I remember a time when characters used to be able to spend a little time with the kids, interacting, fooling around. I believe that autograph books have cut back considerably on character interaction.
In 2000, we brought our daughters to WDW for the 1st time. Our 1st night there, we went to Chef Mickey's for dinner. If we had to leave & go home immediately thereafter, I would have been satisfied with all of the $$$ I spent (long before I knew about codes, AP's & discounts). The characters played & interacted. They spent time with the kids. It was truly magical.
Anymore, the characters rush through, sign autographs & smile. The worst are Donald's Breakfastasaurus & The Princess Breakfast in Norway. Talking to a friend who is a face character, she agrees. Management has strict limits on the amount of time characters must speed through the room. Signing takes up the bulk of the time. this takes away the magic a bit, much like the absence of the mickey butter & straws & the package delivery to the room, etc...
When we go back, in August, we will be boycotting the books for the 1st time. I'd rather have my kids have time for the interaction. We love WDW & will still go 1-3 times a year. There is no better value for our dollar. This is also not meant to be a gripe & moan thread (we just got back after a WONDERFUL spring break trip) but, I would like to keep as much of the magic as possible.
In 2000, we brought our daughters to WDW for the 1st time. Our 1st night there, we went to Chef Mickey's for dinner. If we had to leave & go home immediately thereafter, I would have been satisfied with all of the $$$ I spent (long before I knew about codes, AP's & discounts). The characters played & interacted. They spent time with the kids. It was truly magical.
Anymore, the characters rush through, sign autographs & smile. The worst are Donald's Breakfastasaurus & The Princess Breakfast in Norway. Talking to a friend who is a face character, she agrees. Management has strict limits on the amount of time characters must speed through the room. Signing takes up the bulk of the time. this takes away the magic a bit, much like the absence of the mickey butter & straws & the package delivery to the room, etc...
When we go back, in August, we will be boycotting the books for the 1st time. I'd rather have my kids have time for the interaction. We love WDW & will still go 1-3 times a year. There is no better value for our dollar. This is also not meant to be a gripe & moan thread (we just got back after a WONDERFUL spring break trip) but, I would like to keep as much of the magic as possible.