Has Anybody Ever Heard of a Private Character Dining Experience?

[eelkmj01]

A co-worker this morning asked if I knew of a character meal with Jessie from Toy Story. I told her that the Toy Story characters did not have a character meal. She said her MIL paid for a private character meal with Minnie about 15 years ago and paid $800. I can't even imagine where you could house a "private" character meal other than your resort room. The logistics just seem like a nightmare. I don't want to call my co-worker or her MIL a liar, but I"m about to call BS. Has anybody ever heard of anything like this? TIA!!!

 

[evedein]

I know that you can have one or more characters appear at your WDW wedding reception (not at the wedding itself) & the cost is (or was in 2005) about $800/character for 1/2 HR appearance. I've never heard of a private "character meal".

 

[Cafeen]

You can rent out the characters at some exorbitant price per hour, so it's theoretically possible. I've heard of it before in conjunction with conventions and such down there. Don't know any details at all though.

 

[ttintagel]

There are private places to rent for parties all over the parks and resorts. Especially in EPCOT, a lot of the pavilions have private lounges. I've known of a couple of people who paid extra to have characters at their Disney wedding receptions, so it doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility.

 

[sjv919]

My niece recently went to a birthday party somewhere at WDW and the mother of the little girl whose party it was rented one of the characters for an hour or so, I think Mickey.

 

[TDC Nala]

Disney will rent anything for enough money. They will even rent venues like restaurants or attractions in the parks after the parks close (or even when they're open if enough money changes hands.) They'll rent out entire parks if the price is right. There are also plenty of areas that are just for private rentals. They'll likely provide whatever characters a customer wants to see, if the customer is willing to pay for them.

So no, this one doesn't sound like BS. Although the price is likely higher now.

 

[minniebride]

We had Mickey and Minnie at our Swan wedding last year (12/2011) and the total price for both characters plus handler to stay for a 30 minute set was $1350. Its cheaper when you hire both. We hired them through Disney Destinations Event Group. We got to choose which outfits we wanted them in and had several to choose from (we chose formal attire). They did a fantastic job and our guests-kids and adults-were so surprised and excited!!

Just bear in mind that some characters, they only allow you hiring as a group-like you can't just hire one princess-you need to hire all of them and also pay for a themed backdrop. Mickey can be hired in isolation, as can the rest of the fab 5. Not sure about the Toy Story characters-they may need to be hired as a group.

Your friend is likely telling the truth, if they had the money to afford it. They likely rented an indoor venue-tons to choose from in Disney, paid for a catered meal, and hired Minnie. Breakfast is the least expensive meal to cater.

 

[rabbitroger]

Does anybody know it's it's only the main characters (fab 5) you can hire, or can you get some rarer characters like Prince John or Radcliffe?

 

[minniebride]

Does anybody know it's it's only the main characters (fab 5) you can hire, or can you get some rarer characters like Prince John or Radcliffe?

Not sure about Prince John or Radcliffe-you would have to ask a rep from Disney Destinations.

I have heard of weddings hiring the following: Fab 5, Alice and the Madhatter, the princesses, Lilo and Stitch, Chip and Dale, Mary Poppins, Scrooge McDuck, Major Dom, and the Fairy Godmother? I've also heard of receptions that hired various Disney entertainers like the Dapper Dans and some World Showcase musicians.

If you are interested in more obscure characters, it may very well be possible-you just need to ask!

 

[jcemom]

I know you can hold a birthday party at the Neverland Club and pay for characters to attend. Here's a link to the info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/just_for_kids/birthdays.htm#neverland

This two hour birthday celebration at the Peter Pan themed Never Land Club includes choice of pizza OR chicken tenders with French fries OR chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese, juice boxes/sodas, a birthday cake, a craft/activity, choice of Disney video, and free play video games. You can book this package up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-BDAY. Certain restrictions/minimums apply.

There are two package choices:

PREMIUM PACKAGE - $69.23 per person (tax included)

One Disney character of your choice from list found below for 1 hour (broken into two 30 minute sets). A minimum 1 week advance notice is required for characters.
2 hour use of the Never Land Club
Choose from 5 Party themes:
Luau
Mickey/Minnie
Pirate
Princess
Sports
Birthday Cake
Pizza for the group (2 slices per person)
Drinks
Party Activities, games and crafts


CHARACTERS:

Characters are only included in the PREMIUM Package. The Disney character you select will have two 30 minute sets with a break in between. A minimum 1 week advance notice is required for characters. The Disney characters available are based on the theme chosen:
Princess Theme- Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Mulan or Snow White
Pirates Theme- Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Peter Pan, Wendy, Mickey Mouse, or Minnie Mouse
Sports Theme- Goofy, Mickey Mouse, or Minnie Mouse
Luau Theme- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Stitch, or Lilo
Mickey/Minnie Theme- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, or Daisy Duck
$400.00 for an additional character

 

[hulagirl87]

I know you can hold a birthday party at the Neverland Club and pay for characters to attend. Here's a link to the info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/just_for_kids/birthdays.htm#neverland

omg! I want a birthday party there!

 

[DznyCrzy11]

That's awesome!! All these years of going to WDW and I had no idea you could do this!!! Would I be too old to visit for my 30th birthday next year and have Minnie and Mickey join me for a meal??

My cousin is planning on taking her daughter there next year for her 10th birthday so I'll have to remember to mention this to her. I think she would love it!!

 

[chartle]

I know you can hold a birthday party at the Neverland Club and pay for characters to attend. Here's a link to the info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/just_for_kids/birthdays.htm#neverland

Before everyone gets excited there is one little thing you need to keep in mind. It states Certain restrictions/minimums apply.

Every birthday party we have ever done at the Zoo, the Science Center, Wildwood Highlands, etc. had an 8 to 10 or more minimum. So if you still want the party and don't have the minimum you will still have to pay for what ever that minimum is.

ETA: I did a little digging and found more info.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2471899

Few points. The packages are 10 person minimum so in 2010 the cost starts at $690 if you want one character and there are only 4 times, 2 each on Saturday and Sunday.

 

[chartle]

As for the OP. I have heard of private dining rooms or patios for a single table. I have also read you can also rent characters. So I can't see why you could combine the two.

I would expect it to be over $1,000. But thats just a guess.

 

[jcemom]

Few points. The packages are 10 person minimum so in 2010 the cost starts at $690 if you want one character and there are only 4 times, 2 each on Saturday and Sunday.

Sorry. I didn't realize that info wasn't included in the DIS link that I posted. When I originally read about the parties, maybe on Allears or a link here on the forums, I can't remember, the 10 person minimum was clearly mentioned.

 

[chartle]

Sorry. I didn't realize that info wasn't included in the DIS link that I posted. When I originally read about the parties, maybe on Allears or a link here on the forums, I can't remember, the 10 person minimum was clearly mentioned.

Yes I kept looking for that number but a quick search found it. I just didn't want people thinking that for $65 a person two people could arrange a birthday party, get all that stuff and a character.

Actually for what we paid for parties for my sons' 10 years ago and based on what Disney charges for stuff, it looks like a good deal.

 

[jcemom]

Yes I kept looking for that number but a quick search found it. I just didn't want people thinking that for $65 a person two people could arrange a birthday party, get all that stuff and a character.

Actually for what we paid for parties for my sons' 10 years ago and based on what Disney charges for stuff, it looks like a good deal.

Thank you!

And yes, parties are expensive anywhere. DD's party last year was a Chuck E Cheese, and it sure wasn't cheap. We didn't have to pay extra for Chuck E, and he was okay, but he's sure no Mickey!