This was our favorite meal with our kids (1 and 2). Food arrived quickly, and since the appetizers and desserts are shared courses the only thing you have to pick is your main course. We were actually traveling with an adult who is vegan, and even though they had different apps/desserts, there was no extra wait time. From arrival to departure we were there for about an hour and twenty minutes. The character interactions were amazing. Have fun!
We had a nice experience at Artist Point with a baby, preschooler, and toddler. In general, plan on 60-90 minutes for the meal if you want to be sure to see all the characters. I've finished character meals in less time, but as others have said the characters don't show up at an appointed time during your meal. I've definitely found myself waiting for them hoping my kids could hold on a little longer.
If you have a later reservation, say 835 and they close at 9 are you much more rush at the end of dinner?
This was DS's favorite meal last week - we were lucky (IMHO) and were seated right next to the Evil Queen's area so got to watch her big entrance and she was there almost the entire time we were eating - got to see a lot of great interactions between her and the guests.
This was probably the best meal we had of the trip food wise with way more hits than misses.
DS loved the dessert box they bring out at the end with the dry ice effect - he ate every bit of the hearts and the candy corn (and he is not a eater! especially sweets!) I make caramel corn at home and this the first time I've had any to beat mine - it was GOOD!
Characters all stopped by quickly - except Dopey - he visited last table in our area then walked away. I could tell that he just didn't see us with that costume head on - it did take a while for him to come back - our waitress waited to bring out the final dessert item until he did. But all was well in the end.
Great interactions with the queen when it was our turn and great photos!!! DS bowed to her and she told him she was glad to see him showing the proper respect! LOL
All in all we were there 90 minutes - would have been less without having to wait on Dopey. The characters seemed like they were constantly roaming about plus the song thing previously mentioned. It was dinner and a show!