Does anyone else *avoid* character meals?

[sistertrip]

I think character meals are great for people who are interested in them. Just wondering if there's anyone else out there (like myself) who purposefully avoids the character dining. Maybe it's just because I'm usually travelling with adults, but I don't have any desire to have characters buzzing me while I eat.

Just to clarify - I don't have anything against character meals, and will definitely bring any children I might have in the future to character dining.

 

[Mickey1122]

It's not the characters so much as the results. We avoid them too. The restaurants have lots of little kids who will get up a lot because most character meals are buffets. They are also hard to get into.

 

[sue1013]

DH and I avoid the character meals. When our kids travelled with us then we would go or we are with family that has kids we go. Most of the character meals are buffets we try to stay away from buffets.

 

[disneycrazzzy]

Neither DS12 nor DS9 want anything to do with characters. Never have. They like rides and shows and food, but don't want to socialize with the characters. DS9 adores Stitch and has 10 or more stuffed Stiches, but he won't stand in line to talk to him. DH and I don't mind watching the characters interact with others, but prefer them to stay far away. We've rarely stood in line for a picture and we've never gotten an autograph. We've been to WDW 7 or 8 times, DL 3 or 4 times, and one DCL cruise with our sons.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I have eaten at character meals. I think they are fun with newbies or a group. But overall I pass on character restaurants. Paying extra for something I don't care about anyway.

 

[kcashner]

It has depended on DD's age. As a kid, she loved character meals. As a teen she has discovered that the food is better elsewhere...as is the noise level!

 

[Mom2DS]

I was just commenting to DH this evening that I wish they could split Crystal Palace in 2 -- one side with characters and one without. The last time we were there, we really enjoyed the characters -- especially Tigger! But this time, the DS's are older and not interested in interacting. We're still having dinner there cause we liked it last time, but .....

No offense Pooh & Co.!! LYMI!

 

[Redwitch]

I have a "been there, done that, got a picture and an autograph" attitude. I went to WDW for the first time with DD when she was 16. We did a couple of character meals.

Now, we avoid them. First, we are not into any more autographs. Second, they are full of children and commotion, which we can do without at meal time. Lastly, most are buffets or family style set menus, not our favorites.

So those with youngsters enjoy! We prefer the quieter, finer dining Disney experience!

 

[sistertrip]

Before CRT became a character dinner, my sister and I went and really enjoyed it. We were disappointed when they started the character dinner for multiple reasons: now there are characters there; it's that much harder to get in; and now they have a set menu. We would have loved to gone back, but now we probably won't unless we have kids with us.

 

[deany]

We are doing our first character meal - breakfast at CP. We are going strictly for CP not the characters as we are all adults. LTT we purposely planned to go for lunch. We really don't pay much attention to the characters at the parks.

 

[BlindTyldak]

I don't avoid character meals in general, but there's definitely certain ones I WILL avoid if given the chance. This time we're being pretty open in choice because my DD is into the princesses big-time, but normally the ONLY character meal that doesn't bother me is Garden Grille; it's just so quiet and you feel more isolated from the other diners, that the occasional character coming by isn't that distracting. We went to one once at MGM - I don't remember what it was called, it was like a 50's caffeteria, all chrome and tile and mirrors - and it was the most horrendous din you've ever heard in your life, with blaring music and Minnie's voice screeching louder than a jet plane.

It would be nice though if you could indicate that you'd prefer to be passed by by the characters, if you choose. Not only would it afford a little more flexibility in dining, but it would also increase the amount of time the characters could spend with families that DO want to see them. downside of course, people would complain that people who had no interest in the character dining were taking seats away from families. I don't think there's really a good answer to it either way. :/

 

[Friendly Frog]

Yep. With all the excitement in the parks we look forward to a nice quite lunch break, preferably one that other people can't put their hands into. Most character meals do not afford us what we look forward to. The only exception has been the Garden Grilll.

 

[tabrizia]

We avoid character meals as well. Since it is just hubby and me I see no need to go to a character meal. While I like the characters I like them best as part of the ride or in the movies, I don't really need to see them or get pictures with them, not really my cup of tea. When we have kids in a few years, I'm sure we'll do one or two character meals, but even then it will be limited since we are not big buffet people either for various reasons so we prefer sit down meals anyways.

The only meal that might be considered character dining while we are there in August is we are going to CRT dinner, but I was happy to note that the characters do not come to your table for pictures or interaction, so I can deal with them flittering around the dining room.

I am glad that Disney has so many choices with non-character meals where hubby and I can go to enjoy ourselves.

 

[dvc at last !]

Chef Mickey's is fun !

 

[HesMyFairytale]

My DBF and I are both 21 and love the character meals. We dont like to wait in line and see the characters alot so its nice to meet them during a sitdown meal and take pictures.

 

[swimmom]

We avoid them like the plague -hate the buffets and madhouse atmosphere. There are so many other opportunities for character interaction (if that is your thing - or your kids are interested) within the parks that I just cannot see the point in overpaying for cold french toast! We have three small children and we always make a point of seeking out characters within the parks to satify my little autograph hounds.

The theme park board always has good tips for character interaction.

 

[Laura]

We definitely avoided them on our last trip. It's great for little kids, but it was just DH and me.

 

[snickerharley]

As an adult traveling with another adult this time we only have booked the CP for breakfast. It is not that I don't like the character meals we just wish they would come by our table and wave and move on to an eager child. So no we don't avoid them but wish that they would move it along.

 

[71010]

Ok, Im sure I am a complete nerd, but I love the character meals. My DH and I have a blast when we go, even if we dont have kids with us. Our kids are grown and they still love them. Its Disney!! Thats one of the reasons why we love Disney, for the fun loving atmosphere.

 

[bluejasmine]

I wasnt interested in doing character meals before but last Aug we got the free dining plan and at that time CRT was 1 TS credit and I thought well Im dying to see the inside of the castle and I believe my DD would love it.. She dressed in a jasmine costume and all three of us even DS had a ball..I wanted to go back again this year until I saw CRT is now 2 TS credits..Im not interested in CM, or CP, GG,LTT the food at these places doesnt appeal to me..