January 11, 2021

Here's what Disney's character dining looks like during COVID

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If you haven't experienced character dining at Disney, were you even there at all?

But character dining - as with most things during the global pandemic - looks different these days. Walt Disney World's popular Chef Mickey breakfast at the Contemporary Hotel made its post-pandemic debut just before the holidays.

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What's the same: Mickey and Minnie, along with several friends, dancing and parading around the dining room. Plenty of Mickey waffles to go around. Excited kids and photo-snapping parents. You can eat as much as you like.

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Disney Parks
New menu items at Chef Mickey's.

What's different: Instead of a buffet, the food is served at the table, family style. No more hugging the characters or getting close up for photos - guests must social distance. Instead of high fives, virtual fist bumps.

Disney Parks
New menu items at Chef Mickey's.

There's also a few new menu items in addition to the classics.

Disney Parks
New menu items at Chef Mickey's.

What's on the menu: Mickey’s Celebration Pancake, featuring whipped cream and sprinkles; Loaded Potato-Cheese Casserole topped with smoked bacon crumbles and chives; and Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast - banana bread baked in orange-scented French toast batter, topped with espresso-mascarpone cream, toasted bananas and chocolate crumbles.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News.