My sister/husband taking their 4 year old son to Disney World. Used to be, one had to do the "Hoop De Doo Review". Is this still a must do? They want two dining experiences..they are already doing Cinderella's Castle..what other should they do?

We've been to WDW 6 times in the last 5 years and eaten at a number of these. My opinion is they are all about the same. My kids enjoyed them but not all that much. In fact, on our last visit we didn't do a "character dining exp." I'm pretty much of the opinion that when you've been to one you've been them all. However, having said that, if I had to recommend one I'd suggest the breakfast @ Chef Mickey / The Contemporary Hotel. Enjoy!

We really enjoyed breakfast at the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom (with Winnie the Pooh and Gang).

My kids enjoyed the character meals whenever we took them. I would recommend reading up on some of the food items served. We did a thanksgiving type meal in the Magic Kingdom and they had macaroni and cheese. My daughter ate about three days worth of food at that restaurant! I believe it was a Yankee something or other restaurant. We did the character breakfast at the Polynesian and that was very cute. Hoop De Doo is over your son's head. It would be better for a child of about 8/10 years old. I would stick with the character breakfast and maybe an early character dinner somewhere. I do not recommend the Luau either. It was really for an older kid and the food is mediocre. If your child likes winnie the pooh, there is a crystal palace restaurant buffet. The kids have their own buffet and Winnie's characters walk around.
My girls loved the Cinderella castle. They had the princess' and peter pan, etc...He will have a great time. I would concentrate on the Magic Kingdom.

Isn't there a Johnny Rockets? Or is that at Universal?

They will undoubtedly know their kid's personality, but my otherwise outgoing daughter was terrified at age 3 1/2 of any big character, Disney or other. a relly big Barney at a local pizza place caused us all to leave without our food she got so upset.

Check out the WDW restaurants board at www.disboards.com.

I recommend Crystal Palace at MK if he likes Tigger and Pooh and Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. These were my boys' favorites when they were 4.

Have to agree with Chef Mickey's at the Contemp. You can have your picture taken, great interaction withkids and adults alike - I did the tango with Goofey - pretty funny. All the characters come to your table, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. Very cute, my neice and nephew LOVED it and they were 4 and 2. The food is just ok, mostly kids stuff - but who cares...a great time had by all! Also the easy monorail access cannot be beat.

Also, one of the best places to see all your favorite characters is at the opening of the World Showcase each day. They all come out on a red double decker bus and they take their time with everyone...so you can have your pictures/autographs with a much shorter line than if you wait at the MK. The world showcase opens at 10am (check park hours may change due to season). while many are in the MK waiting on line, you cna have Mickey, Minnie and the gang mostly to yourself
Also, I highly recommend www.disboards.com. You will find lots of info there...I got tons of info and we have been to WDW at least 45 times. Have fun

I ditto what Gail said about some children not liking characters. My own daughter hated them all to the point we told her we would simply fax Santa her Christmas list The only exception was Minnie Mouse; my daughter was delighted to have her picture taken with Minnie at Castaway Cay. Still, I doubt my daughter would have through an entire breakfast even with her beloved Minnie.
My adivce to is to tell your sister to make sure your nephew is freaked by characters first and then proceed from there.

My girls loved the characters. When they were as young as 3/4 years old, they waited on line with their autograph books. I hope he enjoys the characters. If not, the rides are fun!