Char meal or skip it this time?

[tanyaandallie]

We are headed to Disney for a couple of days. Sort of an add on to our trip to visit the in-laws. We arrive late Sat. afternoon, Sun at MK, Mon at AK and then leave Mon afternoon for Bradenton.

We did 3 character meals in the fall and I'm just totally torn about whether or not we should do one this time. My kids are 2 and almost 4. They were both pretty frightened of the characters. But, it's been a few months so maybe they won't be? It's such an easy way to see the characters. I am thinking about either doing CP for breakfast or lunch?

Opinions wanted.

 

[TheDizMom]

Crystal Palace is a great choice and fits into your schedule, but if it's only been a few months and they were scared the first time it might be one of those times to say "forget it". I do have another option for you, that might be a little harder, but you could see characters who aren't scarry. Do you have girls or boys? My DD was scarred of any character who wasn't a princess when she was 4. I think it's because they were normal people not these big heads with no voice. Even when she was told they were just people in costumes it didn't help and she never ate when we went to the meals because she was so anxious about the characters. You could try CRT again as it's in the MK or you could go to the Akershus at Epcot which is the Princess Storybook meal. Lots of characters but they look like regular people and therefore not threatening in any way. It will make it a little harder to get to the parks you want to go to, but you could get in a character meal.

 

[tanyaandallie]

I just read some reviews on CP and made an 8:05 ressie. I'm hoping for the best with the kids. We did CRT, CM and H&V last fall. Even though my dd swore she was excited to see the princesses, she is so shy she was clinging to me at CRT. Oh well. I have heard good things about CP so I think we will try it. At least we are guarenteed to be in the park super early!

 

[TheDizMom]

Crystal Palace is a favorite of ours. The food is great! If I may make a suggestion for you then. When you check in ask for a table with the booth on one side if possible. We did this with DD in 05, because the characters couldn't come up behind her and scare her and it was hard for them to get next to her too. If they are still scared this time tell the character this and ask them to stay on the opposite side of the table and not to try to touch them. We also put my DH between her and the characters so we could get a picture with her and the characters. If dad was between them she was fine. With any luck they won't be afraid this time, but if they are I hope these ideas will work for you like they did for us. Good luck and enjoy. Crystal Palace really is a great restaurant. It was my MIL's favorite when we went a few weeks ago and she is hard to please!

 

[Georgia]

I was torn on character meals as well. My dd-4 is usually afraid of any characters anywhere we go. I hated to make a reservation and spent tons of money on a character meal and then have a screaming dd. We opted for Hoop Dee Doo this time!