Character Meals & Dressing Up?

[Princess Wannabe]

I've been to WDW a few times, but always with older children. In April, we are taking our DD, who is 5 years old. I have booked several PS's for Character Meals, based on the WONDERFUL advice and tips I've read here.

Now, a few questions....

1. Do the children dress up in costume for these meals?

2. If yes, do you have them continue wearing their costumes during the rest of the day at the parks? Or do you bring a change of clothing for them?

My concern is that during the parade time, my DD will want to be in her costume.

We have a Snow White costume, a Lilo costume, and a Sleeping Beauty costume, but I don't see that it's practical to wear all day.

Any advice/suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Windy City Heather]

I have not seen kids dressing up at the meals but you see them everywhere in the park. My dd loves Belle. We went in December and she dressed only in the evenings. We would wear regular clothes during the day and then go back to change. We were at the Poly so it was easy. She only got dress up at MK. The first night she wore the traditional yellow dress and then for MVMCP she wore Belle's Red Christmas dress. Both times she wore a red velvet cape. She was the hit of the park. She was 2 1/2 and even Mary Poppins stopped during the parade to tell her how cute she looked. So, have fun with it.

 

[shellybaxter]

Yes - Some children dress up during the Character Meals. Specifically the Princess Meals. I've read that most families bring something else for the child to wear in the parks for the day.

When we took our niece to the Princess Storybook Breakfast we let her pick out any costume she wanted. She choose Jasmine (see below) and was very comfortable all day. The costume was actually pants and a top. I'm not sure I would have had her wear one of the dresses all day.

Shelly

 

[Princess Wannabe]

Thank you; this is helpful. We're staying at the Poly, so perhaps we'll follow your advice and just 'zip' back in the early evening to change into the dress. That was one of the main reasons I chose the Poly; it's convenience to the Monorail.

 

[s&k'smom]

Even though we were there on Halloween day we saw kids dressed up the whole week. I think it's pretty much the norm now. My DD insisted one day on wearing her sleeping beauty outfit at MGM. Actually it was a lot of fun seeing kids dressed up.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

My kids dress up for the character meals. I just bring a bag with their regular clothes (or they wear them under their costumes) and they change after the meal. We go in July so it's way too hot to be walking around in them all day. I just put the bag in the stroller and we take it back to the hotel when we're done.

 

[YesI'mObsessed]

My DD 3 dressed up the entire time we were there. I was embarassed her dress was a rag by the time we made it to CRT the third day! It was cold enought that she wore her clothes underneath and was fine. She wears a dress up dress (Cindy, Snow, or Belle) just about every day anyway, so she's used to it. She had no problem on any rides were got on. And she really enjoyed the little extra attention the cast members gave her. Even my oldest who is 8 wanted to get a dress, it was that magical! Too bad I wasn't going to pay $55.00 for one out of the gift shop! But to answer your question, yes, at CRT 75% of the girls were dressed as their fav princess. And we probably saw about 25 other girls throughout the day at the parks, mostly at MK though. Hope this helps!

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

My kids haven't dressed up for the meals. But I do usually get them t-shirts with the characters that they will be seeing. Then suprise them with them when they get dressed in the AM.

 

[Princess Wannabe]

I agree, Mady/SophieMom! I went to www.zazzle.com and had 'custom'
t-shirts designed for every day we're there. Each day, there is a different character (or characters) on the shirt, depending on whom we're dining with that day!

I also put my daughter's name on the front of each shirt (so that CM's can call her by name), as well as a 'cute' little saying under the character's picture.

They're going to be a surprise, as well! I plan on giving her one each day of our trip. (And it will be a surprise to DH....! He has NO idea!)

This is a great board, and I appreciate all of your input!!!

 

[Princesa]

DD3 wore her Sleeping Beauty gown and crown to CRT in Dec. and had the best time!!

She loved all the attention by cast members even on the way to the castle ....why, good morning, princess! from almost every one! She would giggle, and say Good Morning! grinning so big the whole time!

Of course, they made a huge fuss over her during the meal. Sleeping Beauty especially spent time with her --calling her "my little twin" and "my little sister". Cute story....when she went to sign DD's autograph book, SB asked "Now what is your real name, little sister?" DD thought for just a moment and said "Princess Aurora!" Too cute

Of course, after all that fuss, no way was she going to change! It was chilly so she had on a tshirt and pants under her dress...so I wasn't worried about her being uncomfortable at all. Like the above post...my DD is dressed like that at home half the day anyway.

One piece of advice....opt for the tennis shoes not the cutesy princess ones...much easier on DD (I just didn't pack them to avoid any last minute decisions for her) and she never even noticed. She had the best day...finally taking her gown off mid afternoon.

By the way...when she dresses up at home....we are still supposed to greet her with "Good Morning, Princess!"

 

[trirae]

My dd (3) and niece (3) did dress up for CRT, as did the majority of girls there. We did have them change. Actually, we rented a locker for that day so we didn't have to carry the dresses with us. I think if it had been cooler, she would have worn it all day, and I wouldn't have minded much.