Beast Says...

Organized meet n' greets have their place, but I prefer to see the characters out and about in the parks, intermingling, chatting and goofing around with the guests. In this lovely shot I took of a bunch of guest's heads a couple of years ago, Belle had begun an impromtu game of "Beast Says" with a group of children. She was so earnest and delightful that even Cinderella paused to watch the fun.

Beast played along like a big, genial goof as Belle called out things like, "Beast says, 'Cover your eyes!'" and, "Beast says, 'Stand on one foot!'"

It would have been awesome if the game had ended with "Beast says, 'GET OUTTA MY CASTLE!!!!'" -- and then have Beast chase everyone around...but that didn't happen.

Next to the Fab Five, Belle and Beast are my favorite park characters. I'm certainly glad they let Beast stay Beast, instead of Mr. Learned-His-Lesson-Prince from the end of the film. If they had went with the human dude, everyone in the parks would be saying, "There's Belle and...some guy..."

The Original Character Breakfast (plus Fish Heads & Crumbs)

Time between sitting down and bird arrival: three seconds

Long before anyone dreamed up the concept of meeting Disney characters while wolfing down flapjacks, Disneyland's bold-as-blazes bird population has been entertaining and bemusing generations of outdoor diners.

Our favorite avian meet n' greet is River Belle Terrace in Frontierland. It boasts a great view of the river and pancakes cooked in front of you while you wait. Its proximity to Big Thunder, Indy, Pirates and Haunted Mansion makes it a perfect morning meal stop.

Then, of course, there are the birds. They're friendly and cute as can be, but make no mistake -- if you need to leave your table (even for a few seconds) to grab an extra straw or napkin, be sure to take your food with you, or you might return to find some new friends square-dancing on your pancakes.

Yet, breakfast at River Belle Terrace is always time well spent. I don't step away from my food, and the birds wait politely -- sometimes perched on a chair two feet away, but always politely. I can honestly say I've never had a bad experience with the little guys.

In an alternate comic strip world, however, A.W. just can't catch a break...

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