[trilliumB]

Me & the Hub are going to be at WDW the last week of January, and I'm working to plan our dining (one of our favorite things about WDW). We've never been to a character meal, and I am wondering if that's something that people enjoy without children? We both like children, and are generally very silly ourselves, but we've also both been there when a room full of excited kids can feel a little ...overwhelming.

Anyone with experience doing a character meal without the kids?

Thanks for the help!
--CAT : )

[ilvminnie]

It depends on what you mean by "kids." This past Oct my DH & my 17 year old DD went to a couple of them, including Hollywood & Vine lunch & the Princess breakfast in Norway. We had a blast. Although my DH takes the pictures rather than being in them, he still enjoys the characters. And I get right in the picture thing, sometimes with my DD & sometimes solo! Chip started dancing with me at H&V...that was a blast! I say go for it! Remember, no one is grown up at WDW.:) :angel

[YensidFan]

My wife and I have been to a few (with no children) and had a blast! It's Disney World ... we're all kids! ;)

[graybill]

We have been to several character meals without kids and have felt right at home. Our favorite is the Crystal Palace for dinner with the Winnie the Pooh characters. In addition to the fun, we thought the buffet was great! My biggest disappointment on my last trip 12/1 - 12/6/02 was that it was closed for renovations and I couldn't take my "kids" (29 year old daughter and her SO) to dinner there.
Next trip we will be there, kids or no kids!

graybill

[disneycouple30]

We always try to make at least one charter meal each time we go. We haven't had kids with us now for over 13 years of going to WDW and we enjoy the charaters meals so much. The characters seem to spend more time fooling with those without kids than they sometimes do with the ones that have kids. Maybe it because we enjoy them so much more. Go and have fun at them. Try to get to the Crystal Palace breakfast first thing in the morning and you'll be swamp by Tigger and Winnie the Pooh.

[ilvminnie]

I totally agree with the Crystal Palace thing. We didn't get there in Oct since it was closed, but can't wait to go in Aug. I always get a big kiss from Tigger, & since I usually wear an Eeyore shirt when I go there, Eeyore always acts like he's in love with me! Go for it!!!!

[Amneris]

Unless you count my 65 year old dad as a kid (and believe me, at Disney, my mother and I do!), I've done both dinner @ Chef Mickey's and the Polynesian Breakfast w/ just adults. The characters at Chef Mickey's seem more approachable and goofy the two times we've been there, whereas the Polynesian breakfast was more what you'd expect (they briefly stop at some of the tables, and have a parade w/ the kiddies). We've booked Chef Mickey's for their latest seating both times, so this may have something to do with why the characters there were more fun. Although everyone clamers for Mickey, I think the Chipmunks are the most fun!! :) Usually the characters come up and tap you on the shoulder or hug you or something while you're in the middle of a conversation and have no clue that they're behind you. I've asked them to pose for pictures with my parents (and the chipmunks with me!), and they've always been good natured about it. As for the kids around you, it's never seemed any more nerve-wracking than a meal at a non-character place (minus, of course, the kids' parade at the Poly and the "Celebrate with Mickey Mouse!" theme song played at Chef Mickey's where you're supposed to wave your napkin in the air).

It's nice to know that others on this board have gone w/out kids too! I was wondering if what we were doing was odd, lol! :)

[ilvminnie]

Originally posted by Amneris
It's nice to know that others on this board have gone w/out kids too! I was wondering if what we were doing was odd, lol! :)

I think you have to ask "odd" for who (or is that whom?)? If you're around a bunch of Disney fanatics like us, it's not odd at all. However, some of the folks I work with wonder about me...especially when I start singing the Mousketeer song in the middle of the day. Either you get it or not!:) :angel

[geeman]

My nephew and I did the Character breakfast while at Disneyland - We didn't feel odd at all - even though we were two grown men in the midst of Alices and Baloos and Geppettos. It's a blast with or without kids.
I WILL say this -- that since I love kids- and don't have my own- I got a little choked up while watching the joy they were experiencing while meeting their favorite characters. Maybe it reminded me of my own childhood desire to do so. Or maybe I was watching happy memories being born.
Go for it- the meals are definately worthwhile.

[trilliumB]

Wow! Thanks for all the FANTASTIC responses! We will *definitely* be doing a character meal (or two) in January! What great input! Talk about a ringing endorsement!

And Geeman, thanks for such a beautiful note about watching all the little ones get all blissed out -- I get what you mean! I sculpt & write for children (and goofy adults), and I just melt into a gooey puddle on the floor to see them happy!

Yippee!
--CAT :p