Character dining suggestions & question

[jdb0822]

I am heading down Oct 7-15. There is a total of 8 of us going, and we would like to have a character meal for the kids. Do you have to stay at a Disney resort to be able to get a reservation at one of the Character meals at the resorts? Any suggestions for a good character breakfast or lunch?

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

I think anyone can eat at any hotel, just as long as there is space.

You might want to call since there are 8 in your party.

 

[mecllap]

No, you do not have to stay on property to go to a resort for a meal -- I think you may need a reservation to be able to park your car at the resort for the meal. At any rate, even tho you're going at a "less-crowded" time of year, you should call and make reservations -- the times available can get booked up -- you might need to be flexible when you call to make your request -- have a choice of restaurants and days/times in mind. I think the character meals are all fun -- it's also helpful to plan to stay there longer than you might have thought -- that way as the characters make their rounds, you'll have a second time to see one that you might have missed while at the buffet getting food (or getting pictures of it, etc.).

We really enjoyed Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary -- did a really late breakfast (so kind of early lunch). Parked at TTC and rode monorail over, then monorail back.

Check the info boards to see what characters are where, and what kind of food you want -- then pick what sounds best for your group.

Take your cameras of course -- in May, they didn't have PhotoPass yet at the meals -- they may eventually add that, but they won't be with all the characters. Your server can take a "group at the table photo" of you.

 

[jdb0822]

Well, its a good thing I took your advice and called. For the day we wanted, all they had at Chef Mickeys was 7am. Lucky for me that my 1yr son always has me up by 6am at the latest, so I know we'll be there on time

 

[Tink901]

1900 park fare at the Grand Floridian is a great character breakfast, mary poppins in the lobby, tigger, pooh, mad hatter and alice inside. Great food, a omelette bar, strawberry soup, bacon, sausage, waffles, fruit, cereal, danish. Lots of great choices, we visit once every trip which is 4-6 times a year. Is a relaxed atmosphere.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[LAL77]

Hi. I just wanted to tell you that we got 7am last minute reservations at Chef Mickeys when we went to DW last year. It was ABSOLUTELY fabulous! We were pretty much the only people in the place. Chef Mickey personally escorted my daughters (2 and 1) to our table, Minnie sat with us several times for 5-10 minutes each time, Chip and Dale walked my girls over to the buffet for their refills, etc. I would say there were only 5 other tables of families there and it was perfect. Without a doubt the highlight of our trip!

I seem to remember some trouble getting to CM's that early though. My memory is failing me right now so the details are a little blurry, but the monorail doesn't get going till 7 maybe? So we took our bus to MK and then relied on hopping on the monorail but it wasn't going yet...... Anyway, the point is, check with the concierge to see what the best way to get there at that hour is..... Sorry I can't be more helpful with this detail...

Have a great time!
Lesley