Character dining solo

[jenniy122]

A little bit different than the average solo questions on either of these topics...

I have no qualms about eating alone or meeting the characters as a solo adult. But with character meals (I'm especially looking at Akershus, as I've never been there) the attendants usually don't really stick to the characters, so am I correct in thinking that there wouldn't be a way to get pictures? I'm not down with interrupting another family's meal, and with the selfie stick ban, not that I own one anyways lol, I just wondered if it was worth going. Belle in her gown and Ariel in human form would be my main reasons for going there specifically, though I enjoy other places as well.

I'm trying to decide between dining plans. Too many options!

 

[SureAsLiz]

If an attendant isn't nearby (which with the princesses, they tend not to be), then you can easily grab someone from the staff to take your photo if you aren't comfortable with asking a nearby family. I have been several times, and staff has always be willing to take a group photo for us

At Akershus specifically, Belle has a photopass photographer so that won't be an issue at all.

 

[bamacmac]

I took selfies of myself with most of the princesses when I dined there solo, because I usually prefer that. There was always someone nearby offering to take the picture each time. Usually my waitress or another employee. They do have some attendants that are around to help with various things if needed. And as previously stated, there is a photographer there to take your picture with Belle when you first arrive. I loved the experience...great interaction with them there!

 

[godders]

I'm like you and hate asking other guests to take photos. If there isn't a handler close by say to the character your meeting "shall we get someone to take our photo?" usually they go and find someone to do it or wave their handler over. Selfie's with princesses are fine but I have long arms and still couldn't really fit Mickey's head in a photo for one so it is better to get someone else to do it.

 

[jenniy122]

Thanks everyone! This is the only thing I haven't been willing to do solo and you've convinced me to do it! @godders Asking the character to get someone, genius, I never in a million years would've came up with that and it's perfect. (and I'm 5'3" on a good day, so uh, itty bitty short arms lol! I can barely get my own face in a selfie) My window opens up next week, so thanks!

 

[godders]

Thanks everyone! This is the only thing I haven't been willing to do solo and you've convinced me to do it! @godders Asking the character to get someone, genius, I never in a million years would've came up with that and it's perfect. (and I'm 5'3" on a good day, so uh, itty bitty short arms lol! I can barely get my own face in a selfie) My window opens up next week, so thanks!

No worries. Someone else on the Dis recommended it to me. Have a awesome trip!

 

[bellrae]

The only time I did Akershus solo the princesses kept suggesting a selfie! It was pretty funny, and the photos are a little different from normal, but great nonetheless.

At CRT there was a couple at the next table and as soon as they sat down they leaned across and told me that they would be my photographers throughout the meal, which was really lovely.

There will always be someone nearby happy to help.

 

[karly05]

No worries. Someone else on the Dis recommended it to me. Have a awesome trip!

I learned the "ask the character to find someone" tip here, as well, and have passed it on - worked like a charm for me at H&V. This year at Tusker House, there was an adult couple seated at the table next to mine. A great gentleman CM who would be assisting the characters stopped and chatted with our tables and let us know he would be happy to take pictures for us. After the first two characters, he had to move on, but my table neighbors then offered to take pics for me with the remaining characters and I offered to do the same for them - It was so nice that the CM had "broken the ice" so to speak, so we guests were comfortable speaking up to help each other out.

Have a great trip OP, and let us know your experience at Akershus!

 

[SueDonym3]

When I did a solo at Akershus, the staff told me when I was seated that they would take care of me and make sure I got pics. It was never necessary- all the families seated near me jumped out of their seats to help. One of my favorite things about Disney is how helpful fellow guests can be.

 

[JediAng]

I dined at Akershus solo once, I found it unusual that there were no attendants nearby, even in my entire room at all, usually I will ask them to take a picture for me, since I hate selfies, I think they look awkward. One time the family next to me offered to take the picture for me (they noticed I was by myself and asked), and the other times my waitress stayed with me since she was near, there is usually always someone!

 

[Amysita]

I make a 'deal' w/ the table next to me...I'll take their pix so the whole family can be in them, and they take mine. That way I don't feel like I've 'bothered' them, because they're getting something out of it too.

 

[JediAng]

I make a 'deal' w/ the table next to me...I'll take their pix so the whole family can be in them, and they take mine. That way I don't feel like I've 'bothered' them, because they're getting something out of it too.

Same. If I ever "bother" someone else to take my picture, I will always offer to do the same for them so we both get something out of it.