The Trick to Having a "Peaceful" Meal at Disney World's Most Chaotic Restaurant

The best time to eat up?

Chef Mickey’s and Contempo Cafe

There are few Disney restaurants in higher demand than Chef Mickey’s. Located within the massive Grand Canyon Concourse at the Contemporary, the buffet restaurant provides remarkable views of the hotel’s architecture, the massive Mary Blair mural, and the Walt Disney World Monorail. On top of that, it features character meals with its titular mouse, as well as Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and others.

Given those benefits, the restaurant stands to be a hard reservation to get, and a crowded dining experience if you score one. However, one of our readers seems to have cracked the best time to dine at Chef Mickey’s.

Chef Mickey's Restaurant

Rating: 7.39 / 10 Recommended By: 77%

Menus: Breakfast, Dinner
Services: Buffet/All You Care to Eat

According to an anonymous reader who left a 9 out of 10 review for the restaurant, “I know lots of people say it’s loud and crowded but if you go right when they open like I did (within) the first 15-20 minutes of your meal are quite peaceful.”

Goofy at Chef Mickey’s

The reader went on to praise the restaurant for its selection of food (specifically the strawberry and blueberry compotes and sauces, which they called a “highlight” of their meal), the “classic Disney atmosphere”, and the character experiences.

Chef Mickey’s

The reader wasn’t all positive, however, citing the restaurant’s prices as “hard to justify.” However, given the high rating they gave Chef Mickey’s, they were clearly able to justify it on some level.

Chef Mickey’s Buffet

If you’d like to follow this reader’s lead and want to trying and get an EARLY reservation to dine right as Chef Mickey’s opens in the morning – – and enjoy a breakfast including sweet and savory breads, scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, a carving station featuring smoked ham and beef brisket, and (OF COURSE) Mickey waffles – – be sure to try and make a reservation as SOON AS YOU CAN, specifically 60 days in advance.

You can meet Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s is one of Disney World’s most in-demand restaurants, but if you make an early enough reservation, you should be able to enjoy a peaceful meal right in the middle of the Contemporary. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney tips.