Actually, all the characters DH and I have met (and that's about 80 last time I counted our pictures), the experience has been great! It's the crowds, and unfortunately, the parents (please don't bash me!) that make it unpleasant at times. For example, I was patiently waiting to have just my picture taken with Jesse from Toy Story 2. There was no official line, just a cluster of kids and adults. I think waited about 15 minutes, and didn't say anything when parents pushed their little ones up to Jesse, even though I had been waiting and waiting. Well, the cast member with Jesse (who was doing NOTHING about the pushing) said "Ok, Jesse, time to go." I was a little annoyed, but I wouldn't want to hurt a little kids' feelings so I just said to my DH "There really should have been a line. This was VERY unorganized." As Iw as turning to leave, 'Jesse' herself tapped me on the shoulder, pointed to DH, gestured to him to take a picture and posed with me. I guess she had seen me waiting and waiting. This certainly was a magical moment for me! Even though this was while I was on my honeymoon and 25 years old, it still meant a lot!
Now, before all the moms get huffy, I'm about to become a mom, too. And I know there's going to be that one favorite character that my son will probably love. And I will wait with him in line, but I will NOT push him up to the character. I will tell him to wait his turn and be polite. And if I have to say it loudly enough so that other parents hear me, so be it. And if my son dosn't get his picture with that character, we'll try again later. I know you're all probably thinking "Oh you say that now. Just wait till you're in the moment." Well that may be true and I may be tempted to push my child in front of another person, but I strongly beleive kids learn by what we DO and not what we SAY. Besides, most of the character meet and greets now have organized lines with CM's assisting.
Just my two cents.