Is there charater dining outside of the disney or other theme-park area?

Question

Seems like such a simple concept, yet I don't see any character dining opportunities on the east coast, other than in FL. Am I wrong? Particularly looking for places in DC or NY metro area. Thanks!

Answer 1

The only character dining you'll see is in Florida. Sorry!

Answer 2

I've lived in DC my whole life and I've never seen anything like that, so as far as DC is concerned, I'd have to say no.

Answer 3

The right to use Disney characters is controlled by the Disney Corporation, which restricts other restaurants from using them, otherwise--as you suggest--there would be lots of restaurants up and down the eastern seaboard with Mickeys, Triggers, and Pooh Bears.

Strict control over the use of their characters was one of the primary reasons that Disney became a huge, highly successful corporation.

Think of it this way--if every family could "visit" with Mickey Mouse and friends at the corner restaurant in their home town, why pay to visit Disney resorts?

I'm not suggesting that this is a good thing for people like you and me, but it's the way Disney does things...

Some of the non-Disney characters are licensed to amusement parks, such as Six Flags.

Answer 4

Hello-

In reference to character dining in your area, I know that there are some dinner show experiences for example Mystery Dinner Playhouse has seatings in your area http://www.mysterydinner.com/ or Medieval Times also has showings in your area. Hope this was helpful :)