Character Meals?

[sherreis]

We'll be at DW during Thanksgiving week (Sat to Sat). This is my first trip taking children (2 boys - 6 and 11). Are the character meals worth it? Which ones? DH does not understand why we should do this. We're probably buying DDP but not for the whole time we are there as we're afraid we're losing money with our 10 yr old DS who doesn't eat much.

Thanks.

Sherri

 

[HaleyB]

Worth is a vert personal thing. The food is good for buffet food, sometimes excellent even (for buffet food). I like them because I like a little of everything. We also really enjoy the interaction.

I will go out on a limb and say that I bet you would save money with the DDP unless you do not plan to eat a sit down meal most days.

Easily the buffets give you a slight savings (remember you w ould have to pay adult buffet prices for your older child). Look over some menus and do the math. If you want to do the DDp for only part of your stay you will need to do two back to back ressies, as you must buy it for length of stay.

Menus with prices are here (red link at the top of the main page) or at www.allearsnet.com

 

[zookeeper]

The looks on my kids' faces when they got to spend time hugging the characters at Crystal Palace made it worth it for us. DS8 and DS7, who I thought would think it was too babyish to hug the Winnie the Pooh characters, hugged more than my little ones. There's just something about the character meals that brings out the best reactions!

 

[sherreis]

Thanks for the info. I figure my 6 yr old is the right age for character meals but I wasn't sure about my soon to be 11 yr old.

As for the DDP and having to buy for the whole time, I guess that is now a question when I speak with the travel agent later today to make all my reservations. I have family in Orlando and I know we'll be visiting with them a couple of times - definitely, for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

[TruBlu]

DEFINITELY worth it!!! We have many magical moments on video and pictures with the Characters from these meals that we will treasure forever. It also saves you a lot of time standing in lines to meet characters in the parks.

My boys are already planning what they will say to the characters next time. DS4 wants to take Mickey some cheese (from home)!!! You get great one-on-one time with each character. DS7 had a great "conversation" with Chip and Dale about eating nuts. AND both boys gave "Eskimo kisses" to Minnie.

Since you will be going near Thanksgiving you should try Liberty Tree Tavern. The food there is fantastic and so are the characters. No Mickey, but Goofy was wonderful!!!!!

 

[kcashner]

You must buy the DDP for the entire length of your reservation. The only way you can purchase fewer nights than you are staying is to split your stay into more than one reservation (one with DDP, one without.) Now, that may be a financially good thing to do because when you are not buying the DDP you may be able to get a discounted room rate.

As to the character dinners--they are a great experience. The food is good. The food is better at places where you order off a menu, but there's nothing wrong with the food at character dinners. With little people, the atmosphere and fun can't be beat! You'll have a great time with the characters posing for pictures with the kids, signing autographs, and messing around (stealing a hat, for example.) Some of our best WDW memories are from character dinners.

On the DDP, the dinners are a better value than a breakfast.

 

[sherreis]

Thanks everyone. As I was telling DH this morning, I never knew there was so much to learn about planning a trip to DW. I just thought you made reservations, planned to buy park tickets, and counted the days until you left.

I'm thinking we'll do a character meal whether we choose the DDP or not. Thanks.