Ice cream social... is it worth it?

[maximom]

As everyone else on this board (obviously) we are on a BUDGET, so we can't afford some of the pricey character meals. I've heard that the ice cream social at Epcot is an inexpensive way to get this sort of interaction and only costs a fraction in comparison (about $7 per person). I've also heard some negative comments so thought I would post here.

Has anyone gone to the Ice Cream Social and what was your experience?

Thanks

 

[mickeysaver]

We loved this!!! It was one of the highlights of our September, 2002, vacation. Just remember that you might need to have a healthy dose of patience, but when the characters come by, you will have a blast. We were especially entertained by the antics of Chip & Dale.

I say do it! Maggie

 

[cinmell]

We've been to the ice cream social once and we will definitely go again. It's a great, inexpensive way to cool down, relax, have a snack and meet the characters while at Epcot. The character interaction was great and our server was very attentive. Ice cream was good too.

 

[Aisling]

Here's another vote for the inexpensive Ice Cream Social. If you're in a booth, the characters suddenly appear without you seeing them coming, they're right there in front of you, and we loved that! They came around several times, sat down with us, and it was a fun time. The ice cream was good, and the revolving restaurant was interesting. It was cozy, too. Loved it!

 

[SavingsFan]

Might as well add one more vote, for the ice cream social, to the mix. The ice cream social just really touched our family. My son's eye was irritating him from where his brother had poked him a little earlier. He did not even want to pose with Dale and was almost to a point of crying. We explained his eye to Dale and Dale sat in the seat next to him and started to feed him ice cream! Dale sat there at least a good five minutes!!!I was amazed. It was very very special and magical moment for us. We will be going back again.

Christina

 

[Jockaroo]

I enjoyed the ice cream social. My husband and I went in November 2002 and had a good time. Our characters were Farmer Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale. We were 2 adults and still had nice interaction with the characters. You need to make reservations at least one day in advance so they can prepare the ice cream sundaes. I've always wanted to do a character meal, but they are kinda expensive for just adults and I worry I could keep a child from getting to go. For this reason I thought the social was fun and a good value. Pluto spent a lot of time with us. I was wearing a Pluto shirt and he thought I was cool. And Dale was a trip. He kept coming by our table and making kissy noises to me. Tried to push my husband out of the way, wandered off then would run back and get on one knee and grab my hand. The children around us seemed to get a great deal of character interaction with Mickey spending the majority of his time with the kids--which is the way it should be.

The restaurant was not crowded. As "old people" we got character interaction. The fact that the restaurant revolves is kinda cool. The ice cream portions are large and a good value. We enjoyed it and my husband just said he wants to do this again on our May trip.

-Jockaroo

 

[gdulaney]

Can anybody share the details (cost, location, etc) of the Ice Cream Social. It sounds like a lot of fun.

Thank you!
Ginny

 

[CEDmom]

We loved it as well and will do it again on a future trip. I think what did some people in cost wise was ordering drinks in addition to the ice cream. They bring ice water so there really isn't any need for another drink and it will increase the price tremendously. For 3 of us (2 adults/1 child) it cost $25 including tip.

 

[clori]

We went this February. My 3 year old loved it. The character interaction was great and the revolving scenery made it more interesting. It was $6.99 per person adult or child plus tax/tip. I think our bill for 3 was $25 or so no drinks. It takes place daily at Epcot Garden Grill restaurant at 3, 3:10 or 3:20 I think. We saw Mickey, Chip, Dale and Pluto. The ice cream is good but if you want a great sundae it does not compare to Beaches&Creams, Gharidelli's etc. They do offer a nondairy option of rice milk in place of the vanilla ice cream though it is probably best to ask ahead of time.

 

[Wishful]

We enjoyed the Ice Cream Social in April 2003.

FYI, like with many WDW eateries, if you call ahead you can try and get dairy free (as mentioned above), sugar-free, etc. servings to fit specific dietary needs. There is a specific article on the Ice Cream Social options elsewhere, possibly at the wdig.com site?

We did not take advantage of this (although we have needed assistance at other eateries at DLR & WDW), but seated near us was a family with a diabetic guest and they were very happy with the selection they received.

For the character attention and cost, I would hate to think someone would miss out on this because they can't eat ice cream!

Wishful

 

[MICOL]

14 of us did the social last April and its a great way to meet Mickey annd gang. Much cheaper than Chef Mickey's or other meals. We will do it next trip as well.

 

[westjones]

A wonderful way to get to experience a 'character meal'. It is in the middle of the day, which is nice. We were ready for a break by then. We were also on a very tight budget and I wanted to give my girls a nice surprise without blowing my budget. They loved it! DH and I enjoy it too!

Too bad they don't offer more opportunities like this. Wouldn't it be fun to have an 'ice cream social' in the castle with Cinderalla! Maybe they could serve the ice cream in a glass (plastic) slipper!

DJ

 

[maximom]

We'll definately go to this. It sounds like everyone here enjoyed it. I have heard the ice cream is good and by that time of day in August we will probably be needing to cool off.

Thanks everyone!

 

[gdulaney]

Sounds like fun!! Thank you for the info.

Ginny

 

[MELSMICE]

Do you need to or can you even make PS's for this. It sounds like something my niece & DD's may want to do when we're there in April.

Are there different prices for different ages?

 

[cinmell]

I couldn't remember the exact price so I copied this info from Deb's page:

The Garden Grill also hosts an Ice Cream Social afternoons at 3, 3:10, and 3:20 p.m. The cost is $6.99 plus tax and gratuity per person (same charge for children or adults). Mickey comes around and joins in the fun!_ This is a great way to see Mickey and usually is not crowded.

We made a PS for this and I want to say it was 90 days out (not sure if that is still true). They CM took our credit card information for this but we weren't charged until the day we were there. We heard it was difficult to obtain a PS for the ice cream social but we didn't have any trouble.

 

[jcandtjsmommy]

My children just like plain ice cream (no hot fudge, etc...), do we have a choice or is it all prepared in advance? We have a PS for it and would like to know in advance if we have to make a special request or something.

Thanks!

 

[westjones]

Yes, we made a PS for this. When we got there they gave us a pager and called us when it was time for us to go in.

If you order drinks it is extra, but ice water is free (and with ice cream I wouldn't want pop anyway).

DJ

 

[cinmell]

Originally posted by jcandtjsmommy
My children just like plain ice cream (no hot fudge, etc...), do we have a choice or is it all prepared in advance? We have a PS for it and would like to know in advance if we have to make a special request or something.

Thanks!

The children's ice cream was a scoop of vanilla with candy to make a face and a cone on top as a hat. There were gummy candies around the plate. I don't remember if there was hot fudge. I have a picture but I'm technically challenged when it comes to posting pictures.

 

[cinmell]

I just looked at the picture, there was no hot fuge (small bit of choc on the cone that jimmies were stuck to). There were jimmies and chocolate chips in addition to gummy candy.

Edited: Just realized most people probably call jimmies SPRINKLES. Here in Boston sprinkles =jimmies. Sorry if I confused anyone!