Character meal tips

[SLDL]

I have been to a couple character meals in the past, but this Sept. (thanks free dining!) we have quite a few planned. On the schedule, we have Chef Mickey's, B'fast at Norway & Donald's Breakfastosaurus. What are your tips for these meals? I'm afraid I'll be so worried about getting good pictures that I won't enjoy it as much as I should. I know I'll want video, too. What has worked for you in the past?

 

[bopper]

If you are in a booth type table, have the parents sit on the inside so when you want to take pictures the characters can come up right behind the kids.

Bring your camera and autograph book!

Make sure that when you take the picture that you are focusing on your kids/the character, and not off in the distance.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

start taking pix as soon as the character walks up to table, u will get lots of cool stuff this way,... when character is talking to your child be sure to get kids face full and straight on, to capture the wonder
then afterwards take a posed one, the characters will always look the same, your child will unfortunately outgrow his/her "wonder" dont miss out!

 

[MousekaMaddi]

get close, u dont need the background in these!just the excitement in their eyes!

 

[mecllap]

Allow plenty of time for the experience -- don't be in a hurry to rush off somewhere else. Generally the characters make "rounds" and will come by your table twice if you stay long enough -- so, if you miss any photo opps while someone is getting food, etc. you'll get another chance. You can also ask your server to take a group photo of all of you, if they're handy when you have one of the characters (or just all of you at the table).

 

[makinorlando]

Have fun with the characters - if you don't really strike up a 'conversation' with them, they will sign the book, pose and move on... however, if you find something to say to them they will have a great time with it and you will get a little extra time!

Last night DD and I went to Liberty Tree - (first time there- it was EXCELLENT - some of the best character interaction ever)

DD got kissed by Chip and when she kissed him back on the nose - he was acting all bashful, then thumping his heart like he was in love.

Goofy was dancing and twirling my DD and then ended up on one knee next to her. He gave me a big hug too!

Dale wanted the apple cobbler. I told him DD was Chip's "girl" that he had already kissed her that night, and he was all over that...... acting jealous!

Pluto was looking through DDs book and was happy to see his name from a previous visit with him!

Minnie of course was all gracious when we told her how beautiful her dress was.

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I have not noticed it too much at other character meals, but the last time we were at Chef Mickey there several families that did not seem to want to wait for the characters to come to their table, and would "budge" into other families interactions. I know everyone is excited to see the characters, but this is one thing that can really make the experience much less magical. The characters themselves can't do much about it, but finally the CM realized what was going on and instructed them that they needed to wait until the got to their table.
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If you should for whatever reason miss one of the characters, and you need to leave, find the CM that is with them and they will make sure you get your visit.

We love character meals, and now with having done Liberty Tree we have only a couple left to complete our goal of doing all of them in 2006. The only location we have not done at all is at the Garden Grille. We have also not done CM for dinner (we are doing the new lunch this weekend) & CRT for dinner (don't know if we will ever do that one!).

I always find that I concentrate much LESS on my food than the characters. I love watching the interactions with the other families as well - especially the little ones (DD was never at WDW as a baby/toddler so I didn't get to see the reactions from her so I live through the others!). I know that we surely don't get our moneys worth out of the meals, but I pay for the experience!!!!

 

[SLDL]

Thanks so much for your comments. I really appreciate this comment "I love watching the interactions with the other families as well - especially the little ones (DD was never at WDW as a baby/toddler so I didn't get to see the reactions from her so I live through the others!)."

We are taking our 1 yr old DD & I can't wait to see her reactions too! I already know my 3 yr old will be so fun to watch!!