I’ve been planning a new series for this blog for a few days now. I’m going to call it “WWT’s Guides”, and each post will discuss a different restaurant or attraction. My goal is to let you know if it is truly worth your time and budget, and to set records straight on its reputation. For the first post of my new series, I decided I would tackle the challenge of Chef Mickey’s. Chef Mickey’s is perhaps one of the most debated-on restaurants— some love it, others say to get a reservation somewhere else.
I am here to say that its truly a hit or miss. I love it and have loved it every time I’ve been there, but this experience can change for everyone. While it is up to you to decide if you would like to have a meal there, hopefully this guide will give you the information you need to make your decision.
So, let’s get started!
LOCATION:
Chef Mickey’s is located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort on the fourth floor.
MEAL TIMES:
Chef Mickey’s is open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Times may vary, but it usually sticks to the same hours. Breakfast is from 7:00 AM – 11:15 AM, brunch is from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, and dinner is from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM. As I said, this can always change, but these times are usually the norm. Reservations are recommended.
FOOD:
Chef Mickey’s is a massive buffet. There is truly something for everyone here, with a section for children and almost every type of food you can think of.
For breakfast, they have your standard breakfast food. Mickey waffles, pancakes, eggs, fruits, potatoes, breakfast meats, and other breakfast favorites can be found here. Brunch hosts the breakfast food and other things like salad, carved meats, macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, soup, and vegetables. Dinner has vegetables, salad, soup, carved meats, and seafood. It is up to you and your party to decide which meal time is right for you.
The dessert is always great, and they even have a create-your-own Mickey waffle station! The dessert seems to change every time I go, but it’s always a delicious end to your meal.
There are also a ton of options for those with allergies or dietary needs.
THE DISNEY DINING PLAN:
You can use a Table Service Credit here.
THE ATMOSPHERE:
Ok, here’s the part people often do not like. Depending on the time you go, Chef Mickey’s can be a bit loud and somewhat chaotic. It has never bothered me, but if you would rather have a much quieter meal, I would suggest coming during a less busy time or choosing a different restaurant.
Of course, if your trip takes place during a popular time, the restaurant will be loud, but so will many others. I will say that a lot of reviews are way too hard on this part— during the times I have gone, it has not been nearly as bad as they make it out to be.
CHARACTERS:
You will meet the classic characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. If you are like me and love collecting photos of exclusive characters and outfits, you will love this restaurant! The characters are wearing cute chef costumes and look adorable in photos.
The characters will come around to your table. Don’t worry about missing them, as you’re guaranteed to meet them all if you wish. They will sign autographs, interact with guests, and take photos.
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
When your party is called from the waiting area, you will take a photo with the iconic Chef Mickey statue before being seated. If you choose to purchase this photo, you will have a great souvenir to remember your trip! I have so many from over the years.
You can then go up to the buffet at any time for your food, and you can keep going up as many times as you wish. Characters will come at random while you eat. Just be sure to keep an eye on them, as you never know when they’re going to sneak up on you after you just took a bite of your food! Happened to me many times.
While you dine, you can even watch the monorail arrive overhead into the Contemporary. That is one of my favorite moments— be sure to get a picture!
So, in all, Chef Mickey’s is what you make of it. I will insist that it is one of my favorite restaurants. Everybody should go there at least once. It’s a hit or miss, but so is every restaurant. Please be sure to get a reservation as they tend to go fast.
Have a great day,
Gia