Character meals?

[JH87]

Ok I know I have read this info in another thread somewhere but I can't seem to find it, so if you can point me in the right direction to a thread with these answers that would be great, or if someone can answer them for me here that would be great too!

So I haven't done a character meal since I was like 3 maybe. And me and my friend are planning on getting APs in January and doing a character breakfast (i know they are pricey so getting the AP discount is one reason why I wanna do it, but it also will be a lot of fun )
So, can I get your opinions on your favorite food, the one with the best characters, prices etc.

Thank you!!

 

[Raindown]

I'd say pick one that has the characters you would like to meet. It is probably a big reason you have decided to pay the premium.

 

[JH87]

Which characters are typically at which meals?
I think I am leaning more towards the Minnie & Friends one, or whatever it's called, since that's the one I hear the most about.
How are the prices for that one? & what food is served there?

 

[PrincessMaleficent]

We went to Goofys breakfast on Monday. It was so much fun! We saw Pluto, Goofy, Baloo, Belle, Jasmine, Chip and Dale. The characters were great and they were so funny and entertaining. I will go again our next trip. We got there at 7:30am.

 

[pixiewings71]

M & F Is our favorite, they have pastries, fresh fruit, eggs, made to order omelets, pancakes, waffles, bacon, etc etc etc......we saw so many characters there, let's see....
Gepetto, Honest John, Eeyore, Alice, Mad Hatter, Chip & Dale, Captain Hook and I know there was a lot more. The food was really good (if you want something you don't see ask for it) and the characters were amazing and very plentiful, seemed like every few minutes someone new was coming out.
We also enjoyed AG but we prefer to eat lunch there, the bfast there wasn't as good as the one at M&F, it was more limited because it's not a buffet.
We have done GK as well and we did not like it at all, we had about 4 characters come to our table, the food was not that great at all and our server was really rushing us, we probably won't do GK ever again.

 

[JH87]

M & F Is our favorite, they have pastries, fresh fruit, eggs, made to order omelets, pancakes, waffles, bacon, etc etc etc......we saw so many characters there, let's see....
Gepetto, Honest John, Eeyore, Alice, Mad Hatter, Chip & Dale, Captain Hook and I know there was a lot more. The food was really good (if you want something you don't see ask for it) and the characters were amazing and very plentiful, seemed like every few minutes someone new was coming out.
We also enjoyed AG but we prefer to eat lunch there, the bfast there wasn't as good as the one at M&F, it was more limited because it's not a buffet.
We have done GK as well and we did not like it at all, we had about 4 characters come to our table, the food was not that great at all and our server was really rushing us, we probably won't do GK ever again.

Thanks! I think I will do M & F then. My friend is kind of picky so a buffet will probably be best.

 

[PrincessMaleficent]

M & F Is our favorite, they have pastries, fresh fruit, eggs, made to order omelets, pancakes, waffles, bacon, etc etc etc......we saw so many characters there, let's see....
Gepetto, Honest John, Eeyore, Alice, Mad Hatter, Chip & Dale, Captain Hook and I know there was a lot more. The food was really good (if you want something you don't see ask for it) and the characters were amazing and very plentiful, seemed like every few minutes someone new was coming out.
We also enjoyed AG but we prefer to eat lunch there, the bfast there wasn't as good as the one at M&F, it was more limited because it's not a buffet.
We have done GK as well and we did not like it at all, we had about 4 characters come to our table, the food was not that great at all and our server was really rushing us, we probably won't do GK ever again.

We just went to GK it was so fun and we were not rushed. They also had great food. I am sorry you did not have a good time.

 

[smile4stamps]

I went to Minnie & Friends as a solo dinner! I had a blast! The food was decent (not great) but lots of choices!

For Characters I had: Captain Hook, Tigger, Brer Fox, Rafiki, Minnie, Chip & Dale, Suzy Mouse, Fairy Godmother, and Gepetto was coming in as I was leaving.

 

[Sherry E]

We just went to GK it was so fun and we were not rushed. They also had great food. I am sorry you did not have a good time.

I've had the same experiences as you did, PrincessMaleficent. I love the yummy food, I love the huge selection of food and I am fine with the number of characters and the interaction. Goofy's is actually my favorite place to eat in DLR, period.

But to be fair to Kerri and her experience, I've been eating at Goofy's a really long time. I'm sure that in my long history of eating there, there have been a handful of days over the years where the service was not as good, the food was not as good, the character interaction was not as good, etc. I think that once you make up your mind that you like a place after several visits, you probably stick with it even when it has 'off' days, and I was already a loyal customer! Like for those folks who love Minnie & Friends, there are probably days when everything is 'off,' but because they already love it they will continue going back.

Kerri's first impression of Goofy's was not great. It's not like she had eaten there a bunch of times and they had one or two 'off' days. So she would have no reason to want to go back (for that high amount of money) since the first impression was not a good one. But because she has had great experiences at M&F and Ariel's, if those places have 'off' days here and there, her family would still likely go back. I think the first impression carries a lot of weight. And the character meals are just too costly to take a chance on a second time if you didn't like it the first time.

I think much of the character meal 'review' aspect of things is also based on preferences and subjectivity. Some folks are okay with certain things or certain numbers of characters, and some folks are okay with food at certain places, while others are not okay with it and think it's horrible - and this applies to every single restauarant in DLR, not just the character meals. What one person loves, another will hate. Or some people will not 'get it' while other people totally buy into it!!

Basically, Jillian - it breaks down this way:

Minnie & Friends has the most characters out of all the character meals. That is evident by the photos. The food gets very mixed reviews - ranging from great to "inedible" (again, keep in mind the 'off' days and the personal preferences of others). M&F is also a tad cheaper than Goofy's, Ariel's and Surf's Up.

Goofy's Kitchen has the widest selection of food - huge buffet - and anywhere from 5 - 8 characters, including a couple of Princesses and classic characters. (My personal favorite for breakfast/brunch - NOT dinner.) It's very expensive though, so that AP discount helps!! Considered Premium Dining.

Ariel's is all Princesses, but the food is unique and more upscale. Also very expensive. Also Premium Dining. Usually about 4 or 5 Princesses onsite.

Storytellers Cafe Critter Breakfast has a small buffet OR a menu option. There are usually between 4 - 6 characters onsite, and they are all woodsy/jungly Disney characters, like Koda and Kenai. Food is decent.

Surf's Up with Mickey and Friends is the only meal where Mickey will appear. There are usually about 5 characters onsite. All of them are wearing beachy/surf-type clothing. The buffet is probably bigger than the Critter Breakfast but not as big as Goofy's. They have some unique items in their buffet - some with a Latin or Asian influence.

 

[A Small World]

We ate at both Goofys Kitchen and Minnie and friends last week - its was my first time at DL so first time at both.

We ate late at Goofys - 12.00ish so the characters disappeared soon after we arrived. We did know this as they had told us when we booked. They more or less all descended on us together but Goofy still found time to bring DD her birthday cupcake with candle before he left.

The food was yummy with a lot of variety and as it was brunch there were more options especially for dessert

We ate at Minnie and friends early - 8.00ish so it was a definite breakfast. I enjoyed the character interaction here better as it was more spread out although the food choices were more limited -there was still plenty to choose from though and it was all yummy.

I wish I had tried one of the prepare to order omelettes at one though - it just means I need to go again

So in a nutshell I enjoyed both places and would be happy to eat at either again

 

[Sherry E]

We ate at both Goofys Kitchen and Minnie and friends last week - its was my first time at DL so first time at both.

We ate late at Goofys - 12.00ish so the characters disappeared soon after we arrived. We did know this as they had told us when we booked. They more or less all descended on us together but Goofy still found time to bring DD her birthday cupcake with candle before he left.

The food was yummy with a lot of variety and as it was brunch there were more options especially for dessert

We ate at Minnie and friends early - 8.00ish so it was a definite breakfast. I enjoyed the character interaction here better as it was more spread out although the food choices were more limited -there was still plenty to choose from though and it was all yummy.

I wish I had tried one of the prepare to order omelettes at one though - it just means I need to go again

So in a nutshell I enjoyed both places and would be happy to eat at either again

How wonderful that you tried and enjoyed both places!! That's the best case scenario!

Just for clarification - the food at Goofy's for brunch is there all morning long. In other words, what's there at 7:00 a.m. (and that includes pizza and hot dogs and cupcakes) will be there at noon. It's the same spread, although some of the items differ seasonally - they may have some dishes out in Summer that are not out in Winter, and vice versa. They also may put some extra things out on weekends that are not there during the week. Goofy's has a much larger buffet in general than the other places - which is why the price tag is heftier. You're paying for all that food along with the characters.

I always get nervous when DIS'ers tell me they are going to try to hit Goofy's at noon, or close to noon. It's not a time I would choose, because the characters do trickle out and the food is not replenished after a certain time. There are certain days during peak seasons, on weekends, when Goofy's stays open until 2 p.m. That's probably the only time I would go at noon. Otherwise, I would stick with meals between 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., at the latest.

At least you got to see characters at Goofy's - even if they descended upon you at once! It would have been worse if they were gone! That sounds like it was just a timing issue.

 

[A Small World]

How wonderful that you tried and enjoyed both places!! That's the best case scenario!

Just for clarification - the food at Goofy's for brunch is there all morning long. In other words, what's there at 7:00 a.m. (and that includes pizza and hot dogs and cupcakes) will be there at noon. It's the same spread, although some of the items differ seasonally - they may have some dishes out in Summer that are not out in Winter, and vice versa. They also may put some extra things out on weekends that are not there during the week. Goofy's has a much larger buffet in general than the other places - which is why the price tag is heftier. You're paying for all that food along with the characters.

I always get nervous when DIS'ers tell me they are going to try to hit Goofy's at noon, or close to noon. It's not a time I would choose, because the characters do trickle out and the food is not replenished after a certain time. There are certain days during peak seasons, on weekends, when Goofy's stays open until 2 p.m. That's probably the only time I would go at noon. Otherwise, I would stick with meals between 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., at the latest.

At least you got to see characters at Goofy's - even if they descended upon you at once! It would have been worse if they were gone! That sounds like it was just a timing issue.

Yes next time I think I would go earlier - maybe about 11 so i can take advantage of all the wonderful food but have more time with the characters

There was howver still plenty of food at that time and we didnt feel we were left with the leftovers which was good.

 

[MrsPinup]

My son and I went to M&F for Easter and had a great time. Briar Fox was a riot - sneaking up on my son and messing with his breakfast. The Fairy Godmother was really patient and let my son take lots of pictures of her and I. I kept trying to rush my son so she could see other kids, but she kept saying it was fine and to just let him have fun. The food was wonderful and we had tons to eat. Well worth the price.

 

[pixiewings71]

I've had the same experiences as you did, PrincessMaleficent. I love the yummy food, I love the huge selection of food and I am fine with the number of characters and the interaction. Goofy's is actually my favorite place to eat in DLR, period.

But to be fair to Kerri and her experience, I've been eating at Goofy's a really long time. I'm sure that in my long history of eating there, there have been a handful of days over the years where the service was not as good, the food was not as good, the character interaction was not as good, etc. I think that once you make up your mind that you like a place after several visits, you probably stick with it even when it has 'off' days, and I was already a loyal customer! Like for those folks who love Minnie & Friends, there are probably days when everything is 'off,' but because they already love it they will continue going back.

Kerri's first impression of Goofy's was not great. It's not like she had eaten there a bunch of times and they had one or two 'off' days. So she would have no reason to want to go back (for that high amount of money) since the first impression was not a good one. But because she has had great experiences at M&F and Ariel's, if those places have 'off' days here and there, her family would still likely go back. I think the first impression carries a lot of weight. And the character meals are just too costly to take a chance on a second time if you didn't like it the first time.

I think much of the character meal 'review' aspect of things is also based on preferences and subjectivity. Some folks are okay with certain things or certain numbers of characters, and some folks are okay with food at certain places, while others are not okay with it and think it's horrible - and thids applies to every single restauarant in DLR, not just the character meals. What one person loves, another will hate. Or some people will not 'get it' while other people totally buy into it!!

Basically, Jillian - it breaks down this way:

Minnie & Friends has the most characters out of all the character meals. That is evident by the photos. The food gets very mixed reviews - ranging from great to "inedible" (again, keep in mind the 'off' days and the personal preferences of others). M&F is also a tad cheaper than Goofy's, Ariel's and Surf's Up.

Goofy's Kitchen has the widest selection of food - huge buffet - and anywhere from 5 - 8 characters, including a couple of Princesses and classic characters. (My personal favorite for breakfast/brunch - NOT dinner.) It's very expensive though, so that AP discount helps!! Considered Premium Dining.

Ariel's is all Princesses, but the food is unique and more upscale. Also very expensive. Also Premium Dining. Usually about 4 or 5 Princesses onsite.

Storytellers Cafe Critter Breakfast has a small buffet OR a menu option. There are usually between 4 - 6 characters onsite, and they are all woodsy/jungly Disney characters, like Koda and Kenai. Food is decent.

Surf's Up with Mickey and Friends is the only meal where Mickey will appear. There are usually about 5 characters onsite. All of them are wearing beachy/surf-type clothing. The buffet is probably bigger than the Critter Breakfast but not as big as Goofy's. They have some unique items in their buffet - some with a Latin or Asian influence.

Sherry nailed my feelings exactly. We felt very slighted when we went to GK but we had an amazing time at M&F. We left GK before our 90 minutes was up because the server was hovering so much, clearing plates before we were finished with them and just sort of being a PITA. lol At M&F's we were there over our 90 minutes and no one said anything at all, no one was hovering over us at all but our plates were cleared when we were done. At GK we met Baloo at the front, then we saw Goofy of course but he never came to our table, we only saw him when they did the "music" thing, we saw Snow White (who actually remembered seeing us the day before at the Animation Building in DCA, THAT was pretty neat), Chip & Dale and on our way out we saw Pluto and Cinderella. While we were eating we saw at least 4 other characters leave on break, saw them come back in the same door they exited but not one of them stopped by our table. HELLO??? We have 2 small kids here, we are smiling and waving at you as you walk in and out but you're ignoring us, not good. At M&Fs we didn't have to worry about the characters, we saw tons of them and they came to our table over and over and over again. Alice posed for photos with the girls and DBF (he collects Alice pins so he had to show her those lol), Chip & Dale came to our table and "played" with us all, Captain Hook kissed my hand, so did Honest John. LOL They came to our table repeatedly, as they did with everyone who was there. As for the food, there was simply more that we enjoyed at M&Fs compared to GK. The kids hardly ate anything at GK (they are picky) but they loved M&Fs, they were able to have cereal! LOL So ya, we paid $22 for them to eat cereal for bfast. LOL But it was so worth it.
Honestly, I really feel that character meals are very subjective, we obviously went to GK on an off day and every place/person has those, but it really soured us to ever go back. I've told Sherry about a million times, the only reason we will go back there is if we are there with someone else who really wants to go there, as in Sherry herself. LOL But sign me up for the other character meals, because M&Fs and AG are 2 of our favorite places to eat.

 

[Princess Row]

We eat at least 3-4 character meals per trip when we go. M&F is my absolute favorite, the characters are unique, the food is the best of any of the character meals and the service is fablous. Mickey and friends we also love the food and how there usually isnt alot of people around. Stich and lilo (i believe isnt there anymore) came to our table at least 3-4 times and sat with us. They were both riots! Ariels.....we simply do for my younger sister so she can see all the princesses. We have never cared for the food but its able to be eaten. Goofys.....we really dont care for too much anymore. Sometimes we will squeeze it in on a trip if we want to and if we get up early enough but last time we were there the characters skipped us, the waiter forgot we were even there and small nats were flying all around the food. <---YUCK!
Storytellers we have tried three times and have hated it each time. Peole rave about it on these boards.....but we just have yet to have a good experience.

I highly reccomend M&F as your best option!

 

[Sherry E]

We eat at least 3-4 character meals per trip when we go. M&F is my absolute favorite, the characters are unique, the food is the best of any of the character meals and the service is fablous. Mickey and friends we also love the food and how there usually isnt alot of people around. Stich and lilo (i believe isnt there anymore) came to our table at least 3-4 times and sat with us. They were both riots! Ariels.....we simply do for my younger sister so she can see all the princesses. We have never cared for the food but its able to be eaten. Goofys.....we really dont care for too much anymore. Sometimes we will squeeze it in on a trip if we want to and if we get up early enough but last time we were there the characters skipped us, the waiter forgot we were even there and small nats were flying all around the food. <---YUCK!
Storytellers we have tried three times and have hated it each time. Peole rave about it on these boards.....but we just have yet to have a good experience.

I highly reccomend M&F as your best option!

I wasn't blown away by the Storytellers Critter Breakfast either. It's only my opinion, and I know there are lots of people on this board who think the food at the breakfast is so good, but I didn't feel that way at all. And my friends didn't care for it last year when we went, either. I actually like Storytellers much better as a non-character meal for lunch or dinner. But the Critter Breakfast is not my favorite. I think the food is decent...but I don't think that it's so much better than anything else I've had at DLR. I think the setting of the restaurant is nice - nice, cozy type of environment. Otherwise...eh!

 

[JH87]

Thanks everyone! I think I am definately sold on doing M&F