Solo Character Meals

Mr. Mermaid · 05-29-2003

I just booked my WDW vacation... it's exactly 60 days away! July 28-August 4.

I would like to do some character meals but the thing is I'll be going alone. I get the feeling that mostly families go to the character meals. Would it be awkward to go to one alone? Also, if I go, who will take pictures for me? I mean, I'm sure there are CMs to help but I think it may become annoying for the poor CM if I make him keep taking pictures for every character that visits me. What should I do? And how soon should I try for the PS... I know some of you are screaming "NOW!". Or should I not try at all?

Goofette · 05-29-2003

Hi! Well, first off...let me tell you how Excited I am for you!!! Vince, I know how much you've wanted to get back to WDW, so to hear you've finally got the vacation booked, I'm just bursting, so Happy For You! :love:

I will send you some tips for booking Cinderellas Castle. I say it's Worth a shot. You never know unless you try. That's the only reservation I know of that is extremely difficult to make. But I would make a PS for any that I want. And No, I don't think it would be awkward for you being there by yourself. People go alone to WDW all the time. I think also if you got into the Castle, the Princesses would give you a lot of attention ;) :D

There are a lot of Character Breakfasts (meals) out there. Unfortunately, I'm not real familiar with them. But, you came to the right place. The great people of this board I'm sure will give you some terrific tips.

Congrats Again!!! :) :)

Goofette · 05-29-2003

Another thing...for any of you familiar with this, it seems I read a post not too long ago about Cinderella Castle Breakfast being able to book even earlier than 60 days, I can't remember now if that was true. Of course he's 60 days exactly right now, so he could start trying at any time.

Another thing, the deposit for the breakfast, does that go toward the breakfast, or do you lose that?

**DisneyTeacher** · 05-29-2003

I have been to several character meals and have never been with a child. I have eaten with friends and alone with my DH. We never felt out of place having no chilrden in our party and felt we had plenty of character interaction. We did see single diners there and they didn't seem to have any trouble getting pictures taken. I saw servers take pictures and I saw other diners that were at tables close by take pictures. I think people are extra helpful and friendly at WDW.
I hope this helps you decide what to do. Have a fun trip!

DisneyAnne · 05-29-2003

Hey Mr. Mermaid...
Congrats on your upcoming trip... I would love to take a quick trip by myself...just think...no one to say "But I wanted to go here" or "I wanted to eat over there"...just make sure you post a trip report...:D

The breakfast at Cinderella's castle has to be held with a deposit that is applied to your meal...I want to say $10 or so. I am sure you would be the envy of most men on this board to have the ladies all to yourself:love:

I :heart :heart :heart Ohana's breakfast at the Poly. I would rather be served than do the buffet but that is a personal preference. It is always a plus to book your PS for a time earlier than the park opens because you get in the park early and once you eat, you can meander through the park until the gates officially open... I have also heard that the CMs meet you at the gates to personally escort you to the meal and have been known to drop all sorts of hints and tips regarding exhibits and shows on the way to the eatery. Restaurantsaurus has a great reputation as does Cape May.

As for other meals, book your lunch late - the PSs run until 3ish and you get to pay for a lunch rather than a dinner. You also get the run of the place and characters all to yourself. Book your dinner at the absolute latest possible time...most of the time, it allows you to eat and exit the park alone... a wonderful time to dream and absorb all of the magic without people screaming for this or that or strollers running you over.

I would think that dining by yourself would get you in the door quicker as well. Most people don't understand that PSs get you on the list, but you still have to wait for a table to be empty. It is much easier to find a table for 1 or 2 than 5.

If it were me...I would book the meals and worry about the photos later. Once you get to the meal, I am sure an adult at a neighboring table would be happy to help with the camera if the CM got too busy, but I will say... a good server knows how to increase his/her tip...Plus, I have never had anyone (CM or guest) turn down a request to snap a shot of my family together. I always offer to take one of their family in exchange.

Man, have a blast! I hope some of this info will help :)

tiggerlover1971 · 05-30-2003

yeah Vince I am so estatic that you are going to DW you need a break like everyone said dont worry about Character Meals CMs or friendly adults near by will be glad to take pictures ( plus if you do a nice deed for them ( like offering to take a family shot I am sure they would jump at the chance to help a cute single guy like you ;) ) If want to do a princess breakfast there is also one in Epcot in Norway that my maybe easier to get then Cindys. and if you do the one in Epcot you can easily get there early enough to have the whole park to yourself

other dont miss restaurants IMHO is Whispering canyon Cafe , Ohanas , 50s prime time cafe ( i think everyone should experience that one just once )

oh and if you dont want aprincess character breakfast there is also CP in Magic Kingdom they have tigger and pooh and eeyore
Chef Mickeys is another one thats great that has Mickey and goofy I think

the main thing is have a great time and I want a trip report from you lol

ps welcome back to DC I know you havent posted here in awhile

dab · 05-30-2003

Mr. Mermaid congrats on booking your trip. 60 days out feels great because you can book PS's and it just feels official! The others have given you my top choices so you'll see some repeating. For character meals you'll be getting all you care to eat buffet style or family style (brought plated or on a skillet).

Here are my top picks:
Breakfast: They all have basically the same quality... it's pretty hard to mess up b-fast foods! Cinderella's Royal Table, Donald's Prehistoric Breakfastosaurus, Princess Storybook B-fast, Chef Mickey's

Lunch: Garden Grill & Crystal Palace

Dinner: Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Gala Feast, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace & Garden Grill

If you like a big breakfast then I highly recommend any b-fast in the park you are going to that day. Save some of the other wonderful dining options for non character lunches & dinners. After having such a big breakfast, you could skip and have a mid day snack then, have an early dinner. Call NOW for the earliest breakfast seating available. Be sure to plan around EE days so that you're not eating while everyone else is getting a jump on the day! You can't ride anything until official opening but as soon as they open the park, you've got a big start because you're already inside. Then, dash to your favorite ride and savor the moments with no one else in line!

Mr. Mermaid · 05-30-2003

Guess what? I tried calling WDW Dining this morning just the heck of it... and I got Cinderella's Royal Table!!! I can't believe I got it! My first morning at the Magic Kingdom, I have a date with Cindy! :D

tiggerlover1971 · 05-30-2003

woohoo I am so happy for you vince

:)

just dont do anything I wouldnt do ( but thats not much ) :whistle: :D :laugh :devil :)

wdwspider · 05-30-2003

I am pretty certain that all characters have their own cast member to help guide them through the restaurants. I'm sure they will take pictures for you as well, so it will not be the same person taking pictures over and over again for you.

Although I doubt they would mind if it was the same cast member over and over cause you will be by yourself and there are only so many characters at each meal. Don't sweat the minor things. Be sure to get your PS's then take the rest in stride. Have fun and let the cast members do what they are suppose to to help you have a magical trip to remember.

wdwspider · 05-30-2003

Vince!! I gave you such a generic answer. :D

Have fun, I'm sure you will work it out. Really I still stand by my answer, but I had not considered face characters (not sure if they have cast member helpers or not).

mickaholic4077 · 05-30-2003

Hey,Mr. Mermaid,I'm a single traveler too. I go to character meals all the time. I have never had any trouble getting CM's or people at the next table to take my picture with the characters. Hope you have a great time at WDW!!!!!!!!!

DisneyAnne · 05-30-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Mermaid
Guess what? I tried calling WDW Dining this morning just the heck of it... and I got Cinderella's Royal Table!!! I can't believe I got it! My first morning at the Magic Kingdom, I have a date with Cindy! :D

Congrats! That's GREAT! I know you will have a great time...and we want to see all of the pictures ;)

WEDINDISNEY · 06-01-2003

My DH and I will be there almost the same dates as you. Ours our from the 29th till the 5th. If I see ya having a character breakfast and or dinner we would be more than happy to take a picture of you.

Where are you staying? We will be at the AKL. :)

Goofette · 06-01-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Mermaid
Guess what? I tried calling WDW Dining this morning just the heck of it... and I got Cinderella's Royal Table!!! I can't believe I got it! My first morning at the Magic Kingdom, I have a date with Cindy! :D

YAY!!! Oh Vince, I'm So happy for you. I haven't been online for a couple of days, and sign on this morning and see you got the CRT! :) That's Terrific! Congrats

(aren't you glad you woke up that next morning and tried ;) )

05-29-2003	#1 (permalink)
Mr. Mermaid Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Atlantica Posts: 119	Solo Character Meals I just booked my WDW vacation... it's exactly 60 days away! July 28-August 4. I would like to do some character meals but the thing is I'll be going alone. I get the feeling that mostly families go to the character meals. Would it be awkward to go to one alone? Also, if I go, who will take pictures for me? I mean, I'm sure there are CMs to help but I think it may become annoying for the poor CM if I make him keep taking pictures for every character that visits me. What should I do? And how soon should I try for the PS... I know some of you are screaming "NOW!". Or should I not try at all? __________________ Vincent - When's it my turn? Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above? Someday... when my dreams come true...

05-29-2003	#2 (permalink)
Goofette Mouse Meister Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: 2nd Star To the Right Posts: 1,089	Hi! Well, first off...let me tell you how Excited I am for you!!! Vince, I know how much you've wanted to get back to WDW, so to hear you've finally got the vacation booked, I'm just bursting, so Happy For You! :love: I will send you some tips for booking Cinderellas Castle. I say it's Worth a shot. You never know unless you try. That's the only reservation I know of that is extremely difficult to make. But I would make a PS for any that I want. And No, I don't think it would be awkward for you being there by yourself. People go alone to WDW all the time. I think also if you got into the Castle, the Princesses would give you a lot of attention ;) :D There are a lot of Character Breakfasts (meals) out there. Unfortunately, I'm not real familiar with them. But, you came to the right place. The great people of this board I'm sure will give you some terrific tips. Congrats Again!!! :) :) __________________ Keep Our Troops in your thoughts and Prayers

05-29-2003	#3 (permalink)
Goofette Mouse Meister Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: 2nd Star To the Right Posts: 1,089	Another thing...for any of you familiar with this, it seems I read a post not too long ago about Cinderella Castle Breakfast being able to book even earlier than 60 days, I can't remember now if that was true. Of course he's 60 days exactly right now, so he could start trying at any time. Another thing, the deposit for the breakfast, does that go toward the breakfast, or do you lose that? __________________ Keep Our Troops in your thoughts and Prayers

05-29-2003	#4 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Moderator/WL Tour Guide Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 16,140	I have been to several character meals and have never been with a child. I have eaten with friends and alone with my DH. We never felt out of place having no chilrden in our party and felt we had plenty of character interaction. We did see single diners there and they didn't seem to have any trouble getting pictures taken. I saw servers take pictures and I saw other diners that were at tables close by take pictures. I think people are extra helpful and friendly at WDW. I hope this helps you decide what to do. Have a fun trip! __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: We don't know yet either BCV or HHI 229 days 23 hours 1 minutes

05-30-2003	#6 (permalink)
tiggerlover1971 Official bouncer of DC Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 100 acre woods Posts: 4,079	yeah Vince I am so estatic that you are going to DW you need a break like everyone said dont worry about Character Meals CMs or friendly adults near by will be glad to take pictures ( plus if you do a nice deed for them ( like offering to take a family shot I am sure they would jump at the chance to help a cute single guy like you ;) ) If want to do a princess breakfast there is also one in Epcot in Norway that my maybe easier to get then Cindys. and if you do the one in Epcot you can easily get there early enough to have the whole park to yourself other dont miss restaurants IMHO is Whispering canyon Cafe , Ohanas , 50s prime time cafe ( i think everyone should experience that one just once ) oh and if you dont want aprincess character breakfast there is also CP in Magic Kingdom they have tigger and pooh and eeyore Chef Mickeys is another one thats great that has Mickey and goofy I think the main thing is have a great time and I want a trip report from you lol ps welcome back to DC I know you havent posted here in awhile __________________ Cheryl ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ woohoo only 20 more pounds to go to goal weight

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Restaurants
Solo Character Meals

05-29-2003	#5 (permalink)
DisneyAnne Palmetto Pixie Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,148	Hey Mr. Mermaid... Congrats on your upcoming trip... I would love to take a quick trip by myself...just think...no one to say "But I wanted to go here" or "I wanted to eat over there"...just make sure you post a trip report...:D The breakfast at Cinderella's castle has to be held with a deposit that is applied to your meal...I want to say $10 or so. I am sure you would be the envy of most men on this board to have the ladies all to yourself:love: I :heart :heart :heart Ohana's breakfast at the Poly. I would rather be served than do the buffet but that is a personal preference. It is always a plus to book your PS for a time earlier than the park opens because you get in the park early and once you eat, you can meander through the park until the gates officially open... I have also heard that the CMs meet you at the gates to personally escort you to the meal and have been known to drop all sorts of hints and tips regarding exhibits and shows on the way to the eatery. Restaurantsaurus has a great reputation as does Cape May. As for other meals, book your lunch late - the PSs run until 3ish and you get to pay for a lunch rather than a dinner. You also get the run of the place and characters all to yourself. Book your dinner at the absolute latest possible time...most of the time, it allows you to eat and exit the park alone... a wonderful time to dream and absorb all of the magic without people screaming for this or that or strollers running you over. I would think that dining by yourself would get you in the door quicker as well. Most people don't understand that PSs get you on the list, but you still have to wait for a table to be empty. It is much easier to find a table for 1 or 2 than 5. If it were me...I would book the meals and worry about the photos later. Once you get to the meal, I am sure an adult at a neighboring table would be happy to help with the camera if the CM got too busy, but I will say... a good server knows how to increase his/her tip...Plus, I have never had anyone (CM or guest) turn down a request to snap a shot of my family together. I always offer to take one of their family in exchange. Man, have a blast! I hope some of this info will help :)

05-30-2003	#7 (permalink)
dab Perpetual Trip Planner Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,604	Mr. Mermaid congrats on booking your trip. 60 days out feels great because you can book PS's and it just feels official! The others have given you my top choices so you'll see some repeating. For character meals you'll be getting all you care to eat buffet style or family style (brought plated or on a skillet). Here are my top picks: Breakfast: They all have basically the same quality... it's pretty hard to mess up b-fast foods! Cinderella's Royal Table, Donald's Prehistoric Breakfastosaurus, Princess Storybook B-fast, Chef Mickey's Lunch: Garden Grill & Crystal Palace Dinner: Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Gala Feast, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace & Garden Grill If you like a big breakfast then I highly recommend any b-fast in the park you are going to that day. Save some of the other wonderful dining options for non character lunches & dinners. After having such a big breakfast, you could skip and have a mid day snack then, have an early dinner. Call NOW for the earliest breakfast seating available. Be sure to plan around EE days so that you're not eating while everyone else is getting a jump on the day! You can't ride anything until official opening but as soon as they open the park, you've got a big start because you're already inside. Then, dash to your favorite ride and savor the moments with no one else in line! __________________ http://www.magicalkingdoms.com/timer...8lwbwx9enz.png Last edited by dab; 05-30-2003 at 07:13 AM.

05-30-2003	#8 (permalink)
Mr. Mermaid Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Atlantica Posts: 119	Guess what? I tried calling WDW Dining this morning just the heck of it... and I got Cinderella's Royal Table!!! I can't believe I got it! My first morning at the Magic Kingdom, I have a date with Cindy! :D __________________ Vincent - When's it my turn? Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above? Someday... when my dreams come true...

05-30-2003	#9 (permalink)
tiggerlover1971 Official bouncer of DC Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 100 acre woods Posts: 4,079	woohoo I am so happy for you vince :) just dont do anything I wouldnt do ( but thats not much ) :whistle: :D :laugh :devil :) __________________ Cheryl ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ woohoo only 20 more pounds to go to goal weight

05-30-2003	#10 (permalink)
wdwspider Back in the Web! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NC Posts: 2,548	I am pretty certain that all characters have their own cast member to help guide them through the restaurants. I'm sure they will take pictures for you as well, so it will not be the same person taking pictures over and over again for you. Although I doubt they would mind if it was the same cast member over and over cause you will be by yourself and there are only so many characters at each meal. Don't sweat the minor things. Be sure to get your PS's then take the rest in stride. Have fun and let the cast members do what they are suppose to to help you have a magical trip to remember. __________________ Finally... the spider is going back to WDW!

05-30-2003	#11 (permalink)
wdwspider Back in the Web! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NC Posts: 2,548	Vince!! I gave you such a generic answer. :D Have fun, I'm sure you will work it out. Really I still stand by my answer, but I had not considered face characters (not sure if they have cast member helpers or not). __________________ Finally... the spider is going back to WDW!

05-30-2003	#12 (permalink)
mickaholic4077 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 90 miles from The Mick!!!!! Posts: 6,193	Hey,Mr. Mermaid,I'm a single traveler too. I go to character meals all the time. I have never had any trouble getting CM's or people at the next table to take my picture with the characters. Hope you have a great time at WDW!!!!!!!!!

06-01-2003	#14 (permalink)
WEDINDISNEY Mouse Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NOW NJ SOMEDAY WDW Posts: 1,470	My DH and I will be there almost the same dates as you. Ours our from the 29th till the 5th. If I see ya having a character breakfast and or dinner we would be more than happy to take a picture of you. Where are you staying? We will be at the AKL. :) __________________ 2008 OKW 2008 WLV 2007 AKV & SSR 2007 OKW 2006 SARATOGA SPRINGS (X-MAS) 2006 POFQ 2005 WYNDHAM PALACE DTD 2003 AKL 2002 POLY (WEDDING & HONEYMOON) "YOUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE IF YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSURE THEM." WALT DISNEY "WHEN YOU'RE CURIOUS, YOU FIND LOTS OF INTERSTING THINGS TO DO." WALT DISNEY http://www.myspace.com/wedindisney

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