We are going to DLR in November, and we are starting to think about where we would like to dine each day we are there. We want to do one or two character meals, but we're not sure which one. We have a seven year old son, a six year old daughter, and a three year old son. Obviously, the boys won't want to go to a Princess Lunch if it's a "girls only" sort of atmosphere. Is that the case? My daughter would LOVE LOVE LOVE meeting all the princesses up close and personal, but I don't know that it would be fair to spend the money on that one character meal if the boys won't have any fun. Should we skip the princess meal and opt for a less gender-specific breakfast like Storyteller's? Any experiences bringing your little guy to Ariel's Grotto? I wish they offered a "Buzz Lightyear Lunch" or something just for boys....Oh Well, what can you do... Thanks for you help!

When we were there I saw a lot of families with both young sons and daughters..the scribes (? SP) were a hoot, the princesses make a big deal over the boys too and will fuss over daddy if you clue them in so that the little guys are doing what daddy does! When it comes to cost vs my time, I think the character meals more than give fair value for what you get. If you balance the fact that especially at Ariels which is the only full sit down service character meal, by that I mean no buffet options like you can do at Storytellers (not a big fan of the character meal over there) or at Goofys or Lilo/Stitch or Miss Minnies against the time you will spend standing in what would amount to 5 lines for 5 princesses for your daughter, PLUS the food is tasty...it's not 5 star but you're at a theme park.....For the boys I'd probably say Goofys kitchen has more "general" characters, Goofy and an assortment that is 'up for grabs' depending on when you go...the only thing I know for sure is do not expect to meet Mickey at any of those meals. The only event like that I'm aware of is the birthday party at Plaza in the afternoons.

The only event like that I'm aware of is the birthday party at Plaza in the afternoons. Ooh, that sounds like fun! My three year old will actually be celebrating his fourth birthday while we are at DLR. How do I go about reserving a meal at the Plaza? Is that something we do with our travel agent, or through the dining reservation line? Also, I agree that the Princess Lunch or Dinner may be a good idea, even if just to save us time waiting in line in the parks. I'm sure my boys can handle having beautiful princesses winking at them while they are eating their dinner! It would be hilarious to see my hubby posing with Cinderella! Thanks for your input...I think I'll take your advice and go for the Princess Dinner.

The Birthday Party at the Plaza isn't a meal, it's an "event" I am not sure of the current cost but the last time I was involved in a discussion it was about $10.00 per person, and for that you got to go inside, each guest at the party is given a little mickey plate with what amounts to an unfrosted cupcake, some frosting and decorative sprinkles ...Pat E. Cake is the master of ceremonies and it's treated like a Birthday party with drinks and I want to say little paper hats but don't hold me to that. Everyone decorates their cakes and there is some entertainment by Pat E. Cake and at the end it's my understanding that Mickey and Minnie appear for photo ops. I'm all for saving time and willing to spend a few dollars to do so but this one hasn't screamed time saver to me so we haven't done it since generally we can go thru both Minnies house and Mickeys out in toontown for free in the amount of time we'd have to dedicate to the birthday party...but if I had a little one, I'd consider it just for the photo ops and the break in the day. I don't know if you can make a PS thru the dining line (1-714-781-3463) or if it's a same day walk up in the morning thing.

i think the best value for character meals is the Lilo and Stitch one at Paradise Pier Hotel. Lots of interaction and games with the characters (Stitch, Lilo, Daisy, Minnie, and Pluto usually), and if you order of the menu instead of the buffet, it will cut the cost practically in half. It's just a fun environment with good characters and the best price.

we've done them all; i have two girls and they prefer Lilo and Stitch the best, even over the Princess one at Ariel's Grotto.

I took my son to the Princess meal at Ariel's Grotto. We both LOVED it!!! He's 4-years-old (and a bit of a princess fan anyway, TBH). He doesn't really like the big fuzzy characters, but he likes the face characters. He was infatuated with Mulan (one of his favorite movies), and boy you should've seen him light up when she came to our table!!! It was totally worth it, the food is good (though I think the selection is too limited) and the character interaction is the best. I say go for it!

Not DL, but I have taken my (now 8 yo) DS to several princess meals at WDW and he always enjoys it, now that he is older he is such a flirt, he has a thing for Ariel.

I am assuming if you're traveling with three kids to DL, then you probably have another person along too (I'll assume your DH)...if that IS the case, then an idea you can do is have a Mommy & Daughter princess meal, and they boys can go to Goofy's Kitchen for a Daddy & Son meal - that way you all get a character meal, but ones that they might enjoy more...unless of course the boys want to meet the princesses.

I have two boys ages 2 & 4 - and they just LOVE anything Disney - when we were there my four year old was about 3 1/2, and when he saw the princesses he got all shy and kept telling me how beautiful they were. They would have LOVED the princess meal.

I took my boys to the princess meal. We weren't completely aware it was only princesses when we went but they had a great time. We have a darling picture of the baby with a million lipstick kisses on his face from all the princesses.

My DS4 went to the Princess Dinner last December with his sisters and he loved it. The Princesses loved him up and he had a great time.

I took my 7 year old boy with his little sister to Ariels for dinner a few months ago. For the most part, he really enjoyed it. Funny thing was, Ariel grabbed him and gave him a big hug for the photo. He has a mortified look on his face, as his face is right in the middle of her chest. He doesn't quite know what to think of girls at his age. There are lots of boys and girls, but Goofy's Kitchen is geared towards boys and girls.