Upon arrival at Hollywood Studios, we met a cast member at the front gates that checked us in and let us through the turn-stiles before the park was officially open for the day. (Which I highly recommend!)

We made our way to Hollywood & Vine where we waited outside while our table was being set up (there were nine of us in our party and they needed to pull a couple of tables together).

Once we were lead to our table, and our server was right behind us to take our drink order and let us know that we were free to head to the buffet.

The breakfast buffet at Hollywood & Vine is your typical Disney breakfast… fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, a variety of breakfast meats, eggs, potatoes, and of course Mickey waffles to fill your plate; all very yummy and plenty to choose from.

I love that in the middle of the adult’s buffet, there is a short kid’s size counter full of all of their favorite breakfast foods so that they can help themselves.

Shortly after returning to our table, familiar Disney Junior music started playing, our hosts began singing, and Special Agent Oso, Handy Manny, June from Little Einsteins, and Jake from the Neverland Pirates all came out to dance.

My Disney baby was all grins as he clapped and danced along. When the singing was finished, the characters began making their way around the diner to greet all of their littlest fans and sign autographs.

I love the character interaction at this meal. Each character got to spend a lot of time at each table (plenty of photo opportunities and autograph time) and they let the little ones decide how much hugging and high-fiving takes place before moving on.

I also really like that the kids get a chance to get up and dance with the characters with each new theme song that plays which helps with 3 wiggly kids. Disney Junior is a fixture in our house, and these characters are very familiar to many Disney babies, so this is a great first time character experience.

I was very excited to hear that Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates joined the Hollywood & Vine cast. He is by far my Disney Baby’s favorite character…when asked what a pirate says, my Disney Baby responds, “Arrrrrrrrrrr”.

Even the older Disney Brothers enjoyed this character meal. They spent time prior to vacation introducing Disney Baby to these characters through the television, and they loved how excited Disney Baby was to meet everyone in person.

The staff was very attentive throughout our meal. We never waited for drink refills and our dirty plates were cleared away quickly. Our server went above and beyond being a great waitress.

One of the Disney babies in our party had a bit too much excitement and ended up getting sick. Our server immediately had the mess taken care of and had a certificate for Disney baby’s parents to get a new shirt anywhere in the park!!! How is THAT for Customer Service?!?!

I would definitely make reservations for this character meal in advance online or by phone as close to the 180 day mark as you can, within reason. If you do not have reservations, cast members will not let you in the park prior to opening! The Disney Dining Plan is accepted at Hollywood & Vine and you can also book the Fantasmic! Dining Package.

On top of a great character meal you get reserved seating for the Fantasmic! show that evening (if you have ever tried to get a good seat, you know how early you need to be at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater). Make sure you check Disney’s new cancellation policy for their restaurants…things have changed in the last few months.

Diva Tip: Book an early breakfast and you will be in the park before it officially opens…you’ll be finished eating and ready to grab your Fast Passes to Toy Story Mania before everyone else!