Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
When to Go
Attending a character breakfast usually prevents you from arriving at the theme parks
in time for opening. Because early morning is best for touring and you don't want to
burn daylight lingering over breakfast, we suggest the following:
1.
Schedule your in-park character breakfast for the first seating if the park opens at 9 a.m.
or later. You'll be admitted to the park before other guests (admission is still required)
through a special line at the turnstiles. Arrive early to be among the first parties seated.
2.
Go to a character dinner or lunch instead of breakfast. It'll be a nice break.
3.
Schedule the last seating for breakfast. Have a light snack such as cereal or bagels before
you head to the parks for opening, hit the most popular attractions until 10:15 or so, and
then head to brunch. The buffet should keep you fueled until dinner, especially if you eat
another light snack in the afternoon.
4.
Go on your arrival or departure day. The day you arrive and check in is usually good for
a character dinner. Settle at your hotel, swim, then dine with the characters. This strategy
has the added benefit of exposing your children to the characters before chance encoun-
ters at the parks. Some children, moreover, won't settle down to enjoy the parks until they
have seen Mickey. Departure day also is good for a character meal. Schedule a character
breakfast on your checkout day before you head for the airport or begin your drive home.
5.
Go on a rest day. If you plan to stay five or more days, you'll probably take a day or half-
day from touring to rest or do something else.
How to Choose a Character Meal
Many readers ask for advice about character meals. This question from a Waterloo,
Iowa, mom is typical:
Are all character breakfasts pretty much the same, or are some better than others?
How should I go about choosing one?
LILIANE
If you've secured Advance Reservations for a character meal, I
say roll out the costume chest. Dress up your little one—from princess to
pirate, anything goes.
