Hi Kerri,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thank you for bringing this question to us!
Dining Reservations are certainly necessary for many of the restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort.
With millions of visitors each year and a limited number of restaurants, you need to make reservations just to make sure your family can dine at a decent hour. Reservations actually help cast members better plan for the number of guests each day. Seating is even more limited for restaurants that offer
Character Meals.
When we do character meals, the experience normally takes about an hour and a half. Those meals are typically buffet style and the characters visit each guest's table to interact and sign autographs. For a quick-service meal, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long the wait is. For a non-buffet table-service meal it takes my family of four just under two hours. We try to expedite our dining experience by reviewing the menu prior to visiting the restaurant so that we are prepared to order when we arrive.
I am happy to say that there are
PhotoPass photographers at several restaurants. Some of our favorites are Cinderella's Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's and Be Our Guest. Remember to take your own camera also. Generally, the Photopass photo is taken prior to the meal. You will need to take photos of each character at your table. If you purchase
Memory Maker, you will have access to all of your digital photos, including some ride photos and videos!
Have a magical time Kerri!
-Donyell