Recommendations for character dinner on arrival day

[jdsergent]

We plan on keeping arrival day low key, but would like to do a character dinner in the evening. Originally we thought we would do Mickey's Backyard BBQ, but I read less than stellar reviews on here. I don't even know if the show is available on Tuesday evenings? What else would you recommend that is on a resort? We want to avoid wasting a park ticket. FYI-we plan on doing Chef Mickey as a breakfast during our stay, otherwise that would be another option.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Your only other non-park character options are 1900 Park Fare at GF and Garden Grove at the Swan (which is not on the dining plan).

 

[Live4theMagic]

How about 1900 Park Fare at the GF? Cinderella, Prince Charming, Step mother,sisters. Food was descent and character interaction was fabulous!

 

[NuJoy]

I know you said you plan on going to Chef Mickey's for breakfast on another day; but I've never enjoyed Chef Mickey's more than the times it was our very first meal of the vacation. It's a quintessential Disney experience, especially if you have young ones in your party. Alternately, we also love to start a vacation off right by doing a Hoop Dee Doo Review dinner...no characters; but a great family show. I've never left there without a smile on my face.

 

[jdsergent]

How about 1900 Park Fare at the GF? Cinderella, Prince Charming, Step mother,sisters. Food was descent and character interaction was fabulous!

We are planning on booking CRT so thought we would skip the one with Prince Charming.

 

[jdsergent]

Your only other non-park character options are 1900 Park Fare at GF and Garden Grove at the Swan (which is not on the dining plan).

Is Garden Grove in Epcot? We're trying to avoid using a park day.

 

[jdsergent]

I know you said you plan on going to Chef Mickey's for breakfast on another day; but I've never enjoyed Chef Mickey's more than the times it was our very first meal of the vacation. It's a quintessential Disney experience, especially if you have young ones in your party. Alternately, we also love to start a vacation off right by doing a Hoop Dee Doo Review dinner...no characters; but a great family show. I've never left there without a smile on my face.

I've been reading good things about Hoop Dee Doo Revue on here! Our kids are 4 and 6 so thought it might be good to do a character meal on the first night so they aren't asking "Where's Mickey?" I we'll have to put HDDR on our list though!

 

[BuzzyBelle]

I've been reading good things about Hoop Dee Doo Revue on here! Our kids are 4 and 6 so thought it might be good to do a character meal on the first night so they aren't asking "Where's Mickey?" I we'll have to put HDDR on our list though!

Maybe you can time the show with the Chip and Dale campfire at FW? It's free and would be a fun evening with the show without having to go to a park. For a less expensive option you could go to Trails End at FW or Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge and then head over to the campfire. You'll meet the chipmunks and get to roast marshmallows. FW also has a nice playground.

 

[jawa7400]

Is Garden Grove in Epcot? We're trying to avoid using a park day.

Garden Grove is at the Swan resort. Garden Grill is inside Epcot

 

[DISNEY1975]

The BBQ is great! My kids LOVE it. If I went alone, I might not have the same feeling, but nothing makes me happier than seeing my kids happy! I would definitely do this if its available on a Tuesday! The food is good (burgers/dogs/chicken/ribs/salads etc....) and the kids love dancing with the characters. They can get nice and tired, early to bed and ready for a full day in the parks the next morning!

Daddy / daughter dance

 

[jdsergent]

The BBQ is great! My kids LOVE it. If I went alone, I might not have the same feeling, but nothing makes me happier than seeing my kids happy! I would definitely do this if its available on a Tuesday! The food is good (burgers/dogs/chicken/ribs/salads etc....) and the kids love dancing with the characters. They can get nice and tired, early to bed and ready for a full day in the parks the next morning!

Daddy / daughter dance

Looks like fun! Thanks for sharing the pics. I found online that it's only available Thursdays and Saturdays.

 

[Harambe]

It is not a character meal, but 'Ohana is loads of fun. If you are doing other character meals during your trip, then I would say go here, then go to the beach afterwards to see the MK fireworks go off! A great "opening night"!

 

[MissMet]

I'd go to Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge since it's tons of fun & then take the boat over to Fort Wilderness Campground for the campfire singalong with Chip & Dale, complete with smores, plus a movie under the stars following it.

 

[lwc]

We really love Hoop-Dee-Doo Review as a first night dinner.