Best Character Dinning for Toddlers

[Flippinurfins]

I'm not sure if this question would be best posted here or on the "Family" section so I apologize in advance if it should have gone there!

We are just in the beginning stages of planning a trip to WDW. My husband and I have been several times before but this next time will be the first for our daughter (and a first for us going as parents!). At the time of the trip she will be right around 2 (either right before or shortly after her birthday. She loves seeing the characters on YouTube and did pretty well with them at a year old when we had breakfast at Aulani.

I'm hoping to do a few character meals and wanted to hear some opinions on which ones people enjoyed the best. She knows the Fab 5, loves Lilo and Stitch and is starting to recognize the princesses (especially Elsa, Anna, Ariel and Belle). Where can I get the best interactions with decent food? Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to picking everyone's brains as I plan this special trip!

 

[LMO429]

I prefer the character meals such as Ohana and Garden Grill. I like them over the buffets character breakfast food wise and interaction wise I felt like we got more time with characters at those meals....Of the buffets I prefer Tusker House.

 

[mcurran]

Ohana and garden grill the food comes to you. No 10 trips to the buffet or timing trips around characters.

Crystal palace for Winnie the Pooh and friends. Breakfast has better foods IMO.

Hollywood and vine for dis jr characters.

 

[JZCubed]

I'm not sure if this question would be best posted here or on the "Family" section so I apologize in advance if it should have gone there!

We are just in the beginning stages of planning a trip to WDW. My husband and I have been several times before but this next time will be the first for our daughter (and a first for us going as parents!). At the time of the trip she will be right around 2 (either right before or shortly after her birthday. She loves seeing the characters on YouTube and did pretty well with them at a year old when we had breakfast at Aulani.

I'm hoping to do a few character meals and wanted to hear some opinions on which ones people enjoyed the best. She knows the Fab 5, loves Lilo and Stitch and is starting to recognize the princesses (especially Elsa, Anna, Ariel and Belle). Where can I get the best interactions with decent food? Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to picking everyone's brains as I plan this special trip!

The oversized 'stuffed animals' can frighten some children.

Princesses and Princes are better.

 

[KT0191]

Tusker House breakfast in AK is our personal favorite. My son also loves Hollywood and Vine at DHS (Disney Jr characters). Chef Mickey's breakfast is also pretty good with the Fab 5.

 

[Mainemama]

I also prefer the family style meals at Ohana and Garden Grill. Buffets and toddlers don't mix well in my house. I want to sit and be served versus get up and down serving myself and kids, hoping not to miss the characters coming to the table. Those two meals are also delicious!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I'm not sure if this question would be best posted here or on the "Family" section so I apologize in advance if it should have gone there!

We are just in the beginning stages of planning a trip to WDW. My husband and I have been several times before but this next time will be the first for our daughter (and a first for us going as parents!). At the time of the trip she will be right around 2 (either right before or shortly after her birthday. She loves seeing the characters on YouTube and did pretty well with them at a year old when we had breakfast at Aulani.

I'm hoping to do a few character meals and wanted to hear some opinions on which ones people enjoyed the best. She knows the Fab 5, loves Lilo and Stitch and is starting to recognize the princesses (especially Elsa, Anna, Ariel and Belle). Where can I get the best interactions with decent food? Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to picking everyone's brains as I plan this special trip!

depending on how long your trip is schedule one early in the trip and rest a day or 2 later so if doesn't work out you could cancel if need be without No Show charge. big difference between a 1 and a 2 year old with characters

 

[Flippinurfins]

Thank you everyone for the replies! I think I definitely like the idea of food being brought to us! I've only done Ohana for dinner and she loves Lilo and Stitch so breakfast there would be a fun option for us. I've also never tried Garden Grill so that might be fun too. Two places I hadn't considered! You guys are great!

 

[disneyvoice]

My son's first character experience when he was 8 months old was at Garden Grill. They were outstanding with him so GG is always the place I recommend for those with young kiddos!! I would recommend that you let your server know it is their first encounter with the characters. At GG our server asked us if our son had seen the characters before and then told the characters that it was his first experience. They approached him slowly and then let him check them out the way he wanted to - he pulled on their fur and tugged on their noses. I think Chip and Dale spent about 10 minutes with him! We had an ADR when the restaurant first opened so it wasn't full yet and they were able to spend some more time with him. I am convinced that experience led to me son's love of the characters. He is now 15 and STILL gets in line to visit with all the characters and still requests character meals.

 

[Flippinurfins]

Thanks for the tip! I really think Garden Grill will hit the spot!

 

[LaBelleVie]

My littles were huge fans of breakfast at Crystal Palace. It was the first thing we did their first day in the parks. My youngest (3) especially enjoyed the characters, and my oldest (now 5) actually asked today if we could eat with Pooh again the next time we go!