Hello. We are heading to WDW in May for the first time. I have booked several character dining experiences. Can you tell me about how much time to put aside for a character dining experience? Thank you!

Karen: Our family typically enjoys one table service meal a day when we visit Disney. Over the past decade, I've come to realize that, on average, we need to allow about 1.5 hours from the time we check in at the podium to the time we leave the restaurant. If your Character Meal is a buffet, like Chef Mickey's or Crystal Palace, expect to shave off about 10 to 15 minutes off of that time, though. If your Character Meal is in the park, allowing extra time to get there isn't as important as if it is outside of the park at a resort, like 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian or Cape May Café at the Beach Club. Be sure to allow time to either walk, hop the monorail or take a bus. Wishing y'all a magical vacation! Whitney

Hello. We are heading to WDW in May for the f...

On Mar 30, 2014
Karen from CT Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
Hello. We are heading to WDW in May for the first time. I have booked several character dining experiences. Can you tell me about how much time to put aside for a character dining experience? Thank you!

Karen:

Our family typically enjoys one table service meal a day when we visit Disney. Over the past decade, I've come to realize that, on average, we need to allow about 1.5 hours from the time we check in at the podium to the time we leave the restaurant. If your Character Meal is a buffet, like Chef Mickey's or Crystal Palace, expect to shave off about 10 to 15 minutes off of that time, though.

If your Character Meal is in the park, allowing extra time to get there isn't as important as if it is outside of the park at a resort, like 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian or Cape May Café at the Beach Club. Be sure to allow time to either walk, hop the monorail or take a bus.

Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney

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Meet the Panelist: Whitney, Mississippi

My family of 6 appreciates Disney's value! Although Ft. Wilderness is our second home, we've enjoyed the resorts for business, reunions and romantic getaways. For me, Disney also means dining: last count, I'd eaten at 55 restaurants around the World! Learn More About Whitney

Hello. We are heading to WDW in May for the first time. I have booked several character dining experiences. Can you tell me about how much time to put aside for a character dining experience? Thank you!

Meet the Panelist: Whitney, Mississippi

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Hello. We are heading to WDW in May for the first time. I have booked several character dining experiences. Can you tell me about how much time to put aside for a character dining experience? Thank you!”

Meet the Panelist: Whitney, Mississippi

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Hello. We are heading to WDW in May for the first time. I have booked several character dining experiences. Can you tell me about how much time to put aside for a character dining experience? Thank you!