We have been to Disney World and embarrassing number of times and have had the opportunity to sample food from almost every restaurant there whether it be in the parks or surrounding resorts. As a result, we have a great sense of what we like and don't like. Read on to see our top 3 picks for character meals when visiting Disney World. Some of them are crowd favorites, but others we enjoy because they aren't as popular and hard to get into.

1. Donald's Safari Breakfast (Cost $20.99 (10 and up) $11.99 (9-3))



This character meal takes place inside the Tusker House restaurant in the Animal Kingdom and is our absolute favorite character meal. Usually, Donald, Goofy, Mickey and Daisy are all in attendance, but we have spotted Minnie and Pluto here in the past as well. These are the same characters you will find at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort, but the food is far better here.

There is everything from traditional favorites to some more adventurous African inspired dishes and the restaurant's signature Jungle Juice is the drink of choice. We have always received plenty of character time here and they have frequent sessions where the kids can grab musical instruments and join the characters in the middle of the room for a dance! The best thing about this meal is that it can be booked before park opening, which gives you some great shots at empty park photos and a jump start on the crowd as they rush towards The Jungle Cruise at park opening.

2. 1900 Park Fare Character Breakfast (Cost $22.36 (10 and up) $12.77 (9-3))


Located in the beautiful Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare is like stepping back in time into a Mary Poppins movie. The buffet here is amazing and features both a cold and hot bar. The strawberry soup is raved about and the kids can even get dessert complete with candy toppings if the parents are brave enough to let them.

The Grand Floridian is only a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom and an early booking could still have you at the park before its open. The characters often seen here include Alice in Wonderland, Tigger, Mary Poppins, and The Mad Hatter! My boys thoroughly enjoyed the Mad Hatter and there was a lot of character play here. The characters spent longer at our table on our trips here than any other character meal. There is also a dinner character meal available here that has the evil stepmother, ugly stepsisters, Cinderella and Prince Charming.

3. Akershus Princess Storybook Lunch (Cost $41.53 (10 and up) $24.49 (9-3))


Located within the Norway pavilion in Epcot, this is quickly becoming one of the most popular character meals, as it is seen as a great alternative to the ever coveted Cinderella's Royal Table meals. The princesses are all in attendance here and the restaurant has princess character meals all day long for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel in her ballgown, Mulan and even Mary Poppins can frequently be found here and Cinderella has been in attendance each time we have been as well.

The appetizers here are found on the cold bar with meats, cheeses, breads and more. The main entrees are all Norwegian dishes, but there are plenty of choices to meet your needs. Dessert is a trio of three Norwegian delicacies served family style, but you can ask for more to be brought out. The best part of the meals here is that the price includes a professional picture package that is taken with a princess as you walk into the restaurant. The chosen princess has been Belle each time we have gone and the pictures are always a wonderful keepsake.

Is your favorite Disney World character meal not listed above, feel free to share it in the comments below!