What are the best character experiences?

[41694love]

My kids don't really have a certain favorite character so it is more about the overall experience. Any thoughts on what is best? The Royal Table at the castle was not available the last time I was there so that was something I thought we should do.

 

[DizzyErin]

The Crystal Palace was great we have done breakie there twice and going back again

 

[NCRedding]

On our January trip we ate character meals at Princess Dinner at Norway, and dinner at Chef Mickeys. I thought the character interaction at CMs was the best of that trip, and any other we've been on. The Princesses seemed surprised that we were there (since DD and friend are 15 years old).

 

[bcinohio]

We love Chef Mickey's for breakfast

 

[DisneyGirlie]

I'd say Liberty Tree Tavern hands down. I've had dinner there 3 times and each time the character interaction is the best I've ever had at a Disney restaurant. The first time I had dinner there, the characters came to our table 3 times, the second time we ate there they came 3 times, and then the most recent time we ate there in February '08 they came to our table twice. The characters there really make sure they've seen EVERYBODY which is why I think they come around more than once; wouldn't want to miss anyone! Also the overall interaction is great. Goofy is super funny and Minnie is always really sweet.

 

[JessRabbit]

Chef Mickey's...we eat there every vacation
Garden Grill is pretty fun at Epcot. The restaurant rotates slowly and the characters have been a lot of every time we have eaten there.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Cape May breakfast, if you go early the place is empty and you get a lot of character time. Goofy, Chip Dale and Minnie in bathing suits, they are adorable and play games with you, "talk" to you by writing on the table cloths

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

In January we did dinner at CRT, breakfast with Princesses in Norway and dinner at Grand Floridian (1900 Park Fare). By far the 1900 Park Fare was the best character interaction. Cinderella and Prince Charming are there as well as the 2 stepsisters and Stepmother. The SS & SM are absolutely hilarious! All of us ( dh, me, DS (8) and DD (5) enjoyed this best. You can read some funny stories here:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1739615

 

[frdeb1999]

Ohanas breakfast at the Poly is very good also. They have Lilo, Stich, Pluto and Mickey. The food is good, service has always been also and you get wonderful views of the MK. They have a cute conga line thing for the kids w/characters. And the characters come to every table. Its a must do for us every year!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

All of the kids in our gg loved Crystal Palace dinner. Their ages were 9, 7, 5,3, and 18 months. Pooh played peek a boo with our son. They really stayed at the table for a long time and took pics with each child. I was really impressed with the interaction. The kids (all of them) loved it. The food was pretty good too.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Ohanas breakfast at the Poly is very good also. They have Lilo, Stich, Pluto and Mickey. The food is good, service has always been also and you get wonderful views of the MK. They have a cute conga line thing for the kids w/characters. And the characters come to every table. Its a must do for us every year!

Oh I totally agree!
'Ohana's best friends breakfast is a must for us every trip!

 

[Snurk71]

In January we did dinner at CRT, breakfast with Princesses in Norway and dinner at Grand Floridian (1900 Park Fare). By far the 1900 Park Fare was the best character interaction. Cinderella and Prince Charming are there as well as the 2 stepsisters and Stepmother. The SS & SM are absolutely hilarious! All of us ( dh, me, DS (8) and DD (5) enjoyed this best. You can read some funny stories here:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1739615

What she said.

All of the characters are "face" characters, which means you can interact even better with them with talking with them. Add on the antics of the stepsisters and Lady Tremaine, and you have dinner, character interaction, and a show.

 

[disney dumbo]

We've done several just recently... I think they each offer something a little different in addition to the characters:
CRT
view and Castle, for heaven sake
Norway
nice meal... cheaper than CRT
Garden Grill
what surprised me most... relaxing atmosphere. You sit at table... sort of private... circling view. Good food. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I would recommend it again. When we did Chef Mickey... it was too crazy. This was a nice, enjoyable break from the day!

Have fun!

 

[Prissymouse]

Chef Mickey's
Crystal palace

 

[Brian Noble]

I happen to like the face character meals (1900, CRT, Akershus) a little more than the fur characters, because of the conversations you can have.

That said, our experience has always been that it's more about *when* you dine than about *where*. For example, we have had TERRIFIC experiences during the last breakfast seating; the restaurant is nearly empty, and that gives the characters plenty of time to play with you. We've done this at CRT, 1900PF, and the old Donald's breakfast at AK. Another good time is often an early dinner seating (5:00 or earlier), but that's a bit more hit-or-miss.

 

[JoePa4Ever]

chef mickey's for breakfast is very good: good food, good character interaction, good service, just a great time all around!

 

[KimS2]

We love Chef Mickey's, Garden Grill, and Crystal Palace!!
Oh- it is so hard to choose!!