I've done pricey character dining at Disney World and Universal. Disney has higher quality food, but Universal has better theming.

Jenna ClarkJan 13, 2024, 01:05 IST

I've done character dining at Disney World and Universal.Jenna Clark

I regularly go to Disney World and Universal and book pricey character-dining meals.
In my opinion, Disney's buffets often have options to suit a more refined palate.

As a frequent theme-park guest, I've been fortunate enough to try character-dining experiences at both Disney World and Universal in Orlando, Florida.

Although I enjoy both, I find Disney's to be better suited for adults and Universal's superior for overall experience.

For the sake of this piece, I compared popular seasonal character-dining experiences I've had at Minnie's Halloween Dine in Disney World and The Grinch & Friends in Universal.

I made a lunch reservation for Minnie's Halloween Dine at Disney's Hollywood & Vine.

Minnie's Halloween Dine is a seasonal offering at Hollywood Studios.Jenna Clark

I also made a breakfast reservation for The Grinch & Friends at Universal Orlando.

The holiday character dining takes place in Universal's Islands of Adventure.Jenna Clark

At Disney World, the buffets tend to have more elevated food options.

I was surprised by the food options available at Disney World.Jenna Clark

The offerings at Universal were tasty, but I think they were simple and better suited for children.

Most kids wouldn't have a problem finding something at Universal's buffet.Jenna Clark

The dessert section at Disney didn't blow me away.

I was underwhelmed by the dessert buffet.Jenna Clark

Universal knocked it out of the park with its dessert section.

Universal's desserts were on theme and tasty.Jenna Clark

The characters at Disney's meal wore cute costumes, but the restaurant could've used a bit more decorating.

I didn't really get much of a Halloween vibe from the restaurant decor.Jenna Clark

The restaurant at Universal was decked out for the holidays, which I appreciated.

I loved all the trees, ornaments, and strings of garland around the restaurant.Jenna Clark

As an adult who likes to interact with characters, I had a stellar time at both restaurants.

The Whos from Whoville were entertaining.Jenna Clark

I think Disney's character-dining experiences have tastier food, but Universal has better theming overall.

I love the food offerings at Disney buffets.Jenna Clark

I've been visiting Disneyland since I was a child, but discovered a hidden gem on TikTok. I left with a keepsake I'll treasure for years.

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