Has Anyone Eaten with the Characters at DisneyWorld???

I would highly advise getting the meal plan at WDW. They have plans where you can get 2-3 meals a day and you can eat at the character breakfasts too. It's a much better value than paying for meals out of pocket.
I have been to Crystal Palace (Winnie & Friends) Ohannas' (Which is a sitdown family style at the Polynesian and has Lilo and Stitch), 1600 Park Fare which has Marry Poppins and Alice and is buffet style and Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary which is also a buffet with Mickey and Friends. We are going to Cinderella's Royal Table with the Princesses this year. All of these are great and you get to take pics with the characters. You can now book 90 days out which you should. All of these go fast. Two websites you can visit for info are disney.com or disboards.com where you can read others reviews.

We have gone to the character breakfasts twice at Disneyland. Each time was worth it. I DID NOT want to spend the money..."just for breakfast" but my kids loved the characters and it made the trip for them. Fast forward many years, my kids are all teenagers now, and they still laugh about going to the character breakfasts and seeing their dad "dance" with all the characters. (They did a line dance and called all the dads to participate.)

Hi miranda,
My name is K. and I used to work at disneyworld in florida before moving to wisconsin...I was actually a character as well. I would recommend the princess breakfast at the magic kingdom castle. You get more time with the princesses as there are not as many seats available so the princesses have more time with each table. As well as you get the experience of eating in the princess castle.
If you want an afordable character meal but don't mind no princesses Chef Mickeys at the contemporary resort is the best you get kid friendly foods and get to see the basic characters mickey minnie donald daisy chip dale and goofy. But all character meals are an awesome thing to do with kids they just light up at the thought of the characters coming to them and hugging or kissing them as well as you don't have to wat in a line to get pics with each character...
Well hope I was of some help...

I go to Disney 2 times a year so if you can tell me which character meals your looking at, I can give you details on it. Most character meals do book really fast but there are a few that you need to book right at 180 days at 7am to even get a spot.

K.

We ate with the Princesses one morning we were at Disney. We actually did it at Epcot, they have a breakfast and it includes ALL of the princesses so you don't have to go to a different breakfast each morning to see them all. It was in one of the countries. It was about $30 or more each, but well worth it. They had Belle standing at the door who took a professional picture with each child/family as a keepsake.

I believe we booked a few months in advance, I think you can look online, but check all the parks not just Magic Kingdom, they have them all over the place. I say do it, when is the next time you will be there! Have fun!!!

we went to disney in 2008 and did a character meal every day. the kids were 5,6 and 7 and they had a blast. they were able to have pictures taken with the chacters and were able to dance around the room with them too. we really enjoyed the tusker house in the animal kingdom for the breakfast!!!

Miranda,
I will concur with those who say it's worth it regardless of the price! My whole extended family (mom, dad, sis, bro-in-law, niece (2), hubby, and our girls (5 and 3) had breakfast at Akerhus in Epcot.

My dad was extremely skeptical, but he even thought it was fun. I thought the food was fairly poor, but that wasn't the point. The one-on-one with the princesses was perfect for the little girls. Our girls did not wear costumes, but rather dressed in matching dresses for the photos.

We were there last July 4! One of their busiest days and it would have been impossible (or tiresome) to wait in those princess lines. We enjoyed the experience so much, we did another meal, too! (There are sometimes openings if you can come at specific times...)

We will do it every time we go to DisneyWorld. It is corny and the food is mediocre, but it is still touching and great fun for little kids! (And some big ones, too!)

We have been to Disney World 6 times and always do the character dining. We do the dining plan which makes it more affordable. Our daughter was one when she first went and she just loved it even at that age. We did Akerhaus in Norway at Epcot for the princess breakfast and you got a couple of photos to take with you and got to see lots of different princesses. Our favorite character meal is at The Beach Club for breakfast at Cape May with Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Mickey all dressed in swimsuits. Best food, quiet, lots of time with characters. Our second favorite was at Animal Kingdom at the Tusker House. Huge variety of food for both lunch/breakfast if you do late morning. Not as much time with the characters & busier but still well worth it. I couldn't imagine going to Disney without dining with the characters as it is so much a part of the experience for all of us!!

Hi Miranda,
for my dtr's 5th bday we went to the Princess' castle for lunch. Just an FYI - you have to make the reservations at least 3-4 months in advance - I forget when you can actually call ahead (they only allow so many days ahead) but they were literally booked SOLID during our entire week except for one availablility (on our last day there). So, keep that in mind.

My daughter LOVED being in the castle and loved meeting all the princesses. I did think it was worth the money. The food is great and the girls are treated like a princess! They provide a wishing star to the girls too. It was the cutest thing to see all of them wishing . . . The princesses do make their rounds a bit on the quick side but it could be because there are quite a few to go around. There are not a ton of tables in the castle so, I'd say that it is really the only place where they can chat with you longer b/c of the small numbers of people - maybe 75 to a room?? One thing I did notice - my dtr was SO excited she hardly ate. My dtr even wore her Cinderella dress to the castle so that she felt just like the rest of them. When they enter, they immediately take a picture with Cinderella and have a "free" 5x7 in a cardboard matting for you by the end of the meal. My dtr even thought it was a perk to go potty in the "royal bathroom" - I think the decorative wallpaper even wow'd her. Ha! We knew it was a one time thing and that she was the perfect age to do it. Another thing that I suggest - soon after our meal we went to the Storytime with Belle area. That was so awesome! I'm not sure if they picked my dtr out b/c of her being a bit more noticeable with the Cinderella dress on or not but, she was able to act out some scenes with Belle. She thought it was pretty cool to have her first "acting" experience be on stage with Belle. She didn't have to say anything - mainly just wear a cardboard cut-out but she was in la-la land. Whatever you do at Disney - they are sure to make your dreams come true. That is their goal!!! Have a blast!

Hi Miranda,

My husband and I just took our two kids to Disney World in March. I would definitely try to book a meal at Cinderella's castle. We did and the kids loved it. When you arrive for your reservations you will have a family picture with Cinderella and then while you are dining four other characters come to each table. I don't know if they are the same every time but we were able to meet Snow White, Jasmine, Mary Poppins and Princess Aurora(Sleeping Beauty).

The pictures that are taken with Cinderella come with your reservations. You get 1 8X10, 4 - 31/2 X 5's and an 8X10 of the Castle. I hope that you have a safe trip.

T.

Miranda,
I did this awhile back with all of my sister's kids and they loved it. I'm pretty sure we did breakfast at Chef Mickey's. I can't remember the food, so it must not have been horrible. I do remember that the characters (all the classic ones) came by the table many different times, and there were plenty of opportunities for the kids to take pics with them and what not. I think the kids really liked it and my sis was glad she did it.
Amy K

We did do one character meal. A buffet meal and I don't even remember which characters (it's been over 10 years now). I have boys and we spent A LOT of time getting character signatures (they each had an autograph book and loved meeting the characters up close). We did not see many of the princess type characters at these though, so it's probably worth it for you to do one. Check the schedule for character appearances - many of them do them in out of the way places so the crowds aren't real big.

Ate dinner at Cinderella's castle and got rushed through the picture line like a herd of cattle. Really got to spend no time at all talking to Cinderella other than a couple seconds before they snapped a picture. Plus it cost 2 dinner credits on the dining plan. Ate dinner at the Grand Floridian and got to spend MUCH more time with Cinderella there, as well the the stepsisters, stepmother, and Prince Charming (which she loved!) and only was one dining credit. If you're going for value, the Grand Floridian was a better deal in my opinion.

We went to Disney 2 years ago. We did not know you had to book the meals 6 months in advance, but by the grace of God there was a cancellation and we got to eat at the castle with Cinderella. The only time we saw Cinderella was before we went in. People who were dining got to have private photos taken with her before going up to eat. During the meal we met the mice, the fairy godmother, and Minnie. They came around to each of the tables for about 2 minutes each. My girls loved it, but it wasn't what I was expecting - I was looking for more time with the characters. However, if you ask my kids what was their favorite part of the trip, this definitely gets mentioned. They also really liked the playground at "Honey I Shrunk the Kids". They also liked "The Little Mermaid" show and the ride inside the golfball at Epcot. I don't know if this helps you out at all, but that was our experience. Enjoy your trip!!

Miranda - we did this many years ago when our children were younger 5 and 8. We loved it! I would highly recommend it. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, the kids or the parents. We have lots of wonderful memories from these trips and the breakfast with the characters is definitely a highlight.

Yes, they are terribly expensive but at the time, they were worth it!

Enjoy,

We took my son when he was four to Disney World and we booked a breakfast with Winnie the Pooh. He is now 11, but I still have the best memory from our trip there when we were waiting to get in for our table time and Aaron saw Piglet through the window. He started banging on the window and yelling "Piglet, it's me Aaron!" Cutest thing ever! So worth it. We only booked our reservation about 3 weeks ahead of time, but it was only for 3 people so it may be harder if you are planning on a larger group.

Sorry--didn't get a chance to read the others, so this might be a repeat. We've done the princess at Epcot and Chef Mickey's and love getting to do them. We're the same way--normally don't eat out but think of this as our little splurge. It is nice to see all the characters. Another option on the princesses is seeing how late they are back in Toon Town at Magic Kingdom (at the Hall of Fame) We were there in April and went around 11:30 because they were still open and walked right in to the princesses and the fairies (Tinkerbell).

No matter what, you'll have a blast!! Enjoy it!

We went to a character dinner when our kids were 3 and 5 and it was totally worth the price. We went to the one at Liberty Hall and the characters were dressed in Revolutionary war-time costumes. The dinner was expensive but was excellent. Salads and breads, then chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit and corn on the cob, then big desserts and all the pop, juice or milk you wanted. There were many characters so our dinner was "interrupted" every five minutes. We got lots of pictures and hugs and the kids absolutely loved it. One other tip, look into getting a "fast pass" ahead of time. It's free. Each ride has a fast pass line that you come to at a certain time and you breeze by everyone else at the normal line. It sounds like you'd have to schedule where you'll be when but we just went to the rides and looked and if the fast pass time was 10 or 15 minutes away we just went to another close by and returned, passing 50 other people to get on. It's great - a travel agent or someone at disney, maybe the website can explain it better. Our friend tipped us off and it SAVED us from tons of waiting!

At Christmas we just went to Disneyland and did the whole character breakfast. We only reserved a month in advance and it was ok. They give you times to choose from. We decided to go with the buffet breakfast, it was much easier with the younger ones (11,9,3). The characters spent quite a lot of time at our table. They also did a couple of performances, which they invited all of the kids to do along with them. The kids had such a wonderful time!! We took so many pictures and we enjoyed ourselves as well. I would do it again in a heart beat!! I highly recommend it.

Hi- We have taken our kids to DisneyWorld twice- both times we have done character dinners. They are well worth the money. I am saying that with having the cheapest husband alive. You get a ton of food- and the characters come up to your table one by one.
We have done the one at Cinderallas castle- and the one at Epcot in Norway- both were fabolous. We booked less then 6 wks out for both. We have also done a Mickeys dinner- that was also very good! Kids of all ages love it!
Have lots of fun!

We went to WDW this past January w/ our 3 kids, 2 girls who were almost 3 and 5.5 at the time and our baby boy was almost 1. We got the dining plan and scheduled our character meals 6 months in advance. We ate at Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom and dined w/ Pooh and friends...it was very cute, the kids had fun and the food (buffet-style) was great. We also ate at the Contemporary Resort at Chef Mickey's...we loved this! Great food, great character interaction (Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy) and everyone was so friendly. The girls hugged all their fave characters and got their pictures taken. We didn't do a Princess meal but my oldest daughter did get a make-over at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and she loved it, if your DD is a princess buff she will love this. Make your reservations a few months in advance since they book up early too.
Have a great time! We did, although it was tough w/ 3 kids under age 6, it was worth it.:)

DO IT!!!! Look at it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. It will be worth every penny for you to watch the expressions on her face! My sister in law and I took our girls (3 and 4 1/2 at the time) to Disney on Ice and we splurged on front row seats (very out of character for both of us). We (the adults!) were almost in tears (of happiness) watching the girls' reactions. Worth every last penny!!! Memories for a lifetime. I was lucky to go to Disney a couple times as a child and we did a character meal each time and loved it! Have fun!

It is sooooo worth it! We did it with my 15 mo old, and he loved every moment. The characters each spend a few minutes at each table, and if you're lucky enough with your timing, they'll come by twice.

You'll never forgive yourself if you don't do it. She'll have memories forever. My son, now almost 3 (we were there again for his 2nd birthday last September - yes twice in 9 months) still remembers. At least once a week he asks if he can "go back and see my friend Mickey Mouse in his castle-house."

We just went to DisneyWorld in April and my daughter (who is 5) and I did the dinner at Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom with the Fairy Godmother. We were unable to do the lunch with the princesses as we called too late. You do need to call as early as the first day that you are able and first thing in the morning if you want to dine with all of the princesses. It was absolutely worth it, you don't get a whole lot of time with them but that isn't any different than when you stand in line to get pictures either. The food was amazing and I'm so glad I gave her that experience.

Another thing you might want to do if you go to the Magic Kingdom is schedule an appointment for your daughter at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, we managed to get a walk in but only by chance, you need to schedule in advance. They treat the girls like royalty, each one is assigned their own fairy godmother who does their hair and makeup. We purchased the outfit online at Disney so we didn't have to pay the prices of the costumes there. We picked the smallest package which was $50.00 a little pricey, but they were so wonderful, and if its your first visit and you let them know they make you a pin for your child. My daughter had so much fun that I would do both of them again for her.

Hello,
We love the character meals.They are very pricy but it's all worth it when your childrens faces light up! The characters do not stay at the table for very long..enough time to greet and take a few pictures. The food is usual everyday kind of stuff. Have fun!

I personally didn't think that it was worth the money that it costs when we went. The princesses spend about 5 minutes at each table. We took our neice and she was 3 at the time and she just didn't really get the point. If your daughter is really into the princesses then it might be worth it for a special occasion.

In Feb of 2007, my then 7 yr old daughter and I went to Florida to visit my parents. While were in the Orlando area, we decided to check into eating with the Princesses in Epcot (at the Norwegian restaurant, if I remember correctly) and actually made the reservations for myself, my mom and my daughter to go the day before our brunch. It was well worth it as Aurora (my daughter's fav!) was the Princess at the door that my daughter got her picture taken with. Then throughout our meal other Princesses/characters stopped by to chat, sign her autograph book and take pictures. It made the meal take a little longer, but it is something my daughter will always remember and therefore was worth the price! (And the food was surprisingly VERY good, too, so that is a plus as well!!)

Hi Miranda, We went to Disney World in April. We did one character breakfast (Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort)and I would do it again in a heartbeat. How it worked for us is that you get there at your assigned time and you get to your seat. The food is buffet style so you can go get it as you want. The characters come out of the kitchen area one by one and stop at every single table. They sign autographs, hug, take pictures and move on to the next table. It was a brief amount of time at each table, but it was just perfect and my boys (ages 4 and 7) LOVED it. Even though it is expensive, it was so worth it. We would do it again in a heartbeat. By the way, if mom and dad want to get in on the pictures, they will do that too. They don't just take one picture. If you ask them to pose for more, they will. I know you mentioned trying to save money and so were we. We took the last breakfast time at this buffet, and used it for more of a brunch. Since it was a buffet, it was all you could eat so the kids ate before the characters came out. However, once all the characters had come and gone, then the kids truly ate, all the excitement was over, so they got their appetites back. That was one less meal we had to buy at the parks.

Also, you didn't ask for this but here's another tip. If you go to Epcot, they have a building where there are all of the main characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy), they are there all day long signing autographs. There was a HUGE line all day long also. However, the building closed at 9pm on the night we were there, we went and got in line at 8:50pm. The line was about a tenth of the length that it had been all day and as long as you are in line before closing time, they let you in to meet and greet them.

One last tip...you can take snacks in. We took goldfish, peanut butter crackers, bananas, apples, teddy grahams, PBJ (we stopped at a Wal Mart and bought a loaf of bread, peanut butter and found jelly packets at the parks). It saved us a bunch of money and also a bunch of time (some of those food lines are long).

Hope you have a fantastic time!!!

We did a character breakfast in 2006 when we went to Disneyworld. It is so worth the money you get to see the characeters really up close and personal. You can get pictures of each one and the kids have to much fun. I would splerge and do the breakfast.

Miranda,

If you want to do character meals, I would highly recommend getting the dining plan at Disney World. It's $40 per day for adults and $11 for kids and includes one fast food meal with drink and dessert, one restaurant meal with drink and dessert, and one snack. (You can exchange dessert for fruit.) You do have to stay in a Disney hotel and you do have to buy for every person in your family for every day you are there, but it is still a good deal if you want character meals. (You can stay in Disney Value resorts for about $62-82 a night in January and they offer free airport transportation so you can avoid car rental and parking fees, too.)

You can split meals (accept for the character meals because they are all you can eat family style) and we found the dining plan was more than enough food to cover all we needed to eat for the week. I loved doing character meals because we didn't have to track characters down. We spent our day riding rides and when it was time to eat, they came to us. My kids liked the Akershus princess breakfast at Epcot - they have tons of princesses. The biggest princess meal letdown was Cinderella. We got the very last meal before they doubled the prices (and it costs 2 meals on the dining plan instead of one now.) Cinderella and Fairy Godmother were both noticablly burned out from having to deal with too many "spoiled princesses." Akershus was way better. It's kind of the thing now to let your little girls wear princess outfits around Disney, so you may want to pack yours from home with comfortable walking shoes.

www.allearsnet.com has menus for nearly every Disney restaurant. I am so glad we did the characters when my kids were little. It was about 6 months after we got back from our trip when they realized that the characters weren't real and I am glad I didn't miss that window. Other really fun character meals we enjoyed were...Coral Reef at Epcot - wall is an aquarium and a diver comes and waves to you behind the glass when you are eating. Our absolute favorite was Liberty Tree Tavern at the Magic Kingdom. Best food and fun characters like Mickey, Goofy and Pluto. Our kids still talk about it and it's been 3 1/2 years. We got autograph books on eBay before we left. In fact we got all our souveniers (except pressed pennies) from Walmart and eBay before we left and saved a lot of money. (New Disney PJs, Cinderella Barbie, Buzz Lightyear, Disney fruit snacks, pens, etc.) We also brought glow sticks because everyone wants them for the night parades.

January is a great time to go. We went the end of Jan and needed light jackets, long pants and sleeves, but the weather was great and the lines almost non-existant. www.mousesavers.com is another good website for info. You can request a free planning DVD from Disney. I booked restaurant reservations as soon as I could to make sure we got in, but if you did it within a few months of your trip, you would probably still be okay. But don't wait until the day before to make your decision. If you have more questions or want more ideas, feel free to email me. We are going back in 2010 to Disney after the new Harry Potter theme park opens at Universal Studios and see them both.

Have fun,
S.

Hi Miranda:
We actually took our first trip there in September with our daughter who is turning 4 this week. LOVES the princesses as well.

Our situation was a bit different as we had the deluxe dining plan so we did as many "expensive" meals as I could fit in since it was "included".

I would say that they can be worth is, but some are better than others. Akerhus (sp?) in Epcot was awesome for breakfast with the princesses, Cinderellas castle was great - but you didn't really get to "meet" with the princess much. So I would just be careful of which you pick because they are not all the same.

Check out the reviews on disboards.com of the ones you are considering, or msg me and I can give you my 2 cents : )

Have fun1