Character Dining First time

[Mopietro]

We are set to go to WDW Jan 6-8 2008 and I don't know who's more excited, me or my 3-year old daughter. I've never had the experience of character dining, so I made a point to do it this trip. We have dinner at 1900 park fare and breakfast at Akershus lined up. I'm still calling for any cancellations for Cinderella's table. I'd love some feed back on the two we have set up and any tips to maximize the experience! thanks!

Disneyland & CA adventure January 07
WDW January 2001
WDW 1983
WDW 1979

 

[snowwhite84]

I've been to Akershus and 1900 Park Fare and loved both! But I really love all character dining. I think it's the kind of thing you really enjoy or aren't that into (I'm sure you'll love it because of your DD).

Akershus is a great experience because of the variety of princesses you meet. It's also a very nice atmosphere; you really feel like you are in a castle.

1900 Park Fare was great because you get to interact with Prince Charming and he's a very rare character. I know the stepsisters and stepmother are there now and they are hilarious characters. I'm sure it's great with them. I'm not sure if they still do it, but about a year ago at 1900 Park Fare they gave all the kids paper placemats with little Victorian decorations on it. We had the characters autograph that and it came out cute.

Some tips for character dining in general: have your camera and autograph book ready. Also, if you've almost finished your meal and one of the characters hasn't gotten to you, tell a CM and they'll make sure you see him/her.

Have fun!

 

[3mickeys&me]

We ALWAYS do a Charactor Breakfast at Chef Mickey in the Contemporary. They have Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald you get the idea. Its our Favorite and our boys now 9 & 12 still love it.
Enjoy!

 

[amery]

I Can't speak to either of those and will doing CRT next Thursday.

Depending on what characters your DD are in to, I would higly recommend Chef Mickey's (Mickey and his posse) or Crystal Palace (Pooh and his..).

Both were fabulous, had very good offerings and service to boot. Back to CRT for a moment, should you be fortunate enought o score an ADR through a cancellation, good for you. It will figure to be well worth the price (phots are included for that one).

 

[Hootch]

taking our video camera this past summer. It's small but is just another thing to lug around in the backpack. Before going we watched the previous year's video. There are so many things that a snapshot would have missed. For example, my three year old daughter had a thing about touching the nose of every character with a mask. Many of the characters did the same thing back to her. In summation, if you have a video camera and can carry it with you, there are moments you will capture that will be different then any picture.

 

[Steffiesunshine]

I just made restervations for 1/6 at the Magic Kingdom for the Crystal Palace Buffet with Pooh & Friends. They had lots of openings.

Here's a tip I got from another thread. Make early reservations for the Buffet, 8am for a 9am park opening. It's empty and easy to get a good photo in front of the castle without a million people in the picture!

Also, Chef Mickey at the Contemporary is great for kids.

 

[dgagnon519]

On my last trip we did a few character meals
We did Crystal Palace for Dinner
We did Akershus for dinner
We did Chef Mickeys for dinner
We did CRT for dinner

They were all great. Your daughter will love Akershus. It was one of my daughters favorite. Chef Mickeys is a great time if your going to add another one I would probably pick that.