The full name of the dinner per the Disney website is Story Book Dining at Artist's Point with Snow White - I'm not sure who approved that mouthful; probably the same geniuses who thought Genie + would work better than the old fast passes.
I was given the opportunity to dine at the legendary 'Ohana at the Polynesian resort; I did not like it. I'd seen and read many positive reviews of Artist's Point, but I was still feeling a bit burned by the 'Ohana letdown so I had a smidge of trepidation.
No need to worry - this was not a letdown. Everything was Disney polished, from the hostess who seated us where our sleeping baby could stay in his stroller, to our smiling, helpful server, and the food, atmosphere, and character encounters were all as they should be for the price. They took their time at each table; Snow White cooed over the baby and said she knew a Sleepy too, Dopey mimed swooning and made hearts with his hands, Grumpy was, well, himself. Very cute.
Sebastian slept through his first meeting with Disney characters. They were so cute and sweet with him!
The meetings with the Evil Queen were priceless; you could tell which kids had seen the movie and knew the character vs. the ones who appeared to think they were meeting a sweet princess. The Queen had a great sense of how "evil" she could be with each batch of kids at the photo op. Some of the kids knew who she was and played along, curtsying to her, etc. Some of the littler ones looked genuinely scared, and while she never broke character, she toned down her imperious queenliness a bit and didn't bark "Stand HERE!" and point sternly when posing them for photos. She chatted with one older man (adults without kids are welcome and also get photos if they want) and we couldn't hear his answers, but the Queen turned to his wife and nodded approvingly: "Well trained!"
Sebastian had awakened briefly to eat, but had dozed off again by the time he had his audience with Her Majesty.
It was a very fun experience and we all gave it high marks. I do think the character meals are worth doing once. You get a chance to interact, get photos in a non-rushed, non sweaty environment, the food is usually very good to excellent, there are cocktails for the grownups. Is it something I'd have to do at every visit? Nope, but I'd definitely do a return trip when the young Prince is old enough to stay awake for it.
I might be talked into doing 'Ohana again for breakfast, when there are characters and fun things for kids, but the characterless dinner? Nope, that was a one and done. The meals were the same price, but this experience was far better and much more fun.
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