Character Dining Question

[mommy2jack]

Just wondering... are there any Character meals that ARE NOT buffet style? I was thinking about doing a Character meal for our up coming trip (if I can book one ). But they all seem to be buffet style and my hubby hates buffets. CRT seems to be the only one that is not buffet style, but I don't really want to take my son to see princesses. He'll only be one so something maybe with Mickey, Donald, Goofy (you know the 'regulars') would be fun. Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

 

[carmiedog]

For non-princess characters, Garden Grill dinner (Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale) and Ohana breakfast (Mickey, Pluto, Lilo & Stitch) are family-style. They have a set menu they serve on platters or skillets, and you fill your own plate there at the table. We enjoyed the food and character interaction at both very much.

There are none I'm aware of where you can order from a menu, though.

 

[HopperFan]

We liked both of these as well, and have them both booked again for upcoming trip. Good for boys

 

[JackJack08]

This is good to know! Thanks OP.

Not to thread jack but can anyone tell me who exactly is at CRT for dinner?? Is it all the princesses or just Cindy or ????

 

[PoohsFan1]

O'hanas breakfast at Poly is not a buffet. It features Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto in their Hawaiian outfits. There is also the Garden Grill at Epcot's the Land Pavillion that is not a buffet either and that is Chip and Dale, Mickey and pluto all as gardeners. This is the restaurant that slowly moves as you are eating. We are going to both of these resturants for the first time in December and are really excited about them....we wanted to do character meals that are non buffets too. We are also doing CRT for dinner and Akershus in Norway, both of these are non buffets with the exception of Akershus which has a cold bar, but they still serve your warm food to you, but these both are the princess meals. For your DS, I would definately try either the Garden Grill or O'hanas, depending on which type of characters he enjoys more

 

[PoohsFan1]

This is good to know! Thanks OP.

Not to thread jack but can anyone tell me who exactly is at CRT for dinner?? Is it all the princesses or just Cindy or ????

From what I am understanding about CRT dinner (eating there for dinner the first time in December) is that the princesses do not come around the tables. You will be able to meet Cinderella downstairs before you go to your table for a picture and autograph. Then upstairs at dinner the Fairy Godmother and the two girl mice do a show while you eat.

 

[marcielm]

This is good to know! Thanks OP.

Not to thread jack but can anyone tell me who exactly is at CRT for dinner?? Is it all the princesses or just Cindy or ????

It is not all the princesses. Word is that you see cindy outside the castle (maybe for the picture) and then the Fairy Godmother and 2 of the mice are in the dining area.
If you want Cindy at dinner time, go to 1900 Park Fare in the GF... it has Cindy, Prince Charming , Lady Tremaine (step-mom) and the step sisters. My daughter LOVED this meal... but then she was all about Cinderella and not the other princesses at the time!

 

[Redheaded Sunshine]

All the PPs are right about the restaurant choices.

If I may offer a thought, with a little boy it is easy to think, "Oh he won't like the princesses," but let me tell you, my son LOVES them. And the nice thing about the princesses is that with little ones they can be a lot less overwhelming (ie no giant head in their face) and they can actually talk to the kids. And your DH will love it when your DS decides to be a little ladies man and flirt with them. Too funny.

 

[ses1230]

From what I am understanding about CRT dinner (eating there for dinner the first time in December) is that the princesses do not come around the tables. You will be able to meet Cinderella downstairs before you go to your table for a picture and autograph. Then upstairs at dinner the Fairy Godmother and the two girl mice do a show while you eat.

It is not all the princesses. Word is that you see cindy outside the castle (maybe for the picture) and then the Fairy Godmother and 2 of the mice are in the dining area.
If you want Cindy at dinner time, go to 1900 Park Fare in the GF... it has Cindy, Prince Charming , Lady Tremaine (step-mom) and the step sisters. My daughter LOVED this meal... but then she was all about Cinderella and not the other princesses at the time!

There are no Princesses in the dining room at dinner. Cinderella is downstairs in the lobby for the photo (included with the meal) and upstairs in the dining room are FGM, Suzy and Perla. They do a little show where the FGM asks if anyone is having a birthday, anniversary, etc., and she sings. The mice circulate around the room and you can *usually* get a quick photo, but no autographs. If you ask the handler, they have little pre-printed cards that have FGM's autograph.

 

[JackJack08]

Thanks everyone. DH will be sad, he doesn't get to schmooz with the princesses!

 

[TDC Nala]

All character meals are either buffet or served family style (with the exception of CRT and Akershus which are fixed price, set menu - you pay one price and choose courses from their menu - Akershus also has a cold "appetizer" buffet).

 

[DISHoppy]

Thanks everyone. DH will be sad, he doesn't get to schmooz with the princesses!

Then I suggest the Akershus for more princess interaction. Highly recommended.

-Kevin

 

[karly05]

It's been a few years, but I really enjoyed the breakfast at Ohana. As mentioned, it is served family style, and they'll refill anything you want more of. Hawaiian sweet bread with pineapple = yummy!