How much time to plan for character meals?

[megster1123]

I've read anywhere from 60-90 minutes for a character meal - is this the case?

I'm specifically looking for the timing for breakfast for H&V, CRT, Akershus & Garden Grill - we have PPO ADRs for these and am trying to put together the touring plans for those days.

 

[DisneyHardin]

That's about right. Garden Grill is a fairly small restaurant, so the characters rotate quickly there.

 

[GillianP1301]

We average around 60 - 75 minutes for a character meal. I find the time of the ADR can make a difference. For example, when we do an 8:00ish ADR at Crystal Palace, we are out in under an hour, but at 9:30, it's more like 1 1/4 or a bit more. If you get the early ADR and are seated before the restaurant is full, the characters get to you more quickly, so the length of the meal comes down to eating, where as when we did a mid morning breakfast, the place was packed and it took longer to get to see all the characters. We were done eating and spent an extra 15 or so minutes waiting on the M&G portion.

 

[megster1123]

Thanks for the info!

I read somewhere that a family with an ADR of 8:15 entered the park early and was seated with the first group or diners (presumably the 8am group.) is this something that usually happens? If we arrive at CRT at 8, but our ADR is 8:15, do we wait for our time or are you ever seated early?

 

[LovesTimone]

I read somewhere that a family with an ADR of 8:15 entered the park early and was seated with the first group or diners (presumably the 8am group.) is this something that usually happens? If we arrive at CRT at 8, but our ADR is 8:15, do we wait for our time or are you ever seated early?

Honestly there is no set answer, unfortunately nothing that you can say yes it will happen this way and you can count on it. You will find that each restaurant does things a bit differently front and back of the house and adding in characters adds a whole other layer. Is it possible ...Yes... Should you depend on it...No... I would go with you will most likely be seated at or a bit after your ADR time.

Sending lots of Pixie dust your way... Hoping you get seated early...

 

[Simba07]

We had an 8:15 at CRT and were seated early last summer. The only real waiting was for Cinderella's arrival.

 

[megster1123]

It seems like 15-20 minutes either way shouldn't be a big deal, but in reality I know it is. I just don't want to shoot myself in the foot with planning our FPP+ ... I'd hate to plan on the PPO breakfast and walk out to a 45 minute way on SDMT. But I kind of get that impression that is what's likely to happen

 

[Nancyg56]

It seems like 15-20 minutes either way shouldn't be a big deal, I just don't want to shoot myself in the foot with planning our FPP+ ... I'd hate to plan on the PPO breakfast and walk out to a 45 minute way on SDMT. But I kind of get that impression that is what's likely to happen

It very well could be the case. Depending on the time of year the park opening can change a swell, and then you decide what is more important, breakfast or touring time. I always suggest that you book the FP that mean the most to you, and if you get a "walk on" first thing, consider it pixie dust. Too many factors that can change the best plans, so I like to prepare for the worst and be thrilled when things are awesome!