Character Meals Super Thread!!

[DizNee Luver]

Just wanted to chime in and say thanks for this thread...it's so helpful!

Thank You.....I'm glad it was helpful!!!

Yeah I know nobody's guaranteed, my DH and I were actually comparing it to Chip and Dale at Goofy's too, although not from a previous thread, just from our experience at Goofy's from the 90s on. I was just curious about other's experiences when I saw that other thread about Stitch with "hit or miss" BTW that poster never had an experience at Surf's Up without Stitch anyway, just thought he might not be there because of the name change. My DS and DD discussed the gamble and decided we should go to Surf's Up anyway on the next trip, and play the odds that he's there, either way character meals are lots of fun!

I think you'll be happy trying out Surf's Up.....it's always a good time with good buffet choices!!!!

 

[Ride Junkie]

The Surf's Up breakfast is my favorite character meal so far. They get the kids up to dance and do surf lessons. All the kids were having such a good time. The video I took of DD up there dancing is all shaky because I was laughing so hard!

We're doing Ariel's Grotto and Goofy's Kitchen for the first time next week, so we'll see if we end up having a new favorite.

 

[DizNee Luver]

The Surf's Up breakfast is my favorite character meal so far. They get the kids up to dance and do surf lessons. All the kids were having such a good time. The video I took of DD up there dancing is all shaky because I was laughing so hard!

We're doing Ariel's Grotto and Goofy's Kitchen for the first time next week, so we'll see if we end up having a new favorite.

I agree that Surfs Up is a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy both Ariel's & Goofy's next week!!!!! I think each meal has its own personality, which is what makes them each special in their own way!

 

[ammeador2]

At Goofy's Kitchen no longer AAA discount I just paid full price and was told no discount and that it was done away 2 years ago....hmm...

 

[interstate70s]

Thank You.....I'm glad it was helpful!!!



I think you'll be happy trying out Surf's Up.....it's always a good time with good buffet choices!!!!

Thanks!

 

[DizNee Luver]

At Goofy's Kitchen no longer AAA discount I just paid full price and was told no discount and that it was done away 2 years ago....hmm...

I'm trying to remember where I got that list of discounts.......hmmmmm, well I'll remove the AAA until find out otherwise. Thank you for letting me know (and sorry you didn't get any kind of disc. Hopefully you still had fun!!)

Edited: I just looked at the list of discounts in Post #2......I don't show AAA as one of the discounts.

Thanks!

Welcome!!

 

[Lindana]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting this together!

One question: has anyone had experience with food allergies ( particularly gluten allergy/ sensitivity) at the character meals? Our daughter has a gluten sensitivity (not celliac, she can tolerate small amounts of gluten). We've done several character meals at WDW and had great experiences with the chefs there, in particular at Ohana, where she got her own platter of GF Mickey waffles! I would expect DL will be similarly accomodating, but if anyone can share their experiences, that would be great!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting this together!

One question: has anyone had experience with food allergies ( particularly gluten allergy/ sensitivity) at the character meals? Our daughter has a gluten sensitivity (not celliac, she can tolerate small amounts of gluten). We've done several character meals at WDW and had great experiences with the chefs there, in particular at Ohana, where she got her own platter of GF Mickey waffles! I would expect DL will be similarly accomodating, but if anyone can share their experiences, that would be great!

We have a daughter with wheat, egg, milk, soy, peanuts & tree nuts. They are wonderful at DL as well! The route they had me take was to call Disney Dining 714-781-3463 and let them know you have a child with food allergies and can you speak with someone about your upcoming trip. They will either forward you to one of the head chefs at the resorts or give you a phone # to call them direct. You most likely will need to leave your name & phone # but they WILL call you back. (sometimes it will take a few days).

The biggest piece of advice they gave me, always ask to speak with the manager, who will then be able to go over things with you/or their head chef will come out to speak with you. NEVER take the word of a server or other CM.....eventhough their intensions are good....they don't always have the up to date information. Each restaurant will have a "book" with all the ingredients for each item listed.

Our daughter was 3 the last time we went & she had a special plate prepared for her at each meal!!

When you make your dining reservations, have them note the allergy as well. As you know, always remind the server when seated!!

 

[MAYNARDS99]

If we have a reservation for Ariel's Grotto BEFORE DCA opens the gates to Extra Morning Hour guests will we be able to eat and then head over to RSR BEFORE everyone else?

We will be there late October, so I'm thinking DCA will open at 10 AM for general admission, 9 AM for Extra Morning Hour guests, and I hope we can get a breakfast reservation at 810 AM.

Where do we need to go to get in the gates early?

 

[DizNee Luver]

If we have a reservation for Ariel's Grotto BEFORE DCA opens the gates to Extra Morning Hour guests will we be able to eat and then head over to RSR BEFORE everyone else?

We will be there late October, so I'm thinking DCA will open at 10 AM for general admission, 9 AM for Extra Morning Hour guests, and I hope we can get a breakfast reservation at 810 AM.

Where do we need to go to get in the gates early?

I'm taking a guess at all of this.....so hopefully if someone knows otherwise....please say something.

The park has rope drops in different areas, so if you were to finish your meal before the park opened, you probably will be held up at one of the ropes.

I'm not sure how early they'll open reservations.......it probably is based on park opening times and they wouldn't want lots of people finishing up before the park opens up.

They will have one or two gates (usually far right or left side) that will say or have signage for Ariel's Grotto restaurant. You will check in there and they will guide/point you in the direction to go.

 

[Jkpark]

It may be different at DCA, but last year at Hollywood Studios we did something similar. We had early ressies and the normal crowd was held at rope (there for TSMM). they had a separate rope/CM holding our group back and we then merged with the main ripe drop when the park 'opened'. We didn't feel like we had a big edge on the crowd - except we were eating and meeting characters rather than just waiting in line.

 

[ladeeesquire]

Just an fyi: we did surf's up this morning and there was a special guest... Lilo!!! Mickey, minnie, pluto and stitch were also there. I asked the hostess on our way out if she would be appearing regularly and she said she didn't know why she was there today or if she'd be appearing again.

 

[DizNee Luver]

It may be different at DCA, but last year at Hollywood Studios we did something similar. We had early ressies and the normal crowd was held at rope (there for TSMM). they had a separate rope/CM holding our group back and we then merged with the main ripe drop when the park 'opened'. We didn't feel like we had a big edge on the crowd - except we were eating and meeting characters rather than just waiting in line.

Just an fyi: we did surf's up this morning and there was a special guest... Lilo!!! Mickey, minnie, pluto and stitch were also there. I asked the hostess on our way out if she would be appearing regularly and she said she didn't know why she was there today or if she'd be appearing again.

Very Nice!!! We saw Lilo when it was still the Lilo & Stitch breakfast......glad to see them bring her in, even if it's only once in a while.....her interactions with Stitch can be pretty funny!!!

 

[Ride Junkie]

We got a chance to do both Goofy's Kitchen and Ariel's Grotto last week.

Goofy's had a lot of characters (Rafiki, Pluto, Belle, Baloo, Dale, Alice, and Goofy), and I think they each came by our table once (except Goofy who stayed up front). Food was decent, and there were a lot of options (breakfast and lunch items).

Ariel's Grotto was nice. It was more structured, with each of the princesses being introduced and coming by the table once. We loved the food here! The tri-tip was excellent, and all the appetizers and desserts were good too.

I still think the Surf's Up breakfast is my favorite character meal. They have the dancing & surf lessons for the kids, and there is more character interaction. Still 2 more to try, next time!

 

[poohj80]

We have to do at least one meal at Ariel's Grotto for DD. Would those that have dined there recommend breakfast, lunch, or dinner for the food? What about for kids wrt food? Thanks!

 

[yaya74]

Which meal would cost more?
A: Lunch at Ariel's Grotto
B: Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen?

I have a Costco pkg which includes vouchers for premium character meals . I want to get the most out of my meal voucher.

Thank you!

 

[DizNee Luver]

We got a chance to do both Goofy's Kitchen and Ariel's Grotto last week.

Goofy's had a lot of characters (Rafiki, Pluto, Belle, Baloo, Dale, Alice, and Goofy), and I think they each came by our table once (except Goofy who stayed up front). Food was decent, and there were a lot of options (breakfast and lunch items).

Ariel's Grotto was nice. It was more structured, with each of the princesses being introduced and coming by the table once. We loved the food here! The tri-tip was excellent, and all the appetizers and desserts were good too.

I still think the Surf's Up breakfast is my favorite character meal. They have the dancing & surf lessons for the kids, and there is more character interaction. Still 2 more to try, next time!

You did have a good turnout of characters at Goofys!! We've always enjoyed the food at Ariel's!

We have to do at least one meal at Ariel's Grotto for DD. Would those that have dined there recommend breakfast, lunch, or dinner for the food? What about for kids wrt food? Thanks!

I've done breakfast & dinner (when it was for the WoC dining package...but seems to be pretty close to the same menu). The breakfast was your typical breakfast foods: scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit & pastires. The dinner/lunch is a nice meal.....the Tri Tip always gets high reviews and I've had the chicken, fish & cioppino and wouldn't have a problem eating any of those again. My kids enjoyed their meals at dinner as well......one of them had the turkey meatball lollipop on spaghetti and she still talks about it!

Which meal would cost more?
A: Lunch at Ariel's Grotto
B: Dinner at Goofy's Kitchen?

I have a Costco pkg which includes vouchers for premium character meals . I want to get the most out of my meal voucher.

Thank you!

Both meals are considered "Premium" character meals, so pretty equal for cost. I would base your choice on 1. which characters are you most interested in seeing (or should I say.....HOPING to see) and 2. Do you want a buffet meal or a sit down meal??

Ariel's will be ordering off menu and more of a "regal" experience with the princesses. Each one is announced and comes by your table once.

Goofy's will be a large buffet, loud and a variety of characters. Sometimes you'll see a character more than once.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Just wanted to let people know: I apologize if I'm slow answering questions.......my laptop died & now it seems my cell phone is going to do the same thing. I don't have a chance to get on our other computer but about once a day (if I'm lucky). I'm trying to at least get on daily to catch up......but it's going to be another couple weeks before I'm up and running again. (boooooo)

 

[Ride Junkie]

At Goofy's Kitchen no longer AAA discount I just paid full price and was told no discount and that it was done away 2 years ago....hmm...

Goofy's Kitchen also no longer offers a 10% discount with your Disney Visa. Apparently there was a conflict with getting the discount and also earning points on the Visa.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Goofy's Kitchen also no longer offers a 10% discount with your Disney Visa. Apparently there was a conflict with getting the discount and also earning points on the Visa.

Well booooo, sorry to hear that there are issues with the Disney Visa. We used to have the debit card but some government rule made banks stop offering rewards/perks with debit cards so we closed our acct. Now I've heard they've brought it back......wonder if that's what's causing the problems now??