what to expect at a character dining experience #DisneyKids

{Image courtesy of Walt Disney World’s site}

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, I’m sure the thought crosses your mind about booking a character dining meal with your family. There are SO many to choose from! For starters, I suggest digging in to them to figure out what would be best for your family. You can read about the options at Disneyland HERE and Walt Disney World HERE.

For now, I want to share with you what you can expect to experience upon booking your reservation.

First, be sure to MAKE a reservation. Chances are, they are completely booked if you think you can do a walk in. The reservations open months in advance (or weeks, depending on location…). So, plan ahead!

Once you get there, you will quickly find out if your child likes or H.A.T.E.S. character. The latter was the experience with my Adalynn. We had no clue that she was completely terrified of characters. When we brought her last year, she was 3.5 years old. To say she was terrified was a complete understatement. Running away from them in fear like an alien was chasing her is more like it. This year, she was 4.5 when we went, full well knowing we could get the same response. It was similar, but not near as bad. She at least let them touch her this year AND we even got pictures with SOME. But…let’s not talk about Mickey. Because for whatever reason, she is still terrified of Mickey, yet loves Minnie. You got me!

I think the best advice I have for you is to completely and 100% explain WHAT is going to happen BEFORE you get to Disney. The kids may expect it to be all sunshine and rainbows, but when the reality of the characters in front of them happens, sometimes you just don’t know what you are going to get.

While dining at a character dining, here are 5 things you can guarantee will happen ::

1. Characters are always out on the floor. Roaming and taking pictures. You will wait at your table for them to come and visit you, don’t seek them out.
2. Typically, the server informs you what direction the character wills be coming from.  If they don’t, ask them. They have a predictable routine.
3. The food is pretty awesome. At the breakfast we went to at The Crystal Palace, they had a buffet that blew my mind! Winnie the Pooh characters roamed. Another time, we visited the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot and had a sit down meal where they served us, as well as appetizers at a buffet. Princesses roamed. You can research what will happen upon choosing your restaurant.
4. Be up front with the characters when they approach the table. If your child is scared, they will keep their distance. Some may try to high five your child, others will just stay at the end of the table and maybe motion a hello.
5. The characters will sign an autograph book if you supply one for them to sign. Have the pen uncapped, the book open to the page you want them to sign and hand them both over so the character can easily sign.

I hope this helps you have a WONDERFUL experience when you are dining with your child’s favorite characters! If you have gone before, and have some awesome advice that I missed, please leave it in the comments below!

Read more at the Disney Parks Blog anytime!