A character breakfast- with specific requests:

[preemiemama]

Another vote for Garden Grill. We have also only been for dinner, but it was really calm for a character meal. Food was good, and not a lot of noise. I am sure that meals before 9 am are going to be busier, though, with people trying to get a jump on the line for Soarin'.

I would definitely not recommend Crystal Palace for noise- it is one we personally do every trip because we LOVE Pooh and Friends. However, there are a lot of kids (typically), and as PP mentioned, a parade they do every 30 minutes or so.

I would say that if you have an option to do a later meal (not 7-8 am, but more like 9-10 am) it would help mitigate the noise and crowded feel of any of the restaurants. 'Ohana would be a place that I think would work for a later time, and a request to be seated away from the main room (they have an area close to the entrance/bathroom that tends to be quieter). The character interaction there is nice as well, and being family style like GG cuts down on the movement.

 

[disny_luvr]

I'd suggest either Garden Grill at Epcot or Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club.

 

[Misha72683]

You must have missed the parade they have the kids do. I love the Crystal Palace, but it seems pretty noisy to me.

There was no parade when we were there for breakfast. It wasn't super quiet, but more low key than Hollywood & Vine or Akershus. ACtually more low key than Biergarten as well.

 

[ariane37]

I'm going with the majority here and also suggesting Garden Grill breakfast if you really want to try a character buffet for MIL. We did breakfast last November and are doing it again this November. Not noisy at all, very good food, and the characters we saw (2 missed our table but that's another story) were great. We did do dinner there years ago and we liked that too, good food and very good character interaction. We haven't done Cape May breakfast so I can't speak to that but we've done many others, and GG stands out as one closest to meeting your criteria.

 

[katiebelle21]

What characters are at the Garden Grill for breakfast?

 

[preemiemama]

Mickey, Chip, Dale, and I believe the 4th is Pluto. All are in Farmer's overalls and plaid shirts. Very cute!

 

[married2mm]

So, the finalists are:

Garden grill
Cape May cafe
1900 park fare

And looks like gg will be the winner.

Thanks guys.

 

[Fantasia79]

1900, comfortable and easy.

Make an early reservation and you'll be fine

 

[hammie59]

The best character breakfasts we've done are 1900PF and Cape May. Both were relatively calm environments compared to some and the food was delicious. Character experience was better at 1900PF.

 

[PrincessNelly]

jumping in to ask about Four Seasons. Where about is it and how would I get there if we are not renting a car? Possible by Disney transporation? We are staying at AKL/PO FQ/BWI

Its not too far from fort Wilderness. We pass it often going from POR/POFQ to MK.
They offer transportation from the TTC by bus to the four seasons. But a cab/Uber is definitely the best option. Shouldn't cost more than $10 and if you've never used UBER then you can get a free ride up to $20.

 

[isabellea]

You must have missed the parade they have the kids do. I love the Crystal Palace, but it seems pretty noisy to me.

Been to Crystal Palace twice in the last year for a PPO breakfast ADR and there was no parade. It was also very quiet compared to other character places. Maybe because it was at 8am?!? 1900PF was also pretty quiet and super fun when we went for breakfast plus they have the strawberry soup. If you stay at GF I would go there.

 

[Kae]

I think Cape May, also. May I suggest doing a later breakfast we always do Cape may around 10:30. We do it on a non-park day.

Kae

 

[JerseyJanice]

1900 Park Fare is my favorite breakfast buffet at WDW. The food is great! Bagels with lots of toppings, omelettes made to order, lobster Benedict and strawberry soup.

The atmosphere is lovely, and the characters are low key. Alice and Mary Poppins are so ladylike. The Mad Hatter is a hoot, but in a sophisticated way.

Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[married2mm]

I think Cape May, also. May I suggest doing a later breakfast we always do Cape may around 10:30. We do it on a non-park day.

Kae

You may indeed!

Sounds like a plan.

 

[married2mm]

1900 Park Fare is my favorite breakfast buffet at WDW. The food is great! Bagels with lots of toppings, omelettes made to order, lobster Benedict and strawberry soup.

The atmosphere is lovely, and the characters are low key. Alice and Mary Poppins are so ladylike. The Mad Hatter is a hoot, but in a sophisticated way.

Have fun whatever you decide.

To you & to all for great advice.

 

[newestkg06]

So excited to hear all the good things about Garden Grill. That will definitely be one we try next time.

 

[Momof2Singers]

I would go with the Garden Grill in Epcot. It's family style so no buffet. And the semi-circle booths make you feel like you are by yourself and it's not near as noisy. I've never been for breakfast but I had dinner here and it was a lot quieter than the other character meals we have done.

TOTALLY AGREE on Garden Grill, you really feel like you are by yourself meeting the characters, we haven't been in a while, may have to go back this trip.