Best character experiences for girl (8) and boy (5)

[st225]

The girl is a bit old and bookish for an 8 year old. The boy is all energy and adventure. Are there any character breakfasts or shows we should search out or avoid at all costs?

 

[koolaidmoms]

What we have done in the past are:

CP - is hectic, loud and frenzied. The children get up and parade around the room, wave napkins and as it is a buffet there is a great deal of movement in the room that is large with tile floor and lots of surfaces for sound to bounce off from. Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore.

GF - Quieter when we were there. Last seating for breakfast. Though it was a buffet it still did not seem as loud and chaotic as CP (which my kids love, by the way because of those things!) Smaller carpeted room that CP. Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad Hatter and Pooh among others.

Garden Grill - TS so there is no up and down for the buffet by everyone. Meal served family style. Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale are some of the characters here. This is a rather quiet place we thought even when full.

CRT - we have only done lunch or dinner here. The food is pretty good. The greating with Cinderella and the magic wand or sword the kids get (plus a picture with her) is the draw. A cute show with the fairy Godmother and the mice. Don't know anything about breakfast.

LTT is no longer a character meal.

I can't think of any others we have been to. Hope this helps some.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

LTT's last character meal is Jan 4, 09

 

[colinsdad]

For your DD8 I would recommend the Wonderland Tea Party at the GF.

From the DIS:

"At this pint-size tea party, guests from 3 to 10 years of age will hear stories, have a little lunch and be entertained by some Disney characters known to participate in a famous tea party of their own. The children will take a "hands-on" approach to their dining as they finger-paint/decorate their own cupcakes and munch on heart-shaped peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Chocolate dipped Rice Krispie squares, and the Grand Floridian's special brand of children's tea (aka apple juice) is also served."

For your son, I'd go with the Hoop De Doo Review. Lots of music, fun and clapping. My son loved it.

OR,

I haven't done this yet (but it sounds awesome for a boy)....Next year when at WDW for my son's 5th, I'm going to let him go on one of the Pirate Cruises.

Again from the DIS:

"Ahoy! Any child who has ever dreamed of being part of a pirate adventure will enjoy "heading out to sea" in pursuit of treasure.

Children ages 4-12 will be outfitted with a red/white striped pirate Mickey hat (or a bandana) and board their pirate ship (pontoon boat) under the supervision of the "pirate" crew. At each "port of call" a new treasure awaits. At the final stop, they can share their booty while enjoying lunch. At least two Cast Members accompany the children, which are all CPR certified. All participants must be potty trained. (No Pull-ups.)

Lunch is usually Peanut butter and jelly Uncrustables, Goldfish crackers, Rice Krispee Treat and fruit punch juice box "

We're going to be at the Beach Club, so we'll do it from there. Its also offered at GF, CBR and PO

 

[deb24k]

If your 8 year old is a bit beyond princesses then I will suggest Ohana's breakfast at the Polynesian. Micky, Pluto Lilo, and Stitch visit the tables. Themeal is good and served family style. Tere is a parade around the room that children can join. It is optional so if your DD wanted to sit out she could.

I agree that Alice's Tea Party was a hit with my 5 year old daughter. There was a brother sister combo that attended at the same time and both seemed to enjoy there experience. So you are aware, parents do not accompany the children to this event.

 

[barbmouse]

We have a boy and a girl also 3 years apart. We prefer Chef Mickey's breakfast!

 

[sohappy]

Last year, we did CRT, Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Ohana, Hollywood and Vine and Chef Mickeys. My kids loved Crystal Palace and Ohana the best. I think Crystal Palace because it was our first day and we were in MK almost empty. The boys loooooove stitch, so Ohana was great for them.

 

[jorem1]

We took our DS (11) and DD (8) to Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House, and the Crystal Palace breakfast buffet.

They enjoyed both. My DS is somewhat quiet in public, as is his sister. They liked each buffet. My son, who is not known for his adventurous ways, loved the juice they served at Tusker House. He had many glasses. They both had fun with Donald and Mickey. I didn't think an 11 year old would enjoy character meals, but Disney is so magical he got caught up in it.

I personally loved the Crystal Palace. We had a 10:30 ADR for the breakfast with the Pooh characters. It is such a beautiful place. We had an amazing view of Cinderella's castle during the meal. I've read other posts about it being noisy and chaotic but we didn't find this to be this case. (We were there on November 13th, so it wasn't a busy time for the park, maybe that's why it was quieter!)

Good luck

 

[laughinplace199]

My DD is 9 and my DS is 7. Their 2 favorite character breakfasts are Tusker House and Crystal Palace. We're in the process of planning our April trip and they wanted to make sure we fit both of the places into our plans.