Character meal disappointment - advice for future bookings?

[FeralCatRogue]

I found akherus to be very rushed as well, we didn't even see all the princesses come to our table. I just put it up to being though that we were two adults at the table.

 

[boltfan]

We've done most character meals, and a lot of princess meals when my girls were younger. Because of these meals, they no longer like Aurora all that much! EVERY time we went to a princess meal between 2004 and 2008, Aurora was very rude and paid no attention to my girls. Now I know, that obviously it is highly unlikely that they were the same girl portraying Aurora, but when you look at the pictures, they do look almost identical. Anyway, Sleeping Beauty hasn't been watched in our house for many years!

 

[photo_chick]

Just had princess dining experience in EPCOT and so sad to say we left disappointed with the princesses and their attitude to their roles. It was hurried and very much - here's the picture, here's the autograph now on to the next table. Snow White in particular almost threw my kids pen at her she was in such a hurry to get away! (sadly not an exaggeration) Belle was our meet and greet and she was lovely which was a saving grace as she's my DD favourite, however, being 6 she is still desperately into all the princesses and was left pretty downhearted by the whole thing to say the least.

I felt it was all too hurried - not purely the CM's fault. They obviously had to get round all the tables in a set time and see all the kids/families before doing the totally worthless parade (in my opinion time that would have been better served giving them longer with the children). Due to this every character was at our table within 5/6 minutes and the kids (also a 3 year old boy) were up and down like a yoyo. It appeared that they had to be away before the food was served? My previous experience of character dining was at Chef Mickey in Paris where the characters were much more staggered and visited throughout the meal. This way the excitement lasted and they spent much longer with each table giving a proper experience for the children. I've also booked the Disney Junior breakfast at Hollywood and Vine and Donald's character lunch at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. However, I'm now having second thoughts if these are going to be similar to the princess experience of today. Has anyone done either of these and if so can you give me advice on how they run?

We did the Princess Storybook Breakfast at Epcot on July 4th and I had the same feeling. They seemed to rush through every table and had the parade 3 times with the same kids when we were there. They did not wait to serve our food though, we were actually finished eating before a princess ever got to our table and then they hit in rapid succession. It was much different from the type of interaction we have had in the past at this same meal.

We've also done Tusker House, Chef Mickey, 1900 Park Fare, O'hana, CRT and Crystal Palace in the past for character meals and none of them were as rushed as far as character interaction goes as I felt like the meal at Akershus was this time. Though we did not do them on this trip so maybe they've changed as well.

 

[TinyTXTink]

Sorry for your bad experience unfortunately we did akershus and H&V in September and felt the same, especially Akershus. We had a much more positive character interaction just by doing the meet and greets (Tinkerbell spent time looking over her lost things with my 3 year old and Rapunzel and her went on a mini scavenger hunt when my daughter asked her where Pascal was....both of those were precious cherished memories!!). We will be doing table services at non character locations this next time around and will just hit up the meet and greets.

 

[DisneyKentucky]

I used to call 1900 PF the most fun you could have at a character meal. We have gone more times than I can count. But after 2 very disappointing visits, I'm not sure we'll be back. My only advice here is to do whatever it takes to avoid being seated in that back room. We were there those last 2 visits and it was a total snooze fest. On our last visit, Cinderella came by while we were just getting settled, so I didn't get good photos. I actually called her name later when she came RIGHT BY (it's a very small room) to see if we could get another photo and she completely ignored me. One of the characters actually implied to me (very quietly) that they were sorry to have to be so rushed but heir hands are tied.

Yeah, I think they flipped the management or have figured they were ticking people off. 2 times this year I've had great service. in 2013 early and late 2012 it was not as good as my last two times. Could be the luck of the draw.

I don't know if this is common but at the end of dinner service at Citricos we came out and the 1900 cast for dinner were done as well. So they came and danced in the lobby with patrons listening to the band and were hamming it up. They were in total character the whole time. Drizella and Anastasia were chasing the young boys (8-15 year olds) and Lady Tremaine was chatting up my wife who was wearing Maleficent horns saying, "We should have drinks. I like your style."

 

[DisneyLvr55]

We did breakfast there this past November and pretty much felt the same way. I'm not a fan of having my picture taken with any characters (for me, its for the kids, and thats it) but Snow White is my favorite, and my husband thought it would be nice/funny if I had my photo taken with her alone. You could tell she wasn't happy about it. I don't know if it was that she didn't want to waste her time on an adult, or she just wanted to keep moving, of what, but it was pretty obvious she wasn't feeling it.
We loved our first experience there, but in the 2 times after, its gone down each time. We won't be returning.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yeah, I think they flipped the management or have figured they were ticking people off. 2 times this year I've had great service. in 2013 early and late 2012 it was not as good as my last two times. Could be the luck of the draw.

I don't know if this is common but at the end of dinner service at Citricos we came out and the 1900 cast for dinner were done as well. So they came and danced in the lobby with patrons listening to the band and were hamming it up. They were in total character the whole time. Drizella and Anastasia were chasing the young boys (8-15 year olds) and Lady Tremaine was chatting up my wife who was wearing Maleficent horns saying, "We should have drinks. I like your style."

I wish I could have seen that!

I hope you're right about a change in management. I have been so sad about the loss of fun at that character meal.

 

[sydneysmom]

we felt rushed at Akershus too... my DH said he wasn't running at 8:00 through Epcot for an 8:15 ADR only to be rushed to finish eating in like a 1/2 hour. Oh, and after rushing through Epcot so we wouldn't be late, it was another 40 min before we got called! The last time we went, we sat at one of the round tables right smack in front of the buffet, so everyone was bumping us, bumping the table...it was horrible. The princesses couldn't stay at our table because it was in the main traffic path, so it was like Hi / Bye! Next trip, we'll skip that one. We had a better breakfast at 1900 Park Fare and didn't have to leave the hotel.

But for an awesome breakfast at a park, Tusker House can't be beat.... the food is awesome, the character interaction is fantastic.

 

[mom2rtk]

we felt rushed at Akershus too... my DH said he wasn't running at 8:00 through Epcot for an 8:15 ADR only to be rushed to finish eating in like a 1/2 hour. Oh, and after rushing through Epcot so we wouldn't be late, it was another 40 min before we got called! The last time we went, we sat at one of the round tables right smack in front of the buffet, so everyone was bumping us, bumping the table...it was horrible. The princesses couldn't stay at our table because it was in the main traffic path, so it was like Hi / Bye! Next trip, we'll skip that one. We had a better breakfast at 1900 Park Fare and didn't have to leave the hotel.

But for an awesome breakfast at a park, Tusker House can't be beat.... the food is awesome, the character interaction is fantastic.

That's the WORST place to sit there. We sat there 2 trips in a row and I finally started checking in early and asking if we could wait until they could seat us in the big hall. That helped out a lot. I figure 2 trips in a row in a bad area is more than enough!

 

[DisneyKentucky]

I wish I could have seen that!

I hope you're right about a change in management. I have been so sad about the loss of fun at that character meal.

Yeah, I've actually seen you guys in park I believe as I've seen your etsy store and photos on here. I have to give you a major kudos on your dresses. They are fantastic.

I as well hope my assumption is right. The money we all have spent on these meals we should get a great interaction. I have sworn off Crystal Palace after 1 visit. We were completely ignored. It was so crazy it was hard to get attention. We were at the seat they told us gets neglected and people were getting double visits and we had zero interactions. I know it's the seat but if they knew that they should compensate for it.

 

[joannamet]

We had breakfast at Cinderella's castle 2 years ago and had a great time. We got plenty of time and attention from all the princesses. They were very sweet to the kids. Of course its outrageously expensive so I would never do it again unless I was on DD. Chef Mickey's was also a wonderful experience with the characters but that's not princesses.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yeah, I've actually seen you guys in park I believe as I've seen your etsy store and photos on here. I have to give you a major kudos on your dresses. They are fantastic.

I as well hope my assumption is right. The money we all have spent on these meals we should get a great interaction. I have sworn off Crystal Palace after 1 visit. We were completely ignored. It was so crazy it was hard to get attention. We were at the seat they told us gets neglected and people were getting double visits and we had zero interactions. I know it's the seat but if they knew that they should compensate for it.

Thank you!

And I have always realized the character meals were hit or miss. But after a few too many misses lately I told my daughter we would probably cut back next time we head back to the World. And that makes me sad. The character meals have been part of our fun at WDW for a long time. I'll keep watching in hopes I hear better reports.

 

[EllaRoosmummy]

We were there at the end of last month and I felt the same way. We had many other character meals during our trip and Akershus was the worst character interaction (and food) by far. We also did CRT, 1900 Park Fare (breakfast and dinner), CP, Tusker House, H&V (lunch), and Chef Mickey's for reference. At H&V (we went for lunch), the characters were fantastic. They gladly signed all of our stuff and posed for several pictures. Jake is on of my littlest one's favorites and he got down so she could hug him. Both of my girls wore Sophia dresses so Sophia posed with them and the compared amulets. We were there about 1 1/2 hours and the characters made it around 2 or 3 times, and they stopped at our table EACH time around. The only negative thing that I had to say about H&V was that they were VERY far behind in seating people; we had to wait 45 minutes past our reservation time (though we are a party of 8, and there were other parties of 10 and 12 in front of us waiting). At Tusker House, it was similar to H&V. We were there about the same length of time and we saw all of the characters 2 or 3 times. My littlest one got to hold Donald's hand and lead the parade playing music. Goofy stole a spray bottle off of our table and pretended to spray Mickey with it (until his handler told him to stop). They gladly signed all of our stuff and posed for pictures. Once again they stopped at our table or at least waved every time they came around the restaurant. I do have to say that H&V and Tusker House are much more organized than Akershus as well. Unlike at Akershus, when we were seated at each of these restaurants, the waitress explained to us the order that the characters visit the tables. That way we knew based on where the characters were whether or not we had time to get up to use the bathroom or to get more food, and we could make sure that we had our autograph stuff and cameras ready when it was time. The handlers also came around to make sure that we had not been skipped by any of the characters. I would definitely do TH and H&V again. IF I wanted to see princesses again, I would gladly pay the money to do CRT versus ever go to Akershus again.

In a way it's reassuring that someone else had a bad experience and it wasn't just a hot and bothered Scottish mum being grumpy! So glad to hear you have had good experiences at our other two bookings. My little boy loves Jake and little girl is mad on Sophia so am desperately hoping that H&V makes up for it!

I have to say we did meet and greet at MK day before with Cinderella and Rapunzel who were both brilliant with the kids but just feel a little annoyed when paying extra!

 

[EllaRoosmummy]

Loved loved TH! Yes, the beginning part waiting in line to take a pic with Donald is a tad silly, although made for a super cute pic! The food was delish and character interaction A++! We never felt rushed. We're going back on our upcoming trip

Phew! DS big clubhouse fan so any of the big ones is going to be a hit with him and to hear of someone returning is a good sign!

 

[EllaRoosmummy]

I agree. People have been saying this for years. But honestly, it's just luck of the draw. If she has a part, then yes there will be scripted interaction there. But the photo op at the end is the most ridiculously rushed character photo I have ever seen. She practically has to push each guest away after their photo to keep on schedule. The "funny" part is that (I suppose because of the prerecorded script????) it's even rushed when there is absolutely nobody waiting in line for the next show. We experienced this around 11:30 PM during an EMH. It was crazy. OP, part of it is how many people they are trying to cram through there every hour. But people DO still have good character interaction at character meals. If you want more than a sign and run, you need to find a way to make that happen. Work up a list of interesting questions you can ask the character when they come by. Is your daughter really shy? That might be part of it. They just don't have time to draw kids out. So put her in her favorite princess gown. And prep her as each character comes by. Or ask for her. Try Kenny the Pirate's site. I know he used to have fun suggestions for questions to ask. But just know that some experiences are going to be better than others.

She was wearing Belle dress and desperately tried to interact with them. You'd honestly not meet a less shy little girl - confident and out going. Each princess unfortunately rolled out the exact same phrase "oh you've raided my friend Belles magical wardrobe". By the time Ariel said it Ella - my daughter - had cottoned onto the fact that none of them were paying attention to what she was trying to say and sadly didn't try to make conversation with Cinderella who was last and the best of a bad bunch.

 

[Aurora0427]

OP, I know what you are saying about Snow White. Every encounter we have ever had at a Character meal has been similar to yours. Very rushed and she almost seemed bothered to do it. Ariel, Belle, and Cinderella have all been awesome!

This is so funny because there is one particular Snow White who is amazing. We had her the first time in Germany by the wishing well, the we met her again with Rapunzel, and then again at Akershus. Cinderella was a dud every time.

This chick really is Snow White. I'm convinced. She was amazing. Just goes to show it's the kick of the draw.

 

[DisneyKentucky]

A non-Princess character breakfast my DD5 loved was both the SWW Darth Vader breakfast (Hilarious interactions) and the HV Star Wars Minnie, Donald, Mickey and Goofy.

Also, the DisJr. one was worth the visit.

 

[mom2rtk]

A non-Princess character breakfast my DD5 loved was both the SWW Darth Vader breakfast (Hilarious interactions) and the HV Star Wars Minnie, Donald, Mickey and Goofy.

Also, the DisJr. one was worth the visit.

That SW breakfast made me want to travel in the summer for the first time in a very long time. I really wish they had done that when our boys were little.

 

[DisneyKentucky]

That SW breakfast made me want to travel in the summer for the first time in a very long time. I really wish they had done that when our boys were little.

I have a daughter and she had a blast. The Jawas stole phones and took selfies with people. Greedo acting very narcissistic in a funny and entertaining way. Storm Troopers also were funny and you get a group photo with Boba Fett and Darth Vader. Just perfect. Plus, I like events at breakfast at the Sci-Fi. Very good food for breakfast. So much better than Sci-Fi's normal food.

 

[juliebug1997]

That SW breakfast made me want to travel in the summer for the first time in a very long time. I really wish they had done that when our boys were little.

I seriously told EVERY CM at DHS that they needed to bring that back for next year. It really was incredible!!!!!