Solo Diners and Character Meals

[Sleepless Knight]

I realize this may belong on the Dining board, but since I'm traveling solo, and this question deals with a specific solo dining issue, I'm posting it here.

So here's my dilemma. I'll be traveling solo to WDW in May for Star Wars Weekends. I'm in the process right now of deciding where to eat and was considering a character meal or two. I've always enjoyed family character meals, but my concern really has to deal with logistics of solo character dining. I'm not concerned about interaction as I already feel well versed in how to have when meeting characters when you're an adult(and have actually had some of my favorite interactions as a solo traveler).

1. If I'm eating at a buffet, will I have to worry about somebody taking my place while I'm in line getting the food? And if a character passes by my table while I'm getting food, have I missed out or can I speak with a handler about having the charcter catch me later. (Obviously, this isn't an issue with places that serve it family style).

2. What do I do about pictures? I'm not sure if there will be somebody like a handler close enough to take the picture for me. If pictures will be too difficult, then I'll probably look for other ways to catch the characters out and about in the parks.

Thanks for any perspective and impressions, positive or negative on character dining solo.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I can't wait to hear an answer on this one. I am thinking about booking Chef Mickey's for my next solo trip as I have never done a character meal before. Thanks for asking the question!

 

[Simba's Mom]

You usually don't have any trouble with asking someone at an nearby table, the character handler, or a server to take your picture. Or do what I always do, and see the look on peoples' faces! I just hand my camera to the character and softly say "Oh, I'd love for someone to take our picture!" Then the character gets someone-a few times the character has grabbed someone at a nearby table and thrust the camera at them, motioning for them to take our picture. No one ever says "No" to Mickey or Goofy! Although no one's ever taken my seat, I have had servers clear my place when I've left for the rest room. Once they threw away my barely eaten carrot cake. Now I'm always very careful to leave something of mine to signal that I'm returning, a book, glasses, backpack, etc. I've even heard of solos who leave signs at their place "Do not clear-I am returning" or something like that.

 

[Moomduck1]

Then the character gets someone-a few times the character has grabbed someone at a nearby table and thrust the camera at them, motioning for them to take our picture. I've even heard of solos who leave signs at their place "Do not clear-I am returning" or something like that.

Great ideas!!!

 

[Sha]

I havent had a problem of losing a table at a buffett because I was up getting something. You pay prior to leaving so they clear a table once you are taken out of the system.

I also dont think that you should have trouble getting someone to take photos. I often offer when I see people taking them and someone is left out because they are taking the photo. So ask someone to take on wherever you are. If they say no... I am sure someone else will say yes.

 

[WizardLarz]

Doing the first of the Star Wars Weekends 20th-27th. Maybe we can help each other out on the picture front!

 

[Goofy'sPal]

Im 26m and went in May solo for first time and it was great. I had two character meals. I ate at Chef Mickey and Liberty Tree Tavern. Sometimes u do have to speak to someone if the character passes u. I was passed at Liberty Tree by Chip and Mickey at Chef Mickey but I spoke to someone and they both came back. As for pictures I had pics taken from my server, handler, and other guests. If u go to a buffet the characters come in sections so know when the are in your section and plan acordingly. If u have anymore questions just ask.

 

[Frank_Bullitt]

WRT saving a spot, it is usually a good idea to leave your camera/autograph book or something like that to show the server that you will be back.
Also, on a side note if you are traveling solo to a character meal be sure to flag down the character handler or the host/hostess to tell them that you do want to see the characters. It didn't happen on my trip, but I have heard that some hosts or handlers see a solo adult and just assume they don't want to see the characters.

I am still putting together my trip report, so when it is done I will be posting it and some sort of character observations bit.

Thanks!

 

[ANTSS2001]

Im 26m and went in May solo for first time and it was great. I had two character meals. I ate at Chef Mickey and Liberty Tree Tavern. Sometimes u do have to speak to someone if the character passes u. I was passed at Liberty Tree by Chip and Mickey at Chef Mickey but I spoke to someone and they both came back. As for pictures I had pics taken from my server, handler, and other guests. If u go to a buffet the characters come in sections so know when the are in your section and plan acordingly. If u have anymore questions just ask.

2-3 years back... the week after valentines day... I was at EPCOT and had a great time with Snow White... there was no line and she was just wating to be seen by kids... it was just her and her handler... so as I approach her casually.. I asked. her.. Princess can we have a picture taken... as their signature of courtsy(sp) while holding the hem of their gown answered "Certainly"... Yes.. she was ready and was posing as I hand her my camera.. she gave me a confused look... I told her.. "Yes you... take a picture of me and your handler" ... she lost her composure and started laughing.... even the handler was in tears .. too funny!!! the year later on my bday... I saw the same CM still as Snow White and was nice enough to top me on my shoulder (while I was getting ready to have my picture taken .. yet again with her) and told me.. "whenever you are ready I can take a picture of you and my handler my dear" she remembered!!!!

 

[Floydian]

2-3 years back... the week after valentines day... I was at EPCOT and had a great time with Snow White... there was no line and she was just wating to be seen by kids... it was just her and her handler... so as I approach her casually.. I asked. her.. Princess can we have a picture taken... as their signature of courtsy(sp) while holding the hem of their gown answered "Certainly"... Yes.. she was ready and was posing as I hand her my camera.. she gave me a confused look... I told her.. "Yes you... take a picture of me and your handler" ... she lost her composure and started laughing.... even the handler was in tears .. too funny!!! the year later on my bday... I saw the same CM still as Snow White and was nice enough to top me on my shoulder (while I was getting ready to have my picture taken .. yet again with her) and told me.. "whenever you are ready I can take a picture of you and my handler my dear" she remembered!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Great story, with a perfect ending!

 

[ANTSS2001]

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Great story, with a perfect ending!

it was just great how CM have the patience to accomodate all ages ... being a CM is not a job but a calling if you ask me

 

[Candice30]

it was just great how CM have the patience to accomodate all ages ... being a CM is not a job but a calling if you ask me

timmy you are too funny! i have yet to do any character meals. even with all the family trips...just weirded out by the characters. i can't imagine doing them solo. maybe a group of solo disers will have pity on me and let me tag along to get my feet wet.

to the OP: one of my fears of going solo is getting ignored by the characters. but more times than not i hear reports on these boards that it isn't an issue.

 

[ANTSS2001]

timmy you are too funny! i have yet to do any character meals. even with all the family trips...just weirded out by the characters. i can't imagine doing them solo. maybe a group of solo disers will have pity on me and let me tag along to get my feet wet.

to the OP: one of my fears of going solo is getting ignored by the characters. but more times than not i hear reports on these boards that it isn't an issue.

do you have any character meal booked for April????

 

[rebecca06261]

I haven't had the problem of being ignored, however most of the characters are quick to pass on to the next table instead of providing any interaction...Also, it's common to miss characters while you're away from your table, but they do eventually make their way back around the table circuit

btw, great story Timmy!

 

[ANTSS2001]

btw, great story Timmy!

hey Reb.... Miss you!!!

 

[Goofy'sPal]

Great story Timmy. And no one should be afriad of being ignored some of the best character interaction is done solo. I went solo in May and had so many great solo character interactions. 2 for example were Little bear in Animal Kingdom. His handler told him to back up alil for a picture with me and he ran into the woods. I dont mean a foot either he ran really far back into the woods that people looked around and were trying to figure out what happened. Another was at Epcot I met Aura and she is my favorite princess. No one else was around at all and I couldnt beleive it. I talked to her for a good 15mins while she stayed in character the whole time it was great.

 

[Kyen]

2-3 years back... the week after valentines day... I was at EPCOT and had a great time with Snow White... there was no line and she was just wating to be seen by kids... it was just her and her handler... so as I approach her casually.. I asked. her.. Princess can we have a picture taken... as their signature of courtsy(sp) while holding the hem of their gown answered "Certainly"... Yes.. she was ready and was posing as I hand her my camera.. she gave me a confused look... I told her.. "Yes you... take a picture of me and your handler" ... she lost her composure and started laughing.... even the handler was in tears .. too funny!!! the year later on my bday... I saw the same CM still as Snow White and was nice enough to top me on my shoulder (while I was getting ready to have my picture taken .. yet again with her) and told me.. "whenever you are ready I can take a picture of you and my handler my dear" she remembered!!!!

I did the same thing with Donald's handler! Donald was showing off because the autograph card had his picture on it, well Emmy his handler was sure to put him back in his place when I asked her if I could have my picture taken with her and get her autograph as well. Everyone was in stitches except for Donald.

As for getting pictures taken by others I took full adventage of the photopass CD (I took over 200 photo!) On occassion when I gave my camera to a CM to hold they ended up taking more pictures using my camera for me which was great because sometimes they turned out better.

When I did character buffets the host ALWAYS asked if i wanted the characters to come to the tables and when I would get up to get food I would leave my empty camera bag hanging off the chair and my autograph book open to the next page. When the characters came to the table my servers were always there taking a picture except Akershus ther my server was no where to be found.

 

[ANTSS2001]

I did the same thing with Donald's handler! Donald was showing off because the autograph card had his picture on it, well Emmy his handler was sure to put him back in his place when I asked her if I could have my picture taken with her and get her autograph as well. Everyone was in stitches except for Donald.

Yes!!! Donald!!! he is one of the best Character to get chatty with... One Valentine's weekend that we were at WDW... I had a shirt made with his picture saying "My Fauntleroy" as we were waiting he saw the shirt and I got the biggest quack hug

 

[Candice30]

do you have any character meal booked for April????

nope...chickened out again!

 

[ttester9612]

nope...chickened out again!

I'm with you....never done a character breakfast solo and not sure if I'll ever have the nerve to do it.....especially since I'm shy