is also a character meal where you can find Mickey. However, there are several reasons you might find this restaurant a better destination than Chef Mickey’s.

1. Dining Reservations are Easier Here!

Chef Mickey’s can be a tough dining reservation to grab because it is so popular. If you happen to forget to set your alarm 60 days in advance to grab one, don’t stress because Garden Grill can often have more availability. While we do still recommend grabbing a reservation here, we tend to find that it doesn’t fill up as quickly as Chef Mickey’s.

2. The Atmosphere is Better

At Chef Mickey’s, you will have views of Disney’s Contemporary Resort with the monorail coming by. It can be very exciting, but it can be a little overwhelming with the noise levels. Over at Garden Grill, your tables feel more spaced out. The restaurant also rotates slowly, allowing you views of Living with the Land.

3. Buffet Style Isn’t Your ONLY Option

Chef Mickey’s offers a buffet style for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. You’ll find classic American options for both, including Herb-roasted Turkey, Herb-crusted New York Strip Loin, Grilled and Roasted Vegetables, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, and more. 

However, buffets can be a hassle for some guests. If you have small children, it can be difficult corralling them to the buffet. Also, timing can be difficult because you don’t want to be at the buffet when characters come around. At Garden Grill, you don’t have to worry about those because it is a family-style meal. The food is served tableside in skillets here, and it’s an all-you-can-eat feast with your family for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

The rotating menu for lunch and dinner can include grilled steak, roasted turkey or chicken, and sustainable fish of the day (at dinner only). Also included are salad (featuring ingredients grown within the Land Pavilion), rolls, veggies, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages. Breakfast features all sorts of traditional fare, including eggs and Mickey Waffles, along with Breakfast Pastries, potatoes, and Backyard Grilled Steak.

4. Chip and Dale

While many characters can be found at Chef Mickey’s, Chip and Dale are only at Garden Grill! That’s right — it’s the only character dining on property where you can eat with these two chipmunks. You will also find Mickey and Pluto here, plus it’s farmer Mickey, how cute!

5. Location

Chef Mickey’s is located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. If you have a dining reservation, you can park here, or if you need transportation, you can take a Disney bus from a Disney Park or take the Resort Monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center. However, Garden Grill is located inside EPCOT at the Land Pavilion. If you are planning a day at EPCOT, it is so easy to grab a meal here, but note you will need a park ticket to dine here.

6. Cost

Breakfast at Garden Grill is $49 per adult and $33 per child, and dinner is $42 for a child and $62 for an adult. Chef Mickey’s breakfast is $58 per adult and $37 per child, and dinner is $69 per adult and $44 per child. While you have more options on the buffet at Chef Mickey’s and see one more character than you can at Garden Grill, Garden Grill is less expensive.

We’ve been to every Disney World restaurant, so be sure to check out our reviews to see if a restaurant is a good fit for your vacation! For more, be sure you’re following DFB!

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What is your favorite character dining location at Disney World? Tell us in the comments below.