There is a premium for people who go to character meals and don't eat. It's an "entertainment fee". That way they stop people from going to character meals just to meet the characters and not to eat. We were charged this fee for our 3-month-old a few years ago. Kind of funny since she slept through the whole meal but it was worth it to see our older daughter enjoying herself!
Also - to be clear I am not complaining about paying the minor fee at all.. just confused as to why it happened.
And if what you say is correct - it means that, children under 3 are free to eat whatever they want at the buffet/family style meals.. but.. if they don't eat, you pay for them.. That makes no sense.
I get what you are saying about keeping people out that aren't there to eat - but your 3 month old? that is a little silly. I can understand paying for a kid that is going to eat, and $8 or $9 isn't bad considering the amount most kids under 3 eat and the fact that it is a character meal.. But if it is a small child that is still bottle fed and isn't going to be truly entertained (i.e sleep the whole time) why should they need to be paid for when a currently 2 year old that is chowing down on buffet food is supposed to be free?