Testing at Character Meals

I had read the same thing and there are mixed reviews about the new idea but many (including myself) agree with you on the point that if you pay for the character meal then signing a book isn't a lot to ask for.  I think...if the kids have the books then sign them but if the kids don't have the books then pass out a pre-signed card.  This way the kids without books don't feel leftout if their parents didn't buy them the books.

We had the pleasure of meeting Stitch at Ohana this past summer. He was outside with a photopass photographer and took as many pics as you would like. Honestly it made the wait better as we had that interaction filling up the void prior to being seated. In fact we probably got more time with him than we have had at the table in the past! The biggest problem is everyone was confused -did they have to wait for him? Will he be in there walking around? Will anyone else be out here?

The rest of the characters were inside and interacting - my son felt he was too old for the autographs this visit so no comment there.

This is an interesting topic, I wonder what the problem is they are trying to solve/

Not enough character interaction? - At Character meals, I think the interaction is very good, I rarely see issues and having the character sign a book isn't a big deal . IF you are talking about meet-greets in the park, those may be an issue with the signing adding to the delay and the lines. Plus the characters need breaks due to heat etc, so discontinuing the signing is a positive there.

Interrupting the meal ? As a parent, I must say it was pretty annoying when you get your meal served or you just got back from the buffet and suddenly Goofy shows up and you have to stop and take a picture, have them sign and also enjoy the interaction. It always seemed to happen at the worst time. BUT I knoew this going in, so its expected, I never assume a character meal will be relaxing. Its the memories and photos that make the experience so good. My kids still love it and they are 18.

Getting the people done with their meals faster ? - This seems to be the main reason to me. Having to wait for a character or wait for a signing, prompts the customers to wait a little before paying the check and leaving. For example, we were at Crystal palace in June - one of my daughters wanted a picture with Eeyore , except he had not come bye yet ( he came while she was at buffet) - so we had to wait.. we took extra long with dessert waiting for him to come around. If 100 families did that during the day I could see where the time crunch could come into play.

SO my theory is that its being done to get dinner over with faster....

Thoughts?

I haven’t felt rushed at a Character meal, well except for one. The Ackershus Royal Banquet. I did feel a little like we were out of place without girls at the table wanting to meet the princesses. Our grandsons love the “girl in the blue dress”, and aren’t to thrilled about the rest. (Snow White freaks them out and doesn’t do my heart any good either”!)

With this being said, I understand that character meals are very popular and they feel they have to turn those tables around quickly. But, signing those books or whatever is a big deal. Have something on hand to hand a child who doesn’t have anything to sign. That is an awesome idea. But don’t do it to “cheapen/rush” the experience.

How awful!  They really should have addressed the issue.  How could you eat anything with that terrible smell.  I wouldn't have lasted and would be heading for the exit.