Are Character Meals really worth the cost?

[ducklite]

That's a completely subjective question.

When DH, DS (18) and myself got to WDW, we seldom if ever do them these days. We are past the whole character thing, and we can get better food and a less chaotic atmosphere elsewhere for less money. But when taking neices in nephews who are all under ten, then we always shcedule a couple character meals. The kids just get such a kick out of it, and that in itself makes it "worth it".

Anne

 

[Forever42]

Another point we have about the character meals is that we usually choose them because of where we'll be or what we'll be doing, not because they're character meals in and of themselves.

Sunday we're going to MVMCP and had LTT as our first choice for the food, the atmosphere, and because it's in the park. That was full, so we're doing CP for the food and because it's in the park. We don't really feel like braving Tony's Town Square this time around (constantly hear bad things) and aren't in the mood for the Plaza or CRT. And we feel like a sit down meal.

 

[barrysprot36]

We're a family of 4 however, classed as 4 adults. Although the character meals are more expensive we love them.

It's a good way to get DS2 who has special needs (12) to eat too. We say to him he has to eat his meal before the character will come. As he's a terrible eater (not fussy, just doesn't like eating) this is a good way to get him to eat.

This year we ate at CRT-breakfast, CM-breakfast, 1900 parkfayre-breakfast and dinner, LTT-dinner and GG-dinner.

Next time we go we plan to eat at all these again plus more!

 

[HollyJoy]

We did the Princess Storybook breakfast in Epcot, and while the food was good, I don't think it was worth the money you pay. We did this meal for our daughters, and while they totally enjoyed it, they barely ate a thing! After this experience, I definately think the dinner character meals are a much better deal!

 

[bigbabyblues]

They were for us. We ate 7 character meals on our trip (Chef Mickey dinner, Crystal Palace bkst, Donald's Breakfast, 1900 Park Fare dinner, Princess Storybook bkst, Chef Mickey breakfast, and Liberty Tree dinner) and we felt we got our money's worth at all except maybe one. We didn't have to wait in line to see the characters, we all ate several plates of food at each meal, including both my DS (age 3 and 15 months during the trip). We did wait in line to see Minnie in the Hall of Fame tent one night (my suggestion), and we waited for 45 minutes with two tired boys, one crying the entire time. We wouldn't have seen any characters if it had all been that way. At the meals, we could eat while we waited, and we had to eat anyway. We did spend $45-50 for each character meal, two of the dinners were closer to $70, but a counter service meal for us was around $30 or so, so for not too much more we could sit down to a buffet meal, and still see the characters. Also, if we ate a character meal for breakfast, we ended up with a snack for lunch, and that saved too.

Steph

 

[capthooksmom]

One option to consider is the ice cream social at the Garden Grill at Epcot. For under $7.00 you get a huge sundae and can have character interaction. We've done this twice. Farmer Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale are the characters we saw each time. It was fun, but not pricey. It might be an option to try just to test the water for a character experience.

I was going to suggest the ice cream social as well. We love character meals and do 1-3 each trip, but last Sunday was the first time for the ice cream social. We loved it and it will probably become a tradition for our future trips.
ETA: IMO the character meals are worth every penny.
BTW, the ice cream social is now $7.99/person.

 

[Vavasmon]

We love the character meals and consider them an integral part of a Disney vacation. They cost more than a counter service meal (and some sit down) but we save time standing in line for characters and often end up with much better interaction. DD who is 9 loves to see the "characters" and get their autographs. I also like it because we have a few family shots with the characters this way (it often feels rushed in the Theme parks).

Mant of the dinner meals (LTT, 1900 PF, Chef Mickeys) have good food. The breakfasts are less of a value but still ok (we have done 'Ohanna, 1900 PF, CRT, PSB, Cape May).

The best deal was an early lunch (we treated it as brunch) at the Crystal Palace on an EE day (nutragrain bars in the room and the early seating).

 

[capnho]

Another positive vote for character meals. I wouldn't want to do them every day, but they can be lots of fun once or twice on a trip, especially if you have small kids. I personally think the food is pretty decent buffet food, and while they are pricey you do get a meal and entertainment for the price.

 

[jarestel]

Unless we have the grandchildren along, we don't bother with the character meals. The food is usually buffet style, rather overpriced and mediocre. However, when the little ones are with us, they get a kick out of seeing people dressed up in costumes, so we happily cough up the $$$ for their entertainment.

 

[DanaHesson]

I am 33 years old, and my Character Birthday Dinner at Crystal Palace was the hilight of my trip. I will do a character meal every time I go to the parks from now on!

 

[okapi]

I'm not sure what age group you're working with, but I would try one character meal for your family. It's nice to relax, eat and know that the characters will come around to your table and you'll be able to get nice pictures.

Crystal Palace is nice w/ the Pooh characters - especially for lunch.
We like the Breakfastasaurus at AK because you get Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Pluto and if you book for early morning you can already be in the park and had breakfast when the park opens.

 

[Misti]

I eat at 1900 Park Fare just for the bread pudding and vanilla sauce! LOL

Like the OP, the characters are a nice addition (we don't have kids) but we do one buffet a trip for the convenience (it's quick dining) and variety (nice to have a "little of this, little of that"). It certainly isn't fine dining but something we like to do a least once a trip. We also always do the first seating when it is a little quieter than prime time.

 

[eeyore0062]

"Are Character Meals really worth the cost? "

Look at the little girl in the Princess dress who got to meet her favorite Princess, then ask the parents. My guess is the answer would be an unqualified YES!

 

[Julia M]

This is like everything lese at WDW.....baased on your personal tastes.

If you have kids (or adults) who love the characters, it's a great, low key way to meet them.

During our 2001 trip, with grandparents, and three kids (8, 6, 4) we ate at LTT for dinner, Crystal Palace for b'fast, the Princess breakfast and the Ice Cream Social. I felt it was totally worth it.

Our most recent trip (8/2004), we ate at one character meal; at the Grand Floridian at 1900 Park Faire for b'fast. DD and I ate at the Princess b'fast. That was enough. My kids just aren't really "into" the characters they way they used to be. I also found the Princess breakfast a little disappointing.

For our next trip (12/05), we will probably eat at the Ice Cream Social, and that will be it. I'd rather try new places.

Julia