I had the most fun meeting characters when I went on a trip with just my aunt. She's a little more outgoing than I am so that made it more enjoyable. I think you really have to be willing to speak to the characters versus just going up and getting a photo and leaving to make the most of it as an adult.
I have noticed a big difference in trying to meet characters as an adult in a group with children versus just as an adult. It's been my experience that if there are any children in your group, the characters will zone in and focus on them. I know it technically should be a bigger deal for the children, and characters have limited time with each party so they try to move through quickly, but it is bothersome at times. For example, my aunt and I had dinner at CRT and the princesses took ample time talking to us, asking why we were there, what we were celebrating, what our wishes were, etc. We went the following year with my nephew (+ sister and cousin), and the princesses focused solely on my nephew. He is pretty adorable, and had the cutest interaction with Cinderella while we were waiting. Cinderella told the other princesses about him, which may be why they focused on him, but to ignore the rest of the table was kind of :/