Once Upon a Time there was a… STORYBOOK DINING REVIEW!
By: Maggie Ballantyne, Travel Advisor
June 12, 2025
Since Storybook Dining at Artist Point opened its restaurant doors in 2018, I’ve read so many mixed reviews about this character dining experience. If you have been following along with me for a while you know that only means one thing: I need to go check it out for myself! Honestly, my recent experience was great! Did I love everything? No. Did I love enough that I would come back? Yes. Here’s a recap:
“And So The Story Begins” Shared Appetizers:
Smoky Mushroom Bisque
Hunter's Harvest (Turkey and Chicken)
Wicked Shrimp Cocktail (Bloody Mary Vinaigrette, Seaweed Salad)
I loved the shrimp cocktail with seaweed salad, but I did not love the soup. (I actually don’t like most soup, so I am probably not the best judge of this.) My server noticed what I loved and brought me extra shrimp and salad to enjoy while I waited for my entree! This is the perfect example of Disney customer service going the extra mile without you having to ask.
“Core of the Story” Entree
I chose the Magic Mirror's Slow-braised Pork Shank: Polenta, Spinach, Red Wine Demi, Gastrique
This entrée was delicious! My waitress said it was one of the most popular items on the menu and it certainly did not disappoint.
“Sweet Endings” Desserts
This trio of desserts was almost too cute to eat!
Miner’s Treasures: Cookies and Cream Panna Cotta, Chocolate Gems
Fairy Tale Gooseberry Tart
“Poison” Apple: Dark Chocolate-Apple Mousse, Sour Center (I thought I was going to like this and did not)
Miner’s Treasures was hands down my favorite. I have not had a dessert like this anywhere else on property and I really enjoyed it. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the Gooseberry Tart. I was surprised I did not like the Poison Apple, and I thought this was going to be my favorite. But really enjoying two out of the three options is good enough for me!
Character Interactions and Photo Ops:
Interactions with Dopey, Grumpy and Snow White were great. Each one came by my table for photos multiple times, danced through the restaurant, and overall, kept everyone in the dining room very entertained. While you are enjoying the character interactions and your storybook meal, there will be a PLOT TWIST like in any classic Disney fairytale: the Evil Queen arrives!
You are only allowed to take a photo with the Queen once you are invited by her to do so. This invitation is done so elaborately, dramatically, and beautifully! Your invitation will be presented to you in the Queen’s heart box and your invitation will be accompanied by a delicious chocolate heart.
The interaction with the Evil Queen is one of the best on the Walt Disney World property. Her majesty does not break character and is fully committed to her bit as all characters are, but she really goes above and beyond. She is witty, chatty, and will take tons of photos with you. Overall, she makes sure every guest gets a significant amount of time with her!
Each guest leaves this dinner with a photo/autograph card as a souvenir.
I genuinely had a great time at this meal. I went in with minimal expectations and an open mind. I left with a full heart, a full stomach, more Disney memories, and some fun photos. I really enjoyed most of the food, the service was excellent, and the character interactions were memorable. I will be back to dine here again!
If you would like to learn more about traveling to Disney, dining on property with characters, and more, please follow along at www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie . If you are ready to get your next magical vacation on the books, please reach out to me at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com . My services are complimentary!
