Hi Mary,
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks for stopping by with your question about character dining. Your vacation is just around the corner, so let's get your question answered pronto!
Walt Disney World offers a lot of opportunities to have a meal with your favorite characters and princesses. At each venue, the meals are either a traditional all-you-care-to-eat buffet, where you retrieve your food from a buffet line, or served family-style, with shareable platters and bowls brought to your table.
Generally, food from any of these experiences must be consumed while you are at the table. In your situation, however, I would speak with the hostess or server before you are seated to ask if accommodation can be made for your little one to take his food to eat later in private.
While having a meal with Mickey, Donald, Snow White, Pooh or any Disney favorites is a treat, it can be overstimulating for some people. If you are looking for a character meal that is a little quieter, I would recommend
The Garden Grill at Epcot. The meals are served family-style, so there are fewer people moving around. The restaurant rotates slowly over the Living with the Land attraction, and the characters (including Farmer Mickey, Chip and Dale) come to your table. A booth in the Garden Grill also would give you a bit more privacy for your son. The Garden Grill has character dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you decide a meal isn't the best character option for your family -- or if you want even more character interaction -- check out
Meet Beloved Disney Pals at Mickey & Friends in Epcot. It's one of my favorite places to catch up with the whole gang for hugs and photos.
Also, Mary, you may want to explore the
Disability Access Service (DAS) for you son, which may be helpful for him during your visit. You can register in advance by video chat so that you are all set upon arrival.
I hope that's helpful. Wishing you a magical visit filled with wonderful family memories.
Enjoy,
Wilma