Disney World’s 1900 Park Fare Character Dinner Review
When our 60-day dining reservation window opened, 1900 Park Fare had not yet reopened since its closing during the pandemic. Initially, I hadn’t planned to book a reservation there, but I managed to score one for our day at Magic Kingdom.
On our first park day at Magic Kingdom, we explored the wonderful world of character meals at 1900 Park Fare, located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Location and Atmosphere at the Grand Floridian
The journey to the Grand Floridian was part of the adventure. We enjoyed taking the Monorail, which offered a pleasant break from the afternoon heat. Even in April, the Orlando heat was intense, making the cool, air-conditioned Monorail ride a welcome break from the heat.
The Grand Floridian itself has an upscale charm that sets it apart from other hotels at Walt Disney World Resort. The resort’s Victorian elegance and lush surroundings immediately put us in a relaxed, vacation-ready mood.
The restaurant is conveniently located on the first floor, right next to the Grand Floridian Cafe. Arriving a bit early, we took some time to unwind in the hotel’s grand lobby, soaking in the atmosphere after a long day of walking at Magic Kingdom. Sitting on the couches in the lobby was a nice little break in our day.
Upon checking in at 1900 Park Fare, we were greeted by a very friendly cast member who escorted us to our table. The staff’s warm welcome and the luxurious setting of the Grand Floridian made for a delightful start to our dining experience.
Which Disney Characters You’ll Meet
There have been some new characters since the restaurant reopened. Pre-COVID characters like Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter are no longer seen at a Park Fare meal. However, a nod to the past remains with the antique organ, Big Bertha, still gracing the entrance of 1900 Park Fare.
The new lineup includes some favorite Disney characters at 1900 Park Fare: Mirabel, Cinderella, Princess Tiana, and Prince Charming himself… Alladin. My son was thrilled to see Prince Ali, offering a refreshing change from the typical characters often seen at other Disney character meals.
Princess Tiana appeared in her new outfit for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, while Cinderella and Mirabel donned their traditional attire. The character interactions were just as magical as ever, with each character making their rounds to our table to chat, take photos, and sign our autograph books.
A particularly enchanting feature for kids was something called “wish makers.” A postcard was placed on our table, and we were encouraged to write down our wishes. During the meal, the characters held a wishing ceremony called the “power of a wish”, with Cinderella starring as the wish maker. This interactive element added a special touch to the experience, making it memorable for both children and adults.
The cast members were incredibly friendly and attentive. Our waitress even provided us with coffee in to-go cups, giving us a much-needed afternoon boost since we mentioned we were heading back to Magic Kingdom. This thoughtful gesture epitomized the exceptional service we received throughout our meal
What’s on the Menu at 1900 Park Fare
Now, onto the food… although we weren’t using a Disney Dining Plan, it’s worth noting that the plans are usable for this meal. 1900 Park Fare has introduced some new menu items alongside its returning favorites.
Character dining can be expensive, which is why we focus on budget-friendly Disney strategies and using cashback apps to offset costs.
We loved the food at 1900 Park Fare, making it our favorite dining spot of the entire trip. Our reservation was for dinner, so I can’t speak to the Park Fare breakfast, but based on our dinner experience, we are eager to try breakfast next time.
The dinner buffet style meal included a variety of dinner options. Among the returning favorites was the famous strawberry soup, a beloved dish from the restaurant’s pre-COVID menu. Each of the five members of our party, with our diverse tastes, found something to enjoy.
The carving station, featuring prime rib, was a hit with my dad and son, who made several trips back for more. Other delightful offerings included Tiana’s gumbo, a variety of salads, peel-n-eat shrimp, mashed potatoes, and garlic sausage.
The kid-friendly items, such as pasta with sauce on the side, chicken nuggets, and corn, ensured that even the pickiest eaters were satisfied. I am a vegetarian and there were plenty of options to choose from.
The bread and cheese station was another highlight, with freshly churned butter that was simply delicious. Even the vegetables, like the glazed carrots, were wonderful. For dessert, we indulged in cupcakes, strawberries with fresh whipped cream, and bread pudding.
A variety of soft drinks were included in the buffet price, while specialty and alcoholic drinks were available at an additional charge. 1900 Park Fare was undoubtedly our favorite food spot on this trip. My son kept asking to return, a testament to the enjoyable experience we had.
Turn Everyday Spending into Free Disney Dining
Money-Saving Tip: Character dining like 1900 Park Fare can be expensive for families, but there are ways to make it more affordable—or even free! Use TopCashback to buy Disney gift cards and earn 5%+ cashback on your purchase. Even better, TopCashback offers gift cards for major chains you already shop at—pet supplies, movies, clothing, auto supplies, restaurants, and more.
Advanced Strategy: If the retailer also offers cashback on purchases through TopCashback‘s portal, you can stack your earnings! Purchase a gift card through TopCashback, then use that gift card to shop through their portal—earning cashback on both the gift card purchase AND your shopping. Just read the fine print, as some vendors don’t allow both.
By using these TopCashback strategies for your regular spending, you can accumulate cashback and cash out for Disney gift cards, making character dining experiences like 1900 Park Fare completely free!
💰 Turn Shopping into Disney Gift Cards
Get cash back on gift card purchases and everyday shopping with TopCashback:
Buy gift cards for stores you already shop at, then cash out for Disney gift cards!
Is 1900 Park Fare Worth It?
1900 Park Fare was my favorite character dining experience on this trip. Although it was our first time at this character meal, it certainly won’t be our last. Between the exceptional food quality, character experience, and great options for picky eaters 1900 Park Fare was excellent.
1900 Park Fare is one of the best options for a dining break outside of the parks. Since it is a monorail resort, it is a great option for a midday break when visiting Magic Kingdom.
If you’re planning character dining, also consider Storybook Dining at Artist Point, Hollywood & Vine, or Garden Grill at Epcot for unique experiences.
Next time we’re at Disney parks, we will absolutely return for the 1900 Park Fare. Between the kid-friendly options, fresh food, and the chance to meet some of our favorite characters, 1900 Park Fare provided a fantastic and memorable dining experience for our family.
Want more reviews of Disney Dining like this? Visit our dining reviews.
About Points to Magic
Our team at Points to Magic is led by Danielle, a CPA with 19 years of financial expertise. We specialize in helping families save thousands on Disney vacations using credit card points and cashback strategies. Every recommendation is personally tested through our own family trips.
Learn More →
