Best Character Dinner with Mickey?

[nessz79]

For our next trip in 2009 (I know, I'm a planning fanatic), I think the kids (5 and 3 yr old boys) would love to have a character meal with Mickey. Food is not as important as character interaction. We have a 3 day pass at All Star Movies. We will be visiting MK and can go to other resorts as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Chef Mickeys was amazing for character interaction but the food was terrible.

 

[GatorLady]

While Chef Mickey's might be the obvious choice and get the most votes, (we really enjoy it, but it was sooo busy) I would also suggest the Garden Grill (Epcot). It's not as hectic and I think that lends itself to better character interaction. Mickey, Pluto, and Chip and Dale are there. Chip and Dale can be especially fun, my DD5 loves them.

 

[disney.nut]

When my daughter was 5 we took her to Chef Mickey's and she LOVED it,now we have to eat there every time we visit WDW.

DM
DD
DH

 

[Pixiedust34]

While Chef Mickey's might be the obvious choice and get the most votes, (we really enjoy it, but it was sooo busy) I would also suggest the Garden Grill (Epcot). It's not as hectic and I think that lends itself to better character interaction. Mickey, Pluto, and Chip and Dale are there. Chip and Dale can be especially fun, my DD5 loves them.

I like The Garden Grill much better than Chef Mickey's. It has a more relaxing atmosphere and the character interaction there is great.

 

[kgibbler20]

I have done Chef Mickey's twice and was extremely disappointed in the character interaction there. It might be because we are 2 adults (mom and daughter) traveling together but we get ignored. The first time we went not a single character came in our section for an entire hour. I called our waitress over and mentioned to her that none of the kids seated in our section of the resturant had seen any characters and so in Disney fashion they were all rushed to that side of the resturant.

I agree with previous posters that Garden Grill was much better for character interaction. When we went there we saw every character twice during our meal. In the more relaxed atmosphere the characters are much more animated and interactive with all the guests.

 

[gigi1313]

garden grill all the way!!! best character interaction (and good food) on property!

 

[septbaby]

Chef Mickey's:

- Excellent character interaction, 5 characters
- Fun atmosphere with music, napkin waving, bright decor, monorail goes right through the restaurant
- Group photo taken right after check-in (optional $30 purchase)
- Vast buffet with a wide selection

Our 5yo list Chef Mickey's as his #2 favorite thing at WDW right after Characters in general. You're doing this for kids about the same age so I think that trumps my opinion(which is also positive); a kid to kid endorsement holds much more value in this case.

You just have to make sure they're hungry enough to eat. There is so much going on at Chef Mickey's they can get distracted!...lol Though I think that could be a concern at just about any character meal.

 

[Steelersfan]

we likes both the food and interaction at Chef Mickey's

 

[jenb1023]

Another option I haven't seen mentioned is Tusker House at AK. Food was good and character interaction was good. It has the same fun party atmosphere as Chef Mickeys but was not as chaotic and they spent more time with us.

Although now that I reread your post, it looks like you are only going to MK. If that is the case, that rules out Tusker House and Garden Grill.

I think if you are only going to MK and other resorts, your only meal option with Mickey is Chef Mickeys. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Chef Mickey's.

 

[belleatheart]

GARDEN GRILL! Food is really good, and the interaction is great!