Parents: You really don't have to wait in line for...

   With our next Disney vacation only 45 days away, it seems appropriate to write another post regarding Walt Disney World.  One of the highlights of a Disney vacation for many families is meeting the characters.  It always surprises me to see parents standing in line with their children to see a character.  I mean...if the character is there and your child begs to see them, I can imagine that it would be difficult to tell them no.  
   When I worked for Disney one of my friends was "friends with Cinderella" (aka WAS Cinderella), and she told us that some parents would wait an hour or 2 to see her.  They would be in line so long that children would have to use the restroom in the middle, or would fall asleep.  That seems so ridiculous to me...by the time the child gets up there they are tired and cranky.  It is possible that I will think differently about this when I have children of my own, but I want to make sure that everyone knows a much easier way to see all of their favorite characters: Character dining.   Even as adults, Kenny and I enjoy at least one character dining experience during our trip.  I compiled a list of our favorites.


The Garden Grill: This restaurant is in our top 5 overall and it is located at Epcot in The Land Pavillion, and it is the only revolving restaurant on the Walt Disney World Property.  The food is served family style, and it is a delicious option for lunch or dinner.  Characters features are Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale.


Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: If you have a daughter, this is a great restaurant to take her to see all of the Princesses.  The Princesses available vary each day, but it is generally the favored ones that come to mind.    This is also located at Epcot, but it is in Norway; which is why it features a combination of American and Norwegian food.  Akershus serves food family style and offers breakfast, lunch or dinner.


Chef Mickey's: If you decide to plan your Disney vacation with an "off" day from the Parks, be sure to check out Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort.  This is an awesome buffet style restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner that features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale in adorable chef attire.


Cinderella's Royal Table: If your little princess cannot wait to meet Cinderella AND you are celebrating a special occasion, I would suggest this restaurant.  Their imagination will run wild being inside of the castle, and meeting Cinderella and Fairy Godmother.  They feature a table service meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.


The Crystal Palace: Many guests proclaim that this is their overall favorite restaurant at Disney.  It is good, but it is not even in our top 10.  Maybe it will move up on our list after we have little ones?  This cute restaurant is buffet style, and it features the main characters from Winnie the Pooh.


Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant: Projected to open in late 2012 or early 2013 as part of the Fantasyland expansion.  I am personally excited for this brand new restaurant that will be located in the Beast's Castle at Magic Kingdom.  Guests will be able to visit a quick service-style restaurant during the day, and a full service-style restaurant in the evening.  Cannot wait to check it out

   There are other character dining restaurants aside from these.  These tend to be the most favored based on the food, as well as the character experience.  I do not forsee us ever standing in line for a character, but when our little one cries that they HAVE to see Buzz Lightyear...we will see who wins.  If you have the money, and you want to save the time I would suggest going this route.  PS...these restaurants DO work with the Dining Plan is you get it.  We suggest!  Only 45 more days until our trip, and we cannot wait!