Feeling a little bit guilty about the character dinner thing...

[KiminChicago]

When my DS and DD were younger, we did a lot of character meals, especially breakfasts. On some trips we'd do one character meal a day.

Now that the kids are older (10 and 13), we have only one character meal that is a must-do -- Chef Mickey's. We have always purchased the photo package there, and it is really fun to compare the pictures from previous trips and see how much larger the kids have grown compared to the large plate they use as a prop. These days the kids are more about the food and the atmosphere so instead of a lot of character meals we're going to San Angel Inn and the Biergarten, Boma and Sanaa.

 

[GayeofPA]

I agree with other comments about asking your children to make a few choices. Explain it all to them--that the cousins are going to a lot of character meals, etc.

Of course, being young, they might later regret a decision, so the pressure is still on for you to help make decisions too--or at least worry about it! But letting them feel a little bit in charge will also help them to feel better about whichever restaurants they go to.

And because you are concerned about it, err on the side of caution when they do give their opinions. If one of the children just can't decide if they want a character meal or not, then do it.

I also like the suggestion of looking at descriptions of restaurants and letting everyone pick their 2 or 3 favorites (which I realize is VERY hard to do!).

And remember that no matter gets picked, it's all great, and you will have a great time no matter which!

 

[onelilspark]

We always did a few character meals when we went down, but not every meal was character. I never had a problem with that when I was younger. Then again, we've never been big buffet fans in our family. Plus, there are a lot of fun meals at WDW that aren't character meals (WCC, 50s, Sci Fi...) What restaurants are you planning??

 

[PrincessKsMom]

There are other fun meals you can go to -- particularly 50's Prime Time Cafe and Sci-Fi Dine in Theater, both at Disney Hollywood Studios.

 

[brockash]

Honestly, for me, character meals are stressful. They're a lot of fun for the kids and we get really cute pictures, but just the waiting for the characters and stopping to get the pictures/video'/autographs ect. really gets exhausting. Basically what I do now, is really not eat anything until I've done all my "mom duties" and then once we've seen everyone once; I eat and they can visit with them more when they come to our table again, but I don't take any more pic's ect. With that said we usually do about 3 character meals per trip (which is one week.) I'm thinking next year, we'll probably have to throw in another one, because my DD is really starting to get into the princesses, but I'm still hoping to just keep it to 4 or so. Do whatever works for you guys. Do my kids love the character meals, yes absolutely, but mine are 2 & 7, so I'm not sure your 10 year old would really care as much. Have a great trip. -Also, I will say it is a good way to see characters without having to wait in line.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

We always did a few character meals when we went down, but not every meal was character. I never had a problem with that when I was younger. Then again, we've never been big buffet fans in our family. Plus, there are a lot of fun meals at WDW that aren't character meals (WCC, 50s, Sci Fi...) What restaurants are you planning??

So funny. I began drafting my post, was called away from my desk, came back and finished typing it, submitted it, and saw you said the same thing!