RE: character meals in WDW
We went last year and did the one at the Polynesian (I think the restaurant is called O'hana). They had Mickey, Goofy, & Chip 'n Dale dressed in Hawaiian shirts. The food was good, served family style. Every half hour or so the characters would do an interactive parade around the dining room. Kids got maracas and got to join in. It was great for video taping. Then they would visit individual tables for pics. We saw at least 2 parades and had many photo ops.
My 2yo loved it, as did my slighty older nephews and my cousin in the 2nd grade. I highly recommend it. Fun for adults, too!
We had done the Pooh at Crystal Palace a few years back. It was a buffet and the characters just went around the room. That one was so much more hectic & crowded. Did not have the fun and unique feel of the Polynesian one.
Donna
Mom to JT 1/03 and TJ 8/04