Having been to a few character meals, we decided to book Chef Mickey this year at Contemporary Resort – the restaurant where the Magic Kingdom monorail goes through. Our theory was that if was not weather for a park we could still go and enjoy the characters and a good meal without using a Disney pass. That turned out to be a good idea as I got soaked every time I left the car that day! It was quite weird to see the monorail going through above you whilst you were dining!
We drove to Magic Kingdom’s gate and told them we were going to the Contemporary and they do not charge you to park but direct you over to the left hand side and it is pretty much signed posted after that. When we got the gate of hotel, they checked our names on list and let us through. I had booked around two months before and was glad of this as it was packed and people being turned away. They don’t take any money or deposit at booking stage – Tel 001 407 WDW DINE and someone will help you.
It is a beautiful hotel and take your quarters and pennies if you collect the pressed pennies there were some five machines on the restaurant floor alone. Also a nice Disney type gift shop to have a mooch around. We checked in up at the restaurant and they gave us a buzzer which activates when your table is ready, so we went and had a drink the bar, great cocktails! Fantastic view over the lake – lots of activity so could people watch as well. We were called about 20 mins after our original booking time. We had a family photo taken at the entrance and this is optional for purchase later, they come to your table with it but no hard sell, one of us was blinking badly so we decided not to buy.
This was a fabulous for the characters, Donald Duck posed constantly near the entrance for photos – don’t think he ever left. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Chip&Dale were all visiting the tables with their Chefs uniforms on - on more than one occasion Chip&Dale visited.
The food was good but not as much choice as Crystal Palace. Although there was beautiful meat that they would carve for you, fish and chicken, great salad bar too. For the kids the usual: hot dogs, nuggets, pizza and macaroni cheese so they were happy. The desserts bar was full of very fattening wonderful cakes and puddings. For four adults, two kids with a few beers, the bill was £87. (My statement came home before I did) so I think it was fantastic value.
I totally recommend character meals, it is such a great way to interact with the characters and although they don’t spend too much time with you, you never feel they are rushing off, they make sure everyone is happy.
Highly recommend it.