Episode 3: Non-Buffet Character Meals
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Welcome to the third episode of the DFB Podcast!
In this episode we cover the latest Disney Food News (except the new Starbucks mention, as we taped it before that happened!), discuss why you might like to try a non-buffet character meal, answer a few reader questions, and reveal our second DFB Podcast Trivia Winner (as well as give you another trivia question)!
Restaurants mentioned:
Garden Grill
Akershus
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Storytellers Cafe
Ariel’s Grotto
‘Ohana
Reader questions:
1. Adults going to Character Meals — yes or no?
2. Can you trade two counter-service credits for a table-service credit on the Disney Dining Plan?
3. What restaurants have the best view of Illuminations in Epcot, and can you reserve VIP viewing?
Thanks for listening!! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes, and leave your comments right here! 
About the Picture: Belle is one of the princesses greeting guests at Cinderella’s Royal Table on rotating days. You never know who you’ll get to see!
I’m LOL about all the ellipses…I never noticed how prevalent they were! 😀
I agree with Brad — bottom is the place to be at Garden Grill. We sat up top during our December trip and the view was not as exciting from up there. I thought the entrees were just ok, but the salad there is really yummy. And the character interaction was fantastic! We saw each of the characters (Chip, Dale, Mickey & Pluto) at least twice, and those naughty chipmunks really made us laugh.
Good job on podcast #3!!
Oh, and I forgot to mention that my husband and I did the character breakfast at Storyteller’s last year mainly because there was amazingly no wait even though we didn’t have a reservation (it was on the early side).
We were self-conscious at first being there without our kids, but the characters were good at judging our desired level of interaction (which wasn’t incredibly high — I wasn’t feeling well that morning), and so they spent a short amount of time with us (usually making us laugh) and then moved on. It was perfect — we weren’t ignored, but we didn’t feel forced to have a long interaction with each character.
Just listened to all three podcasts back to back. Fun stuff! You guys have great chemistry and energy!
I love going to character meals even as a group that only includes adults because it’s always just so much fun and the characters make sure to make it fun. Also you might want to change your about the picture.
You guys a great and fun to listen to. Lots of fun, looking forward to hearing more.
Shayne — Thanks for the feedback! Yep; I think those characters are very good at gauging how much interaction each table needs/wants. It’s a serious skill!!
Heather — Very true on the character meals! And thanks for the heads up on the “about the”!
Jenny — Thank you!!
We don’t have children, and go to Disney World and/or Disneyland almost every year. We almost always go to one of the Character Meals as well (albeit not really to see the characters…), but have never felt self-conscious.
Have never considered the Garden Grill before – it’s on the list for our next trip!
Sorry I started with episode 3 and will definitely check out episode 1 and 2.
I found your enthusiasm and humor between you two was infectious. Great information for those who go to WDW once a year to the more seasoned visitor.
Thanks for the information.
Logan — Thanks for the feedback! Can’t wait to hear what you think of Garden Grill!
CJ — That’s such a great compliment!! Thank you! I hope you’ll be a listener going forward!
1. Adults going to Character Meals — yes or no?
Definitely YES – Disney is the place to be a kid regardless your age. Everyone wants you to have fun regardless if you have kids or not.
3. What restaurants have the best view of Illuminations in Epcot, and can you reserve VIP viewing?
Book your reservations early and try to for a 7pm seating or 7:30pm and relax and sit back till Illuminations. I definitely loved the Rose & Crown because there is a special area for those who eat inside and great table space outside. We also like Tokyo Dining with the huge windows.
ACK! Your shoes! Bwuahahaha! That’s hysterical :p
Loved the 3rd podcast. More great info! And highly entertaining!
SHAZAM!
Great job again! I love character meals. I’m hoping to get an ADR at Cinderella’s Royal Table for my trip in November.
We just booked our ADR’s for Character meals for our October trip, picked up a copy of your new E-book, have now listened to all the podcasts and just love exploring Disney World food with you. Thanks
Thanks for answering my question! That will save us a lot of hassle in being able to view Illuminations. Can’t wait for the next episode. You guys rock!
CJ — Great tips on Illuminations!
Jeff C. — Ha ha!! Thank you, Jeff. I can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you get back!
JoAnn — Thanks, my friend! Going to Cindy’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Walt Bobby — This is GREAT! Thank you for joining us!
Doug — So glad we could help! Keep me updated on what restaurant you choose!
This podcast made me a little sad that we changed our character meal from Garden Grill to ‘Ohana. But with food and wine fest going on and so many must do’s for Epcot we just couldn’t squeeze in another meal there.
On the character dining, I admit that I, a solo traveler of an age over 30 on his first trip to the world, I had 6 character meals. Loved them all but I have to agree that I was most excited to eat at Cindy’s Table. I got a last minute breakfast spot from a cancelation 2 weeks before I went and was so excited. The princesses were all very nice and attentive to me and it really was a special event.
The other note i had was about talking to face characters. While waiting for my CRT breakfast time, I found Cindy’s stepmom and sisters behind the castle. They saw my journal note book had Cruella DeVille on it and we had a huge chat about her and her fashion designs. It was a hoot. It made me all the more ready to chat with the rest of the cast members.
Great work AJ! keep it up!!!!!
First of all, I love your podcast. We have a Disney World trip coming up in July, and it’ll be my first in 12 years and my husband’s first in 20 years. Neither of us remember much from those trips, so essentially, it’s like a first trip for both of us. My husband dislikes the idea of quick service meals, so most of our meals are table service. I hadn’t looked into the Garden Grill before, but after listening to your podcast, we decided we wanted to try it. Also, I might as well be a child – I love the character meals! We don’t have children, but have several character meals scheduled. Glad to know we’re not alone.
Alicia — No worries! ‘Ohana’s great!!
Garden Grill will be a great meal next time!
Bret — That’s awesome! I’d love to hear what Lady Tremaine says about Cruella’s fashion sense!
Tim — Thank you so much!
Andrea — Woo! Your trip’s going to be awesome!!
I’m planning on going to CRT for breakfast.
So excited Snack Attack will be back this year!
I have one that doesn’t count as a meal, but it involves food and is not a buffet. The Perfectly Princess Tea party takes place from 10:30 to noon everyday at the Grand Floridian. It offers the same finger foods as the regular tea service so you could use it as a late breakfast or early lunch. The only princess you get to meet is Aurora. The girl also gets an Aurora gown, bracelet, fresh cut rose, tiara, “best friend” of Aurora certificate, Duffy bear, and pirate Mickey cap (for the tomboys i guess).
I’m quite disappointed that they dropped the Morse Code reservations. Well, at least I can still use my Semaphore Flags and World Key network iPad interface.
Great podcast! I totally agree with all your choices, and so appreciate the coverage of Garden Grill…I have never been there, but now will definitely go!
Hi, I’ve been loving your podcast. Can’t wait for the next one x
A.J. and Brad: two ingredients that go perfectly together!
JoAnn — Sounds yummy!
Heather — Me, too!
GG — Ha ha re: morse code reservations! 😉 Good point on Perfectly Princess, too, my friend!
Kris — Thank you! Garden Grill is a blast. Let me know how you like it!
Karen — Thank you! #4 coming very soon!
Kathy — Aw, thanks!!