I took DW and DD (age 3) to WDW in May 2007, and am just now getting around to this, but thought I would share my thoughts on some character dining. NOTE -- we had res for but could not attend CRT because DD got sick that day 
As for what we were able to attend, here's the scoop:
1. Akershus at Norway in Epcot is a MUST (at least, for families with girls mostly) -- every single princess was there, except what I call the "forgotten princesses" (Pochahontas and Mulan). DD danced and sang with each of them to the amazement of the entire room. Also, food was very good, I recommend the venison and the salad bar is great. At first we though the service was unfriendly, but it's just the flat affect of the Norwegians, who are really very sweet and accomodating. Ultimately, it was some of the best service we got at WDW.
2. Liberty Tree Tavern in the MK is GOOD-- we had dinner here our first night, and it was DD's first exposure to characters ever. Food was normal American fare, but having that in the period atmosphere with Minnie, Goofy, C&D, and at least one other I cannot remember, was just great. Best part was being able to enjoy the park right afterwards! If you go here, time the meal in light of parade times, and note that they seem to run a little late on seating times.
3. 1900 Park Fare at the GF -- Good, but overly hyped. Fairy godmother, Cinderella, Jaq and Gus, the Prince, all good. Service was excellent though, and the buffet, although somewhat limited in selection, was very good quality. It was nice just seeing the hotel, though, and DD got a nice picture with the fairy godmother.
4. Hollywood and Vine at MGM -- For preschoolers that like Playhouse Disney lineup, this one is NOT TO BE MISSED! First, its a great breakfast buffet in diner style. Two little Einsteins were there (Leo and June -- I guess Annie and Quincy were out signing autographs down the street), and JoJo and Goliath. They play music and dance with the kids. DD was catching about 2feet of air she was jumping up and down so hard! DW and I have never laughed harder! Very nice for a big meal, followed by a mellow "digestion show" at either Voyage of the Little Mermaid or the Beuty and the Beast Show -- no Tower of Terror after 5 mickey waffles, thank you. LOL! My tip -- get the earliest possible reservation, because you may end up hanging out in the restaurant for over an hour.
Next time (Jan or May 2008), we will do CRT and the Crystal Palace at MK.
BTW, other restaurants we enjoyed were the Kona Cafe at the Polynesian and the restaurant in Morrocco where dinner comes with live belly-dancing and music (DD actually went out and danced with the dancers). I do NOT recommend the Cosmic Cafe in Futureland MK for lunch -- must be the most rediculous line system I have seen in any fast-food restaurant -- too many people, poor configuration, although the food was OK.
ALSO -- DD has food allergies (peanut, tree nut, shellfish), and I must say that the Dis staff paid EXCELLENT attention to this in EVERY SINGLE CASE, even at places we did not love otherwise. We could not believe the training and attentiveness of the chefs, and that is a major reason why we will return without hesitation.
FINALLY, note that we were on the regular meal plan. When we go again, we'll kick it up a notch so that breakfast (1 extra sit down meal, I think, per day) will be included.
As for what we were able to attend, here's the scoop:
1. Akershus at Norway in Epcot is a MUST (at least, for families with girls mostly) -- every single princess was there, except what I call the "forgotten princesses" (Pochahontas and Mulan). DD danced and sang with each of them to the amazement of the entire room. Also, food was very good, I recommend the venison and the salad bar is great. At first we though the service was unfriendly, but it's just the flat affect of the Norwegians, who are really very sweet and accomodating. Ultimately, it was some of the best service we got at WDW.
2. Liberty Tree Tavern in the MK is GOOD-- we had dinner here our first night, and it was DD's first exposure to characters ever. Food was normal American fare, but having that in the period atmosphere with Minnie, Goofy, C&D, and at least one other I cannot remember, was just great. Best part was being able to enjoy the park right afterwards! If you go here, time the meal in light of parade times, and note that they seem to run a little late on seating times.
3. 1900 Park Fare at the GF -- Good, but overly hyped. Fairy godmother, Cinderella, Jaq and Gus, the Prince, all good. Service was excellent though, and the buffet, although somewhat limited in selection, was very good quality. It was nice just seeing the hotel, though, and DD got a nice picture with the fairy godmother.
4. Hollywood and Vine at MGM -- For preschoolers that like Playhouse Disney lineup, this one is NOT TO BE MISSED! First, its a great breakfast buffet in diner style. Two little Einsteins were there (Leo and June -- I guess Annie and Quincy were out signing autographs down the street), and JoJo and Goliath. They play music and dance with the kids. DD was catching about 2feet of air she was jumping up and down so hard! DW and I have never laughed harder! Very nice for a big meal, followed by a mellow "digestion show" at either Voyage of the Little Mermaid or the Beuty and the Beast Show -- no Tower of Terror after 5 mickey waffles, thank you. LOL! My tip -- get the earliest possible reservation, because you may end up hanging out in the restaurant for over an hour.
Next time (Jan or May 2008), we will do CRT and the Crystal Palace at MK.
BTW, other restaurants we enjoyed were the Kona Cafe at the Polynesian and the restaurant in Morrocco where dinner comes with live belly-dancing and music (DD actually went out and danced with the dancers). I do NOT recommend the Cosmic Cafe in Futureland MK for lunch -- must be the most rediculous line system I have seen in any fast-food restaurant -- too many people, poor configuration, although the food was OK.
ALSO -- DD has food allergies (peanut, tree nut, shellfish), and I must say that the Dis staff paid EXCELLENT attention to this in EVERY SINGLE CASE, even at places we did not love otherwise. We could not believe the training and attentiveness of the chefs, and that is a major reason why we will return without hesitation.
FINALLY, note that we were on the regular meal plan. When we go again, we'll kick it up a notch so that breakfast (1 extra sit down meal, I think, per day) will be included.
