Interactive dining at Walt Disney World

December 26, 10:40 PMOrlando Theme Parks ExaminerBarbara Nefer

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Character meals are popular at Walt Disney World because they give an opportunity to get photos with Mickey and friends, the Winnie the Pooh characters, or even the princesses without waiting in line. As a bonus, your family can enjoy a leisurely meal.

Dinner shows like the Hoop-De-Doo Revue and Spirit of Aloha are also big hits with many guests. But these aren't the only opportunities for mealtime fun at the Disney World resort. Two popular restaurants offer interactive meals that draw dinners into the middle of the fun.

'50 Prime Time Cafe at Disney Hollywood Studio

If you were a kid during the 1950s or '60s, you'll feel right at home at the '50s Prime Time Diner, located in Disney Hollywood Studio. Even if your only exposure to this time period is "Pleasantville" or classic TV on Nick At Night, you'll still be drawn into the atmosphere from the moment you step into the door. The waiting area looks like a set right out of the "Donna Reed Show," complete with naugahyde chairs and tacky knick-knacks. The tables are something out of Mom's (or Grandma's) kitchen, and strategically-placed black and white TVs play food-related clips from classic shows (including, of course, the "Mickey Mouse Club").

But the best part is the servers, who take on the role of Mom, Sister, Brother, Cousin, Aunt or Uncle. Don't put your elbows on the table or you're likely to receive a reprimand. If you don't each your veggies, you might be forced to "play airplane" with a heaping spoonful of green beans.

The menu is heavy on comfort foods like chicken noodle soup and hearty pot roast, and the S'mores dessert is to die for. To view it, visit allears.net/menu/menu_ptc.htm

Because '50s Prime Time is located inside the Disney Hollywood Studio theme park, you'll need an admission ticket to dine there. You can make advance reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE, or check for same-day availability at Guest Relations. This restaurant serves both lunch and dinner.

Whispering Canyon Cafe

If you don't want to use up a day's admission, mosey on over to the Wilderness Lodge for lunch or dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. You can a bus from any of the parks or a boat from the Magic Kingdom.

Servers at Whispering Canyon take on roles like the sheriff or school marm and have a lot of fun with their personas. Don't be surprised if you find yourself in the middle of a spontaneous stick horse race through the restaurant or similar antics, and don't count on a quiet meal because the goings-on can get quite boisterous.

If you've worked up a big appetite, or if you have a family of hearty eaters, all-you-can-eat skillets are available. There are plenty of ala carte items too. The lunch menu can be found at allears.net/menu/menu_wcl.htm and the dinner menu is at allears.net/menu/menu_wc.htm

You can make advance reservations at 407-WDW-DINE or through your Disney hotel's concierge or the Guest Relations office at any of the theme parks.

Warning: Your experience may vary at either of these restaurants, depending on the crowd level and your particular server's level of enthusiasm. Also, if you're shy and don't like being the center of attention, you should probably skip these places.

But if you're flexible and up for some Disney-style fun, '50s Prime Time Cafe and Whispering Canyon Cafe can offer a fun getaway.

Click here to read about character meals at Disney, and click here to read about dining with Shamu at SeaWorld. Information on character meals at Universal can be found by clicking here. 

Photos: Walt Disney World