Laugh at me all U want, I deserve it...I think.

[jinglesmountjoy]

With all of the reading I've been doing on these boards over the last 6mths, there's one thing I never really paid much attention to. Maybe it's because we're staying in a villa and only plan on eating at a sit down once or twice over our 2wks.

Incidentally, this will be our first experience with any Disney Park...ever.

I've heard great things about so many of the character meals like Chef Mickey's, etc and can't wait for my DD and Nephew, both 4yrs (daughter will have 4th b-day at WDW), to experience them.

Problem is.........I didn't realize I needed to make reservations and we are there Feb 3rd to 17th.............2006!

Can someone give me the Vegas line on us getting to enjoy a character meal?

 

[MomofKatie]

Start calling ASAP- if nothing is available, keep calling several times a day. People make cancellations all the time- if you are vigilant, you will probably snag one.

Also, be flexible on times and dates. Honestly, I'd call and ask for ANY character meal for any of the dates you are visiting. If you don't limit yourself to one day or one meal (b'fast vs lunch or dinner), you will have a better chance of getting in somewhere.

Last, take a look at which characters are appearing at which restaurants, and the menus. That way, if there are several places to choose from, you can decide which one to pick. A good site to find all the dining info is www.allearsnet.com .

Good luck- I think you should be able to book at least one great character meal!!

 

[robinb]

I think you'll be OK ... as long as you don't have your heart set on Cinderella in her castle. The meals in Norway as nice, but a bit "different". Make sure you check the menus to make sure you can get something you'll eat. I had the trout there for lunch and it was very good. I also like the food at Chef Mickeys and at the Crystal Palace. 1900 Park Faire is probably my least favorite. If worse comes to worse, you can always book Mickey's Backyard BBQ with a Mickey and Minnie. I have never been to it, so I don't know how long they stay though or if they sign and take pictures. Oh ... there is also the restaurant in The Land which went back to the original menu (so I hear) and is good again. Farmer Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale.

Here is a link with all your options: http://www.allearsnet.com/din/cb.htm

 

[thelionqueen]

Be flexible and persistent. You'll get what you want

 

[Amirah95]

This is not a laughing matter. Get on the phone and keep trying for what you want and don't stop until you get it.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

*Says in best informative voice* The Unofficial Guide says that you shouldn't have a problem getting reservations for a character meal up to 2 weeks before the dates you need. Aside from CRT of course.

That being said, the only experience I've had with character meals is deciding on our last full day I wanted to eat at Chef Mickey's for breakfast on departure morning (aka the next morning) and couldn't get a chance to call until that very morning. Needless to say, that didn't work out very well. The CM said though that there were ADRs for other character meals available that morning, but we didn't ask seeing as Chef Mickey's was the only one I was interested in. That being said, I sure wouldn't wait until the morning of to try and get a meal (unless you're looking for a specific one that's been booked; in which case, calling back is a good idea as you never know when something might open up). Look over the menus on AllEars and call tomorrow (actually, today now)! Good luck! I'm sure you'll get something. Let us know how it goes.

 

[lentesta]

You know, we've actually got someone tracking availabilty of these character meals every day. Let me know your experience, please.

Thanks!

Len

 

[Kae]

One that we have always had good luck getting is Cape May at the Beach Club for Breakfast.

Kae

 

[mom22princesses]

We are going Feb4-11 and I just made some character ADRs this past weekend. Didn't have a problem at all. I just booked 1900 Park Fare for dinner Feb 4 (@GF) & Donald's Breakfastasaurous (@AK) for mid-week.

Good Luck!

 

[murcor]

Last year when we decided to go to a restaurant we just picked up the phone and basically got the ADR what we wanted.

This year Jan 1st -- 12th, I called everyday for a table for 5 Chef Mickeys breakfast and never got it. Settled for O'hanas character breakfast with stitch and mickey, which I liked as it was quieter and served family style. But, the everyone else didnt have as much fun as they do with the napkin waving etc at chef mickeys.

So, if there is a must on your list....book in advance!

**the kids at those ages will love Chef Mickeys