So you are probably saying to yourself, "I have done a character meal already, why should I do another?" Well, we have done quite a few character meals in our trips to the Walt Disney World Resort, but the Storybook Dining at Artist Point is so different and well worth the price. Here are 6 reasons we think this is a must-do!
Reason #1 – Beautiful Location
The Artist Point restaurant is nestled within Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The location is breathtaking both inside and out. Only a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom, the Wilderness Lodge is one of the resort’s deluxe hotels. Its atmosphere harkens back to the rustic majesty of the Great Northwest and National Park lodges. The log cabin architecture, towering totem poles and majestic fireplace provide a warm turn-of-the century feel. Outside the hotel the nature trails continue the theme of rustic elegance in times past. Dining at Artist Point gives you an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of this deluxe resort and perhaps help you decide if this would be your next Disney vacation home away from home.
Reason #2 – Hard to Meet Characters
We always enjoy character meet and greets. What drew us to this dining experience was not only meeting Snow White, but to get to meet some hard to find characters like Dopey, Grumpy and even the Evil Queen (we'll get to her later).
The characters appear staggered throughout the meal and spend a good amount of time at every table. We had a wonderful table location and had quite a bit of fun with Grumpy – he just became a family favorite! The rustic dining setting makes you feel as if you were in the Enchanted Forest from the Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! The lighting and beautiful table décor enhanced the experience. Snow, Dopey and Grumpy all sign autographs and take pictures at your table. Mid-way through the dining experience there is also a parade through the restaurant for more time with the characters.
Reason #3 – Delicious Themed Food
We found the food at this dining experience to be so well-themed and absolutely delicious! You start off with creative and fun cocktails (and mocktails). We had the Transformation Potion, a mixture of Odwalla Lemonade and a magical Blue Potion, which was a great way to start the meal and a fun surprise. For the adults the beverage menu included a variety of beers in bottles or on draft, and highly rated wines from Oregon and Washington State.
Similar to other character dining, we were offered a choice of individual plated entrées and shared starters and desserts. What makes this experience different is that the storybook theme is very present in these offerings. We shared three appetizers — Hunter’s Terrine, Mushroom Bisque and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. They are placed on the center of the table in what appears to be an old, sparkling tree.
The entrée prix fixe menu offers the choice of Royal Prime Rib Roast, Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken, Magic Mirror Slow-braised Pork Shank, Beef Stew and Bashful’s Butter Poached Sustainable Fish or A Stroll Through Nature — featuring asparagus, leeks, arugula and gnocchi. The children’s menu choices include Royal Prime Rib Roast, Grilled Chicken, Princess Pasta and Vegetarian Steam Bun.
Reason #4 – Desserts to "Die" For
Continuing to carry the theme forward, our desserts were to die for! We were treated to the “Poison” Apple, a dark chocolate-apple mousse, the Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie, and the Miner’s Treasures, a sponge cake with chocolate gems and berry panna cotta. Our server then came back to the table with The Hunters Gift to Queen, a crackled maple popcorn with a ganache heart.
Reason #5 – Invitation to Meet the Evil Queen
As we were preparing to feast on our desserts, an invitation to meet the Evil Queen was delivered to our table.
We took our invitation and stood in line to meet with herself. That experience alone was worth it! The Evil Queen was totally in character, dismissing us at first and then signing an autograph and posing for pictures. She even let us take pictures of her alone, which if you know us, we love character shots! It is not often you can meet with Evil Queen, let alone have some pictures with her. This was definitely the icing on top of the cake for us!
Reason #6 – The Cost
Character dining generally runs from $35.00 to $59.99 per adult. This unique dining experience is one Disney Dining Plan Table Service Entitlement per guest for the Disney Dining Plan, which given the food, atmosphere and character interactions, we think it is well worth it!
So there you have it. Our 6 reasons why Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is a must-do!
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