Minnie's Menehune Breakfast

Character breakfasts, or character dining experiences for that matter, may not have been incorporated into Walt Disney World in 1971 when the Vacation Kingdom opened, but they have become a staple of vacation experience. The uniqueness of the early character breakfasts were enough to bring in families by the truckload, but Minnie’s Menehune Breakfast was a favorite.The meal, which took place in the Polynesian’s Papeete Bay Veranda, included the quintessential Disney characters dressed and ready for a day of South Pacific sun and fun. From Hawaiian shirts and atmosphere found only within the borders of the Polynesian Resort, to the food and take-aways like buttons and certificates, this was a one of a kind experience just across the Seven Seas Lagoon.

The Papeete Bay Veranda has become ‘Ohana, and characters have invaded breakfasts, lunches, and dinners property wide. But the spirit of the Minnie’s Menehune Breakfast lives on with the hang-ten duo from Hawaii, Lilo and Stitch. While a few less character meals could return restaurants’ ambiance to their original intent, well placed character interactions, including princesses in Cinderella Castle, Lilo and Stitch in the Polynesian, and Playhouse Disney personalities in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to name a few, will always be a draw to guests and add to the experience. Not to mention a character meal kills two birds with one stone by being able to grab some food while being able to photograph characters and obtain their autographs.