If you're heading to Disney World, it's almost required that you get your photo taken with Mickey at some point.

One way (although not the only way) to do this is to book a character meal where he'll be there. Not only do you get to spend your time sitting and eating as opposed to standing in line, but you get to meet 3 or 4 more characters at the same time, as opposed to having to run around to find them somewhere else and, yes, wait in line again.

Here are five different options for dining with Mickey and his friends:

1) Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort

This is probably the most popular option, although it is somewhat controversial. Some people can't stand the noise and chaos here, and I've heard from multiple people that dinner is downright bad. 

We had breakfast here and I would say the food and atmophere is like a Shoney's breakfast bar, if Shoney's had Disney characters and a monorail running through it. I'm glad we went, but I doubt we'll go again ... at least not until I have grandkids.

Mickey is joined by Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, and they are all wearing chef's attire.

For more details and photos, read my full Chef Mickey review.

2) Tusker House in Animal Kingdom 

This is considered by many to be the smarter alternative to Chef Mickey's. We had both breakfast and lunch here and thought the food was fantastic, especially for breakfast. The bread pudding and jungle juice alone made it amazing. 

In addition to better and more varied food, the theming of an African Harambe market is more interesting and detailed than the atmosphere at Chef Mickey's.

Mickey is joined by Daisy, Donald, and Goofy, and they are all wearing safari outfits.

For more details and photos, read my full Tusker House review.

3) Garden Grill in Epcot 

Garden Grill is another quieter option, especially if you're like me and love Chip and Dale. 

Unlike Chef Mickey's and the Tusker House (which are both buffets), Garden Grill is "family style," which means they bring a selection of food to you, and will bring you more of anything if you ask for it.

We had dinner here and I thought the food was fine, but nothing special. The atmosphere, however is quite nice. The restaurant rotates over the Living With the Land attraction. Not only do you get to see interesting -- and changing -- views, but since you're sitting along the outside of a circle, there's a definite sense of privacy that you don't get at other character meals.

Mickey is joined by Pluto and Chip & Dale. While Pluto and Chip & Dale can get away with being naked, Mickey is dressed in farmer-style overalls.

4) Ohana Breakfast in the Polynesian Resort

This is a basic breakfast buffet at the beautiful Polynesian resort. Like Chef Mickey's, it's on the monorail line, which makes it easy to grab an early breakfast and knock "seeing Disney characters" off your to-do list before you head into the Magic Kingdom.

Micky is joined by Pluto and Lilo & Stitch, wearing Hawaiian outfits.

I've never been to Ohana for breakfast (the only time they have characters), but you can read my Ohana dinner review. 

5) Minnie's Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios

This is an interesting character meal in that the theme and outfits change depending on the season. For example, in the summer it is beach-themed, and in the winter it is holiday-themed.

The menu includes pumpkin ravioli, buffalo chicken,  salmon, and lobster and shrimp macaroni & cheese.

It is only available for lunch and dinner, and it is, I believe, the most expensive option on this list.

Mickey is joined by Minnie (of course), plus Donald, Daisy, and Goofy.

I hope this has been helpful and that you're all ready to meet Mickey Mouse!

One last thing -- you can also check out my article about character meet and greet tips. It includes where to meet almost everybody, autograph book ideas, and what to say to Disney characters.