Just got back - here's my report

[Sherry E]

I didn't realize that any meals were ever a real buffet at Plaza Inn where you could go up and get your own items. I thought it was always served buffeteria-style, which is what the OP described, where you tell the CM behind the counter/glass what you want. I think they should make it either a straight up buffet like Goofy's, Lilo and Stitch and Storytellers have, or do it family style like Ariel's breakfast. This sounds like it is not a good set-up, though I would still definitely try it and just take my chances that characters will show up at my table while I am away.

 

[pixiewings71]

When we did M&Fs it was so easy, we walked right up and got what we wanted, if it wasn't there we asked for it, if we wanted more than we were given we asked for it. There was plenty of pastries/breads and we were able to eat our fill. It isn't a buffet per se, not like Goofy's, but we were not disappointed at all. Had there been a line when we got in we would have sat at our table and simply waited for it to disperse and then got our food.

 

[Sherry E]

When we did M&Fs it was so easy, we walked right up and got what we wanted, if it wasn't there we asked for it, if we wanted more than we were given we asked for it. There was plenty of pastries/breads and we were able to eat our fill. It isn't a buffet per se, not like Goofy's, but we were not disappointed at all. Had there been a line when we got in we would have sat at our table and simply waited for it to disperse and then got our food.

If there were a line for food, or if characters showed up at the table while I was in the line and my friends were at the table, I would just chalk it up to that it comes with the character dining territory. In the back of my mind, I think I always sort of expect those things to happen at all character meals.

Actually, when you think about it, the fact that these DLR restaurants are able to keep all the character meal environments as well-controlled and orderly and accident-free as they do is a miracle - with lots of small children running around, following characters or dancing with characters, people of all ages moving around the different lines and food stations, carrying heaping plates of food or full beverage containers, characters trying to maneuver around from table to table in between all of the kids and the people carrying food and spend some good quality photo-taking time with each group, etc. DLR does a darn good job overall managing their character meals, I think. Every now and then, there are bound to be some mishaps or some issues of lines or bad timing or whatever. But for the most part, they do a good job of keeping everything running smoothly.

 

[pixiewings71]

ITA Sherry!!! Completely!

 

[aprincess@mail.com]

The Dessert Inn Suite sounds wonderful! Thanks for the info!
Sorry your trip to the buffet wasnt that great tho. We went in October and had 9:30am reservations and it was REALLy busy, but we got to see all the characters and we didnt seem to miss anyone.
Thanks for the trip report!

 

[QueenDoOver]

We went at 10:30 on our last trip, and we loved Minnie and Friends. The lines for food were manageable, and we were there for a long time, because when the characters were there, we just stayed and played with them and then did food. I got my 6 year old dancing with Minnie on video. She was totally cracking up at his silly moves and gave him a big giant hug. It was one of those magical moments for sure. The fairy godmother was a crack up. We say Hook and Baloo, and lots of characters that you don't always see. Very fun for us.