NEWS! EPCOT's Garden Grill Will Have a Modified Character Dining Experience When Disney World Reopens!

As we started to learn about the many modifications in place at Disney World when the parks and resorts reopen, one of the earliest changes we saw was the suspension of character meet and greets and the cancellation of most character dining experiences.

The one exception at the time was Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is currently the only restaurant operating with a modified character experience. Now, we know of another restaurant in at Walt Disney World that will also offer a new way to interact with characters while you dine!

Garden Grill, the infamous rotating restaurant in The Land Pavilion in EPCOT, will also have a modified character dining experience!

Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot

The restaurant reopens with EPCOT on July 15th, and the update was recently spotted on Disney’s website that notes the modified character experience.

Exact details are not known at this time for what the new character experience may look like, but it may look similar to what was offered at Topolino’s Terrace. There, characters came out one at a time and walked by each table at a safe distance, allowing for long-distance selfies and the opportunity to wave at the characters. Then, all of the characters would come out together for a brief “parade” around the restaurant.

Pluto!

At Garden Grill, guests can typically say “hello” to Mickey, Chip, Dale, and Pluto! Mickey is dressed in an adorable farmer’s outfit. Food at Garden Grill is served family style, making for a great alternative for families looking for a character experience that isn’t a buffet, but still gives you that “all-you-care-to-eat” menu!

Farmer Mickey at Garden Grill

Other new character experiences will be around in the parks, including cavalcades throughout the day. We will provide updates as we learn more about what the character dining experience will look like at Garden Grill!