Can anyone tell me which Character meal to go to???

[pixiestarr]

We are trying to find the best Character Lunch or Breakfast to go to for my DD BIrthday. Which one truly has the most characters, and maybe the most princesses at it?
I keep hearing how Ariel's Grotto isn't that good, that is where we were thinking of going.
Thanks for your help.

 

[bjsmom]

Lilo Stitch is yummy, plus they do games with the kids.

 

[dizzyami]

If you want to see the most princesses - you definitely have to consider Ariel's. We went there back in November of 2005 - and assuming things haven't changed too much (I think I saw Ariel doesn't come around anymore - but you meet her at the front ) my DD truly loved it, and enjoyed all the princesses coming to see her at the table. It is definitely not my favorite character meal - and while I am not jumping up and down saying that I will return - I am not upset that we did it once.

The only other two that I have done were Lilo and Stitch and Storytellers - both of which were without princesses. I do love Lilo and Stitch for the interaction - it is amazing and they have an area for the kids to do dances and games with Minnie, Pluto and Stitch. Neither of these I would say have the most characters though...

The other two come highly recommended from others - I have just not made it there yet. I also believe that both Goofy's and Minnie's have at least one princess. I am sure others will go into more detail on those two - but I believe that both of these have a lot more characters.

Another thing that we are doing in June is the bday party. I have not done it before - but I believe it is run by Pat E. Cake, costs $10/person and you get a cupcake. I don't have too many details on it yet either but I am sure my DD will have fun!!

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Personally, my favorite is the Minnie & Friends breakfast. There's something just so magical about it - maybe it's because it's right in front of the castle, I don't know, but it's really a lot of fun and the food is soooo good. We did this for my birthday and Father's Day last year and even with 3 adults and no kids in our party, there was a lot of interaction from the characters. While we didn't see any princesses, we did see Minnie Mouse, Eeyore, Tigger, Wendy, Peter Pan, Chip & Dale and a few more that I know I'm forgetting....

 

[mystic_path]

I enjoyed Goofy's Kitchen for a birthday, loads of characters come to your table and even some of them are there to sing happy birthday with you. I've seen the Mad Hatter sing HB and ive seen Aladdin sing HB as well. For birthdays they will decorate your area in balloons and they will give you a small cake and birthday button.

Some other characters ive seen there are Gepetto from Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, Belle, the fairy god mother, Goofy, Pluto, Jasmine, & Stitch

 

[brenda1966]

We''ve done Ariels twice in the past 2 years and my princess loving DD was thrilled. No, there isn't interaction or dancing, but if you want to see princesses without a long line, this is the place. I have no idea if they make a fuss over birthdays or not.

BTW, the have the BEST Salmon BLT. It is really, really yummy.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

If your goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the most princesses, the Ariel's is the place to do that. I think most people can find something there they want to eat.

 

[hlbtimes2]

If you want Princesses, then go to Ariels. I just gave it a bad review, but it was because we were expecting the "hostess" Ariel to come around to the tables. We were not expecting a rushed meeting at the door. The food was ok and the service was good. It was nice to have a sit down meal rather then buffet. They have lunch or dinner, but do tend to close a bit early since the park typically closes at 6pm.

If you want a variety and great interaction then Minnies at the Plaza in the park gets my families vote (it is breakfast only)

 

[Quest4Kingdom]

At first, Ariel's Grotto may not have the best food- if you're looking for a gourmet type of meal, but just being able to sit and if you're outside there's a good view of water and the rides, you get to see at least 4 princesses. We went last month and saw a Fairy Godmother there too! Each princess visits every single table and signs an autograph book if you want, or poses for photos. Sleeping Beauty taught my daughters personally how to do a princess bow, the princesses were very sweet!
My kids however, enjoyed their grilled cheese sandwiches, and deserts. Their meals are full course including many choices. Overall, it's definitely enjoyable and even the servers get into the princess spirit.

And, the girls got to wear their princess dresses and made it a huge event that way!

Kay

 

[lilsprstr]

We did Goofy's Kitchen last week as well as Minnie's Breakfast in the Park. Both were great. Goofy's had awesome food! I'd recommend that for a birthday!

 

[ArielAdventurer]

Hi
I have been to almost every character meal at DL/CA and they are all pretty fun.. but for a little girl's bday.. I don't know who wouldn't like Ariel's Grotto...We did it for my dd's bday a couple of times..and she loved it equally both times....The food is pretty good..my daughter's chicken nuggets came out in a pail with a shovel... beach gear to take home....I would definitely reconsider AG....

 

[moko]

I went to Ariel's Grotto last week and had a good experience. We saw Ariel at the door and then were visited by Belle, Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. It was nice eating outside and the food was pretty good. Everyone enjoyed it including the 8 year old boy.

Have also gone to Lilo & Stitch and saw Lilo, Stitch, Daisy Duck, Minnie and caught a glimpse of Pluto.... but no princesses there.

 

[liltinkers]

Ariels Grotto has disgusting food.... period.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

I love Goofy's for birthdays. It's just a silly place to be and we always have a blast there.

 

[ArielAdventurer]

Well..since some of us like the food at Ariel's..and some don't..the only thing the original poster can do is to make up her own mind..Most kids aren't thinking of the food at a character meal..anyway...and..most kids don't even go to DL for the food..Since I am a native California kid..(who hasn't been a kid in a long time)..you should have experienced Disneyland's food 20 years ago..if you want terrible..It was pretty bad back then..anything they have now..is a vast improvement..lol

 

[lilpixie]

My girls loved Ariels. I don't agree with the poster who said Ariel's had "disgusting food. period". It is definately not the best food in the world, but generally people don't do character meals for gourmet dining. My girls got their pictures taken with Belle, Snow White, Mulan, Ariel, Fairy Godmother and a prince. They got their autographs and still love looking at their little autograph books. It is a great way to meet lots of princesses. If your little one likes Jasmine and Aladdin -- go to the Aladdin's Oasis for storytime -- all the kids can line up and get pics and autographs afterwards. We saw Sleeping Beauty at the storytime in the castle princess shop -- I am so sad they don't do this anymore!!! If you want to avoid the monster lines at the Fantasy Faire (haven't been yet) Ariel's is a great alternative.

 

[ArielAdventurer]

My daughter would be so envious that you saw Mulan..We saw her one time from a distance when we visited Disney World..but never close enough to get an autograph..At Cinderella's castle in Disney World..we saw the fairy godmother..but never at DL...We did get to see Jane from Tarzan when we were there..but..I really don't consider her a princess..but my daughter liked her well enough..Ariel is my daughter's favorite..so she was happy to see her..but the rest of the princesses were the ones we always see...Belle..Snow White..Cinderella...Aurora....which is nice..but we would like to see someone we haven't seen before...

 

[lilpixie]

I hope your daughter gets to meet Mulan. She was so beautiful and had on a gorgeous costume. My girls loved her. I don't know who was having more fun, though -- my girls or me!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Ariel's is a great place to celebrate a little girl's birthday. We celebrated my dd's 9th there a year and a half ago. They had her stand up and everyone sang Happy Birthday. The servers announce to the restaurant who you will be singing to, how old etc. They did this several times for other children as well. I also agree the food is better than average theme park fare, not gourmet at all but also not disgusting, at least in my book. And it is very nice that its served to you as opposed to going back and forth to a buffet where you could easily miss a princess while you were gone. Just be sure to tell your kids that Ariel will be seeing them in the lobby and not in the dining room, that is a recent change.

Goofy's, Lilo and Stitch and Minnie's also celebrate birthday's nicely. Each one will gladly sing for a birthday girl/boy and bring a little dessert with a candle. You can also buy birthday buckets at any of them. I am sure Storytellers does as well, I haven't celebrated a birthday at that one so not completely sure.

And the Plaza Inn (where Minnie does breakfast) has a birthday party daily. For around $10 each guest gets to decorate their own little birthday cake. Punch is also served in a keepable cup. They have a guy named Pat E. Cake who runs the party and then Minnie and Mickey make a brief appearance at the end for photos (no autographs). Its very fun and not a bad deal pricewise by Disneyland standards.

 

[ArielAdventurer]

Lol..I know what you mean about who is having more fun..when a princess would be in the room..I would get almost more excited than my daughter...
We go back on June 13-17..I will let everyone know which princesses we get to see...