Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [99]
Garden Grill in the Land—This rotating restaurant offers Epcot’s only evening character dinner, this one with Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale. They’re dressed in cute farmer clothing in a nod to the agricultural theme of the Land pavilion. Dinner: adults $35, children $17.
Money-Saving Tip
When you enter a character meal, you’ll probably be ushered into a line where families are waiting to have their pictures taken with the characters by a professional photographer. These shots can be added to your PhotoPass or if you want to save a few bucks (not to mention the wait in line), ask to be shown directly to your seats. There will be plenty of time later for you to take your own pictures with the characters as they visit your table.
In Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine—Stars from Disney Junior meet and greet during breakfast and lunch, so it’s a good choice for the 2–5 set. Breakfast: adults $27, children (3–9) $15. Lunch: adults $29, children $15.
In the Animal Kingdom
Tusker House—Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy appear at a safari-themed breakfast. Breakfast only: adults, $21, children (3–9) $12.
Special Holiday Parties and Events
Disney World is at its most magical during the holidays. Hours are extended, special parades and shows debut, and the parks and hotels are beautifully decorated.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the absolute busiest of the year at WDW, but it’s possible to celebrate the holidays at Disney without being caught in the crush. Decorations go up just after Thanksgiving, and the special shows and parades debut shortly thereafter. The first two weeks of December are among the least crowded of the year—perfect for celebrating Christmas at Disney (assuming that your child’s school schedule can accommodate the trip).
Each resort puts up its own theme decorations as well—a nautical tree for the Yacht Club, seashell ornaments at the Beach Club, Native American tepees at the Wilderness Lodge, an enormous Victorian dazzler at the Grand Floridian. These decorations, in fact, are so gorgeous that holiday tours of the Disney hotels are popular among Orlando locals.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Christmas at Disney World is lovely all on its own, but Disney also offers a special ticketed party event on select evenings in the Magic Kingdom with holiday-themed shows and parades. Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ($55–63 adults, $49–57 kids 3–9) should be purchased well in advance, either online at www.disneyworld.disney.go.com or by calling 407/934–7639 (407/W–DISNEY).
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
On selected evenings during September and October, the Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. As the name implies, this celebration is geared toward younger kids with fortune-tellers, face painters, and trick-or-treating throughout the park; parades featuring the characters in costume; and a special fireworks finale. Be sure to bring along everyone’s Halloween costumes.
Insider’s Secret
If you have preteens and teens who are up for a gorier scene, check out the super-scary Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios.
Advance tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are a must, so visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com or call 407/934–7639 (407/W–DISNEY) before you leave home. The party is offered on up to 20 dates throughout September and October, but the October 31 party always sells out first. Tickets cost $55–$65 for adults and $49–$59 for kids 3–9.
Tours for Kids and Families
Most of Disney’s behind-the-scenes tours require that guests