Question about characters and shows

[angelam]

We will be spending 4 nights at Disney and 4 nights on the Wonder in May 2003. This will be our first trip to Disney and our first cruise. My children are very excited about meeting the characters. I would like them to meet as many as possible, but save money at the same time. I am looking for suggestions on which character meals to book at the park since they will be able to see the characters on the ship. Do they see the characters on board often?

I have heard that the Hoop-De-Doo Musical is very good. Since it is an expensive night out, is it something we should really try to see- or should we not worry about it, since we will see shows on board the ship (I think).

I also have a question about the Disney transfers from the hotel to the ship. Does the bus leave at various times, or just one specific time? We would like to get to the ship early. Would we be better off renting a car?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

You would probably get a lot more opinions for your WDW related questions on the Restaurant Board - you might want to think about posting your specific questions there.

The characters on the ship are fairly limited (in comparison with wdw), so if you're going to do character breakfasts, you should pick characters your kids want to see that they won't see on the ship. Typically, you'll find on the ship Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto, Chip & Dale, Wendy (at her tea) - maybe a few others I've missed. Basically, the biggies. Our kids weren't really into the characters, so I can't say how often they were available for meet & greet, but they seemed to always be present at various functions/events.

Hoop-De-Do is very different than any of the shows you'll see on the ship - while we enjoyed HDD, I would say if money is a concern, skip it.

Can't speak much to the buses, except that people seem to enjoy them as a way to get to the cruise.

 

[KMovies]

Each resort has one time that is assigned for all guests on Disney transfers. The times range from around 11:30 - 12:45 depending on the resort. It is at least one hour to the resort, so many people will have already boarded the ship once the resort buses arrive. You also may leave from Animal Kingdom giving you an option to enjoy that park on the last day before your cruise.

I would try the breakfast at the Grand Floridian. It has Mary Poppins - someone that you won't see on the cruise.

Other characters on the Wonder are Capt. Hook and Smitty along with Snow White. Wendy's tea is only on the Magic.

 

[AUTUMNSAM]

The HDD Review is really fun, we went with just adults and had a great time. The price is a little high but when you think you are getting dinner and a show it's not a bad deal. We all enjoyed it enough I went a second time. It's much different then the cruise shows, I would suggest it if if in your budget to do so.

Now my opinion on the character meals, I go with just adults and I always do a character meal, I'm a big kid at heart. First thing is as the other poster said go to deb's site with the menu's and it also lists what character will be at the meal and decided this way. I suggest to do a late lunch and my reason behind that is IMO I think the breakfast meals are well overpriced for me this should be the cheapest meal of the day and at home we don't tend to eat a big breakfast either. I always grab a little something in the morning toast, bagel, danish or wahtever you bring or buy and then I book a lunch at a character meal about between 2-3 pm and by then we arew hungry and this holds us over to just a snack later in the day. Also lunch prices are a little lower then dinner and at most places they serve about the same food.

My favorite character meals are Crystal Palace in MK Pooh and Friends, Hollywood and Vine in MGM Minnie, Goofy and Chip & Dale we had a blast with them last time. Also Liberty Tree Tavern family style food kids will love, Minnie, Pluto, and I can't remeber who else without looking at my pictures.

Sorry so long as you can tell I'm a fan of HDD and character meals.

Have fun
Judy

 

[mmouse37]

The Hoo-de-doo show is like nothing you will see onboard. If you can swing it definitely do it!!!! We love that dinner show!

On the ship in the Atrium Lobby there is a big board listing all the character appearances daily. They are also listed in your Navigator's.

If your kids like the Pooh characters....the Crystal Palace breakfast is great!!!

MJ