DIS Divas ONLY!!! Character Meal Poll!

[Stacerita]

I voted Minnie, 'cause unless I'm staying at one of the Disneyland resort hotels, there's no way in heck I'm gonna wanna drag myself all the way to Goofy's. Also, I tend to eat more at breakfast.

In all honesty, I'd be willing to do both and just take Ariel's out of the picture.

I also voted Minnies, but will be just as happy at Goofy's. I've done all of them before so it really doesn't matter to me. But like Wendy said, take Ariel's out and Id do both Minnie and Goofy.

I wanted to Thank Sarah for putting this poll up.

And just say.. I'm not voting because for the price of a character meal..my mom and i could eat at napa rose one night. So we are going to go that route. I'm gonna save my money for that.

We will be in for lunch at carnation cafe if you all do that again.

Oh yeah, Carnation Cafe....James will be so jealous.

 

[cheshiregirl]

I have had 2 bad experiences at Minnie's and I am done with them thus I voted for Goofy's.

I skipped the breakfast at Storyteller's this year as I was just too tired to make it, but I would ask the following question: Do people really want to interact with characters? When we did Ariel's this year most people seemed to think the princesses were more of a hassle than anything else. If that is the case, then I would recommend Storyteller's for dinner instead of either of the two character meals. Storyteller's does a nice little buffet for dinner in addition to a menu thus making it nice for those who want the group interaction without the large price tag. Additionally, I think the seating at Storyteller's is a better set up than either Minnie's or Goofy's when you are dealing with a group as large as ours.

 

[toocherie]

I have had 2 bad experiences at Minnie's and I am done with them thus I voted for Goofy's.

I skipped the breakfast at Storyteller's this year as I was just too tired to make it, but I would ask the following question: Do people really want to interact with characters? When we did Ariel's this year most people seemed to think the princesses were more of a hassle than anything else. If that is the case, then I would recommend Storyteller's for dinner instead of either of the two character meals. Storyteller's does a nice little buffet for dinner in addition to a menu thus making it nice for those who want the group interaction without the large price tag. Additionally, I think the seating at Storyteller's is a better set up than either Minnie's or Goofy's when you are dealing with a group as large as ours.

Maseca!

I will say I really liked that we almost had our own "room" at Storyteller's and have heard good things about their dinner buffet. Also the GCH is closer to the parks for those who don't want to trek across DTD to get to a meal . . .one other hand I read somewhere that they don't consistently offer the dinner buffet so not sure how we could "plan" in advance.

I think we should choose "one" character meal though--I think it's an experience a lot of people don't get to have because they are usually with their families and it's too expensive for the whole family to go. At least have the option--not everyone has to go. I didn't do Ariel's -- maybe the princesses are just naturally annoying (sorry Beth!) but I have never felt hassled by the characters at the meals--I actually enjoy it.

 

[Stacerita]

I have had 2 bad experiences at Minnie's and I am done with them thus I voted for Goofy's.

I skipped the breakfast at Storyteller's this year as I was just too tired to make it, but I would ask the following question: Do people really want to interact with characters? When we did Ariel's this year most people seemed to think the princesses were more of a hassle than anything else. If that is the case, then I would recommend Storyteller's for dinner instead of either of the two character meals. Storyteller's does a nice little buffet for dinner in addition to a menu thus making it nice for those who want the group interaction without the large price tag. Additionally, I think the seating at Storyteller's is a better set up than either Minnie's or Goofy's when you are dealing with a group as large as ours.

Would need to check if we could do that. With a group as large as ours, they may make us stick to the buffet only like they did for breakfast.

 

[mommaU4]

I think we should choose "one" character meal though--I think it's an experience a lot of people don't get to have because they are usually with their families and it's too expensive for the whole family to go. At least have the option--not everyone has to go. I didn't do Ariel's -- maybe the princesses are just naturally annoying (sorry Beth!) but I have never felt hassled by the characters at the meals--I actually enjoy it.

I am one of those who doesn't get to go often because I cannot afford to pay for 6 adult buffet prices. So I'm really game for a character meal.

I think if anything the poll is showing so far it's that we are not all going to agree. For example, I love the Princesses, and Cheryl hates them. lol (kidding!!)
And that's totally fine.

If a choice wins, that I don't like, I don't have to go. I can follow Dawn's example and chose something else like Napa Rose. Or I can just say ok, it's not my first choice, but I'll do it because I want to hang with friends.
That's the beauty of this trip, you are free to make your own choices. It's not a tour group telling you be here this day, this time and that's that.

We try to plan group activities and meals and such, but the bottom line is, there is no way in hell that over 40 ladies are ALL going to agree on any one thing. It's never going to happen.

We can plan group meals like we did last time at Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe, etc. and those who are interested can sign up, those not, can skip it and grab a corn dog. It's not a big deal.

Last time we pretty much had one big group meal planned per day. The rest of the time you were on your own to either eat and run, or plan smaller meals. I think that worked out fine, and personally think we should stick with that plan again. Post the group meals, and then let those interested sign up, or not.

Just my opinion. If you try to make it so everyone agrees, you'll never get anywhere and we'll all starve.

Ok, maybe not, but you know what I mean.

 

[mommaU4]

I agree, Carnation Cafe is a must do!!! And Wine Country Trattoria - that was good. I think we were going to do something in DTD as well this time, right?

I agree on WCT. And yes, we talked about doing a DTD meal again. House of Blues was mentioned, as was RFC.

So we have 6 days, and if we plan one "group" meal a day we could do:
WCT
Carnation Cafe
One character meal (dinner or breakfast)
One DTD meal


And we still have two days/meals left over to work on.

Ariel's was going to be on the very first day again right? If so, that doesn't even have to count as one of the character meals. It can be just an "extra" for those interested or who couldn't make it last time. Just like we did BB last time, and not everyone came to that.

 

[QueenDoOver]

Since I am not likely to make it, I probably shouldn't have a say, but hey, you never know, right?


I voted for Minnie's. It is way cheaper than dinner at Goofy's (which I like, by the way, and would also do both if it fit into the schedule). I like to be in the park, and the food is just great, for breakfast food, which I like at Brunch time. We saw lots of really great characters when we went. Hook, Fairy Godmother, Baloo, Tigger and the usuals of course. Minnie is just darling in how she interacts with the kids. The brunch hour became very uncrowded. (we tried for 9:30 seating, but ended up starting at about 10:30 and the crowds quickly thinnned).


I have to say that some of my best group eating experiences on the last trip were not on the plan originally. New Orleans Square ended up with about 20 of us planned that day. Blue Bayou desert, but I guess that was planned ahead, and then a few more joined in last minute. Anyhow, those opportunities were fun because you got to dine with the people that you most connected with.

However it ends up, it will be good fun for sure. I was not especially entranced with the character breakfast last time, as it was too much money for what I wanted to eat, so I ate too much. But I had a great time watching everyone interacting and still was glad that I went.

 

[Queenbillabong]

I agree on WCT. And yes, we talked about doing a DTD meal again. House of Blues was mentioned, as was RFC.

So we have 6 days, and if we plan one "group" meal a day we could do:
WCT
Carnation Cafe
One character meal (dinner or breakfast)
One DTD meal


And we still have two days/meals left over to work on.

Ariel's was going to be on the very first day again right? If so, that doesn't even have to count as one of the character meals. It can be just an "extra" for those interested or who couldn't make it last time. Just like we did BB last time, and not everyone came to that.

I think Ariel's on the first day again. I enjoyed it (I didn't have to rush to set up though, so that may be a factor for some people).

I vote for the House of Blues Gospel Brunch on the Sunday!! That sounds like a fun time.

 

[stacielee]

I think Ariel's on the first day again. I enjoyed it (I didn't have to rush to set up though, so that may be a factor for some people).

I vote for the House of Blues Gospel Brunch on the Sunday!! That sounds like a fun time.

I agree with both; if no one else shows up, at least you and I will have someone to eat with!

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

I would like to suggest anywhere but ariels for our first meal. I agree with whoever said char meals are hard for talking. But I would take another char meal over ariels. I am waiting for the tram. It is mobbed here today. Weather is nice and cool

 

[kelmac284]

I picked Goofy's because I really liked it when we went in April but I have never been to Minnie's so I don't really know about it. I guess I am game either way. I am easy though. I am just happy with whatever people choose. I am still hoping to SOMEDAY go to Lilo and Stitch! You know I have still never set foot in the Paradise Pier!

 

[mommaU4]

I think Ariel's on the first day again. I enjoyed it (I didn't have to rush to set up though, so that may be a factor for some people).

I vote for the House of Blues Gospel Brunch on the Sunday!! That sounds like a fun time.

Yes, I think doing it again on the first day would be too rushed for those setting up the Meet and Greet which includes myself, Stacie, and Katie, and I think all of us were interested in Ariel's.

There seems to be enough interest to keep it in the plans, but let's schedule it on the day we do the Carnation Cafe dinner so there are two group meal options that day, AND one of them can be a smaller meal (the soup at CC).
I think that will be a nice compromise for all involved.

And I love the idea of the Gospel Brunch. We'll have to look into that more. Anyone been to it? Is the seating limited?

I would like to suggest anywhere but ariels for our first meal. I agree with whoever said char meals are hard for talking. But I would take another char meal over ariels. I am waiting for the tram. It is mobbed here today. Weather is nice and cool

I'm thinking we don't need to plan a group meal the first day. Everyone is arriving at staggered times, most are eager to hit the park, and we have the big Meet and Greet planned. What does everyone else think? If we do want some sort of meeting place, maybe it can be in the open area near the bread bakery. People can meet for soup, or sandwiches, or Mexican food. Just keep it casual, kwim?

(Oh, and have fun today!!!)

 

[Queenbillabong]

I agree with both; if no one else shows up, at least you and I will have someone to eat with!

Yay I love Ariel's and I really want to try the Gospel Brunch at HOB!! I know they have two seatings for it and it's pretty big, so I think it would be great. It's a buffet style meal. I've never been, but I saw it on a Food TV show So you'd get your meal and a gospel music show, perfect!

Yes, I think doing it again on the first day would be too rushed for those setting up the Meet and Greet which includes myself, Stacie, and Katie, and I think all of us were interested in Ariel's.

There seems to be enough interest to keep it in the plans, but let's schedule it on the day we do the Carnation Cafe dinner so there are two group meal options that day, AND one of them can be a smaller meal (the soup at CC).
I think that will be a nice compromise for all involved.

And I love the idea of the Gospel Brunch. We'll have to look into that more. Anyone been to it? Is the seating limited?



I'm thinking we don't need to plan a group meal the first day. Everyone is arriving at staggered times, most are eager to hit the park, and we have the big Meet and Greet planned. What does everyone else think? If we do want some sort of meeting place, maybe it can be in the open area near the bread bakery. People can meet for soup, or sandwiches, or Mexican food. Just keep it casual, kwim?

(Oh, and have fun today!!!)

I think doing Ariel's on the same day as Carnation Cafe is a good idea. I think having it on the first day was a bit limiting because most people were not there yet. For the people who are there early on the first day, meeting up near an outdoor counter service place sounds like fun..... or a corn dog - always welcome

 

[kelmac284]

Whatever you guys think for Thursday is fine with me as I know we probably won't be getting there till AFTER any lunch anyway. I know last year we arrived around 4 or 5 and so we did go into the park but not till later. We had a little snack to tide us over but just ate at the pizza deal. I know for us for work reasonse etc we we will probably want to stay later on the "other" end so we will not be able to come earlier on Thurs then we alredy did. So we wouldn't be able to do a lunch anyway on Thurs. So whatever you guys decide is fine with me anyway. Like I said I am easy. GOOOO with the flow.

 

[tinkermell]

Well i just voted for Goofy's, cuz I really would like to save the mornings for rides.

But my first choice would be to join Dawn and Sally at Napa Rose! Woo hoo!!!

 

[fairykin]

Big Hugs for Sarah! Can't wait to see you again at the meet, why is it so far away?!

Beth said it well.

Melody...Then it's a date! We will eat there one night.

All 40 people are not at the same place at the same time unless there is a camera or jello shots involved!

Just because people don't eat at the same place doesn't mean they don't want to be with their friends..it just means everyone came on the trip to have a happy time and happy is defined different for everyone.

We've been to Napa Rose and Ordered the entire wine flight and every course meal. But really..it was way too much wine and way too much food. We barely touched the main course and forget the dessert.
When we go back again, I'm going to get the soup and a hearty appetizer and a glass of wine. They bring a really delicious bread basket to the table with all kinds of specialty breads.. super yuM! Or someone could get one of their steaks and forgo all the soups and stuff. By the time you get to the main course you are full.

The best thing about the girls only trip is the freedom we don't always have when we travel with children or our families. We can stop and have an ice cream or ride that favorite ride 3 times in a row or have that extra glass of wine or just sit on a bench and relax. If you asked everyone on this trip what their favorite memory was they would all be different. And that is what is so special!

Thanks for everyone being welcome of those of us who go with our mothers. We may be a little slower in the park and not get to go to all the events, but the trip means alot to us just the same. *hugs*

I just want to have a nice quiet meal where we can visit. We don't get to see each other very often and at the park everyone is kinda in groups as to what rides they like, and the speed they move through the park. It is nice to have time to visit with friends.

 

[bigskyernurse]

wow! It's close!!

I am ok with whatever but like others said, I picked Goofy's because I like hitting the parks early in the am before things get busy. And since dinnertime is usually busy in the parks, that seems like a good time to have a nice meal with the group.

can't wait for our trip!!!!

 

[cccdisney]

I also voted for Goofy's. I have never done the dinner buffet at Goofy's, only breakfast; and I have done Minnie's before.
Heck - I am just happy to eat at sit down meals! When we go as a family we only do CS because it gets so expensive! After returning from the last Diva's trip in March I realized that I never ate at a CS restaurant the whole time! If I can do that again then I am happy!

 

[disney-super-mom]

I'm going with Goofy's. I would rather hit the parks in the morning to ride rides and collect fastpasses to use later that evening.....after dinner at Goofy's.

I've only ever had breakfast at Goofy's, so it'll be neat to see what dinner is like there.

 

[grumpyvet]

But, either would be okay for me. I don't think I will ever try Ariel's again unless I bring my DD. I had a less than steller experience at Ariel's kind of put a bad taste in my mouth for the place!!