Big, single guy eating with princesses--creepy?

[Kakikomori]

Hey folks, I'm going to be eating at Cinderella's Royal Table because I've always wanted to eat in the castle, and in Norway with the princesses also.

I'm going on a solo trip in January, and I'm 35 and a big guy. I want to get pictures and autographs with the princesses to show my nieces that I met them, and I'll admit I'm sure it will be fun. I'm worried that they'll think it's creepy. I swear on stack of bibles that I have no bad intentions at all, I enjoy keeping up the illusion and how often do you get to call a lady "your highness" and mean it?

Am I worrying over nothing? Or is there something I can do to make them more comfortable?

 

[sammielynn]

Go and enjoy yourself. I'm sure the ladies would love to meet a real gentleman.

 

[Moira222]

I don't think its creepy, i think its sweet.

 

[DEA]

You could always get them to sign a picture of your nieces when you get he pic taken (they sign autograph books for kids during the photo ops), and maybe lead with that information: "Hi there, I know you sign autograph books, but I was wondering if you might be willing to sign this picture of my nieces. They'd love to have your signature on a picture of them."

Yeah, they may have heard that line before, but when you gush about how much your nieces love the Princesses and how much you love your nieces, you should lower any creepiness factor by a large margin. And, honestly, they have probably seen folks of all shapes, sizes, and ages and dealt with them all with the same level of customer service.

 

[dprincessmom]

Enjoy yourself.

I imagine that when you tell them what you are doing you will get a little more attention. To make it special for your nieces, maybe have them sign a story book for the girls (a princess one of course) that way when the girls read the book and see the names they will know what a great guy their uncle is.

 

[Kakikomori]

Thanks for the reassurance all. I'm really looking forward to the trip, and DIS has been an awesome resource for letting me know that taking a trip by myself isn't all that weird after all.

 

[cigar95]

I've dined solo as a middle-aged single guy (but not as big as you) at CRT a number of times over the years. I just act friendly and everything's good. In fact, one time Mary Poppins and Belle got into a mock fight over which of them would be my date for the day.

I do the whole breakfast in character - stuff like "Mary, I've been upset that you've not written to me in ever so long", or "Belle, you've got to get your head out of those books and pay attention to more important things - like me". It's always been great fun.

(I'm one of those rare people who eats breakfast at CRT because I actually like the food there.)

 

[corgi_monster]

It's only creepy if you give them the up-and-down look. OP, it looks like you might be into anime culture? I'm not sure if you've ever heard of the maid cafes they have in Japan and at some anime cons. A 35 yo single male at a maid cafe might be a little tsukebe. A 35 yo guy at a princess meal is CUTE

 

[sharadoc]

Not accusing you of this, but there are guys who purposely seek out opportunities to be as close to little girls as they can. We know that's all of Disney, but some parents may give you a funny look that you're there at the breakfast. So I would just advise that you watch how you interact with the other guests. Like don't sit there eating and stare at the little girls in their dresses. That could be your biggest challenge. Interacting with the princesses will be fine. They know they are there to entertain you and don't dole out the entertainment based on the guest's age.

 

[Kakikomori]

Thanks for the reminder, sharadoc. I usually give out a good vibe to kids and parents ever since my nieces were born, but it's good to remember that folks from different places see things differently. I tend to be the kind of guy that kids are either scared of or treat as a jungle gym. I also plan to have pictures of my nieces on my camera to show off if I need to reassure anybody. (and because they're adorable )

On my previous trips, I've never really had much character interaction--usually too busy trying to maximize riding. But, since this trip is all about me, I decided to do some of the things that I've never done but wanted to: eat in the castle, get lots of autographs, do the KTTK tour, see all the acts around the World Showcase, etc.

 

[AHundredMinusOneDay]

I don't think they'll find it creepy, at all. I (an adult) took my DM (without any kids.) We had an amazing time. I actually think the princesses enjoy having an adult table sometimes; it gives them a chance to change things up, too!

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Pretty darn creepy.

 

[stenmarks]

I don't think it's creepy at all. Your nieces are going to be so stoked that you got to meet the princesses!!

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Even if it is a little creepy, the princesses are professionals and you certainly won't be the first male solo diner they've encountered. I wouldn't worry about trying to make them comfortable. Any extra effort to do so might come off as more creepy.

 

[amlynn5]

When are you going in January? I'll be down there too. If you want a friend to tag along I'd be up for it...plus, I've never met the princesses...

PM if you like.

 

[darkpixie08]

Will you get the side-eye from some of the other adults there... probably. But I certainly wouldn't let that stop you if it's something you want to go do. I'll admit that I would probably raise an eyebrow, and scroll through various explanations (including a few unsavory ones). It's incredibly sexist and unfair, and I wouldn't jump to any conclusions based on those thoughts, but it would at least pop into my head as a possibility.

But I doubt I would give it too much thought as long as you weren't leering at the princesses, or the kids. It would probably be an inner dialogue more along the lines of, "Huh, is he here alone? That's kinda odd, I wonder why. Hmm... what's on the menu?". Like most people, when I'm out on vacation, I tend not to worry too much about what other people are or aren't doing.

Ditto the other posters... be polite and respectful, and enjoy the magic.

 

[DDM101]

No, what's creepy is my 40 year old husband wanting to dine with the princesses on his 40th birthday in order to have some ladies be "nice" to him...hahaha. Too much wife nagging, maybe? Seriously, it's all good. We dined at Akershus, and I took a couple of snapshots of my husband standing respectfully with the princesses. The ladies are very gracious, and as long as you are a gentleman, then you will be fine. They are princesses afterall, and they deserve royal treatment!

 

[XGrumpy1]

Have a great time. Your nieces will love your pictures!

 

[cajunprincess]

I hope you have a wonderful time!! Most people are going to be spending so much time worrying about their kids and whatnot that they shouldn't even notice. And if they do, then that's their problem. As long as you aren't doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to worry about! Looks like we are going at the same time! What day are you at the castle? Are you bk? My husband and I are eating their one evening. Have a great time!

 

[Missy29]

Hey folks, I'm going to be eating at Cinderella's Royal Table because I've always wanted to eat in the castle, and in Norway with the princesses also.

I'm going on a solo trip in January, and I'm 35 and a big guy. I want to get pictures and autographs with the princesses to show my nieces that I met them, and I'll admit I'm sure it will be fun. I'm worried that they'll think it's creepy. I swear on stack of bibles that I have no bad intentions at all, I enjoy keeping up the illusion and how often do you get to call a lady "your highness" and mean it?

Am I worrying over nothing? Or is there something I can do to make them more comfortable?

Who cares what anybody thinks, if you wany to go then I say go for it. There will always be someone that is going to judge, ignore it. Have fun!