Early Entry v. Character Breakfast

[Alex2kMommy]

What is the general philosophy for when to do a character breakfast? And does the day of the week (and whether it is an EE day) make a difference?

I've seen many recommendations to do the character breakfast as late in the morning as possible; however, also some complaints that some of the better food was already gone by then, or that the characters were rushing out by the last seating (and the whole point of the meal is the character interaction!)

In your opinion, could you please rank the best days of the week for a character meal, and your reasoning? I don't know whether it is best to plan for a busy day (Saturday) because you wouldn't get much done at the park anyway, or for a slower day (Wednesday) because you'd still be able to do stuff at the park, or for an EE day (because you could do EE and get some rides in, then go to the character meal.)

Also, if you could offer an opinion on time, assuming you want to be sure to get good character interaction, but also allow some morning time in the park.

Maybe this also depends on which meal you'll attend? We probably would do a PPH meal before going to the park, but (staying at the DLH) do Goofy's either first thing, or on the way back from a morning in the park ('brunch' then naptime.) We could do a meal in the park anytime, I guess, but probably would still plan to play first, then eat.

Am I overthinking this and making it waaaay too complicated???

 

[hlbtimes2]

I think its a really personal thing based on your families needs. If you are early to rise, and the park doesnt open until 9, then do it before you go. If you stay all day at the park without leave for a rest, do it first or eat at Minnies in the park. If you know your kids must have lunch at noon and naps at 1, well, then plan around that. If you know the parks are crowded at 12 and you are planning on a break from 12-6, then plan it during that time. I could go on and on, but I think you know what I mean.

We did Goofys at one day around 1pm or so. It didnt work well for us. We hated having to leave the park and go all the way over to the hotel to eat. We were disappointed in the interaction with the characters. They all came to the table, but they didnt seem to excited to be there. In contrast, we did Minnies one day at 10:10, after doing morning madness. We loved not having to take the time to make the round trip to the hotel. The interaction that time of the morning was great.

As for food, I dont think that it really runs out or gets old at any location. My experience as been that they are always refilling the food stations. Nothing sits empty for more then a couple minutes, if at all.

 

[MissKIA]

I agree with hbltimes about not wanting to leave the park to go to a hotel in the middle of the day. I deliberately book Goofy's Kitchen for the evening we arrive for the simple reason that I can't see us draggin' our sorry butts ALL THE WAY to the DLH in the middle of the day. I just know we won't feel like it. Instead we booked Minnie's for one of the mornings we will be in the park.

 

[Snow Brite]

I agree with the others! I think EE days get super crazy very quickly after EE is over. We go to EE then find a place to sit and have a leisurely late breakfast. Plaza Inn would be the place for a character breakfast. Then head to DCA. Or for that matter wait for lunch and go to Ariel's. If the park opens later in the morning, or you are not going to the parks one day, then Goofy's or PP or Storyteller's would be fun before going to the parks.

 

[Rapunsel]

What we are doing in June is taking freinds who only have enough $ to do one day at DL. Is going to DL on Monday, then come back on Wednesday and do breakfast at PPH and then shop at DTD. SO the kids still get 2 days at DL, but not going the parks both days.


I personally did not care what we did as we have annual passes and our freinds are only going to be able to go with us once. So I thought that was a good way for us to still get to go twice, but when we go on Monday we don't have to worry about shopping. The kids DS4 and Dfriend 4 and DD1.5 can think about what they want to purchase before they spend their hard earned leaf raking money..



I agress with the previous posters.. GHo wehnyou think it would be best.. I also agree about doing a dinner the day you arrive. As it gets everyone in the mood...