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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
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:)
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Disney - how many character meals to book?
How many character meals would you do on a trip to Disney?
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Posted 1/18/12 11:41 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
orig. booked 3 or 4.
ended up changing it to 2.
we did Crystal Palace (Pooh, Tigger, Piglet)
and Tusker House (Mickey, Pluto, and Donald and Daisy Duck)
honestly? I'm glad I did 2.
The character dining is like a couple of hours.
And kind of pricey for food that sucks. i know people say you are paying for the interaction, but I mean, at least let's have some yummy food too for that price.
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| Posted 1/18/12 11:44 PM |
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Mouse Tales Travel
LIFamilies Business
Member since 7/08 417 total posts
Name:
Melissa Salinas
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Goobster
How many character meals would you do on a trip to Disney?
It's a really personal decision and something we work on closely with our clients before their dining booking window opens. Most of them opt for more character meals than not, especially if they're using the Disney Dining Plan.
How long will you be at WDW and how old are your kids?
- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008
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| Posted 1/19/12 5:55 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
I don't like to sit for 2 hours to eat or pay $100 for a buffet, so it's one or none. I would rather wait the 10 minutes in line to see the characters for free to be honest.
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| Posted 1/19/12 9:52 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
I think 1-2 are good. I know some people like to do several - but I find that in the past we don't want to do too many. Last trip we did 3 and could have done away with one. We did Akershus, Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace.
The food at most of them aren't that great - but it is a good way to see characters you like without the huge lines. They do tend to be rushed though.
I know people who do several (chef Mickey's, 1900 park fare, CP, Cinderella's Table) but that seems like a lot to me.
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| Posted 1/19/12 11:32 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
I know some people who do them every day.
1, max 2 is enough for me. They tend to be expen sive and not always the best food. It also takes a LOT of time from touring, usually more than a regular TS meal.
The advantage of a lot of character meal is that you can get all the photos and autographs then and not spend time on meet and greet lines
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| Posted 1/19/12 12:52 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
DD is 3 and we are going in May for 6 full days.
I booked too many, since I am not sure.
I booked
Tusker House
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Crystal Palace
Ohana
Garden Grill
But I am prepared to take a few off. Some are dinners, some are breakfasts.
I want my DD to see Daisy and Minnie, which are Tusker house and Chef Mickeys. I also want her to see princesses, which is Akershus. I realy prefer Cinderellas Royal table, but since I am not doing the dining, I would have to prepay for that and since our trip isnt 100% (still have to see about Dhs work, etc) then I cant make that ressie yet.
But I have heard good things about Garden Grill. Ohana and Crystal Palace I am up in the air about.
I wish I could just see Minnie and Daisy in one location.
Message edited 1/19/2012 12:58:58 PM.
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| Posted 1/19/12 12:57 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
I think it really depends on what your family likes to do. Our DD is more into meeting the characters and seeing all the sights rather than go on the rides. Last time she only went on 3 rides the whole week. So we do what she likes and do a character meal a day. We go to disney alot so we do not need to do everything everytime we go so sitting for long meals is not a problem for us.
If i was only going to disney once or twice over say a 10 year period, I would probably want to book at least 3 meals. One with Pooh and friends, one with the Fab 5 and 1 with the princesses. Just to cover all my bases! : ).
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| Posted 1/19/12 1:00 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by KarenK122
I think it really depends on what your family likes to do. Our DD is more into meeting the characters and seeing all the sights rather than go on the rides. Last time she only went on 3 rides the whole week. So we do what she likes and do a character meal a day. We go to disney alot so we do not need to do everything everytime we go so sitting for long meals is not a problem for us.
If i was only going to disney once or twice over say a 10 year period, I would probably want to book at least 3 meals. One with Pooh and friends, one with the Fab 5 and 1 with the princesses. Just to cover all my bases! : ).
We havent been in about 10 years and my DD has never gone. So that's why I made so many. But so not sure if it's overkill. However, I am concerned my DD may be afraid of them (she generally is hesitant of character costume types at parades, etc but think she will be better in that environment). However, she loves rides, not afraid of anything and also loves to shop. This child will definitely want to do it all so I am not sure what to do.
I wonder which character meals get the best reviews.
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| Posted 1/19/12 1:06 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Goobster
DD is 3 and we are going in May for 6 full days.
I booked too many, since I am not sure.
I booked
Tusker House
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Crystal Palace
Ohana
Garden Grill
But I am prepared to take a few off. Some are dinners, some are breakfasts.
I want my DD to see Daisy and Minnie, which are Tusker house and Chef Mickeys. I also want her to see princesses, which is Akershus. I realy prefer Cinderellas Royal table, but since I am not doing the dining, I would have to prepay for that and since our trip isnt 100% (still have to see about Dhs work, etc) then I cant make that ressie yet.
But I have heard good things about Garden Grill. Ohana and Crystal Palace I am up in the air about.
I wish I could just see Minnie and Daisy in one location.
I would get a fast pass for the Minnie character meeting, and just do the meal that has Daisy.
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| Posted 1/19/12 1:07 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Goobster
DD is 3 and we are going in May for 6 full days.
I booked too many, since I am not sure.
I booked
Tusker House
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Crystal Palace
Ohana
Garden Grill
But I am prepared to take a few off. Some are dinners, some are breakfasts.
I want my DD to see Daisy and Minnie, which are Tusker house and Chef Mickeys. I also want her to see princesses, which is Akershus. I realy prefer Cinderellas Royal table, but since I am not doing the dining, I would have to prepay for that and since our trip isnt 100% (still have to see about Dhs work, etc) then I cant make that ressie yet.
But I have heard good things about Garden Grill. Ohana and Crystal Palace I am up in the air about.
I wish I could just see Minnie and Daisy in one location.
Definately book the castle. You can always cancel the reservation. The two that are iffys to me are Garden Grill and Ohana. Garden Grill is good but I wouldn't waste a character dinner on that unless you love Chip and Dale. Ohana....eh. I MUCH prefer Kona Cafe for a "regular" dinner. We go there any trip.
Chef Mickey is my least favorite restaurant in all of Disney. I have never had a good meal there, breakfast or lunch. If you want to see Minnie, I'd rather go to the Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club. Minnie is there.
Good luck and I'm getting exciting for you just reading your posts lol. I want to go again now!!
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| Posted 1/19/12 1:08 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by Goobster
DD is 3 and we are going in May for 6 full days.
I booked too many, since I am not sure.
I booked
Tusker House
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Crystal Palace
Ohana
Garden Grill
But I am prepared to take a few off. Some are dinners, some are breakfasts.
I want my DD to see Daisy and Minnie, which are Tusker house and Chef Mickeys. I also want her to see princesses, which is Akershus. I realy prefer Cinderellas Royal table, but since I am not doing the dining, I would have to prepay for that and since our trip isnt 100% (still have to see about Dhs work, etc) then I cant make that ressie yet.
But I have heard good things about Garden Grill. Ohana and Crystal Palace I am up in the air about.
I wish I could just see Minnie and Daisy in one location.
Definately book the castle. You can always cancel the reservation. The two that are iffys to me are Garden Grill and Ohana. Garden Grill is good but I wouldn't waste a character dinner on that unless you love Chip and Dale. Ohana....eh. I MUCH prefer Kona Cafe for a "regular" dinner. We go there any trip.
Chef Mickey is my least favorite restaurant in all of Disney. I have never had a good meal there, breakfast or lunch. If you want to see Minnie, I'd rather go to the Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club. Minnie is there.
Good luck and I'm getting exciting for you just reading your posts lol. I want to go again now!!
I guess i just thought maybe DD would sit more for a meal if it were a character one. I guess that is also why i booked so many. B/c in a regular restaurant, she is ready to run after a few bites. What are your thoughts on that aspect?
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| Posted 1/19/12 1:19 PM |
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Mouse Tales Travel
LIFamilies Business
Member since 7/08 417 total posts
Name:
Melissa Salinas
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
If you're planning to book and cancel, be sure you cancel at least one FULL day before your reservation or you will be charged $10/person or, in the case of Cinderella Royal Table, the full price.
This is true of any table-service reservation that required a credit card at booking.
- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008
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| Posted 1/19/12 1:25 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Mouse Tales Travel
If you're planning to book and cancel, be sure you cancel at least one FULL day before your reservation or you will be charged $10/person or, in the case of Cinderella Royal Table, the full price.
This is true of any table-service reservation that required a credit card at booking.
- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008
Kim,
I was a bit confused on that point on disboards. People were saying you can't cancel say Tuesday for Wed you actually need to cancel on Monday. Is it a full 24 hour period i.e. you have a 5pm ADR on Wed at Akershus so you have to cancel anytime before 459pm on Tuesday OR do they go by calendar day meaning you have to cancel Monday night for anything on Wed?
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| Posted 1/19/12 2:18 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by Goobster
DD is 3 and we are going in May for 6 full days.
I booked too many, since I am not sure.
I booked
Tusker House
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Crystal Palace
Ohana
Garden Grill
But I am prepared to take a few off. Some are dinners, some are breakfasts.
I want my DD to see Daisy and Minnie, which are Tusker house and Chef Mickeys. I also want her to see princesses, which is Akershus. I realy prefer Cinderellas Royal table, but since I am not doing the dining, I would have to prepay for that and since our trip isnt 100% (still have to see about Dhs work, etc) then I cant make that ressie yet.
But I have heard good things about Garden Grill. Ohana and Crystal Palace I am up in the air about.
I wish I could just see Minnie and Daisy in one location.
Definately book the castle. You can always cancel the reservation. The two that are iffys to me are Garden Grill and Ohana. Garden Grill is good but I wouldn't waste a character dinner on that unless you love Chip and Dale. Ohana....eh. I MUCH prefer Kona Cafe for a "regular" dinner. We go there any trip.
Chef Mickey is my least favorite restaurant in all of Disney. I have never had a good meal there, breakfast or lunch. If you want to see Minnie, I'd rather go to the Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club. Minnie is there.
Good luck and I'm getting exciting for you just reading your posts lol. I want to go again now!!
See we had a horrific meal at Kona on DD#1's 1st trip. We ate there our 1st night at the Poly and we had to wait over 50 mins with an ADR. Our waiter didn't come over for almost 25 mins. Then our waiter kept forgetting our DD - He brought my father a glass of wine but forgot the rest of our drinks for like 20 mins. Then we asked to bring DD"s food when it was ready (she was tired and we wanted to get her to bed) - even if it was before ours. We all got our food and it was another 10 mins after we were eating before hers showed. My steak was cold and over cooked. I really wanted to like it but from friends who have stayed at the Poly they have had similar experiences. I have heard breakfast there is really good esp the tonga toast that they also have at Captain cooks.
I would drop garden grill. You are already seeing Mickey at Chef Mickeys and the food at Garden Grill I think is rated the lowest of those choices. I would only do garden grill if you have done chef mickeys in the past and want an alternative. The characters are supposed to be good there but the food gets low marks. If you go to disboards or allersnet there are several reviews and photos. The same goes for the other places you are considering. I would check out those sites and see if it appeals to you.
I think that is a lot of character meal honestly. Just a warning they tend to be much louder and kind of chaotic as opposed to some of the regular dining places.
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| Posted 1/19/12 2:27 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by Goobster
DD is 3 and we are going in May for 6 full days.
I booked too many, since I am not sure.
I booked
Tusker House
Akershus
Chef Mickeys
Crystal Palace
Ohana
Garden Grill
But I am prepared to take a few off. Some are dinners, some are breakfasts.
I want my DD to see Daisy and Minnie, which are Tusker house and Chef Mickeys. I also want her to see princesses, which is Akershus. I realy prefer Cinderellas Royal table, but since I am not doing the dining, I would have to prepay for that and since our trip isnt 100% (still have to see about Dhs work, etc) then I cant make that ressie yet.
But I have heard good things about Garden Grill. Ohana and Crystal Palace I am up in the air about.
I wish I could just see Minnie and Daisy in one location.
Definately book the castle. You can always cancel the reservation. The two that are iffys to me are Garden Grill and Ohana. Garden Grill is good but I wouldn't waste a character dinner on that unless you love Chip and Dale. Ohana....eh. I MUCH prefer Kona Cafe for a "regular" dinner. We go there any trip.
Chef Mickey is my least favorite restaurant in all of Disney. I have never had a good meal there, breakfast or lunch. If you want to see Minnie, I'd rather go to the Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club. Minnie is there.
Good luck and I'm getting exciting for you just reading your posts lol. I want to go again now!!
See we had a horrific meal at Kona on DD#1's 1st trip. We ate there our 1st night at the Poly and we had to wait over 50 mins with an ADR. Our waiter didn't come over for almost 25 mins. Then our waiter kept forgetting our DD - He brought my father a glass of wine but forgot the rest of our drinks for like 20 mins. Then we asked to bring DD"s food when it was ready (she was tired and we wanted to get her to bed) - even if it was before ours. We all got our food and it was another 10 mins after we were eating before hers showed. My steak was cold and over cooked. I really wanted to like it but from friends who have stayed at the Poly they have had similar experiences. I have heard breakfast there is really good esp the tonga toast that they also have at Captain cooks.
I would drop garden grill. You are already seeing Mickey at Chef Mickeys and the food at Garden Grill I think is rated the lowest of those choices. I would only do garden grill if you have done chef mickeys in the past and want an alternative. The characters are supposed to be good there but the food gets low marks. If you go to disboards or allersnet there are several reviews and photos. The same goes for the other places you are considering. I would check out those sites and see if it appeals to you.
I think that is a lot of character meal honestly. Just a warning they tend to be much louder and kind of chaotic as opposed to some of the regular dining places.
I know...just thought they might keep DDs attention.
Would you keep the Crystal Palace? I did it 850am on a day we would go to MK. Just the thing is DD knows Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet but they are far from her faves. However, I have never gone to Crystal Palace, so I want to try it. I have been to Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and Ohana for a character breakfast (14 years ago though).
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| Posted 1/19/12 4:43 PM |
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Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Hey I was going to FM you!
We just got back and here is my honest opinion:
Royal Table-- Amazing!! My fav!
'Ohana- awesome as well- Mickey, Pluto, lilo and stitch
Both did not take long, it was a great place!
Both were family style and not buffets and we thought the food was actually really good (and we are picky)
We did both of those for breakfast.
Dinner:
Princess Story Book Dinner in Epcot/ Norway- also HIGHLY recommend and food was actually good.
Ok,, we canceled Chef Mickeys based upon reviews.
We canced Hollywood and Vine based upon the fact that it was another buffet.
Crystal Palace (pooh and friends) we did for dinner one night. HONESTLY- I thought it was not that great. Its a buffet, I barely ate. The characters were cute and DD enjoyed them but it TOOK forver to have them all rotate through. I would say if your DD loves poog then do (maybe breakfast food better) but if shes not a pooh fan skip it. My DD is a HUGE pooh fan so that made it worth it. But I probably wouldnt do again.
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| Posted 1/19/12 5:46 PM |
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Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by Mouse Tales Travel
If you're planning to book and cancel, be sure you cancel at least one FULL day before your reservation or you will be charged $10/person or, in the case of Cinderella Royal Table, the full price.
This is true of any table-service reservation that required a credit card at booking.
- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008
Kim,
I was a bit confused on that point on disboards. People were saying you can't cancel say Tuesday for Wed you actually need to cancel on Monday. Is it a full 24 hour period i.e. you have a 5pm ADR on Wed at Akershus so you have to cancel anytime before 459pm on Tuesday OR do they go by calendar day meaning you have to cancel Monday night for anything on Wed?
Its just the 24 hrs as far as I know. For instance we had Hollywood and Vine booked for Monday 920am and we called on Sunday @ 8am to cancel and it was no problem (and that was a credit card hold meal)
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| Posted 1/19/12 5:53 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Goobster
I know...just thought they might keep DDs attention.
Would you keep the Crystal Palace? I did it 850am on a day we would go to MK. Just the thing is DD knows Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet but they are far from her faves. However, I have never gone to Crystal Palace, so I want to try it. I have been to Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and Ohana for a character breakfast (14 years ago though).
if she is not a fan I would skip it. It isn't the best food - but then it depends if you want to have a meal in MK and not do CRT. It is a good alternative for MK.
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| Posted 1/19/12 6:01 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by Goobster
I know...just thought they might keep DDs attention.
Would you keep the Crystal Palace? I did it 850am on a day we would go to MK. Just the thing is DD knows Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet but they are far from her faves. However, I have never gone to Crystal Palace, so I want to try it. I have been to Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and Ohana for a character breakfast (14 years ago though).
if she is not a fan I would skip it. It isn't the best food - but then it depends if you want to have a meal in MK and not do CRT. It is a good alternative for MK.
I see. Thats a great point. I WANT to do CRT, but cannot make that res yet b/c I do not want the dining plan and therefore would have to pay upfront for this. I guess I should look at the cancellation/refund policy b/c if I did CRT, I might not even do Akershus or Crystal Palace.
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| Posted 1/19/12 6:05 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by Goobster
I know...just thought they might keep DDs attention.
Would you keep the Crystal Palace? I did it 850am on a day we would go to MK. Just the thing is DD knows Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet but they are far from her faves. However, I have never gone to Crystal Palace, so I want to try it. I have been to Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and Ohana for a character breakfast (14 years ago though).
if she is not a fan I would skip it. It isn't the best food - but then it depends if you want to have a meal in MK and not do CRT. It is a good alternative for MK.
I see. Thats a great point. I WANT to do CRT, but cannot make that res yet b/c I do not want the dining plan and therefore would have to pay upfront for this. I guess I should look at the cancellation/refund policy b/c if I did CRT, I might not even do Akershus or Crystal Palace.
I'm almost positive the cancellation policy is 24 hours in advance but I would definately book it now. Those reservations are hard to come by and they may not have any availability closer to your travel date. If you do get CRT then I would cancel Akershus unless your DC is a princess nut! : ).
We always go to Crystal Palace for breakfast the first day of our trip. We love to get there early before rope drop and have a decent meal. Not great/not bad. We only do breakfast there though because we didn't like the dinner or lunch at all.
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| Posted 1/19/12 7:07 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by Goobster
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by Goobster
I know...just thought they might keep DDs attention.
Would you keep the Crystal Palace? I did it 850am on a day we would go to MK. Just the thing is DD knows Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet but they are far from her faves. However, I have never gone to Crystal Palace, so I want to try it. I have been to Chef Mickeys for breakfast, and Ohana for a character breakfast (14 years ago though).
if she is not a fan I would skip it. It isn't the best food - but then it depends if you want to have a meal in MK and not do CRT. It is a good alternative for MK.
I see. Thats a great point. I WANT to do CRT, but cannot make that res yet b/c I do not want the dining plan and therefore would have to pay upfront for this. I guess I should look at the cancellation/refund policy b/c if I did CRT, I might not even do Akershus or Crystal Palace.
I'm almost positive the cancellation policy is 24 hours in advance but I would definately book it now. Those reservations are hard to come by and they may not have any availability closer to your travel date. If you do get CRT then I would cancel Akershus unless your DC is a princess nut! : ).
We always go to Crystal Palace for breakfast the first day of our trip. We love to get there early before rope drop and have a decent meal. Not great/not bad. We only do breakfast there though because we didn't like the dinner or lunch at all.
Ok after reading everyone posts I did it...I booked CRT and had to pay in full BUT you can get a full refund one day before. Difference is they WILL charge your card not just hold it, but yet you can get a full refund if you cancel a day before. So I did it. Ah. I feel better now. I would probably cancel Aksershus now...will give myself some time to think about it. Thanks again!!!
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| Posted 1/19/12 7:23 PM |
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MaeDe
LIF Adult
Member since 4/11 1169 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney - how many character meals to book?
1900 park fair has a great character breackfast with alice and wonder land , winnie the poo and Marry poppins charachters.
Great to do right before the magic kingdom.
ohanna's has a fun character breackfast hawaian micky and mini, and lilo and stich
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| Posted 1/19/12 10:21 PM |
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