Character Dining if you're not into characters

[WickedWench]

I'm not into characters, and the people I travel with never are either. I've heard alot of good things about the food at some of these restaurants, so I'd like to try them. I've never done character dining before, so could someone explain to me how it works? Do they just briefly stop at your table and move on, or is the character interaction more involved?

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Whenever I eat at a character meal, they just stop, say hello, get a picture, and move on. I think they're a pretty good judge of how much interaction you want.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

They won't stay long. When I went there were a few adults eating as couples or even alone. Some were completely into it and loved the interaction. Other's weren't adn teh characters can sense that.

 

[ChelleinNC]

You just may end up being surprised and really enjoying yourself

We took my Dad & Stepmom last year and I know they thought the "character thing" was strange, but once Chip & Dale started playing with them and Pluto started flirting with my Stepmom, they had a blast!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

They are great they just stop by and say hello. It's all good fun. They bring you the Disney kid out in everybody then they move on.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

Wait, what do you mean characters?? Mickey is a real mouse!!

 

[Steelersfan]

They will only stay with you as long as you are interested.

My wife and I went to WDW 3 times before our daughter came along and ate some character meals. We kind of enjoyed getting a picture or two with the characters but they moved on very quickly.

In July 07 we were there with our daughter 3 and niece 10 and they spent more time.

I would just get a few pics and enjoy the experience. If you really don't want to deal with them and you are at a buffet, just go up for more food as they are getting to your table. This is like doing the trips to the buffet in reverse because when you are there with kids you have to keep an eye out for the characters so you don't miss them!

We found the food at all the breakfast buffets to be worth the effort even if you are not into the characters.

We liked:

Crystal Palace
Play-N-Dine
Princess Norway Breakfast (Not a buffet, but all you can eat family style with a cold buffet of meats, cheeses, fruits, etc.)

You can't go wrong with any of these! You will be full and won't feel like eating again for most of the day!

 

[thomas998]

I think if you don't enjoy the character dining you should probably skip it and go somewhere for the food. I have never thought that I could justify the charcter dining prices based soley on the food... it is generally not worth its price even when you view it through Disney glasses.

 

[disnut8]

It depends on what you want. If you don't want anything big, they will wave and move on. If you see a character you like (I so embarrassed myself with Piglet), by all means have fun.

have have never seen any character or Cast Member at an interactive restaurant go beyond what the guest is comfortable with.

The best thing about character meals really isn't what you want. It's watching everyone else. A five year old girl screaming "MICKEY!!!" Or, like me, a 40 year old woman running to the lobby because Piglet was out there.

It's not the food, it's not the characters. It's everything.

 

[WickedWench]

I think if you don't enjoy the character dining you should probably skip it and go somewhere for the food. I have never thought that I could justify the charcter dining prices based soley on the food... it is generally not worth its price even when you view it through Disney glasses.

Good point. To be honest, I never thought about prices.

I appreciate all the advice. It sounds like it wouldn't be too bad. I'll have to try it once just to see. :>