Unsure which character experiences to book

[tracy021083]

Trying to plan ahead for next June and write out a budget for things we want to do over there.

On the list so far we've got the Wild West show - but will wait until there's a flash sale to get cheaper tickets

The princess lunch at Auberge - for just me and dd (almost 4) although I suspect she may be a bit shy and heard the food is awful but sounds like a nice "experience"

Would like to do cafe mickey -but don't know whether to book for breakfast or lunch?

I've seen something called inventions mentioned but no idea what that is?

And something about a tea party?

Are there any other experiences which are a must to do? (For a boy of 6 and girl almost 4)

I realise I can't do all of the above

Thanks

 

[Carrie_Cat]

If you are going in June it's way to early to say what will be available re character meals

BBWWS tickets even in a flash sale will only be for the Nov-Mar 2013 season so you would have to wait until at least April 2013 for prices and offers.

The tea party finishes this Wednesday and there are no plans to replace it.

Inventions is a buffet restaurant in the DLH that offers lunch (no characters), dinner (characters) and at present a Sunday brunch (characters)

Auberge is supposed to be fine dining but a lot of people find it strange/unpleasant as it is not the sort of food children/adults are used to in other countries.

CM is all about the characters and the food is nothing special

All prices will be changing again in the coming month and then again in April so expect price increases on what you are reading atm.

 

[tracy021083]

If you are going in June it's way to early to say what will be available re character meals

BBWWS tickets even in a flash sale will only be for the Nov-Mar 2013 season so you would have to wait until at least April 2013 for prices and offers.

The tea party finishes this Wednesday and there are no plans to replace it.

Inventions is a buffet restaurant in the DLH that offers lunch (no characters), dinner (characters) and at present a Sunday brunch (characters)

Auberge is supposed to be fine dining but a lot of people find it strange/unpleasant as it is not the sort of food children/adults are used to in other countries.

CM is all about the characters and the food is nothing special

All prices will be changing again in the coming month and then again in April so expect price increases on what you are reading atm.

Thank you Carrie for explaining that, at least I know where I'm upto with it all now

Are there any that you would recommend? Not sure on the current prices for most of them anyway so will have a look, but will bear in mind they will increase.

 

[Carrie_Cat]

Have a look through the different restaurant reviews to get an idea of food etc

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1181765

To get an idea of prices you can look at these too

http://www.dlrpmagic.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/

I've never been to a character meal but going on food alone it would be Inventions for me

 

[tracy021083]

Have a look through the different restaurant reviews to get an idea of food etc

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1181765

To get an idea of prices you can look at these too

http://www.dlrpmagic.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/

I've never been to a character meal but going on food alone it would be Inventions for me

Thanks that's fab I will have a look. Are they stopping the cowboy cookout after this year?

 

[tracy021083]

I like the sound of the inventions dinner with characters and breakfast with mickey

 

[torsie24]

Tracy - I know how exciting planning is. It's almost as fun as going! But it's also daunting when you're new to it all. And I can tell by your questions that your head is spinning.

I suggest you get your transport and hotel sorted and then maybe read the Brit guide and (my favourite) some trip reports. They're so helpful and really give you a feel as to what you might like to do/eat/buy etc.

The beauty of DLRP over WDWis nothing needs to really be booked in advance so you have loads of time to hang out here and become a DLRP expert.

Xxx

In answer to this question - I wouldn't pay for Cafe Mickey when you have breakfast included - luch is a great option.

And inventions is pricey but great.

 

[Vala]

If you can afford it and the timing of your trip allows it go for character brunch at Inventions.

I've done both last week and the difference was so obvious it was painful to see. I'd rate the dinner D at best - lousy character interaction. In over an hour I had only seen Mickey and Pluto. Most main courses were labeled "today's special" which somewhat gave me the impression of they used all leftovers. The dessert buffet had rice pudding, some caramel stuff and a couple of cakes plus fruits, the ice cream and the hard candy.

At the Halloween brunch I saw 6 characters in less than 15 minutes, and it would have been 9 if the congestion in our area hadn't forced some characters to move. At the normal brunch it was 4 within about 20 minutes.

And the food at brunch was much better. The starters seemed similar. The main courses were more clearly labeled (and especially for the brunch they were all themed like "witches fingers"). And oh my god, the desserts! I think I spend 2/3 of my time in the dessert area.

I'll try to do a detailed comparison soon. I literally came home today and haven't even unpacked.

 

[Mum to Belle]

We love Inventions and Cafe Mickey and Auberge!

I know not many people recommend paying for breakfast at Cafe Mickey when you are already paying for breakfast with your hotel but we enjoy it - it is a really peaceful time to visit, they have cartoons playing and the character interaction is lovely. I am also very partial to the smoked salmon & scrambled eggs!!

We also like CM in the evening too but book for an earlyish slot before it gets too busy. I've not been for lunch as I can't bear to leave the park once I'm there but I have heard good reviews and again it is quieter than the evening. Top tip - get a pizza to share as they are huge! It is possible to eat here quite cheaply.

Auberge is magical! Read the menus and check out the photos on the review threads to get an idea of the food though, it's a lot of money if you won't eat anything!! DD insists we eat there on every trip, so this will be our 5th visit! It's not as good value as it used to be but she still loves it & that's what it's all about! (She won't be a princess forever...)

Inventions is good if you can eat a lot as it is also very pricey! We are trying the Sunday brunch this year which I am very excited about!! I could easily spend 3 hours in here.....! The dessert section is where I get my money back

I would also recommend getting the Brit Guide - Happy planning!

 

[Carrie_Cat]

Thanks that's fab I will have a look. Are they stopping the cowboy cookout after this year?

Stops on Thursday and goes back to what it was - a c/s restaurant with a group playing country music at certain times of the day.

Wether there will be a new character meal/tea party elsewhere remains to be seen but it won't be before next year now

 

[DLPDreams]

I think I mentioned on another thread to you that Cowboy Cookout is now non characters again (well from this weekend) - counter service meal, so not really exciting imo.

Also, I think I recommended the Brit Guide too - a great read for first timers and will answer a lot of the questions you have .

 

[figaro2]

When we last went to cowboy cookout it was before it was character and we had a lovely lunch with a nice atmosphere do I'd recommend it anyway.
We also like cafe mickey breakfast especially as you get hot options which (staying at the Cheyenne) we won't at our usual Breakfast. It seems a lot more relaxed in the morning too!
We're planning on cafe mickey on an evening too, but when we didnt have the kids with us we didn't visit here as I think the food is mediocre at best!
Iv heard great things about inventions and were still undecided on whether we'll be doing the brunch or not (we hve booked but have a smaller budget than we originally planned) may go for the ratatouille buffet (can't remember the name sorry) instead!