Need opinion on best character meal for small kids

[disneyfool_1202]

We are heading to VWL next May for 5 nights following a 4 night cruise. The day we get off the ship and check into the VWL I want to be a "low key" day. Our kids will be 5 and 3 (actually a month shy on each but that's close enough). I figured we could spend the afternoon by the pool or head to FW to the playground (DS loved it last time) but I'm trying to decide on the best dinner to do that night. I was originally thinking Hoop De Doo (one of my personal favs) but my kids are so small I'm not sure they'll enjoy it. Then I was thinking Mickey's Backyard BBQ but I've seen so many mixed reviews on this site that it makes me nervous- seems very chaotic and I have this fear of loosing my kids in the crowd. We did Chef Mickey's a few years back and didn't really enjoy the food as much as HDDR. I'm just stumped. I want them to experience the "magic" of Disney right through until we come home. My son absolutely LOVES the characters which is why I was thinking character meal. Any thoughts or suggestions / recommendation on a nice place for dinner that night where the kids can still experience the magic of Disney?

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Crystal Palace would be a good option for little kids. The buffett is good and the character interaction is great.

 

[stacy6552]

Our favorite characture meal for interaction is LTT but thats inside the MK.

However, I saw do the HDDR! Our son did it when he was 11 mos old, 22 mos old and 6. He loved it each time. How much does he remember? Probably not much. How much do I love remembering him craining his little neck to see everything? ALOT. Plus its cheap to take them at this age.....

 

[tluvstink]

The only option I can think of for characters, besides Chef Mickeys and at a resort, would be Park Faire at the GF. But 'Ohana at the poly is a lot of fun for kids and adults. There aren't characters but they play games with the kids. And if you can get a table by the window you will have a great view of the castle. If you are there late enough you can catch wishes. A great way to get in the Disney mood Whispering Canyon might be fun too!

Terri

 

[klinlin]

We really enjoyed breakfast at Park Faire, and it is worth it just to vist GF. My boys love the movie Mary Poppins, and it was great to meet her. The food was much better than I expected, as I am not a big breakfast person, and it was not crazy busy.

 

[mkygrl]

I would suggest Crystal Palace or Park Fare. Both are great. Park Fare is very low key too.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

On our arrival day we're going to CM - from what I've read the Fab 5 are there - Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy & Donald!

 

[englishrose47]

Another vote for Crystal Palace , it's relaxing very good buffet and young kids love Pooh ( Us older ones too!!) The desserts there were out of this world.