Character Meals with Older Kids

[mrsarbogast]

Which ones,if any, would you recommend? My littlest could care less (she will only be 17 months when we travel) and the next littlest will be 9. The other three are teens.

 

[hvivona]

We like 1900 Park Fare the best. its got the old school characters that you don't see often like Mary Poppins, ALice and the Mad Hatter. Also has tigger and Pooh.

 

[2Tiggies]

When are you going? I only ask this because our favorite is the Crystal Palace and it is undergoing some refurbishment in Jan/Feb next year.

I am assuming (from your signature) that your 9 year old is a girl which helps a bit. Mine will be 8 on our next trip.

I wouldn't bother with princesses at this stage (and having other teens) - you'll save yourself some money and ADR nightmares too - so I would be inclined to stay with the classic 5: Chef Mickey, Garden Grill at Epcot is also really nice. Or maybe somewhere like OHana at the Poly for some different flavours. I think with the older kids the meals become more about the food than the characters, although I am fairly certain your 9 year old will still want an autograph and some pictures! If your littlest isn't hesitant about the characters, you could get some really cute shots with her in too. Take a look at the menus and try and decide what type of food is suitable. Setting and location is also a consideration if you would rather be eating inside the parks than having to add the extra leg of transportation into the equation.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

The Mad Hatter at 1900 Park Fare is a riot! DS loved him last year!

And we really enjoy breakfast at 'Ohana with Stitch!

 

[christa112]

We love Chef Mickey's for character dining. Another couple of good interactive places are Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge and 50's Prime Time at Hollywood Studios. They are not character dining, but the waiters are interactive with you and the food and really good.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[kellyg403]

When we went the first time, the youngest dd was 9 and she loved both Crystal Palace and 1900 Park Faire. Funny thing is the teens loved Askerhaus...it was Belle and Snow White they loved there! Who would have guessed that would be the least favorite for the youngest and the most fun for the teens?

Kelly

 

[SmallWorld71]

DS14 and DS10 like Chef Mickey's the best in terms of character selection. (They are big Donald fans.)

They also want to report that they really like Crystal Palace. They would never admit to enjoying Winnie the Pooh characters of course, but DD6 picks it as her #1 choice every time. According to the boys, it has the best food selection of all the character meals which is very important to 2 growing boys who eat, and eat, and eat....

Oh, and if anyone in your group has their heart set on a princess meal, don't be afraid to go. Your DD's will love it, and without being inappropriate, I bet DS16 will as well! My kids loved the royal treatment at CRT.

 

[mrsarbogast]

Wonderful! Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

We love Chef Mickey's and had a great character interaction at Garden Grille. Just take them, they may not sound excited, but who doesn't love a little character interaction (unless there is fear involved) have fun!

 

[RitaFaye94]

My DD (15) and her best friend liked Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and Ohana. Tusker House was only a hit because of the food (or I should say juice.)

For our trip this year, my DD requested 1900 (with Alice & the Hatter), Ohana, Garden Grill, and others for food. Thank goodness the friend going with us this year will eat something besides chicken tenders!

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I think the 1900 Park Fare dinner with the stepsisters is a hoot. Who wouldn't laugh at them singing "Sweet Nightengale" and if they are girls, Prince Charming might ask them to dance. It might be fun. FWIW I'm taking my 5 yo DD and 13 and 17 YO sons in January to this meal.

 

[laughinplace199]

My kids are 10, 8, and 2. Our favorites are Crystal Palace and Tusker House (both for breakfast).