Updated: Mickey no longer table-side at Chef Mickey's Buffet

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Sep 17, 2010 | Updated: Oct 19, 2014 - 9:25:27 AM

According to a thread on the DISboards, a major change has taken place at Chef Mickey's Buffet in Walt Disney World. This restaurant in the Contemporary Resort is one of the resort's most popular for several reasons - it's within walking distance to the Magic Kingdom, the monorail rushes by overhead while you dine, and the "Fab Five" Disney characters come greet you at your table. Well, not anymore. Mickey Mouse will no longer be greeting guests table-side. Instead, Mickey will pose for pictures near the front of the restaurant in the area that formerly held a photo op featuring a large plate and statue of Mickey. Your picture will be taken with Mickey and will be available for sale at the inflated Disney price of $29.95. Posters on the thread said they were able to give their own cameras to a cast member to use, thus saving themselves the $29.95 cost of the photo.

Posters seem to have mixed feelings about the change. Most are upset that their kids won't be able to have the table-side interaction with Mickey, but some are looking on the bright side and thinking that they will enjoy getting a nice picture of their family with just Mickey and no background of dirty plates and neighboring tables.

The other characters, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto will still visit and interact with guests at their tables. Only time will tell if this new change is permanent or just a test program.

Update 9/18/10 at 5:00 pm: A poster on the DISboards says she spoke with a manager and this is just a test that will be in place until October 3. We will continue to monitor this and update with any details.