Character dining dilemma...

[lisalonglash]

My apologies if these questions have been posted recently (I took a quick look but didn't find them).

Our Grand Gathering group is 7 adults (maybe 8/9 adults, not sure) and 4 children (age ranges from 4yo to 9yo - ALL BOYS). With that in mind:

~ What character breakfast would you recommend?
~ Which cb has the most boy-friendly and most interactive character experiences (all the boys are uber-energetic!)?
~ We are staying for 8 nights next October. Which morning would you recommend we book the cb for (first morning, second morning, etc.)?
~ Anything else you have found about the cb experiences would be great!
~ Also, are Woody and/or Buzz Lightyear at any of the character meals?

Most appreciated - thank you!

 

[sah95]

We havn't been to a lot of character breakfasts, but I think Chef Mickey's or the one in Animal Kingdom would be fun and energetic. Crystal Palace is kind of slow as is 1900 Park Fare. Going on the first morning would be a great start to your vacation. Buzz and Woody are not at Character Dining - I wish they were!! Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

[simonkodousek]

Crystal Palace is my favorite character restaurant, followed by Chef Mickey's.

 

[Maggi May]

I'd say for a large group with energetic boys (is there any other kind of boy?? ) Chef Mickeys would be the place.

Chef Mickeys has a pretty good breakfast selection. The character interaction is fun and includes some of the most beloved characters at WDW -- Mickey, Pluto, Donald, etc. The restaurant can be nosiy, but let's face it, with lots of kids that's not a bad thing. Every 1/2 hour or so the characters lead everyone in a napkin twirling song. Hitting Chef Mickeys on the first day or two of your trip would be a perfect way for everyone to get into the Disney spirit. The Contemporary Hotel is pretty cool, too . . . monorail running through it and close the the Magic Kingdom.

We found the Play and Dine Breakfast at Hollywood and Vine to be even more interactive than Chef Mickeys (songs and dances with the characters), but it's geared more to the pre-school crowd.

We also enjoyed the Best Friends breakfast at Ohana with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch. Kids really enjoyed the parade. However, it's a bit more laid back that most character meals and doesn't have the same fun factor as Chef Mickeys.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Another vote for Chef Mickey's -- considering the "uber-energetic" description of the boys in your party.

I prefer the more laid-back genteel atmosphere of Crystal Palace or 1900 . . . but that's exactly why I'm thinking your guys would be happier at Chef Mickey's. (Even the thought of the napkin-waving song before Noon, is making me jittery. )

 

[crisi]

I'll plug the Poly with Mickey and Stitch.

I'd book the character meal mid trip and make it a lazy morning - you'll need a sleep in morning. Also, some preschoolers don't LIKE characters. In fact, some of them are "screamers." Booking a character meal on day one and discovering one of the kids sits under the table a screams (one of the DIS posters had a kid who did that) is not a pleasant dining experience. It also makes sure your kids have a chance to understand the protocol of character interaction (its like seeing the queen) and get autograph books.

 

[lisalonglash]

Thank you all for sharing your experience and advice! It sounds like Chef Mickey's is the most suited for our little fruit loops? LOL All the boys like the characters (my two boys have been to Disneyland Resort Paris earlier this year and my two nephews have been to Disneyland California three times), so no worries there.

So, the consensus seems to be going to Chef Mickey's breakfast on the first full day, right?

Oh, how I love this board - DISers are so great!

 

[sah95]

So, the consensus seems to be going to Chef Mickey's breakfast on the first full day, right?

Right

 

[crisi]

I wouldn't go the first day unless you know all the kids tolerate characters. Its a great way to go if all the kids tolerate characters - and a nightmare way to start your vacation if they don't.

Preschoolers may react strangely to Disney - I know more than one person who made the mistake of riding Snow White first and then not getting their kids on another ride.

 

[M Poppins]

He really enjoyed breakfast at Hollywood and Vine and HS. DD3 loved seeing Jo Jo, Goliath, Leo, June, and Quincy! It wasn't a big crowd and the food was good. The characters came around at least twice! It was great! We went in late September.

 

[DannysMom]

I'll plug the Poly with Mickey and Stitch.

Just to be contrary, I'm gonna agree w/ crisi & say Mickey & Stitch over at Ohana at the Poly. Stitch can be quite the character & willing to clown w/ boys. He tried to "steal" my son's stuffed mickey last time.

I guess I should add, that we've never yet made it over to Chef Mickey's, maybe this next trip.