CHARACTER DINING

[Scoppin]

Have finally secured our trip with free dining. Just used all of my table service meals (7) for Character diners and one breakfast. My two like to stay up and sleep in, reason for mostly dinners. Thought breakfast/brunch could depend on our daily schedule. Here is our schedule.

Sept 16 Crystal Palace dinner 7:10
Sept 17 Tusker House dinner 4:35
Sept 18 Akershus Royal Banquet 8:25
Sept 19 Chef Mickey's 9:20
Sept 20 Cinderella's Royal Table 8:30
Sept 21 Hollywood & Vine 8:45 am breakfast (it's my son's birthday and plan on a Darth Vader duel that morning)
Sept 22 No dinner reservation.

I tried to get a variety of character dinners so my two can see as many different character for their first trip to WDW.

This is my first time back in 40 years and wondering from those more experienced your opinions of the choices.

I have one other question, when I booked Cinderella's Royal Table I got a pop up message that the dinner was scheduled during a special event (Mickey's not so scary Halloween party) which needed a separate ticket. I did purchase tickets for the three of us as I thought it would be something we shouldn't miss. However what I am wondering is, why I didn't get the same message when I reserved the Crystal Palace dinner?

 

[PaulaT]

If you are going to MK on a night they are doing the halloween party you need a separate ticket. However, the halloween party doesn't start until 7pm, and your reservation at Crystal Palace is 7:10pm so I wouldn't worry about it, just get to CP about 7pm and go enjoy your dinner than just leave the park when done. Oh and yes the Mickey's Halloween party is one of our favorite times to go. I have older kids and they love it, we have been multiple times

 

[HouCuseChickie]

While you didn't get the message pop up with Crystal Palace, you would still be bound by party rules. I have seen numerous people on this forum, other forums and FB groups find out that anything at or after party start time is a no go if you're not holding tickets for that party. I would not risk this. Some people have even had problems with a 6:55. The website is buggy and the info from reservationists is varied, so don't take that as a sign that it's OK. Too many people have found out the hard way and been escorted out of the park with no dinner.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

However, the halloween party doesn't start until 7pm, and your reservation at Crystal Palace is 7:10pm so I wouldn't worry about it,

If the party starts at 7pm and the ADR is for 7:10 then even basic understanding of rules suggests that a party ticket is required as the reservation (and therefore entry into the park) is during the party

While you didn't get the message pop up with Crystal Palace, you would still be bound by party rules.

THIS !!

I have seen numerous people on this forum, other forums and FB groups find out that anything at or after party start time is a no go if you're not holding tickets for that party. I would not risk this.

AND THIS !!

 

[Jess G]

Keep in mind CRT takes 2 table service credits

 

[bethymouse]

1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian breakfast is Mad Hatter/Alice, and dinner is Cinderella Prince Charming plus stepsisters and Lady Tremaine. Good buffet dinner too. You have great choices... enjoy!

 

[belledream]

All solid choices. If you want a different variety of characters, I'd also suggest Garden Grill. Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale are such a hoot, and the restaurant rotates!

 

[Scoppin]

While you didn't get the message pop up with Crystal Palace, you would still be bound by party rules. I have seen numerous people on this forum, other forums and FB groups find out that anything at or after party start time is a no go if you're not holding tickets for that party. I would not risk this. Some people have even had problems with a 6:55. The website is buggy and the info from reservationists is varied, so don't take that as a sign that it's OK. Too many people have found out the hard way and been escorted out of the park with no dinner.

thank you for the advise. the last thing I want to do is to be told we are not allowed to enter. I won't want to lose a table service meal, have to pay for three meals for missing the reservations (as something I can't afford) and most importantly disappoint the kids. I was getting a gut feeling but wanted to hear the opinions of others who have been there. I have decided not to risk it and rescheduled it for a non event night.

thank you

 

[Scoppin]

Keep in mind CRT takes 2 table service credits

Yes, I noticed that. We will be there for 7 days so as such booked 5 dinners and one breakfast. We will have to fend for ourselves on the other three nights.

 

[Scoppin]

@Rachel Grubbs I know you are thinking about character dinners. I think the only one with Disney Juniors is breakfast at Hollywood and Vine at Disney Hollywood studios. Different characters for lunch and dinner.