Best TS for Kids. Problem with Characters

[1hero2princesses]

I am really torn. I have 3 kids and we are going in Sept. DS 6 that week, DD 4, DD2. The problem is DD4 is afraid of characters (she calls them costumes) - I mean really doesn't like them. Last year we had to cancel all our character meals after she freaked at Liberty Tavern and Tusker House. We had them all too, even Chef Mickeys. I was so sad. DS really likes the characters. So we are doing free dining again this year but she is not over her fear. So where can we go? She loves face characters but the only meals with face characters are princess meals. We will probably do CRT and maybe 1900 Park but it seems so unfair to my DS. Where can we go that would be fun for him? He is really not going to be happy if I drag him to two princess meals but there is nothing for him... Any ideas? I don't think T-Rex is on the dining plan, plus it might be scary for the girls?

 

[ceecee]

Why not skip them until she's no longer afraid? I doubt your DS would love the princesses that much? Maybe your DH could go with him and you could take the others somewhere else.

 

[squirrel]

I think they will skip your table if you tell the server that your child doesn't like the characters.

They might even take your autograph books and sign them away from your table if you ask.

 

[RahRah573]

Why not skip them until she's no longer afraid? I doubt your DS would love the princesses that much? Maybe your DH could go with him and you could take the others somewhere else.

Last year I wasn't sure if DS (just turned 4 at the time) was going to be all that thrilled with meeting princesses....good lord, he was so excited to meet all of them, especially if one kissed his cheek - he was in heaven when Snow White gave him a kiss at CRT and when Mulan did at Askershus Princess Breakfast (which I hadn't originally booked, but after the Royal Table lunch and his being so excited, I booked the princess breakfast too!).....there were lots of little boys at both (more girls than boys though), so I wouldn't rule out meeting the princesses after seeing how much fun my son had - heck this year I might let him go to the Tea thing at Grand Floridian!

Here's a couple pics with the princesses:

 

[GatorLady]

I'd split up. Take DD's to one of the princess meals while your DH takes your son to some place like CM's or 'Ohana.

We are doing that with our family this year. DH and DS are doing a tour while I take DD to BBB and CRT.

 

[arielmomma]

I wouldn't rule out your son liking the princesses. My son is 5 and he openly admits that he likes princesses, but even if he didn't, I know that he would still enjoy 1900 Park Fare. Next to Chef Mickey's, It is his favorite restaurant. He could care less about Cinderella herself, but he absolutely loves the step-sisters - They're a hoot! He went there dressed as Hercules last year and received an exceptional amount of attention. In fact, he is insisting that I make him another Hercules costume just to wear there. I think that your son would likely enjoy it.

 

[MickeyNicki]

You can skip the character meals and have your DS visit the characters in the parks

 

[annette20071]

My DD was scared of the characters at first. We bought an autograph book and after the first couple she really got into it. Every time she saw a character she got really excited and kept going up to them and "sign my book, sign my book". She loves looking through her book at home. We got the one where you can put photos in. I know some people get the books (like disney encyclopedia) that have pictures and you have the character sign their picture. Giving her a "task" might make the experience more fun for her and get her to overcome any intial hesitation of going up to the characters. I called the book DD's ice breaker with the characters. Also, does she watch Mickey Mouse clubhouse on the disney channel? I think you can also rent or by a DVD of it. That might get her more familiar with the characters. My DD thinks Mickey can fix anything.

If that does not work, why not go to the meals and ask the characters to just focus on your DS because your DD is a little frightened still. Even when my DD was scared of the characters she still liked to look at them from a distance. If your DD can't even be in the same room with the characters then I suggest splitting up. Your son should be able to experience the magic. You and your DH could take turns spending quality time with your son while the other one spends quality time with yoru DD. Good luck.

 

[NorweJenNY]

Have you thought about the other meals that provide entertainment, but more in the form of entertaining cooking/waitstaff? Like Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge, 50s Prime Time at Hollywood Studios, & Teppan Edo in the Japanese pavillion at Epcot? And what about a dinner show like Hoop Dee Doo?

Just throwing out some other options that the kids might like, even if they don't have recognizable characters...

 

[vcgirl925]

I would split up and take each to a seperate character meal. OR just do one princess meal. My ds went to akershus with us this year, 5 at the time, and loved it. He's a ham and loves to get hugs and kisses from the princesses. we did 1900 park fare for dinner. Then after that maybe one of you can take your son to one of the character meet and greet trails.

 

[1hero2princesses]

And yesterday I discovered DD1 (almost 2) has taken big sisters lead and hated the Easter bunny. We couldn't even get a picture (I was so disappointed) DD1 wanted nothing to do with him. DD3 really tried. She was fine till she got up to him (even excited) when it came time to sit next to him on the bench she freaked. Just couldn't do it. We have worked with her for 6 months now and no go, so character meals are out. I am now thinking CRT, 1900 Park Fair (if there are no mice), Whispering Canyon, Coral Reef, Primetime. I haven't thought of others. Maybe Biergarten (although we don't love the german food either). I would love LeCellier, but I doubt we will get in (this one not so much for the kids as for us). My kids really like basic american (bad for you) kid stuff. Nuggets, bugers, pizza, tacos (but not the real authentic kind) so we are a little limited!

 

[HdnMickeyGrl]

Ok, in light of everything, how about Marrakesh. They have hamburgers, chicken fingers and spaghetti for the little ones. The names might sound funny but the adult fare is not intimidating at all. You get to watch the belly dancer and she often pulls children and adults out of the crowd to dance with her. I bet your kids would get a kick out of that. As for your son, I can assure you he will enjoy watching the belly dancer. My mom and I have this joke about what happens when Mo'Rockin is playing outside the Morroco pavillion. Seriously stand there and watch, not the band or the belly dancer but the crowd, especially the crowd walking by. Little boys stop and stare, old men stop walking with their group and hang back with the audience, men pushing baby strollers, teenagers in a pack, etc... it doesn't matter who they are, anyone with a y chromosome stops what they are doing and stares at the belly dancer, lol.

Other than that I think Whispering Canyon would be fun, Primetime is a great chioce, Coral Reef is excellent, and what about Tony's Town Square. If you time your meal you can watch the parade from your table. And there is a "window" in the back of Tony's and you can see the Lady and the Tramp sharing a spaghetti noodle. All fun things to entertain the little ones. Also, how about Boma's excellent food and they have a terrific kid's buffet with nuggets, maccaroni and cheese and those premade PB&J sandwhiches. You may even get your kids to try a little "roast zebra" the carvers offer white meat or dark meat based on the stripes, lol (it's just turkey). Before or after dinner your kids can look around the very cool lodge and go back out to see the animals. If it's night, they can even borrow night vision goggles from the CM's who stand out on the overlook.

 

[Mkrop]

What about SciFi Diner? Coral Reef? Tutto Italia was excellent for an adult meal with stuff the kids like too. Ohana for dinner has the coconut races but no characters at dinner. Whispering Canyon was fun too.