Character Dining

[Sharon G]

I know its been covered before but would like anyone's recent experiences of the Disney Character dining events.

I plan to take my youngest son ( 4 years) and my nieces ( 5 and 8 years old).

How far in advance did you book, which event would you recommend (breakfast, lunch?)

...and lastly, would Grandma enjoy the experience or not?? ( in other words, do we leave her at home??[msnwink])

[pieman790]

You can book up to 90 days before you go. We did Chef Mickey (Dinner) in one of the disney Hotels two weeks ago and it was really well done and the food was great. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and chip n Dale were there and kept on going round the tables.
The Crystal Palace in MK is also a good one to do but i think its Winnie the pooh and Friends.

[mizzy]

hi Sharon
i have mentioned this before but we did a character breakfast at the grand floridian last march and it was superb
there was loads of choice and i would say that it was a far superior buffet selection than the breakfast we had at chef mickeys in paris
our server was a lovely lady who obviously loved her work and took great delight in seeing the childrens faces when they met their favourites characters she helped us take some group pictures pictures and we all had a great time

we are putting this one on our to do list as high priority next time we go and can't wait Mizzy[msnsmile2]

[wend]

Hi Sharon

You will be favourite Aunty forever with your two nieces if you take them to Cinderalla's breakfast at the MK. It's actually in the castle and my 4 year old was just speechless. The food was good too. Nice to be served at the table.

We also tried out the Shamu and Crew breakfast at Sea World which we highly recommend. Food, characters and show really good.

Wendy

[dawn]

We went to the Polyneisan for their character breakfast on 23December for my sons 5th birthday. I would highly recommend it. It is more intimate than the others we have been to and is Hawaiian themed. The children get to dance round the restaurant with the characters while shaking marakas! Also plenty of chance to say hi and have photos with Mickey and friends[msnsmile2]

[ravtino]

We love Chef Mickeys for breakfast and always book there last sitting wich is less crowded, foods good and we really enjoy it.

[millie]

This year we did 3 and I would highly recommend them all.

Chef Mickeys for breakfast was fab! Great food (Krispy Kreme donuts...........mmmmmmmmmmmmm.............), the characters were great and there was a good atmosphere.

For dinner, Cinderella Grand Feast at the Grand Floridian (with cinderella, prince charming, fairy godmother and the mice). The food here was really good. Varied selection and plenty for my 4 year old to choose from.

Best of all.........

Breakfast in Cinderellas castle. This was a nightmare to get a booking for but was totally worth it. Emma loved the whole experience and it was very special especially for little girls. The princesses were lovely - Snow White had me fooled! I was actually believing it was the real one!!!! The food was Ok but then that is secondary to what is going on. The restaurant is beautiful and if it just so happens to be someones birthday ([msnwink][msnwink][msnwink][msnwink]) make sure you mention it when booking as they will get a little cupcake with a candle on top and a little sing song from the nearest princess!!!!!

Booking can be done 90 days n advance and the only one we had trouble with was the castle one. Basically i worked aout Florida time and started calling about 3 minutes beofre the time came round in order to get through the system to speak to a person. It will ask you lots of info about where you are staying and it says to type it in followed by hash key (I think). Just press hash straight away as you don't need to enter anything to get through. Many days I was through and pseaking to someone after lines being open less than 10 minutes and didn't get a booking. The release it day by day so you have to keep trying!

Good luck!

Lx

[orlandobabe]

We enjoyed Liberty Tree Tavern-MK-booked on the day as we couldn't get into Crystal Palace.

Breakfast at Grand Floridian-also excellent.

Haven't tried the others yet.

Judging by the way the two babies were horrified by Santa-might have to give the character dining a miss for a while.

[UK Jane]

Hi Sharon

We have had lunch at the Crystal Palace in MK and we included the grandparents who loved it almost as much as the children.

It is all the Winnie the Pooh characters and they were just as happy to pose with my parents for photos as they were with the kids.

Food is a buffet and there is sure to be something to please all tastes.

We have also experienced the character dining in the Contemporary resort hotel, although admittedly some time ago. Everyone enjoyed that and all the usual suspects were there -Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Tigger and Chip and Dale.

I am sure you and the whole family will enjoy which ever dining choice you make.

[Newhomebuyer]

Hi Sharon,
My favourite is Breakfast at Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends.
You can make an early booking for this before the park opens and you get to walk down Main Street all by yourself as if you own the place.
The food is good and the character interaction well organised. It is important to have you camera as the photo ops are excellent. It is always Pooh and friends

My favourite dinner is Grand Floridian because it has so many advantages a swell as the meal.
You don't use a park pass day
You get to spend time in the resort, listening to pianist and enjoying the surroundings
After the meal you can go outside and watch the Water pageant and fireworks if you time it correctly. Then you can drive away with out the hassle of getting of the main car park.
With your mix of ages these would please both.