I know I already posted once but I read through to about page 20 today…
People want to ride Dumbo (even though it's a midway ride) because it is an iconic piece of Americana. When we were all kids, we saw ads for WDW that showed pics of people riding the flying Elephant, and it is very nostalgic for many people. Many adults who never get to go as kids just want to ride it once, just to relive that dream. I've seen seriously tough looking grown men get teary eyed when they see Dumbo because it just takes them back to a simpler time in life. That is what nostalgia does. And Dumbo is nostalgia.
No child has EVER been turned away from Dumbo (or any other ride at WDW) because the line was too long. Ever stay in the park till close? If you are in line, for anything, they aren't going to send you away so I don't see what a few extra people in line really matters.
If you are concerned about the 100 degree heat that badly, it shouldn't matter how long your wait is. Get your kids inside where they will be cool and safe until the heat cools down a bit, or go back at a less busy time. Or travel at a cooler time of year.
I don't have kids, but I certainly would not stand out in 100 degree heat with a small child anywhere. I'd hit indoor things until it cooled down a bit, not just because of frustration, but for the child's safety.
And please, just a PSA for everyone, PLEASE remember how sensitive babies are to heat. I saw a woman one day at EPCOT with an infant, not wearing a hat, and it was like, 90 and sunny and the baby was getting very red. 
I was horrified. It is common sense, even to a non parent such as me, that you keep children, esp. babies, safe from dangerously high heat. Why anyone would stand in ANY line with a child when it was 100 out puzzles me greatly… Those are the days to stick to the dark rides and go to the outdoor lines when the sun starts to go down.
As for the adult who wanted to go to the BBB solo, who cares? She made an appointment and went. Maybe it was a lifelong dream of hers to have her hair done up like Cinderella? If you want your kids to have an appointment to have their hair/makeup done there, make one and take them. I don't know if I'd ever go to the BBB unless it was for Halloween (another valid reason) but some women really enjoy the princess thing, so why not let them?
As for the character meals, I don't see the appeal but that's because I like my signature restaurants and places where I can relax in a quiet atmosphere and eat exotic food and drink wine and unwind. Places like Chef Mickeys = not relaxing for me.
But MANY adults like buffet style/homestyle food, and getting pictures with characters and feel like at least one character meal is required for WDW dining. Whatever floats their boat, I say. My mom is like that. She is always appalled when she hears I am not making any ADRs for character meals when I go. She's in her 60's. Should I tell her to skip Chef Mickey's next time she goes?
Also, would the OP feel the same if it was a developmentally delayed adult? I was at WDW once and saw an adult man who appeared to be delayed, and he looked so happy to be having his picture taken with one of the characters (I forget which one). Should he have been denied that so a 2 year old could have had his place??
I mentioned this thread to someone the other day and they had a question for the OP. So here you go. I'll end with this.
From my friend, Chris :
OP - Do you think then, that children should not be allowed in the signature restaurants? My friend mentioned (and I agreed w/ him) that we'd give up our spot in line for Dumbo or the Barnstormer, if people with potentially running toddlers and/or screaming babies would agree to stay away from Jiko or Narcoossees. What do you think? Fair trade? 
Just make sure there's a child in each elephant with you.
Or adult-only character meals pics? Heaven forbid we see an adult wearing mouse ears!!! 
