Character meals with kids that are frightened of characters?

[mbaker1277]

This will be our 40th trip to WDW, and our 10th with our 7 yr. old daughter. In all of these visits we have never eaten at a character meal because she is frightened by them. Last year was the first time she reluctantly took the hand of a very sweet Cinderella who could see she was timid, and now I think that the Princesses are o.k. with her. I would not even think of subjecting her to something that might frighten her, but last year I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and eating at buffets makes it much easier for me and the entire family to find food that we can all eat. Unfortunately, most of the buffets are with characters.
My question is, if you tell your server that your child likes to view the characters from afar, but maybe not up close at your table, that maybe it could be arranged? This is much easier for us than planning every sit down meal and calling ahead to make sure I can have a gluten free meal while the family might not enjoy my choice. Any thoughts?

 

[eblack0409]

I am sure Disney can arrange anything....just call ahead....they will help you out with anything!

Good Luck!

 

[crisi]

When our son was three - and again at five, he was scared of characters. The characters have always done an admirable job of reading him and behaving appropriately. By five he was better, but not cured. (Seven now, and he was fine this last trip). If your daughter was a "screamer" I'd think it through, but it sounds like she is fine as long as they keep their distance (my son was the same).

I would not call in advance - talk to the handler CMs - your daughter may have gotten over her fear in the past year.

(With my son, the autograph book did it. While we just wanted him to stand next to them and take photos, he didn't want to. With a book, he had a task and that was fine. He still doesn't hug characters).

 

[KeepSwimming]

I agree...I would go for it. Most characters can tell from a far that a child appears timid and go out of their way to take things easy. I would mention to the CM when you check in that your daughter is a little shy and see what they suggest as well.

Let us know how it goes....

 

[canwegosoon]

There are also several buffets that have no characters
H&V, Beirgarten, and Cape May are some of my Faves...also Wispering Canyon might work http://www.allearsnet.com/din/buffet.htm. Chef Mickey is no problem...you can just tell your server, your child is shy. And I would not rule out any restaurant...most Chefs go out of their way to make something for your daughter to eat...24-48 hours notice usually can provide you with lots of options...check out the disabilities board. Many posters have children with a similar situation. Hope you have a great trip

 

[girlrea]

My dd 10 was terrified of the characters, We went to Chrystal Palace last year, our server noticed she was scared and the characters kept their distance. They stayed away, Piglet rubed his eyes pretending to cry, trying to get her to laugh. We had a very good server, he song songs and picked with her trying to get her to laugh. She is asking to go back to cp next year.

 

[mbaker1277]

Just a quick answer to my own question, my daughter amazed me! What a difference a year made! We started with the Princesses at Cindy's, and she was in heaven! Also at Chef Mickey's she was so excited she could hardly contain herself!
When we were in the parks it was a little different, as she was still very shy of them, except in Mickey's Toontown, where she hugged Pooh and Friends.
I am absolutely still amazed, and I very much admire the CMs who are so gentle and caring and can pick up on a child's hesitancy and win them over in a heartbeat.
While I used to be an unbeliever, it will be character meals for us from now on!

 

[MinnieGi]

Congratulations!!! And thanks for the update. How wonderful the trip must have been for everyone.

 

[AngieBelle]

Try to request to sit at a booth so that your daughter can sit on the back side, farthest from the characters. When they approach your table, tell them that she is shy.

 

[katiesmom2]

This is a little off topic, but my brother-in-law also has Celiac's disease.

I recently forwarded this link to my sister and BIL who were going to DW with their kids.

If you haven't yet seen it, you might find it helpful.

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/guestceliac.htm