As if I needed another reason to skip character meals going forward. We did 3 on the last trip, and the majority of characters spent about 8 seconds at our table. Complete waste of money.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I find that the characters are naturally attrached to children, so if you were an all-adult party this could explain some things. Also, being interactive with the characters helps them feel more welcome and wanted at a particular table.
Two examples, of two adults-only parties-
Example one: Two adults, dining. Character spots them and starts towards their table. Adults act like 'adults' and don't show much reaction or may even display shy tendencies. Character will read this to mean they are not sending signals that said adults are open for interaction, so Character does a quick wave or pass though and moves onto the next table. Result - a short visit and not much to write home about.
Example two: Two adults, dining. Character spots them and starts over to their table. Adults are showing enthusiasim both visually and vocally. Character reads this as a clear sign they are wanted, and feels welcome and wanted by these people. Adults INTERACT with Character in a positive playful way. Character responds to this equally positively. Result - Win/Win situation for both Character and Guest...plenty to write home about!
So the key here is to be sure to INTERACT with the Characters. Don't just sit there and give em' a wave. TALK TO THEM....express some visable enthusiasim ( in a proper, positive way...yelling 'YO PLUTO!' across a full room of diners is not proper..ha ha!) If it is Minnie, ask her how Mickey is doing or how her garden is coming along. She will react positively if she knows you are open to this type of play. If it is Stitch, ask him if Lilo is still giving him hula lessons. He may then shake his head 'yes' and start to do a dance for you. It it is Pluto, ask him if Mickey filled his water bowl before going to work today. If not, Pluto may want to take a drink out of YOUR cup. Characters respond best to fun interactions with people they 'read' as being open to the experience...and people who are sending clear signals they are.
I find in my experiences that the Characters absolutely LOVE IT when Guests really take the time to INTERACT and talk to them. They have some rough times, and when they meet a Guest who is eager to play and make conversation it really makes their day. The response you will recieve from the Character will make YOUR day too..! It is all up to you.
Try it the next time you have a Character Meal. I can guarentee you will have a much better experience!
:wave: