Are you ready to embark on a magical culinary adventure at Disney World? Look no further than Storybook Dining at Artist Point, a character dining experience themed to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Though it’s a popular spot, it comes with a high price tag and a prix-fixe menu, so let’s dive into my review and whether it’s worth the price tag.
Overview of Storybook Dining Experience at Disney World
Storybook Dining is located in the heart of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, at the rustic and charming Artist Point restaurant. The restaurant perfectly complements the fairy tale theme, with its cozy and inviting atmosphere set in an Enchanted Forest.
The restaurant can be found just past the grand lobby, to the left, right after the entrance to Territory Lounge. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll notice towering trees with sparkling lights and twinkling lanterns. The warm and cozy ambience creates an intimate and magical environment that enhances the overall dining experience.
Though it is not reachable by monorail or skyliner, you can get to the resort by water taxi, bus, or car. If you drive and are not staying at the resort, I strongly suggest you make an advance dining reservation—Disney may reserve the parking lot for resort guests on busy days.
Characters and Interactions at Storybook Dining
One of the highlights of Storybook Dining is the opportunity to meet and interact with some of Disney’s most iconic characters. Throughout your meal, you’ll be visited by Snow White herself, as well as Dopey, Grumpy, and even The Queen.
As the characters make their way to each table, you’ll have the chance to engage in lively conversation, take photos, and even receive autographs. I found the interactions to feel personal and engaging, especially Snow White, who spent extra time with each of my daughters.
What makes Storybook Dining unique is that it’s less of a character dining encounter and more of an experience. The lights in the tree canopy twinkle and music and sounds come from speakers before Snow White, the dwarfs, and the Queen dance and make their way around the restaurant. They then individually visit each table, resulting in frequent interactions. You can also head to the center of the restaurant for a Photopass opportunity with The Queen. It felt lively, and I was impressed by the show, especially considering the classic characters.
How to Make a Reservation at Storybook Dining
Storybook Dining is unsurprisingly very popular, and dining reservations are often hard to come by. The best way to snag one is by using your My Disney Experience App. Having the app is a necessity for visiting Disney World in the modern era, so make sure it’s downloaded before your tip. When you’re ready, search for the restaurant in the app and find your preferred date and time. Remember you can book 60 days, plus the length of your stay, in advance of your visit. If you can’t score a reservation then, simply keep periodically checking during the weeks before your trip. A surprising amount of time slots become available in the days before your trip.
If you have the option, try to book either during the off season (which debatably may not exist anymore), or during a weekday. Give yourself a little padding after this one, as the meal lasts at least an hour.
By following these tips and having a bit of flexibility, you’ll maximize your chances of securing a reservation for Storybook Dining at Disney World.
The Menu and Dining Experience
At Storybook Dining, the menu is inspired by classic fairy tales, bringing beloved characters to life through food. Each dish is carefully crafted to delight the senses and transport you into a world of enchantment—but results may vary.
Before discussing the food, we must acknowledge the price. The meal costs $65 per adult and $39 per child (aged 3+), plus a tip. That is a lot of money for one meal! That said it is a three course meal, consisting of a set trio of appetizers and deserts, and a few options you can self-select for your entree.
For my drink I had the Enchanted Apple, which consists of SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka, DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple Liqueur, White Cranberry Juice. Like many Disney World beverages, it bordered on overly sweet, but I grew on me and I enjoyed it.
In keeping with the theme, the meal is accordingly divided into three parts: “And so the Story Begins..” (appetizers), “The Core of the Story” (entrees), and “Sweet Endings” (desserts).
The appetizer includes Wild Mushroom Bisque, Hunter’s Pie, and a Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. This was probably my favorite part of the meal, especially the bisque.
For my entree, I selected the Brother’s Grimm Herb Chicken, which was fine, but nothing to write home about. The flavoring of the breading on the chicken was distinct, perhaps slightly overdone, but it did the trick. Though the portion was generous, it may not be enough to justify the cost—but keep in mind the food is only part of the fun here, and the other entrees could be more impressive.
The dessert includes Milner’s Treasures (cookies ‘n cream, panna cotta, chocolate gems), Fairy Tale Gooseberry Tart, and a Poison Apple (dark chocolate apple mouse with a sour center). I throughly enjoyed each of the desserts, which were served on a three-tiered lead-shaped plate, which only buttressed the immersive theming. It was a nice bookend to the meal, in my opinion.
A Word About Allergy Options
If you or your children have allergies you may miss out on the coolest part of the meal, which is the Hunter’s Gift to the Queen, a smoke-filled wooden treasure box with treats that is presented at the conclusion of the meal.
This may be specific to my experience with the Cast Member who served us, but the meal was significantly changed after we indicated that my daughter has a particular food allergy. The Cast Member expressed concern, returned and told us that several items would not be served due to a potential risk of cross contamination. I get it, and I usually appreciate erring on the side of caution. Disney is great about accommodations, which is one of the reasons we vacation there so often—it’s easy with kids.
But usually a Cast Member talks with us about the allergy and the severity and what is feasible. Because we indicated the allergy when making the advance dining reservation, the Cast Member decided that the menu would be changed without room for discussion. This impacted us in two ways; because my daughter was sharing the meal with my wife—who does not have allergies—her appetizer was changed, as well as her dessert. When we tried ordering separate sides for my kid, we were told we couldn’t, and we obliged.
Lastly, as mentioned above, because of the allergy, the entire table could not get the treasure chest with snacks—even if it would only be enjoyed by my wife and me. When J asked whether we could have it, something included in our meal, the Cast Member said it wasn’t possible because the treats in the box could be cross contaminated with an allergen. I know, I know—I am complaining about getting sweets at a Disney World meal. But we were excited about the full experience, especially considering the cost.
Overall, I enjoyed the imaginative menu, presentation, and unique dining experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Storybook Dining at Disney World is a must-visit experience for both kids and adults alike, even if you only do it once. From the enchanting atmosphere to the delectable dishes inspired by a beloved Disney film, this dining experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Disney, tucked away into one of Disney’s best resorts. Just be sure to keep in mind that due to nature of the preset meal, it could be significantly altered if you or someone in your party has some food allergies.
Here are my handy tips for deciding whether you should try Storybook Dining:
Should You Go? Storybook Dining should be top of your list if:
- You can easily reach Wilderness Lodge, whether you are staying there or can get there by boat or bus.
- You want a truly unique setting, themed to a classic Disney Princess story
- You are seeking distinct food options and a character dining experience that is akin to a performance.
Should You Skip it?
- You want a unique meal for a cheaper price—Sanaa, Whispering Canyon (also at Wilderness Lodge), or even Skipper Canteen (at Magic Kingdom), provide cheaper options.
- You’re traveling with younger kids—sure, Snow White is a classic, but kids tend to prefer a meal with the Sensational Six, like Topolino’s Terrace, Chef Mickey’s, or Tusker House.
- You aren’t staying close by and/or don’t have the time—Wilderness Lodge, though close to the Magic Kingdom, isn’t the most accessible resort, and the meal itself is a long experience. If you’re in a hurry or don’t have a half day to dedicate to the experience (preparing for the day, travel, the meal, and return travel), it’s likely not the best option.
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