Chef Mickey’s Modified Dining Experience Review

Chef Mickey’s at Contemporary Resort recently re-opened to the general public, and while the dining experience has been modified, it is definitely still worth visiting! Before Covid, Chef Mickey’s was a buffet-style restaurant. Since it has reopened, the pricing has lowered and the all you care to enjoy buffet is now served family-style. The current cost of breakfast is $42 per adult and $27 per child plus tax and gratuity.

Chef Mickey’s is open for breakfast from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. I made a reservation for 11:15 AM because I wanted a brunch type of meal. When we arrived at Chef Mickey’s, you are directed to check in via the My Disney Experience app. Due to new Covid guidelines, you will see QR codes, markers telling you where to stand, and signs directing you on where you walk. I checked in via the app ahead of time, but if you are having trouble working the app, you are able to walk up to the host and they can manually check you in.

After checked in, we waited about 10 minutes before we got a text message and My Disney Experience app notification on our phone that it was time for us to be seated. We walked to the host, and before we were seated, had our temperature was taken. Once you are in the clear, you will be directed to your table.

Our table was located in the first room along the wall on the booth side. If you’ve eaten here before, you’ll notice a lot of the tables are now gone to make room for characters. The tables run along the edge of the restaurant so that characters can stand in the middle of the room. The characters don’t get up close to the tables as they have in the past. You are directed to stay at your table when characters come by, but they do a great job of stopping to pose for each table to make sure you get the photos you want with your family.

And speaking of characters.. that’s the main reason why everyone goes to this awesome breakfast spot! You’ll see Chef Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto- all dressed in their chef’s best! These characters come around every 10 minutes or so, and once they have all made their rounds, they come back out for their “Celebrate with Mickey Mouse” dance. While the napkin twirling dance is no longer available to do, the experience with the characters is still special.

Since characters are not able to sign for autographs at this time, you will receive a signed autograph at the end of your meal.

Let’s talk about the next best part of Chef Mickey’s: The FOOD! I’m not a fan of buffets, so I was super excited that this was a family-style meal where the food is brought to your table. (Just like Hollywood and Vine right now). There is a menu for specialty drinks if you are looking to order from that menu. Otherwise, a nonalcoholic beverage is included with your meal price.

When we arrived, we were not given a menu since we did not have any dietary restrictions or allergies. All food was brought directly to the table. These food options included:

Assorted Fruit Bowl

Mini Yogurt Parfaits for each guide

Skillet Breakfast Including Scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, slow-roasted beef brisket, Mickey waffles, pork sausage links, and smoked bacon. You will also receive a loaded potato cheese casserole (SO good!), banana bread french toast, “Celebration” Mickey pancake, sweet rolls, and sweet fried fritters with vanilla cinnamon sugar.

If you need plant-based options, you can request Mickey waffles and a tofu scramble. Needless to say, it’s a TON of food and I was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was!

While the experience has changed from the year’s past, it is definitely still a great way to spend time with characters and seeing your favorites. The food is good and it’s a great way to start your day when you get breakfast at Chef Mickey’s!